Overview
The Imperial College MSc Finance is a one-year, full-time finance master’s programme at Imperial Business School in London. It is designed for students who want to build careers in areas such as investment banking, asset management, consulting and other financial services roles.
What makes the programme particularly interesting is its combination of quantitative finance, practical learning, technology and access to London’s financial industry. Students can also tailor the degree through a wide range of electives and benefit from Imperial’s CFA University Affiliation.
Imperial MSc Finance at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | MSc Finance |
| University | Imperial College London |
| Business School | Imperial Business School |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Location | London, UK |
| 2027 tuition fee | £51,000 |
| Class of 2024 employed within six months | 93% |
| Class of 2024 employed in the UK | 63% |
| Class of 2024 employed in finance | 90% |
| Average salary, Class of 2024 | US$92,564 PPP |
Placement figures refer to Imperial MSc Finance’s Class of 2024. The salary figure is reported by Imperial using purchasing power parity (PPP).
Imperial MSc Finance: What Is the Programme Like?
Imperial MSc Finance is built for students who want a rigorous introduction to modern finance while developing the quantitative and practical skills employers look for.
The programme starts with foundation learning before moving into core finance subjects and electives. Students can also take part in practical projects, industry events and career activities throughout the year.
Imperial MSc Finance Curriculum
The curriculum combines finance theory, quantitative methods, programming and practical application.
Foundation Modules
Students begin with four foundation areas:
- Programming for Finance
- Business Valuation
- Financial Accounting
- Markets and Securities
These modules help establish the technical foundation needed for the more advanced parts of the programme.
Core Finance Modules
The programme then moves into seven core modules covering important areas of finance. Students build their understanding of topics such as corporate finance, investments, financial markets and quantitative methods.
The structure is designed to build quickly on students’ existing academic knowledge while introducing more advanced finance concepts.
Electives
One of the strongest parts of the programme is the flexibility to choose from 20+ elective options.
Depending on their career goals, students can explore areas including quantitative finance, investment management, financial technology, data science and machine learning.
This flexibility is particularly useful for students who already know whether they want to move towards investment banking, asset management, consulting or a more technology-focused finance career.
Imperial MSc Finance and CFA
Imperial MSc Finance is part of the CFA University Affiliation Programme. Imperial states that the curriculum incorporates at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge.
This gives students a strong academic foundation for the CFA examinations and connects the programme more closely with professional finance practice.
Imperial MSc Finance Placements
Career outcomes are one of the major attractions of the programme.
For the Class of 2024, Imperial reports:
| Career Outcome | Class of 2024 |
|---|---|
| Employed within six months | 93% |
| Employed in the UK | 63% |
| Employed in the finance sector | 90% |
| Average salary | US$92,564 PPP |
These statistics apply to graduates seeking employment who shared employment data with Imperial. They should therefore not be interpreted as a guaranteed outcome for every student.
Imperial MSc Finance Salary
Imperial reports an average salary of US$92,564 on a PPP basis for the MSc Finance Class of 2024.
The PPP figure is designed to account for differences in purchasing power across countries. It is therefore different from simply quoting the average salary in pounds sterling.
Actual compensation varies significantly depending on the country, employer, role, previous experience and industry.
Where Do Imperial MSc Finance Graduates Work?
Imperial’s MSc Finance graduates enter a range of finance-related careers. Investment banking is one of the programme’s major career destinations, while graduates also pursue opportunities in asset management, consulting and other financial services roles.
Imperial highlights employers and organisations including:
- Goldman Sachs
- J.P. Morgan
- Morgan Stanley
- Barclays
- BNP Paribas
- Deutsche Bank
- BlackRock
- Fidelity
These are examples of employers connected with Imperial’s finance careers and should not be treated as a guaranteed employer list for every graduating class.
Top Career Paths After Imperial MSc Finance
| Career Area | Typical Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Investment Banking | Investment banking, M&A, capital markets and related analyst roles |
| Asset Management | Investment analysis, portfolio management and research |
| Consulting | Financial, strategy and management consulting |
| Corporate Finance | Financial analysis, valuation and strategic finance |
| FinTech | Technology-driven finance and analytical roles |
Imperial MSc Finance Career Support
Students receive dedicated support from Imperial Business School Careers throughout the programme.
The support includes:
- One-to-one career consultations
- CV and cover-letter support
- Mock interviews
- Technical interview preparation
- Case interview preparation
- Career planning
- Employer presentations
- Networking events
- Careers fairs
- Industry-specific workshops
Students also get access to resources such as VMock for CV feedback, Graduates First for aptitude-test preparation and Wall Street Prep for investment-banking training.
Imperial MSc Finance Industry Connections
Being based in London gives students access to one of the world’s major financial centres.
Imperial Business School maintains relationships with financial institutions and other organisations. The school highlights connections with companies such as Barclays, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan.
Imperial MSc Finance Fees
The tuition fee for the 2027 entry MSc Finance programme is £51,000. Imperial states that the fee is the same for UK and international students.
The tuition fee does not include accommodation and general living expenses. Students should also budget separately for optional internships or exchanges and supplementary study materials.
A £6,500 confirmation deposit is required after accepting an offer. This deposit is non-refundable but is counted towards the overall tuition fee, so it is not an additional charge on top of the £51,000 tuition.
