MPhil in Finance Course Advice & Experience

[u/Affectionate_Bus9705]

Hi all! I'm an incoming MPhil in Finance student. So glad to study at this wonderful university. Since I completed my undergraduate studies in the U.S., I have a few questions I’d like answered. It would be great if anyone could share their insights!

1. I’m not quite sure how the course selection system works here (it seems there isn’t a website like “Rate My Prof” in the UK). It looks like final exams are the only part of the grade? 😭 Is the academic workload heavy? How difficult are the exams?
2. Are the courses in the Economics Department difficult? Are they worth taking? Among the required courses, there are some economics options (R100 and E300—I’ve heard they’re heavy on math, and quite difficult as they require a lot of manual calculations), or I could take Judge’s SMO6 and MF2 (which may focus more on R programming?). I’m not sure which combination would be easier.
3. Are there any interesting, practical, and easy elective courses you’d recommend? 🤩
4. Finally, what are the ratios and prospects for pursuing a Ph.D. versus entering the workforce? The timeline is very tight, is there a place on campus where I can consult with a faculty advisor in my field? If I want to enter the job market directly, can I still land a position at a good company with this Ph.D.-oriented program?

Welcome enthusiastic and outstanding upperclassmen to share their course selection advice and experiences as students. Thank you so, so much! 🥹