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UK postgraduate degree to become a business analyst? (MBB etc)

Graduated this year with a 1st class degree in CompSci from a T30 UK uni. 

Started a grad role at a well-known bank as a software engineer, however have recently been researching consulting roles and think that this would be a nice fit for me, keen to learn more. 

Was wondering which masters degree to apply for (2026 entry) to help my application for BA roles at big 3 consulting firms.

Happy to study for and sit GMAT/GRE as well.

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Top answer
on Dec 19, 2024
ex McKinsey Engagement Manager | 7+ years consulting | Experienced interviewer

Hey there! 

Top consultancies generally don't look for specific subjects. I recommend you to pick a postgrad degree you are genuinely passionate about from a top school and get first exposure to consulting through the consulting club on campus, internships etc.

Hope it helps & all the best

Maximiliane 

Alberto
Coach
on Dec 20, 2024
Ex-McKinsey AP | Professional MBB Coach | +13yrs experience | +2,000 real interviews | +150 offers

MBB doesn’t focus on specific degrees.

I’ve extended offers to engineers, people with business backgrounds, journalists, and even philologists.

Focus on strengthening your resume by adding leadership experiences (such as volunteering) and completing internships in consulting.

Best,

Alberto

Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: FastFashion - Customer Loyalty

Thabang
Coach
on Dec 22, 2024
Ex-McKinsey Consultant | McKinsey Top Coach & Interviewer | Special Offer: Buy 1 Session Get 1 Free (Limited time!)

Hey there, 

Here are some thoughts I have on this:

  1. Typically you don't need Masters for applying for BA role at MBB. Because top consulting firms can take you to do MBA within their BA program, it's not usually a requirement to have more than undergrad at this level
  2. Consulting firms don't usually look at your specific course topic. What they would be more interested in is your performance grade, the actual University and your achievements whilst there - so I'd optimize the decisioning and performance here

All the best

Hagen
Coach
on Jan 27, 2025
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on your career trajectory thus far!

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

  • First of all, I would highly advise you to apply directly to your target consulting firms and see what happens. You may not even need a Master's degree to transition into consulting.
  • Moreover, if you end up needing a Master's degree, you can literally choose any Master's degree from a target university, as that is all that matters to consulting firms in this regard. Please also remember to choose a Master's degree that you'd actually enjoy doing, in part because it's important to graduate in the top 10%-15% at best.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Alessa
Coach
on Dec 19, 2024
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | xRB | >400 coachings | feel free to schedule an intro call for free

hey!

Considering your background, applying for a MSc in Management or Business Analytics at a top UK university would be beneficial for MBB roles. You could also consider a direct application to consulting firms like McKinsey Digital or BCG Gamma, which value your technical background. Focus on gaining a strong GMAT/GRE score and relevant work experience to strengthen your profile.

Alessa :)

on Dec 20, 2024
Ex-BCG Project Leader (Energy + Climate & Sustainability) | Experienced Interviewer

I would wait until you have 1+ years of experience and apply as an "experienced hire" at MBB. If you get an offer, you would still come in as a first-year analyst, but the work experience would take you off the recruiting cycles for university candidates. To have a strong resume to apply, seek out opportunities in your job to think like a consultant and solve business problems (good bullets for the resume). In addition, any leadership roles could help you as well. 

I would apply without the graduate degree when you approach the year mark. You can have grad school as a backup if that doesn't work. Happy to chat in more detail about resume, networking, and application strategy!   

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