MSc Behavioural Finance (CFA Pathway)

Queen Mary University of London

Career prospects are strong here due to the strong support from the careers team, especially for finance-based roles; I personally took a lot of opportunities with extracurricular projects and experiences which really helped with entering a career in finance

The quality of teaching is very good, with some modules greatly benefiting my career development and knowledge. The format was very convenient, although lectures did feel to drag and drain towards the latter half. Studying in the library is very effective, where I was able to hang around with friends and do some chilled studying or go to the quiet study room and lock in. The opportunities available are plentiful, having greatly benefited from the scholarship scheme, QMentoring and the Student Consultancy Project. However, with university, the opportunities are always available but it's up to the individual to truly grasp and capitalise on them. I should've joined a society sooner to build a stronger connection with like-minded individuals as well as participating in more opportunities as I had the time and they were free. Also, there should be more emphasis on spring weeks and internship applications, and more support to help students land those competitive placements.

My overall experience at Queen Mary University of London has been very positive. The university offers a strong academic environment while still maintaining a welcoming and diverse community feel. One of the best aspects of studying here is the quality of teaching. Most lecturers are clearly knowledgeable in their fields and are actively involved in research, which makes lectures feel current and relevant. Many modules are well structured, with clear learning outcomes and assessment criteria, so you understand what is expected of you throughout the year. Seminar discussions are particularly engaging, and tutors are generally approachable and willing to provide clarification or further guidance outside of class. Another major strength is the campus itself. Unlike some other London universities that are spread across the city, Queen Mary’s Mile End campus has a more traditional campus layout. This creates a stronger sense of community and makes it easier to meet people and get involved in university life. There are plenty of societies and sports clubs, catering to a wide range of interests, which really helps with making friends and building confidence. The diversity of the student body is also a highlight. You meet people from many different backgrounds and cultures, which makes the university experience richer and more open-minded. Being located in London is also a huge advantage. There are countless opportunities for internships, networking events, part-time jobs, and career development. The careers service regularly runs workshops and employer events, which can be very helpful when preparing for applications. The university has good industry links in certain departments, and this can make a real difference when looking for work after graduation. The library and study spaces are generally good, with a wide range of resources available both physically and online. During term time it is usually possible to find a quiet space to work, although it does become much busier during exam season. The campus facilities overall are decent, though some buildings feel more modern than others. Certain areas could benefit from refurbishment to improve comfort and accessibility. In terms of areas for improvement, administrative communication can sometimes be slow or unclear. Timetable changes, room allocations, or assessment updates are not always communicated as efficiently as they could be, which can cause unnecessary stress. Feedback on assignments varies depending on the department; while some lecturers provide detailed and constructive comments, others are less thorough. Consistency across modules would improve the academic experience. Accommodation in first year is convenient and helps with settling in, but like much of London, it can be expensive. After first year, many students choose private housing, which requires careful budgeting. While the location in East London is vibrant and well connected, the cost of living is definitely something prospective students should consider. Overall, Queen Mary provides a solid academic foundation combined with the benefits of studying in a global city. It is not perfect, particularly in terms of administration and space during busy periods, but the teaching quality, diversity, campus community, and career opportunities make it a strong choice. I would recommend it to students who are independent, motivated, and ready to make the most of everything London has to offer

My experience at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) had both strong positives and some challenges. The best aspects were the campus atmosphere in Mile End, which feels more connected than many London universities, and the diverse student community, where you meet people from many different backgrounds. Being in London also provided great opportunities for internships, networking, and part-time work. Academically, certain departments such as Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry and Queen Mary University of London School of Law have strong reputations. However, there were some downsides, including the high cost of living in London, large lecture sizes that could feel impersonal, and occasional slow administrative processes. Overall, it was a valuable experience, but one that required independence and good financial planning.

One of the best aspects of my experience at Queen Mary University of London has been the academic quality of the programme. The Corporate Finance curriculum is rigorous and analytical, which has helped me strengthen my technical and critical thinking skills. I also really value studying in London, as it provides exposure to a global financial environment and diverse international perspectives inside and outside the classroom. The student body is very multicultural, which makes discussions richer and more engaging. In terms of improvement, I think there could be more structured networking and career-focused events specifically tailored to postgraduate finance students. While there are opportunities available, clearer guidance and more direct connections with industry professionals would make the experience even stronger. Overall, it is a great place to study, but enhancing career support for specialised master’s programmes would add significant value.