Imperial MSc Finance Scholarships
Imperial Business School offers several scholarships for MSc applicants. The school recommends applying early because scholarship availability can vary by admissions round.
One example is the Global Future Leaders Scholarship, which provides an award of £20,000 to eligible outstanding candidates from Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.
Imperial also offers scholarship opportunities designed to support diversity and talented candidates pursuing careers in finance.
Scholarships are generally applied as a reduction to tuition fees and cannot necessarily be combined with other awards covering the full tuition fee.
Imperial MSc Finance Admissions
Imperial looks for candidates with a strong quantitative background, communication skills and leadership potential.
The university states that applicants typically need a 2:1 degree in a highly quantitative subject, such as:
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Economics
- Finance
- Science
The admissions process takes a holistic approach and considers academic and professional achievements, motivation and how applicants work with others.
Imperial MSc Finance Application Deadlines
For the 2027 intake, Imperial currently lists a staged admissions process:
| Round | Application Deadline | Decision Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 29 September 2026 | 25 November 2026 |
| Round 2 | 6 January 2027 | 3 March 2027 |
| Round 3 | 10 March 2027 | 5 May 2027 |
| Round 4 | 28 April 2027 | 16 June 2027 |
Imperial describes MSc Finance as a highly competitive programme and recommends applying early. Earlier application can also provide better access to available scholarship opportunities.
Imperial MSc Finance London Experience
The location is a major part of the programme. Students study in London, with access to Imperial’s South Kensington and White City campuses and the wider financial ecosystem of the city.
For students targeting careers in investment banking, asset management or financial consulting, being physically close to London’s financial district can make networking, employer events and industry exposure easier to access.
Imperial MSc Finance Work Placement Option
Students can extend the programme from 12 to 16 months to undertake a longer work placement and gain additional professional and international experience.
The extended term carries an additional tuition fee, so students considering this option should factor the extra cost into their budget.
Who Should Choose Imperial MSc Finance?
Imperial MSc Finance is particularly suited to students who:
- Have a strong quantitative academic background.
- Want to enter investment banking or asset management.
- Are interested in finance and technology.
- Want to study in London’s financial ecosystem.
- Prefer an intensive one-year master’s programme.
- Want access to a broad range of finance electives.
- Are interested in building a foundation for the CFA qualification.
Who May Find It Challenging?
The programme is academically demanding and highly quantitative. Students without a strong mathematical or analytical foundation may need significant preparation before starting.
It is also a relatively intensive one-year programme. Students who want a slower academic experience or a longer period to explore multiple career directions may prefer a longer master’s format.
Imperial MSc Finance: Key Advantages
- One-year, full-time format.
- Strong quantitative finance focus.
- London location.
- 20+ elective options.
- CFA University Affiliation.
- Strong connections with finance employers.
- Dedicated careers support.
- 93% of the Class of 2024 employed within six months.
- 90% of the Class of 2024 employed in finance.
Imperial MSc Finance: Things to Consider
- The £51,000 tuition fee is a significant investment.
- London living costs need to be budgeted separately.
- The programme is academically intensive.
- Finance recruitment is highly competitive.
- Employment statistics do not guarantee an individual job outcome.
- International students should consider UK work-visa requirements when planning their post-study career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Imperial MSc Finance?
The standard MSc Finance programme lasts 12 months and is delivered full-time in London.
How much is Imperial MSc Finance?
The tuition fee for the 2027 intake is £51,000 for both UK and international students.
What is the Imperial MSc Finance employment rate?
93% of the Class of 2024 were employed within six months, according to Imperial Business School.
What is the average salary after Imperial MSc Finance?
Imperial reports an average salary of US$92,564 on a PPP basis for the Class of 2024.
What percentage of Imperial MSc Finance graduates work in finance?
90% of the Class of 2024 were employed in the finance sector.
Does Imperial MSc Finance help with CFA?
Yes. Imperial MSc Finance is part of the CFA University Affiliation Programme and incorporates at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge.
Does Imperial MSc Finance offer scholarships?
Yes. Imperial Business School offers several scholarships for MSc Finance applicants, although availability and eligibility vary by award and admissions round.
Is Imperial MSc Finance good for investment banking?
The programme is specifically designed to prepare students for careers across financial services, and investment banking is one of the major career destinations highlighted by Imperial. The school also has relationships with firms including Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley and Barclays.
Can I extend Imperial MSc Finance to 16 months?
Yes. Students can extend the programme to 16 months to undertake a longer work placement. The extended option involves an additional tuition fee.
Final Verdict
The Imperial College MSc Finance is a highly quantitative, career-focused master’s for students targeting the global finance industry. Its combination of London’s financial ecosystem, a strong technical curriculum, CFA alignment, flexible electives and dedicated careers support makes it particularly relevant for students targeting investment banking, asset management and related finance careers.
The career data is also strong: 93% of the Class of 2024 were employed within six months, 90% were working in finance, and the reported average salary was US$92,564 on a PPP basis.
At the same time, the programme is intensive and the £51,000 tuition fee does not include living expenses in London. Students should therefore consider the full financial commitment alongside their target career and recruitment timeline.
For candidates with a strong quantitative background who want an intensive finance master’s in London, Imperial MSc Finance offers a clear combination of academic depth, industry exposure and career preparation.
