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Hi,Can anyone advise on good/recognised MBA schools in the UK (and the U.S.)? More specifically, I am looking for a curriculum that specialises in the financial derivatives busniness. Also, can anyone advise on how difficult it is to get a place?e.g. for background I have 2.1 degree and masters in maths from top-tier Uk unis (Bristol and King's, resp), have various professional qualifications (SFA, PRM, FRM) and have 8 yrs exp in market risk/product control currently managing 7 at mid-tier city investment bank. currently aged 30.

LBS, LSE, CMU, NYU, Wharton.

Have a look at the FT Global MBA rankings It is the most recognised MBA rankings worldwide.FT MBA 2005 rankingsAmerica:The Univ. of Chicago is probably the best in finance. Hull and White teach at the University of Toronto. Rubinstein and Cox teach at the UC Berkeley. Robert Jarrow teaches at Cornel University. The top 30 American universities in the list are excellent choices.Europe:Insead (very good reputation), Erasmus Rotterdam, SDA BocconiUK: LBS, Oxford, Lancaster, Warwick (traderjoe LSE doesn't have MBA programmes - it is not a business school)Please bear in mind that MBA programmes in Europe last only one year and all courses are introductory. In USA and Canada they last two. (First year general introductory courses and summer internship. Second year specialisation courses.) If you are interested in specialising in financial derivatives you should better attend a two years MBA. Salaries for 2y-MBA graduates are also higher.

QuoteDimitri: UK: LBS, Oxford, Lancaster, Warwick (traderjoe LSE doesn't have MBA programmes - it is not a business school)OK. I stand corrected. It is part of an MBA programme. TRIUM.

The funny thing is Cambridge MBA is ranked number one by Economic Intelligence Unit but they ranked so low in the FT survey.Any comment. However, I believe the name "Cambridge" should worth something.

QuoteOriginally posted by: ckelvinThe funny thing is Cambridge MBA is ranked number one by Economic Intelligence Unit but they ranked so low in the FT survey.Any comment. However, I believe the name "Cambridge" should worth something.This simply confirms not to rely too heavily on "rankings".

Cambridge is a great university - arguably the best in the UK.But that reputation is for teaching, scholarship and research across many disciplines - it does not guarantee that they can hire quality staff to teach an MBA programme.Always check the teaching faculty before you evaluate a programme.

How about the one run in Barcelona..I've heard good things about that one

I have the impression that the MBA rankings from the economist are a joke. The IESE in spain is on the top of the list and higher than many American Bussiness schools. Harvard Bussiness school is not even in the list! How can somebody believe that the guys in Spain can teach better strategy that Mr.Porter (Harvard), better marketing than Mr.Kotler (Northwestern), better economics than Mr.Stiglitz (Columbia) or better finance than Mr. Merton (Harvard)? It seems that the economist weights too much the expected salaries after graduation (IESE is 79th in educational experience and 52th in faculty quality). So it is not strange that an MBA programme in which all the Spanish royal family is alumni is rated so high. It is always good to have Cambridge in your CV. So in terms of reputation (general) it has a very strong position in the market. However, in terms of learning/research it is hard to believe that a business school that has less than 5 years history can attract the best faculty and compete other schools that have many decades of history.

Dude I'm only repeating what someone, who went on the course said...

QuoteOriginally posted by: DimitrisLancsI have the impression that the MBA rankings from the economist are a joke. The IESE in spain is on the top of the list and higher than many American Bussiness schools. Harvard Bussiness school is not even in the list! How can somebody believe that the guys in Spain can teach better strategy that Mr.Porter (Harvard), better marketing than Mr.Kotler (Northwestern), better economics than Mr.Stiglitz (Columbia) or better finance than Mr. Merton (Harvard)? Quite easily. Porter was a dunce, Kotler not much better, Stiglitz questionable at best and Merton was simply average. It seems you have been sucked in by the American hype. If you want to work in Europe, it is far better to do an MBA at a top European MBA programme, like IESE, HEC, LBS. The Economist is not wrong, you are. Bye bye.

I believe LBS should be the best in terms of finance. Cambridge does hire some great faculty members in the business school.I believe either one of famous school in Europe will do well. If you intend to work in UK then LBS, Cambridge, Oxford, Cranfield may be good.France should be HEC, INSEAD, ESSC and so on.Spain - IESEItaly - SDA BoconiThe world - go to Harvard, Wharton, Columbia

QuoteThe Economist is not wrong, you are. Bye bye.Classic tj

in UKcheck the Warwick, Cass and Imperial for financial derivatives busniness. they have wide range of Specilist Masters Degrees as well.

Anyone get into a top-tier US MBA program right after their MS in Math Finance.How should I spin my reason for going towards another professional degree?Would like to hear your experience with the application process and interviews.