Two students laughing in a lecture theatre
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Finance

Become a leader in the financial sector.

A highly relevant programme that reflects Imperial’s connections with leading companies in the city of London and beyond

CFA affiliation – the most highly recognised investment credential in the world – boost your CV

90% of our class of 2022 were employed within three months of graduating

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MSc

  • Duration

    1 year

  • Start date

    September 2024

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £45,400 Home

    • £45,400 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

Minimum entry standard

  • First or 2:1 in a highly quantitative subject, such as Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, Finance or Science.

View full entry requirements

Course overview

MSc Finance is a one-year, full-time postgraduate programme that has a proven track record in securing students the best jobs in the finance industry for the last 25 years, in sectors such as investment banking, asset management and consultancy.

Our wide range of electives is continually updated to enable you to tailor your learning and match your career aspirations.

A combination of the latest research, practical application and a broad range of topics, makes the MSc Finance a unique and challenging experience. This programme is highly relevant, reflecting the strong corporate connections we have established with leading companies in the city of London and beyond, providing practical opportunities to build your skills and confidence.

Our London location and ongoing relationships with major employers in the finance sector provides the opportunity to meet and network with leading global organisations and will help present yourself with confidence to the world's top companies.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

Before the programme begins you will complete pre-study modules delivered through The Hub, Imperial College Business School’s online learning environment.

These modules will be available to students who have accepted an offer of admission from July onwards, and are designed to give you a basic knowledge of areas which will be covered by the programme throughout the academic year.

You will study one foundation module made up of four components in September that introduces the tools of modern finance and enhances your career development skills.

  • Foundations in Finance: Application of R for Finance
  • Foundations in Finance: Business Valuation
  • Foundations in Finance: Financial Modeling
  • Foundations in Finance: Markets and Securities

Core modules build rapidly on previous experience while introducing new and challenging disciplines.

  • Corporate Finance
  • Derivatives
  • Ethics & Professional Standards in Finance (online module)
  • Financial Econometrics
  • Investments and Portfolio Management
  • Macro Finance
  • Mathematics for Finance

Tailor your learning to meet your career ambitions and match your interests through a choice of electives. You will take four electives (if you undertake the Applied Project), or three electives (if you undertake the Research Project), from the following elective modules. All students are required to take at least one key elective.

In the spring and summer terms, you will choose between undertaking two types of projects, in order to develop specialist skills and subject knowledge to benefit your future career. 

You can either pursue an Applied Project together with an additional elective, or a traditional Research Project. If you have secured a work placement, with approval you will be able to link your project to the area of finance of the employer organisation.

 

  • Applied Project
  • Work Placement
  • Research Project

Professional accreditation

We are among a handful of business schools worldwide to achieve triple accreditation:

We have also been recognised for our work in tackling gender inequality in higher education with a Bronze Athena SWAN award.

This course also holds accreditation from the CFA Institute.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning methods

  • Case studies
  • Equipment/technique demonstrations
  • Presentations and seminars
  • A group of people interacting
    Group work
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment
  • Recorded lectures available online
    Lecture recordings
  • People collaborating and completing practical work.
    Practical classes
  • Work placement opportunity
  • Workshops

Assessment methods

  • Case studies
  • Person completing coursework
    Continuous assessments
  • Essays
  • Formal presentations
  • Multiple choice tests
  • Papers from a written report
    Reports
  • Person participating in classroom discussion.
    Participation
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written exams

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

If you are applying to the Business School, you may be considered for one course per admissions cycle. If you are applying for a Finance Master's, we will take your areas of interest and eligibility into account when considering you for alternative programmes.

Tuition fees

Tuition fee

2024 entry

£45,400

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Computer monitor business analytics

Discover solutions to real-world business challenges with guidance from industry experts.

Rosette

With the endorsement of the Chartered Financial Affiliation, the global standard among top-tier finance firms, this program can be trusted.

Recruitment CV

Our expert Career Consultants will help you develop your CV by offering tailored advice on job applications and career paths that are ideal for you.

Lightbulb above a book

With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.

Laptop displays finance statistics

Investment banking, asset and investment management, and sales and trading are just some of your options.

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Other potential career paths include corporate or retail banking, hedge funds, M&A, finance, accounting services, research, and private wealth management.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications