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Which Master's program in Finance or Applied Finance would be most suitable for someone with a Bachelor's degree in Finance and a 6.9 GPA, aiming for a career in global finance roles and considering CFA certification?

21 Sept 2026 · Answered by Muskan Vashishtha · 2 min read
Muskan Vashishtha
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For global finance roles with a CFA in mind, the degree title matters less than admissions fit, quantitative content and recruitment access, and your 6.9/10 GPA is the constraint that should drive the shortlist.

ProgramFit With Your Goals6.9 GPA Reality Check
University of Manchester, MSc FinanceStrong quantitative finance, broad career optionsPublished requirement is 2:1 equivalent; check your university's grading mapping
University of Warwick, MSc FinanceStrong finance focus for international careersRequires 2:1 equivalent, similar mapping needed
Imperial College, MSc FinanceVery quantitative, relevant to investment bankingPrefers a First, considers 2:1; a strong GMAT/GRE helps
London School of Economics, MSc FinanceExcellent for global financial-services careersVery ambitious at 6.9; GMAT/GRE required without a UK degree

Where the CFA Fits Alongside the Degree

The CFA complements an MSc Finance particularly well if you are targeting investment management, equity research, portfolio management or broader investment roles, but it should not be the reason you pick a university. The program's curriculum and recruiting pipeline into banks and asset managers matter separately, and a strong CFA candidacy does not offset a weak admissions fit.

My Advice

In my experience, students with borderline GPAs underweight the GMAT or GRE as a lever. A strong quantitative GMAT score can meaningfully offset a 6.9 GPA at LSE or Imperial, so if you are set on one of the more competitive schools, invest in that test before you invest more time polishing the application essay. Manchester and Warwick remain the safer, still strong, backup options if the score does not land where you need it.

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