MSc Finance

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

Imperial College London

Program Overview

MSc Finance at Imperial College London is a one-year, full-time master’s programme that combines deep theoretical knowledge with practical skills in finance, ideal for careers in investment banking, asset management, trading, or financial consulting. The curriculum blends quantitative training, exposure to financial instruments and markets, and access to London’s global finance ecosystem.

Curriculum Structure

Pre-study & Foundation Modules

Before formal classes, you complete pre-study modules to build a solid quantitative foundation. The programme begins with a foundation module covering Application of R for Finance, Business Valuation, Financial Modelling, and Markets and Securities, ensuring you are fully prepared for advanced finance topics.

Core Year (Main Terms)

In the main terms, you study key modules such as Corporate Finance, Derivatives, Investments and Portfolio Management, Financial Econometrics, Macro Finance, Mathematics for Finance, and Ethics & Professional Standards. These modules equip you with the knowledge to value companies, manage portfolios, price derivatives, analyze risk, and apply quantitative techniques to financial markets.

Spring / Summer — Electives + Project (Optional Work Placement)

Later in the year, you select electives based on career interests, such as Fixed Income Securities, Credit Risk, Machine Learning & Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions, Sustainable Finance, Entrepreneurial Finance, or Real Estate Investment. You then complete either a Research Project (for deeper academic or quantitative focus) or an Applied Project (solving real-world financial problems). There is also the option for a 4–6 month work placement, extending the programme to 16 months for practical industry experience.

Focus Areas

Quantitative Finance, Corporate Finance & Valuation, Investments & Portfolio Management, Derivatives & Risk, Financial Econometrics, Asset Pricing, Financial Modelling, Finance Markets & Securities, Electives in fintech, sustainability, or credit/risk.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates can apply advanced finance theories and quantitative models to real-world problems, manage investment portfolios, price complex financial instruments, perform econometric and risk analysis, conduct valuations, and approach finance with professional ethics and global market insight. You will also gain coding and modelling skills relevant for quantitative and data-driven finance roles.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc Finance is offered by Imperial College Business School, which is triple-accredited (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS). The curriculum aligns with the CFA Institute program, providing a strong foundation for pursuing the CFA charter or other global finance credentials.

Reputation & Employability

Imperial College London ranks among the top universities globally, and its Business School is recognized for excellence in finance education. The MSc Finance has a strong employability record, with the majority of graduates securing positions within six months in top-tier firms across investment banking, asset management, trading, and consulting. The programme benefits from Imperial’s location in London, its strong industry connections, and a global alumni network.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Imperial, learning goes beyond lectures. The MSc Finance is designed so you can immediately put theory into practice, using the same tools and methods professionals rely on in the real world. From hands-on workshops to live case studies, group projects, and even an optional placement, you’ll develop skills that make you confident and job-ready. The programme’s close ties with top finance firms in London ensure that your learning is directly linked to today’s financial markets:

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Optional work placement: Gain 4–6 months of real-world experience with leading employers, applying classroom knowledge on live projects.
Industry-standard tools: Work with Bloomberg terminals, financial econometrics software, and other analytics platforms to sharpen your technical skills.
Group projects and case studies: Collaborate with classmates to solve real finance challenges, mirroring professional team environments.
Applied projects and electives: Conduct in-depth analysis on data-driven finance problems, improving both analytical and decision-making skills.
Guest lectures and employer events: Meet industry experts and build connections with top firms in the heart of London’s financial district.
Workshops and seminars: Participate in interactive sessions focused on valuation, modelling, and market strategies.
Facilities and support: Access The Hub virtual learning environment, extensive financial databases, and Imperial’s dedicated careers service to help you land your dream role.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Imperial College London’s MSc Finance frequently step into roles such as Investment Banking Analyst, Financial Analyst, Portfolio or Asset Management Associate, and Corporate Finance Consultant. With around 93% of graduates employed within six months, the programme consistently delivers strong global career outcomes across top financial institutions.

Why this programme positions you for long-term success:

Exceptional career support: Imperial’s Business School Careers team provides tailored one-to-one coaching, CV and cover-letter refinement, mock interviews, assessment-centre preparation, technical finance interview training, and access to exclusive employer-led workshops. Students also attend networking events with top banks, asset-management firms, and consulting companies.
Impressive employment statistics: Approximately 93% of MSc Finance graduates secure roles within six months, and nearly 90% enter the finance sector—reflecting both the programme’s prestige and the direct industry links students benefit from.
Strong earning potential: Graduates report an average starting salary (PPP-adjusted) of around US $92,000+, demonstrating the high market value Imperial MSc Finance students hold in the global finance job market.
Deep industry partnerships: Students benefit from Imperial’s established relationships with major investment banks, financial institutions, asset-management firms, and consulting companies. These partnerships translate into employer events, insight days, internship opportunities, and strong graduate hiring pipelines.
Long-term accreditation value: Imperial College Business School holds the prestigious “triple crown” of international accreditations — AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS — recognised worldwide for academic excellence and industry relevance.
The MSc Finance is also aligned with CFA curriculum standards, offering a strategic advantage for students pursuing the CFA qualification.
Graduate-ready training: The curriculum spans core finance theory, quantitative methods, corporate finance, asset pricing, and specialist elective pathways. Students also have the option to extend the programme to 16 months, adding a 4–6 month work placement for real-world experience before graduation.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MSc Finance, students can progress toward professional certifications such as CFA Level II and III, or pursue research-oriented pathways like an MRes or PhD in Finance. With several years of industry experience, graduates may also take the next step into an MBA or executive leadership programme — ideal for transitioning into senior financial management, strategic leadership, or global corporate roles.