Choosing Between LSE MISDI vs Imperial IEM

hey Beren!

Both LSE MISDI and Imperial IEM are strong programs, but with slightly different focuses.

LSE MISDI is better known for its academic rigor and strong placement in consulting and digital strategy roles, particularly in the UK and Europe. It’s also part of the broader LSE brand which has high prestige and strong alumni presence in consulting. However, it’s more theory-focused and less project-based.

Imperial IEM leans more entrepreneurial and hands-on, with greater emphasis on innovation and product thinking. It offers more practical learning, strong links to startups, and a tech-oriented environment, which is great if you’re considering tech firms or startup roles.

For consulting, LSE may give you a slight edge in traditional firms. For product/innovation roles, Imperial might provide more relevant experience. Both schools have decent sponsorship records, but it’s still competitive — strong performance and networking matter more.

If your goal is consulting in digital innovation, LSE is slightly stronger. If you’re leaning toward product or entrepreneurship, Imperial might be a better fit.

Alessa

Hi Beren,
 

I was in a similar situation when deciding on my master’s, so I understand how challenging this choice can be.

Both LSE’s MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation (MISDI) and Imperial’s MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management (IEM) are strong programs, but they have slightly different focuses that might influence your decision.

LSE MISDI
    •    Stronger focus on digital innovation and the intersection of technology and management, which aligns well with your interest in digital transformation.
    •    Excellent brand value in strategy consulting and tech roles, especially in Europe.
    •    Solid alumni network, particularly in consulting and tech, though it can be more academically focused.
    •    Strong connections to London’s tech and consulting scene, which is great for networking.

Imperial IEM
    •    More focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, making it a good fit if you’re considering startup roles or corporate innovation.
    •    Highly practical, with a lot of project-based learning and opportunities to work with startups and incubators.
    •    Stronger engineering and tech reputation, which can be a plus for product management or innovation roles.
    •    Well-regarded in both the UK and Europe, though slightly more niche in consulting.

Given your background in business management and experience in tech consulting, both programs can be a great fit, but if your long-term goal is to work at the intersection of innovation, analytics, and digital transformation, LSE might offer a more direct path into consulting or corporate strategy.

Feel free to reach out if you want to chat about this in more detail – happy to share a bit about my experience and what I’ve learned along the way.

Best of luck, 

Evelina

In my limited-information opinion - the second option is the better choice. It has a lot more items that are MBA-ish and cover more core business concepts. This will give you broader exposure to employability-relevant topics.

The first option appears very light on core learning content and appear more focused on discussing relevant practical matters without diving much into their core drivers.

You're going to find a lot of info online about this, and I see you also already received a few great answers below, but I'd recommend you reach out to recent alumni and have a chat with 1-2 of them from each course. That's going to give you the best possible vibe of what to expect.

Best,
Cristian 

Outside perspective is that they are relatively equivalent. 

I suggest you approach this differently. Check the one you prefer. And then validate that it is a strong option that meets your requirements. 

Also check alumni profiles on Linkedin.

Hi Beren,

First of all, congratulations on the offers from LSE and Imperial College London!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• If your ultimate goal is to join the consulting industry, you can't go wrong with either option, as both are target universities. Instead, I would highly advise you to research the universities in the FT and other rankings to answer most of your questions. You should also trust your instincts about where you would fit in better.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen