You’ve finished your bachelor’s and you have two very clear choices: enter into the world of work and draw a line under your education or look to deepen your knowledge with a master’s degree.
There are many factors to consider when choosing where to study your master’s, including the quality and cost of tuition, the potential salary you could earn, and what your job prospects could be. For many, it's often the simpler and easier choice to stay at the same university where you studied your bachelor’s.
Here are the pros and cons of studying a master’s at the same university as your bachelor’s.
PRO: You can benefit from strong ties to the school
By staying with the same school, you’re able to build on the existing relationships and networks that you've already built.
The school already knows you. Faculty are likely to know your strengths, and this can give you a leg up in the admissions process. If you are already inside a top academic institution, this could help you into a world-renowned master’s program with international recognition.
If you’ve had a positive experience with your bachelor’s, you can also be confident in the academic environment.
Manon Pellegrin (pictured) studied a Master of Marketing—2022's most popular master's degree—at EDHEC Business School. She says this was a big factor when applying for her degree.
“I considered ESSEC in Singapore, or HEC Montreal. But I made the choice of consistency and preferred to continue my studies at EDHEC. I made that decision because I already knew some of the professors and I had confidence in the program.”
CON: You might be restricting your network
Networking is a key part of postgraduate education and one of the many ways enrolling in a business masters like the Master in Finance will boost your job prospects. By staying at the same university, you limit your network to one institution rather than to two or more.
Depending on your degree, you’ll be studying from a similar group of lecturers, and you’ll be part of the same alumni network. You also won’t get the opportunity to experience a campus in an entirely new location, which could help deepen your links to more than one city or country around the world.
“By studying elsewhere, students can benefit from two different networks that enrich their CV and widen the outreach of their job search,” says Veronica Sullo (pictured), international recruitment coordinator for Bocconi University. "This is the reason why we offer our MSc students plenty of double degree opportunities with more than 30 different universities worldwide."
PRO: You can get a tuition fee discount
Universities are keen for students to stay on to study a master’s, and accordingly will offer several incentives to try and attract bachelor’s students to stay.
Many master’s programs reserve a certain number of seats in the class for internal applications prior to external applications, so you could bag an offer before other students even start applying.
Some master’s programs offer to waive certain admissions requirements to bachelor’s, such as a GMAT score, which can often be a time consuming part of the process.
Certain universities even go a step further and offer a tuition fee discount to students progressing from a bachelor’s. Schools often ask graduates to apply for the discount, and the amount depends on the institution, but it can range from anywhere up to 20% off the total cost of tuition.
CON: You may be limiting your international exposure
With a range of schools located in different countries on your resumé, you’re likely to stand out to employers for your international exposure. Conversely, if you stay in the same school and country, that may limit your exposure.
It’s true—studying your master’s in a different country will increase your exposure to the culture, will help you build contacts in that location, and may even help you learn a new language.
Master’s programs, however, make an effort to make sure that your experience isn’t just focused on the country where the university is based. Trips, international consulting projects, and internships often transport students to different countries.
More programs now offer a double degree master’s, allowing students to spend time at both institutions and to gain a certificate from both. Collaborations include the HKUST-NYU Stern joint Master’s in Global Finance, and the M2M joint program between HEC Paris and Yale School of Management.
Master's programs are also often more diverse than bachelor’s programs. “I was able to work with students from several different cultures, which was super interesting both from a cultural and professional point of view,” EDHEC grad Manon reveals.
PRO: You can establish yourself in one environment
During a bachelor’s, you’ll spend three or four years living in a certain location, getting to know a city and a campus well, and starting to build further ties that may establish you there in the long term.
“Staying at EDHEC, I didn’t waste any of my time integrating a class with a fundamentally different mindset, different values. I already represented them,” explains Alexandre Gimenez (pictured), a graduate from the EDHEC Master in Marketing.
This stretches far beyond the classroom in extracurriculars. “Staying on for a master is a good choice for those students who have been involved in university campus activities, boards, student or sport associations,” Veronica from Bocconi says.
For students looking to get into research or tutorship positions during their master’s, she adds, it can be helpful to have a preexisting relationship with faculty from your bachelor’s.
Deciding whether to stay at your current university or try somewhere new depends largely on the individual.
Overall, your decision should reflect the quality of the master's program you're applying to, what you want to achieve and where you see yourself after you graduate. Location, reputation, and global opportunities, among other factors, should all weigh in on your final decision.
Whether you choose to pursue a master's degree at the same university as your bachelor’s, or elsewhere, those factors should remain consistent.
I really enjoyed this experience because I built a really strong relationship with other students and professors. This fact has permitted me to grow as a person and also to improve my academic background by confronting myself with other people. I would encourage Bocconi to create a new method of exams for online courses (I have experienced it during the covid-19 period) because they could not manage to control and to avoid shameless situations such as software breakdowns just before the exams.
Student
Verified
8/11/2021
On Campus
Amazing course
The workload is really heavy, but that’s the only way to prepare students for the job market. Bocconi offers also many services to help students kick off their careers. Overall, Bocconi University Masters Degree is the best option for ambitious students and the best choice among Italian and maybe European universities.
Student
Verified
24/07/2020
A great experience
A fundamental experience to understand what I want to do in life. In the three years I attended Bocconi University, I laid the foundations for my business education. I will always be grateful to it. I absolutely recommend it.
Alessandra
Verified
26/06/2020
Bocconi: Italian Quality
The great thing about this University is that it is one of the few Italian universities offering such international programs. My course is unique and doesn't exist anywhere else, so if you like arts and economics, Bocconi is the best place. The course provides both subjects concerning arts/philosophy, and ones more related to economics. Personally, I have decided to follow a different path because I am not so interested in working in this specific field, but this course is totally worth it if you want to work in a creative industry. Indeed, it gives people with a passion for luxury, arts and so on with a complete knowledge concerning management.
The best part has been the great support offered by the University in every aspect, going from on-campus facilities to monthly job fairs to better understand the kind of career we want to pursue. This is often taken for granted in Italian universities.
Student
Verified
25/05/2020
Professional and amazing
Very well organized university.
I have studied Financial management and I graduated with 108/110. The teachers are really good and professional. The university has all the facilities and the services are professional. I really enjoyed studying in a professional and international environment. Bocconi has played an important role in finding my actual job!
Student
Verified
28/10/2019
Great university which gives wonderful placement opportunities.
I really like Bocconi. What I appreciated the most was the high level of teaching and the opportunities given in terms of placement and networking connections.
I strongly recommend this university if you want to pursue a great working career.
Student
Verified
27/10/2019
Beautiful environment
Beautiful community of students with lots of opportunities for in-campus activities. The university offers 8 residences near the campus, perfect for freshmen at the first year in Milan. Professors are very prepared and always ready to help students
Student
Verified
24/03/2018
An outstanding university
The great efficiency and organization, the high quality of teaching, and the possibility to take part in many interesting and useful experiences make Bocconi University stand out. It distinguishes itself from the Italian academic background. Many people say Bocconi is too stressful, but to me, it’s worth it.
Student
Verified
20/03/2018
Excellent
Bocconi is outstanding university. Among the best in Italy. The international franework helps students to get involved in projects/associations that enrich the campus. I study law and i’ m happy about my 4 years and experiences that i had the opportunity to
Edoardo
Verified
25/01/2022
Blended
Everything was great ( apart from the covid part)
I really enjoyed this experience because I built a really strong relationship with other students and professors. This fact has permitted me to grow as a person and also to improve my academic background by confronting myself with other people. I would encourage Bocconi to create a new method of exams for online courses (I have experienced it during the covid-19 period) because they could not manage to control and to avoid shameless situations such as software breakdowns just before the exams.
Student
Verified
8/11/2021
On Campus
Amazing course
The workload is really heavy, but that’s the only way to prepare students for the job market. Bocconi offers also many services to help students kick off their careers. Overall, Bocconi University Masters Degree is the best option for ambitious students and the best choice among Italian and maybe European universities.
Student
Verified
24/07/2020
A great experience
A fundamental experience to understand what I want to do in life. In the three years I attended Bocconi University, I laid the foundations for my business education. I will always be grateful to it. I absolutely recommend it.
Alessandra
Verified
26/06/2020
Bocconi: Italian Quality
The great thing about this University is that it is one of the few Italian universities offering such international programs. My course is unique and doesn't exist anywhere else, so if you like arts and economics, Bocconi is the best place. The course provides both subjects concerning arts/philosophy, and ones more related to economics. Personally, I have decided to follow a different path because I am not so interested in working in this specific field, but this course is totally worth it if you want to work in a creative industry. Indeed, it gives people with a passion for luxury, arts and so on with a complete knowledge concerning management.
The best part has been the great support offered by the University in every aspect, going from on-campus facilities to monthly job fairs to better understand the kind of career we want to pursue. This is often taken for granted in Italian universities.
Student
Verified
25/05/2020
Professional and amazing
Very well organized university.
I have studied Financial management and I graduated with 108/110. The teachers are really good and professional. The university has all the facilities and the services are professional. I really enjoyed studying in a professional and international environment. Bocconi has played an important role in finding my actual job!
Student
Verified
28/10/2019
Great university which gives wonderful placement opportunities.
I really like Bocconi. What I appreciated the most was the high level of teaching and the opportunities given in terms of placement and networking connections.
I strongly recommend this university if you want to pursue a great working career.
Student
Verified
27/10/2019
Beautiful environment
Beautiful community of students with lots of opportunities for in-campus activities. The university offers 8 residences near the campus, perfect for freshmen at the first year in Milan. Professors are very prepared and always ready to help students
Student
Verified
24/03/2018
An outstanding university
The great efficiency and organization, the high quality of teaching, and the possibility to take part in many interesting and useful experiences make Bocconi University stand out. It distinguishes itself from the Italian academic background. Many people say Bocconi is too stressful, but to me, it’s worth it.
Student
Verified
20/03/2018
Excellent
Bocconi is outstanding university. Among the best in Italy. The international franework helps students to get involved in projects/associations that enrich the campus. I study law and i’ m happy about my 4 years and experiences that i had the opportunity to
Yangxin
Verified
27/03/2024
On Campus
Excellent university full of opportunities
I had almost zero experience in business before coming to Bocconi. However, this did not hinder my career prospects here. I was fortunate to receive valuable opportunities such as in-company training and internships. Through these experiences, I gained invaluable practical insights into various business scenarios, becoming more acquainted with the real business world.
Before arriving here, I had not learned Italian, which initially made me concerned about possible cultural or language barriers. Bocconi offers Italian language courses that proved indispensable in helping me adapt to Milan during my days here. Additionally, my Italian classmates have been incredibly welcoming, assisting me with cultural adjustments and willingly serving as language partners to help with my Italian language learning journey. My two-year life here has become both manageable and enjoyable.
In conclusion, I would recommend this university to those people who are eager to embrace a future brimming with opportunities.
Alex
Verified
28/03/2024
On Campus
So many opportunities
Bocconi has been an amazing journey for me, filled with growth and opportunities, both on a professional and personal level. The professors teaching the International Management Master's are of really high quality and they were able to transfer some much "knowledge that matters", thanks also to the many teamworking experiences during the course. Bocconi also allowed me to experience a double degree program with ESADE, which taught me a lot both in terms of professional development, as well as allowing me to expand my network of international students even further. Overall, Bocconi unleashed plenty of opportunities I could not foresee before joining the university and that I'm really grateful for and excited to dive into.
Marina
Verified
30/03/2024
On Campus
Invest in your knowledge
Bocconi offers plenty of opportunities to grow as a person and as a professional. I was able to both broaden my interests and deepen existent knowledge during my Master's degree in Finance. It's very challenging, but the result is totally worth it. Bocconi has a very impressive reputation across the world, which allowed me to have an internship at my dream company.
Tara
Verified
1/04/2024
On Campus
A University Ripe with Opportunity
As a first year Masters in International Management student, the global perspective, abundant learning opportunities and networking opportunities were the main aspects that drew me towards pursing my studies at Bocconi. And Bocconi has delivered in full on these promises.
In my classes I have really valued the more application based approach which centres around collaboration with peers from around the world. There are also so many opportunities for learning outside the classroom through supplementary activities, societies, guest lectures and other events hosted by the university!
The networking opportunities and career services are world class. The university regularly hosts events like Bocconi
Martina
Verified
1/04/2024
On Campus
Environment and experiences
Entering Bocconi, I was shy and uncertain. I was surprised to discover a supportive community that not only challenged me academically but also encouraged me to come out of my shell. I found myself surrounded by lifelong friends who turned out to be an invaluable support for me.
Despite my initial indecision, my chosen course (Economics and Management for Arts and Culture) proved to be the perfect fit, seamlessly blending rigorous economic principles with insights into the cultural landscape. I found myself immersed in a dynamic environment that fostered healthy competition, pushing me to excel while simultaneously supporting my personal growth.
Reflecting on my period at Bocconi, I can confidently say it was the best time of my life. Through unforgettable experiences in students associations, internships and study-abroad periods, Bocconi accompanied me from adolescence into adulthood. It provided me with the confidence and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the real world, offering me an environment where I could flourish both academically and personally.
Erik
Verified
2/04/2024
On Campus
Great programme in MSc Finance
I have done the MSc in Finance, and I am extremely happy with it.
The quality of the education is really good, and has more than prepared me for my job in Asset Management after my studies. There are also a lot of group projects and labs in the classes which lets you try things in practice.
In addition to this, there are a lot of good student associations for finance which allows you to connect with a lot of really brilliant people.
Student
Verified
2/04/2024
On Campus
My Experience at Bocconi University
Bocconi University offers a great deal of programs. The small classes make it easy for students to interact with professors, all very experienced in their field, and not only care for the students' life inside the classroom but also for their lives outside, providing many amazing extracurricular activities, from sports, and associations to theater and singing. Overall, a great experience!
Student
Verified
4/04/2024
On Campus
Excellent university providing a great preparation
I have chosen Bocconi University for both my bachelor's and master's degree and I am extremely satisfied with my experience and the preparation the institution has given me, both academically and to be equipped to enter the job market. The programs are very international, which has allowed me to make friends from all over the world, and the university offers a wide range of interesting courses, both in Italian and in English, which often combine a theoretical strong preparation together with practical applied projects. Bocconi also has a great and efficient career service that organizes useful events to get ready for the job market, meet employers and network with companies. I have also appreciated the presence of over a hundred student associations, which has allowed me to pursue some interests of mine while meeting students from several different courses and gainining more practical experience through additional projects.
