Want to get to know the Master’s in Finance programme a bit better? We sat down with our Master’s in Finance Programme Team to explore what prospective students can expect as part of their MiF experience.
From industry and alumni engagement to opportunities to tailor learning both inside and outside the classroom, the programme offers a highly flexible and practice-driven approach. With its distinctive fourth term, adaptable study options for part-time students, and a strong focus on developing practical, career-ready skills, the MiF equips graduates with the knowledge, experience, and professional exposure needed to thrive in global finance careers.
What opportunities do students have to interact with industry professionals and alumni during their studies?
Engagement with alumni and industry professionals begins even before students join the MiF programme. During the admissions process, prospective students have opportunities to connect with alumni, and this engagement continues from the very start of the programme. Alumni not only interview for us as part of the admissions process, buy they also play an active role in Orientation, supporting students as they begin their LBS journey and helping them integrate into the School community.
Throughout the programme, alumni (many of whom are senior industry professionals) are regularly involved in both academic and careers-focused events. These interactions take place in a variety of settings, from informal networking opportunities such as the annual BBQ to more structured insight sessions where professionals share guidance, sector-specific knowledge, and career advice.
Industry engagement is also embedded within the learning experience. Practitioner-led courses, within electives, and guest lectures provide frequent opportunities for students to learn directly from MiF alumni and other professionals, drawing on their real-world and personal experiences. Faculty members, many of whom have strong industry backgrounds themselves, regularly invite leading figures into the classroom. Recent speakers have included the Head of M&A at HSBC, the CFO of Deutsche Bank, and the UK Head of Citi, among others.
Together, these touchpoints ensure that MiF students benefit from sustained, meaningful exposure to industry perspectives and a strong, engaged alumni network throughout their studies.
Are there specific areas of finance (e.g. investment management, corporate finance, private equity, or fintech), the programme particularly emphasises? How can our students personalise their learning outside of the classroom?
The MiF programme provides a strong and comprehensive foundation in finance through core courses, Financial Accounting and Analysis, Investments, and Corporate Finance. These core subjects equip students with essential knowledge across key areas of finance, forming the backbone of the degree.
Building on this foundation, students can tailor their studies through an extensive elective portfolio of up to 60 electives. This flexibility allows students to deepen their expertise in specific areas aligned with their career goals, including investment management, corporate finance, private markets, risk management, derivatives, and fintech-related topics.
Students may also choose to pursue a formal concentration, which enables them to demonstrate focused expertise in a particular discipline. Current concentrations include Private Markets, Investment Management & Analysis, Risk Management & Derivatives, Corporate Finance, and CFO. These concentrations are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain aligned with the evolving demands of the global finance profession.
Personalisation extends well beyond the classroom. Through a wide range of student-led clubs and associations, such as the Private Equity & Venture Capital Club and the Investment Management Club, students can further engage with their areas of interest in a collaborative and informal setting. These clubs provide opportunities to build practical skills, share industry insights, and connect with peers and professionals.
By combining academic choice with experiential and extracurricular opportunities, the MiF programme encourages students to explore new sectors, challenge their perspectives, and develop into versatile, well-rounded finance professionals.
What opportunities are available in the fourth term (full-time format only)?
The fourth term offers additional flexibility to further tailor your experience. Students can enrol in extra electives, participate in programme-led activities, and engage with careers events designed to support professional development. There is also the opportunity to undertake a full-term exchange at one of our partner schools, allowing students to broaden their international perspective.
Continuing for the fourth term provides valuable space to explore career opportunities, gain global experience, and fully benefit from the resources and events offered by LBS. This distinctive structure empowers students to progress in a way that best supports their individual goals.
Do I have to be on campus to study the MiF Part-time programme?
Whilst the MiF Part-time programme offers a degree of flexible study in terms of what electives you can choose in the second year, our classes are delivered in person on our London campus.
On-campus study plays a key role in the MiF experience for both our Part-time and Full-time students, providing valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and in-depth learning. Classroom participation enables interaction with students across all programmes at the school, allowing you to exchange insights, perspectives, and professional experiences.
What skills do our students develop that are needed for the professional world? How does the programme integrate real-world finance challenges into the classroom learning?
The MiF programme is designed to develop both technical expertise and essential professional skills that are directly applicable in the workplace. From the outset, students begin a structured professional development journey through the Personal Assessment and Development (PAD) course. PAD encourages students to reflect on their individual development priorities, leadership ambitions, and career goals, providing a strong foundation for continuous growth throughout the programme.
Insights from PAD guide students in selecting relevant professional and technical skills courses, ensuring their learning aligns with both personal objectives and market needs. The portfolio is made up of sessions such as Power Presenting: Advanced Presentation Skills or Driving Decisions: Influence with Confidence and Clarity or Advanced Financial Statement Modelling. This development portfolio is reviewed annually, allowing the programme to adapt and provide targeted support that reflects the evolving demands of today’s business and financial environments.
Real-world application is embedded across the curriculum. Many electives, such as Negotiation and Bargaining, are highly practical and use current, real-world cases to help students apply professional skills in realistic scenarios. In addition, programme-led initiatives such as the Crack a Case sessions strengthen analytical and problem-solving capabilities by giving students hands-on practice in structuring, analysing, and presenting case solutions.
Electives are designed and delivered by faculty who are actively engaged in research and industry-relevant case development. This ensures classroom discussions are grounded in current market trends and challenges, offering students exposure to up-to-date perspectives across global sectors.
Beyond the classroom, students benefit from extensive support from the Careers Centre, which offers a wide range of online modules and workshops. These include coaching and relationship-building skills, giving and receiving feedback, interview preparation, practical “How To” sessions, and guidance on leveraging AI for networking and career advancement.
Through a combination of core courses, applied electives, real-world cases, industry-informed teaching, and dedicated career support, the MiF programme equips students with the skills, confidence, and practical experience needed to transition successfully into professional roles after graduation.