MSc Finance receives professional recognition

MSc Finance students will be able to apply for exemption from Securities and Investment Institute examinations following a new agreement between the two bodies.

The Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment Institute (CISI) has designated Imperial College Business School an CISI Centre of Excellence in the field of Finance. The decade-old MSc Finance programme becomes the first London taught programme with both CISI exemption and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) partner programme status.

Current Imperial College Business School MSc Finance students and future graduates will benefit from exemption from the Institute's examinations. Once they have become members of the CISI and passed its online Integrity & Ethics course they can apply for exemption from the CISI Diploma. This is the second highest award the CISI offers.

The CISI is also exploring other possible exemptions for Imperial College Business School students, for example the MSc Risk Management and Financial Engineering programme. CISI and Imperial College Business School have also agreed to establish a jointly organised annual lecture.

Ruth Martin, Managing Director of CISI said, "We are delighted to launch a prestigious partnership with Imperial College, which combines rigorous post-graduate study with a professional qualification and a commitment to continuing professional development through SII membership. This is evidence of the step-change in professionalism which is increasingly important across the financial services sector."

Lina El-Jahel, the MSc Finance programme director at Imperial College Business School said, "Students' now gain a clear route to CISI diploma level qualification in the normal course of their studies," she said. The agreement also allows students to develop networks with other CISI members. Vitally, this agreement reflects that the programme is in tune with needs of the practitioner community and market practice. A great sign for all current and future students."

The Centre of Excellence designation is awarded to a select group of universities and institutions considered by the SII to offer leadership in academic education that focuses on financial markets

Ends

For press enqurires contact Elliott White on tel 020 7594 9154

MSc Finance at Imperial College Business School
The programme is taught by leading experts in quantitative and technical finance. The teaching approach is a mix of the latest research and practical application. The breadth of topics covered make the MSc Finance a unique and highly respected qualification. A one year, full-time MSc programme is designed for students with a strong academic background in mathematics, statistics or econometrics who intend to pursue a career in financial services. It is the only London programme with both SII exemption and CFA partner programme status.

The Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment Institute
The CISI Centres of Excellence programme was established in 2007 with the aim of working with Higher Education establishments and recognizing the synergy of their Masters programmes. Since then those designated the status include Cass Business School, the ICMA Centre Reading, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Exeter (Xfi) and BPP Law School.

CISI's mission is to help members attain, maintain and develop their knowledge and skills and to promote the highest standards of ethics and integrity in the securities and investment industry.

Formed in 1992 from the Stock Exchange, the CISI is now the leading examining, training and membership body for the securities and investment industry in the UK, with over 40,000 members who benefit from our programme of professional and social events. As the main examining body for the industry, the Institute provides a range of relevant vocational qualifications attracting over 45,000 candidates a year. We have developed Centres of Excellence within several Universities to offer our qualifications, and have made our Introduction to Securities and Investments available to schools and colleges around the UK In addition, the Institute produces publications and workbooks and runs a series of widely respected and well attended conferences and seminars in the UK and overseas.

Based in the City of London, we are a global organisation with representative offices in financial centres such as Dublin, Singapore, Dubai, Mumbai and Shanghai. We work in close cooperation with regulators, firms and other professional bodies worldwide. The Institute is currently a member of the FSA workstream on professionalism as part of the Retail Distribution Review and will shortly be making an application to the Privy Council to become a chartered body.

Imperial College
Consistently rated amongst the world's best universities, Imperial College London is a science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research that attracts 13,000 students and 6,000 staff of the highest international quality. Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and business, delivering practical solutions that improve quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.

Since its foundation in 1907, Imperial's contributions to society have included the discovery of penicillin, the development of holography and the foundations of fibre optics. This commitment to the application of research for the benefit of all continues today, with current focuses including interdisciplinary collaborations to improve health in the UK and globally, tackle climate change and develop clean and sustainable sources of energy. www.imperial.ac.uk