Econ Background → Quant Finance MSc: Realistic UK/CH Options?

[Useless]

I’m hoping to get some advice on applying to Quant Finance master’s programs in the UK or Switzerland. The main challenge I’m facing is that most of these programs require a STEM background, while mine is in Economics. Despite this background, I keep running into the impression that I’m not “suited” for the good quant master’s programs in the UK and Switzerland, since I don’t come from a STEM degree. My question: Could you recommend programs in the UK or Switzerland that are open to students with an Economics background, but still offer good employment rate in quant finance (or related fields like data science/ML in finance) before or shortly after graduation?

Here’s my profile:

• BA Economics (GPA 3.9)
• MA Economics (GPA 3.7). The school isn’t “top” overall, but it’s a niche program with a good track record of placing students with 3.9+ GPAs into Top-15 US Econ PhDs.
• LinAlg, Mathematical probability, statistics courses in undergrad + extensive ML coursework in grad + graduate-level classes in Econometrics (really a lot of econometrics), market microstructure + corporate finance and risk management courses
• Professional experience: 1 year as a data scientist
• CFA I
• Self-study: worked through Shreve’s first book
• Currently taking a C++ course at a local college.
• GRE: 164Q.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

This is a tough situation as either you have to go to top programs that have good placement rate (strict requirement on STEM background) or go to less quantitative programs that are open to non STEM applicants but do not have good placement track record.
European programs are distinctively different from the US programs in the sense that they are very rigid in the structure and requirement and little emphasis on career services. You may not get anyone to help guide you through the recruiting process and getting a job is just a function of luck and the prestige of the program.
Take a look at our UK programs ranking and their employment stats.

2025 QuantNet Ranking of Best UK Quant Programs

quantnet.com

Also our list of programs in Europe

United Kingdom & Europe

quantnet.com

 

[Useless]

This is a tough situation as either you have to go to top programs that have good placement rate (strict requirement on STEM background) or go to less quantitative programs that are open to non STEM applicants but do not have good placement track record.
European programs are distinctively different from the US programs in the sense that they are very rigid in the structure and requirement and little emphasis on career services. You may not get anyone to help guide you through the recruiting process and getting a job is just a function of luck and the prestige of the program.
Take a look at our UK programs ranking and their employment stats.

2025 QuantNet Ranking of Best UK Quant Programs

quantnet.com

Also our list of programs in Europe

United Kingdom & Europe

quantnet.com

Thanks, Andy, for your input. You’re right, for good placement prospects, a strong brand name is necessary. I checked the LinkedIn profiles of graduates from programs at universities like Manchester and King’s College, and their placements leave a lot to be desired.