MSc Finance
12 months
£47,500
London, UK
Unlock your potential and boost your employability with our MSc Finance
Our MSc Finance programme has helped students secure top jobs in investment banking, asset management, and consultancy for 25 years. Rooted in core theory and enriched by practical experiences, our programme reflects strong corporate ties with leading firms in the City of London and beyond including—Barclays, Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, HSBC, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and more.
During the programme, you will build on your knowledge with rigorous quantitative core modules, and tailor your learning with elective courses. Benefit from exposure to industry practitioners, gaining valuable experience for success in your field.
Our MSc Finance provides a unique and challenging learning experience, combining real-world application, the latest research, and international opportunities. Ready to stand out with a globally-recognised finance master's degree from our forward-thinking business school?
Study your MSc Finance in London at a global top 10 university
Programme content
The MSc Finance is a one year, full-time intensive programme with classes running from Monday-Friday between 08.30 and 21.00. While studying in London - a global hub for business and finance - you will build your knowledge through core modules and choose to tailor your learning with electives. You will be expected to attend one evening class each week and can also participate in optional activities like guest lectures or career events.
As a member of the CFA University Affiliation Program, the MSc Finance curriculum is closely tied to professional practice. Imperial College Business School will help you obtain your Chartered Financial Analyst designation - the most recognised investment credential in the world.
We are pleased to offer an optional extended term, that will allow you to extend your programme duration to 16 months. This will give you the opportunity to commit to a longer Work Placement, gaining deeper work experience, global experience and earning additional credits. Please note, the extended term is subject to an additional tuition fee.
Please note, programme content is subject to change. Candidates that fail to successfully complete this degree are not entitled to a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma.
Online pre-study modules
Before the start of your programme, you will be expected to complete online pre-study modules, delivered via The Hub, our bespoke virtual learning environment. These include an Accounting Primer module; an online Ethics & Professional Standards module, an online Finance Careers Primer and the Career & Professional Development module. These modules do not, however, contribute to the calculation of the final award.
Induction week
Your MSc Finance induction will be spent at our vibrant South Kensington campus in London. You will be invited to a welcome event where you can meet and network with your fellow students, distinguished faculty and dedicated programme staff, forging new connections and getting a taste of life at Imperial.
Foundations in Finance: Application of R for Finance
This module develops your confidence with the basics of programming in R and enables you to develop good practice and knowledge to tackle complex problems.
Foundations in Finance: Business Valuation
In this module you will engage in a systematic exploration of accounting and corporate valuation tools.
Foundations in Finance: Financial Modelling
Throughout this module you will explore elements of probability theory and review matrix algebra and statistics.
Foundations in Finance: Markets and Securities
This module is an introduction to securities trading, pricing and investment.
Corporate Finance
Corporate finance is at the heart of investment banking and crucial to running a successful business in any sector. In this module you cover all the key elements of company finance, valuation and risk management. You will learn to understand how to assess individual investment projects, value companies, and evaluate the sources of finance available to companies.
Derivatives
In this module you’ll learn to develop and apply the techniques learnt in the Investments and Portfolio Management module to the pricing of a range of financial derivatives and to the determination of interest rates at different maturities. By the end of the module you’ll have an in-depth understanding of valuation techniques applicable in a variety of financial markets and sought after by prospective employers.
Ethics & Professional Standards in Finance
This online module aims to introduce students to corporate responsibility and professional standards for financial analysts. You will be taken through a review of the key factors and responsibilities for ethical practice in finance. At the end of the module, you will have a compulsory test, which must be passed before you can be awarded the MSc.
Financial Econometrics
This module will acquaint you with a range of econometric techniques which are an essential part of modern advanced empirical research. The module will be taught through a series of formal lectures, classes and computer based exercises. You will learn to analyse data from any source using a wide variety of techniques.
Investments and Portfolio Management
This module provides you with a critical understanding of techniques used for investments and portfolio management. The module is accompanied by case studies and realistic practical examples that you will solve each week using R. By the end of the module you’ll be able to implement trading strategies and portfolio construction methods in a wide range of assets.
Macro Finance
This module looks at the link between the real economy and financial valuations, known as macro-finance. You will learn to understand macroeconomic fluctuations and the implications for different asset prices with particular emphasis given to the role of monetary and fiscal policy in determining the macroeconomic environment and asset prices.
Mathematics for Finance
Success in modern finance requires a solid grasp of mathematics. This module introduces you to a range of essential mathematical tools and their financial applications. By the end of the module you’ll be ready to excel in any area of finance.
Key electives
Advanced Corporate Finance
Advanced Options Theory
Applied Trading Strategies
Asset Allocation and Investment Strategies
Banks, Regulation & Monetary Policy
Entrepreneurial Finance and Venture Capital
Fixed Income Securities
International elective: Corporate Finance for Practitioners
International elective: Quantitative Equity Investing
Other electives
Applied Quantitative Macro Strategies
Big Data in Finance I
Blockchain and Applications
Climate Finance
Corporate Deal making
Entrepreneurial Finance and Venture Capital
Shareholder Activism & Corporate Responsibility
Innovation and Strategy in FinTech
International Finance
Mergers and Acquisitions
Machine Learning and Finance
Market Microstructure: Trading and Liquidity
Private Equity and Venture Capital
Real Estate Investment, Finance and Private Equity
Structured Credit and Equity Products
Sustainable Finance and Investment
Systematic Trading Strategies with Machine Learning Algorithms
Text Mining for Economics and Finance
Applied Project
Most students choose to undertake an Applied Project because it has a practical focus and is designed for those who are interested in a career in a financial institution. If you choose this option, you will also complete an additional elective. The report, of 3,000 words, is due for submission in August.
Work placement (summer)
If you have secured a work placement, you will be able to link your project to the area of finance of the employer organisation. The Programme Director is required to approve the work placement in advance.
Research Project
Advised by a faculty supervisor, you’ll identify a topic or issue of interest and then analyse it statistically or numerically. The Research Project is ideal if you wish to follow an academic career and apply to a PhD programme. Your project report, of up to 10,000 words, is due for submission by mid-August.
Extended Work Placement
With the Extended Work Placement you will access additional work placement opportunities, including longer summer internships in the UK and worldwide. You will gain deeper work experience credentials and boost your marketability with potential future employers. The Extended Work Placement contributes to the development of your managerial potential by applying problem solving techniques to a challenging business situation in which you are fully immersed. The focus is on developing your skills in managing real business tasks, drawing on the knowledge and skills achieved in other modules of the programme. Read more about the extended term here.
There will be an additional cost for taking these electives, which is reviewed on an annual basis.
Corporate Finance for Practitioners
This international elective allows you to experience finance in a different economy. It aims to provide the basics that practitioners will require in a wide range of such careers, both in the public and private sectors. Traditional lectures will be complemented by guest speakers, company visits and experiential learning activities. Previous students have travelled to Singapore.
Quantitative Equity Investing
This elective offers an introduction to analytical techniques and quantitative methods relevant for algorithmic trading. Topics include the basics of automated execution, pairs trading and long-short equity trading strategies. The elective is taught in two parts with the first part delivered online and the second part is an international study trip. Previous students have travelled to New York.
Admissions
Applications for 2025 entry are open.
Discover our admissions process for the MSc Finance including entry requirements, how to apply and key dates and deadlines.
This programme is highly competitive, so early application is advised; this will put you in a stronger position to be considered for a scholarship, and provide access to exclusive admitted students events.
Fees and funding
Choosing to pursue a Master's is one of the most important decisions you will make and is a substantial investment in yourself.
Many of our students fund their studies through multiple funding sources. We offer a wide range of awards, including a number of scholarships to the most talented applicants. We’ve also provided information about the different financing options available to you.
What our students say
“Besides its world-class reputation, I was most interested in the MSc Finance programme’s comprehensive design. Core modules would help me build a concrete understanding of corporate finance, derivatives, and econometric techniques.”
Class of 2024-25
Meet the classMSc Application: Securing your Place
11 December 2024
12.00 - 13.00
Online
Discover the admissions process and receive exclusive guidance on how to submit a successful application. Hear from the Recruitment & Admissions team and discuss entry requirements, tips for your personal statement, what to include in supporting documents, and much more.
Next steps
Career impact
At Imperial College Business School, your career is our priority. We have a dedicated Careers team that is committed to helping you achieve your personal and professional goals. With close links to industry and a busy calendar of events, workshops and personal development programmes, as a finance graduate, you will be prepared to enter a highly competitive recruitment market. MSc Finance students have secured positions in the finance, consulting and energy sectors. They have been hired by renowned companies such as Barclays, Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, PwC, Bain & Company, and Bank of America.
Employment outcomes below refer to the class of 2023
employed within three months
employed in the UK
employed in the finance sector
What our students say
“Imperial College Business School is at the forefront of innovation within the financial services industry. From an academic perspective, both the content and delivery of the curriculum are closely aligned with industry trends and relevant real-world themes. Additionally, the Business School provides us with access to a range of publications, including financial newspapers, which proves invaluable in keeping up with current affairs and the latest developments in the sector.”
Meet your faculty
Our finance faculty are specialists in the field. They have international research reputations, consult for global corporations, advise government and international agencies, sit on the boards of mature companies as well as new ventures, and are frequently asked by the media for academic insight on a wide variety of topics.
Lara Cathcart
Start your journey today
Frequently asked questions
All applications to our postgraduate programmes are made online – we do not accept paper applications. Please refer to the ‘How to apply’ section of each programme page to see what documents you are required to submit with your application and to view the selection process.
All of our programmes are academically rigorous and include a quantitative component so all candidates are expected to be familiar with a basic level of mathematics before the start of the programme. The quantitative experience statement provides an opportunity to demonstrate this to the selection committee.
In the quantitative experience statement, you need to list up to five of the most quantitative modules or elements of your studies to date. You should list the main topics of study (eg: algebra, probability etc) as well as the level of study (eg: high school, undergraduate degree, short course etc) as this will allow the selection committee to have an understanding of your quantitative experience to date.
Quantitative experience is a key selection criterion for our more quantitative programmes (MSc Finance, MSc Finance & Accounting, MSc Financial Technology, MSc Investment & Wealth Management, MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering, MSc Business Analytics, MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance and MSc Economics & Strategy for Business) so please be sure to check the entry requirements for your programme of interest to ensure your background is sufficiently quantitative. For other programmes, candidates are advised to review both the programme content and the pre-study modules to see what the numerical content of the programme includes before they submit an application.
Yes, you can. Our finance programmes at Imperial College Business School are highly rigorous, and our students are required to have a high level of quantitative skills. If you are considering applying for a programme within our finance Master’s portfolio, we advise you to take our online maths test to test your quantitative ability and determine if you are suitable to apply for the programme.
Please note, this maths test is most relevant to candidates considering the MSc Finance, MSc Investment & Wealth Management, MSc Financial Technology and MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering programmes.
While it is not compulsory to submit the results of an approved English language test with your application, it is strongly encouraged and will add weight to your application if you are able to show that you have met the language requirement prior to applying. You can find detailed information regarding the Business School’s language requirements and the tests that we accept here.
In order to submit a verification request, you must first create an online account with Qualification Check using the unique link provided to you as part of your offer conditions. Once you have completed the two-step registration process, you will have access to your online account. Search for the name of the institution at which you obtained your qualification(s) and follow the steps to enter the required information for submission of a verification request. Your details will then be sent to the institution at which you studied to be authenticated by the appropriate department. Find more information at Qualification Check.
Qualification Check’s standard procedure is to contact the primary source of the information, this is the institution at which you studied. Qualification Check will regularly contact the relevant department at the institution in order to confirm the authenticity of your qualifications. We understand that applications are urgent and Qualification Check make every effort to accommodate your needs and expedite processes. Some institutions may take longer than others, but rest assured that Qualification Check is working hard to complete your verification. Find more information at Qualification Check.
You can apply to be considered for one programme each year. We will take your areas of interest and eligibility into account when considering you for alternative programmes.
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide the contact details of two referees. Your referees will be contacted by email once you have completed and submitted your application, and the email will contain instructions on how they can submit your reference via our application system.
Please ensure that each reference letter that is submitted has been sent from an academic or professional email address. We cannot accept references sent from personal email addresses, such as Gmail, Hotmail, 126, 163, Sina, QQ, and Yahoo.
Our electronic application service is provided by an external provider, so there may be a delay before the receipt of your references is confirmed on your student application account.
If you receive confirmation that your references have been received but this still isn’t confirmed on your account a week after receiving the confirmation, please contact the Central Admissions team at business.admissions@imperial.ac.uk.
If you submit a complete application by the stated round deadline, we will ensure you receive an outcome by the corresponding decision deadline. However, delays in receiving your references or missing documentation required to progress your application may mean we are not be able to guarantee a decision by the deadline.
If the requested information is not received within five working days, we may be unable to guarantee a decision by the round deadline.
If you have received confirmation that your references have been submitted but this is not reflected in your account after a week, please contact the Central Admissions team at business.admissions@imperial.ac.uk.
Yes. As part of the selection process, shortlisted candidates for our MSc programmes will be invited to complete an interview. Interviews are conducted through Kira Talent, our video interview platform, which you can access online to record and submit your answers.
The interview process typically takes about 20 minutes and does not require extensive preparation. It aims to supplement your written application by providing a further opportunity for you to articulate your suitability for your MSc programme of choice through questions about your previous experience and future aspirations.
If you are invited to submit a video interview, you will be sent details of how to access and use the Kira Talent online interview platform.
Once you have created an account, you will be asked a series of questions, to which you can record your answers as short videos and submit them online.
Please make sure that the invitation doesn’t go to your junk mail by adding kiratalent.com to your list of safe senders. You must complete your online interview by the deadline stated in the email. If the email has gone into a junk, spam, or clutter folder in your inbox, we will not be able to rearrange a new interview for you, and your application will be considered for withdrawal.
Please note: our video interviews are conducted via the Kira Talent platform. As Kira Talent is an independent third party service provider with their own terms and conditions of service and privacy policy, please familiarise yourself with these and ensure you are happy with them before proceeding to use the Kira service and platform.
For all MSc programmes, you can normally expect to receive a decision within 6-8 weeks of having submitted a complete application. Please keep in mind that during busy times and/or where documents are missing from an application, this time may increase.
When an offer is submitted by the Business School, the Central Admissions need to make a number of final checks before it can be formally approved. These may include an additional review of an applicant’s academic background or ensuring the references we have received are valid. Until you have received confirmation of the official offer via the College’s applicant portal, please do not arrange accommodation, book flights or decline any other offers you may be holding. The majority of offers are successfully approved by Central Admissions and you will be able to see full details of your offer conditions once your official offer has been confirmed.
Unfortunately, we are unable to confirm when you will receive a decision on your application but we will be in touch via email as soon as there is an update. Please be aware that you do not need to provide any additional information unless you think that this will add significant weight to your application (e.g. updated transcripts, relevant internships, English language results).
Please email your programme admissions team if you would like feedback on your application. Please note that whilst limited feedback can be provided, the decision of the academic selectors is final and it will not be possible for your application to be reconsidered.
We are unable to assess eligibility before an applicant applies as the academic selection committee needs to review a full application before any decision can be made. Please check the specific entry requirements of the programme you are interested in studying along with our international entry requirements. If you feel you meet our entry requirements you can apply online.
In addition to the guidance available on our website, we also hold regular information sessions both online and on-campus throughout the year where we would be happy to discuss your suitability in more detail.
We accept a wide range of international qualifications for postgraduate study at Imperial.
We've provided general guidance in the country and region index on how qualifications awarded by public institutions overseas may satisfy our minimum academic admission requirements.
We review our requirements annually. Updates usually happen in September each year before the next academic year of entry.
If your country or region is not listed, please contact the relevant Admissions team for further information.
The majority of the MSc programmes require a minimum of an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or international equivalent) to be admitted. While work experience can add weight to an application, this would not be considered in place of meeting the academic requirement, regardless of how lengthy the experience has been.
The exceptions to this are MSc Global Health Management, MSc Business Analytics (online delivery, part-time), and MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time). Please refer to the programme’s entry requirements for more detailed information.
We may consider candidates applying to MSc Business Analytics (online delivery, part-time) with non-traditional qualifications and backgrounds, on the basis of highly relevant work experience or demonstrated interest.
The Business School does not offer pre-sessional English courses or accept attendance of a pre-sessional English course as a means of meeting the English language requirement.
Yes, you can. You can pay your tuition fees in either one or two instalments payable at the start of term, or at the start of term and February, respectively. If you pay in instalments there will be a 2% surcharge of the total amount added to your first instalment. You would be asked to select a payment schedule during the offer acceptance process. Please contact the Student Finance Team if you have further questions about this process.
The Business School offers a variety of different scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria.
All candidates who submit an MSc application before the scholarship deadlines (listed on our website) and receive an offer for one of our programmes will automatically be considered for scholarship(s) relevant to their programme, providing they do not have additional criteria such as a video submission. You can be considered for multiple scholarships at the same time.
Additionally, there are a number of cross-programme awards and programme specific awards also available. Please check on the scholarships page on your programme of choice for eligibility and entry requirements.
Yes, we offer a 10% bursary on programme fees to successful candidates with an undergraduate degree from Imperial awarded at a minimum of upper second class, or Master’s degree awarded with a minimum of Merit. In order to be considered for this bursary, you must submit your application by the scholarship deadline.
If you are being sponsored by an organisation that will be responsible for paying your tuition fees, you must provide acceptable proof of the award.
Satisfactory evidence of sponsorship is usually regarded as an original, dated and duly authorised letter from your sponsor on headed paper which includes the following:
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Your name and College Identifier Number
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The programme for which you have been offered a place
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The amount of fees which will be paid by your sponsor (please report in GBP)
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The address to which the invoice should be sent
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Any Purchase Order Number required
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Confirmation that the fees will be sent directly to Imperial College
Sponsorship letters should be emailed to the Central Admissions team at business.admissions@imperial.ac.uk
Your CAS number holds information about the programme you will study and if you have paid any fees. You will not need a formal letter from the College confirming your offer status for your visa appointment.
For more information about what you will need, see the UKVI website.
If you need any advice about your visa please contact the International Student Support team. Most information can be found on the International Student Support website.
We will start to issue CAS numbers from April. The details of your CAS will appear on your My Imperial record after you have met all the conditions of your offer. Please note that you will need to upload a scanned copy of the photo page of your passport and current visa (if you have recently completed a degree in the UK), before your CAS can be issued. Please upload these documents to the ‘Passport/visa’ section of your My Imperial account.
Once your CAS is ready, you will receive an email confirming that it has been uploaded onto your My Imperial account. If you log into My Imperial you will be able to find your CAS number and the details that have been included in your CAS.
Please note that we cannot provide you with a CAS if you have outstanding conditions on your offer. Please ensure that you allow enough time to meet your conditions and apply for a visa before the start date of your programme of study.
The Business School holds online information sessions throughout the year to give you the opportunity to learn more about the programmes from the Programme Director, current students and alumni. Please refer to the meet us page to find out when the next event is being held for your interested programme(s).
The Business School is located on the South Kensington campus of Imperial College London. Please refer to the location page for our address and guidance on how to get here.
Many students choose to live in private rented accommodation whilst attending the Business School whilst others choose to book accommodation through GradPad. Please refer to the accommodation page for more information regarding the different types of accommodation available to you.
Please note that before you contact us you should also check information on the relevant pages on the Business School or College website. If your question isn’t answered, please contact the appropriate team below.
General application queries
Admissions Team
business.school@imperial.ac.uk
Deposit and tuition fee invoice queries (including refunds)
To check if your payment has been received
Tuition Fees Team
tuition.fees@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0) 20 7594 8011
To check if your documents have been received
Queries regarding your CAS number
Central Admissions
business.admissions@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0) 20 7594 7258
Career-related queries from admitted students
Careers Team
icbs.careers@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0) 20 7594 9617
Visa and immigration queries
International Student Support
+44 (0) 20 7594 8040
Accommodation queries
accommodation@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0) 20 7594 9444
General student information and advice
Student Hub
student.hub@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0) 20 7594 9444
Advice on budgeting and London living costs
Advice on external scholarships
Student Financial Support
student.funding@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0) 20 7594 9014
If you’ve submitted your application but haven’t received your CID number
Registry Systems
registry.systems@imperial.ac.uk
Password or technical issues with your Imperial Gateway account
IT Service
deskservice.desk@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0)20 7594 9000
Almost all of the MSc programmes we have available are 12 month, full-time programmes. The only exceptions are our MSc Business Analytics (online delivery, part-time) and MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) programmes, which are available on a part-time basis.
Yes, we offer an Economics, Finance and Data Science Bachelor's degree, as well as a range of courses at undergraduate level:
- BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science
- BPES Programme
- Joint Honours and Intercalated BSc Programme
- Summer School Programme
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