MSc Finance and Accounting with placement year

From the get-go, this MSc isn’t just theory — it’s designed so you graduate ready to handle real financial and accounting work. You’ll study core topics like corporate finance, financial accounting, derivatives, investments & portfolio management, applied econometrics — and you’ll also get to work on real business and valuation challenges through projects or optional placements. Many lectures are delivered by industry practitioners, giving you insight into how finance works in practice. So when you finish, you aren’t just book-smart — you’ve seen finance in action, worked on realistic problems, and built a network.

Here’s how that practical learning is delivered:

• Hands-on modules & applied work: Core courses include Advanced Corporate Finance, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Investments & Portfolio Management, Fundamentals of Derivatives, Applied Econometrics, among others.

• Real projects: In the spring/summer term you choose either an Applied Project or a Research Project. If you do the Applied Project, you also take an additional elective — giving you both depth and practical exposure.

• Optional work placement (internship): You have the option — with approval — to take a 4–6 month work placement as part of your programme, extending it to 16 months and earning additional credits. This allows you to gain real-world experience with employers, often in finance or accounting.

• Blended learning environment with modern tools: Before the course begins, you complete online pre-study modules (through Imperial’s virtual learning environment), including foundational finance and accounting primers — so you start well-prepared.

• Flexible electives: The programme offers a wide range of electives — allowing you to tailor your studies depending on your interests (for example, focusing on valuation, corporate finance, real estate finance, private equity, etc.).

What makes Imperial especially powerful for this MSc

• Accredited and globally recognised: The MSc is accredited by both ACCA and CIMA — two of the most respected professional accounting bodies worldwide. That gives your degree extra professional value.

• Strong employability outcomes: For the class of 2024, 97% of graduates were employed within six months of graduating, many in finance, consulting, investment banking, asset management, or private equity.

• World-class faculty & industry exposure: You’ll learn from top academics and industry practitioners. Guest lectures from finance professionals are common, enriching your learning with real-world perspectives.

• Global network & strategic location: Imperial Business School has a large, active alumni network and is based in London — a global financial hub — giving you a strong platform for networking and job opportunities globally.

What you can expect in a typical study-and-work year

• The programme runs full-time for 12 months, starting in September (with pre-study online modules starting around July–August).

• Throughout the term you’ll attend lectures, seminars, group work, case-studies, presentations and practical classes — many modules have quantitative, technical content.

• In spring/summer, you will work on either an Applied Project or a Research Project — which could involve real-world financial or accounting problems.

• If you opt for the work placement route, you may spend 4–6 months working in a company (in finance, accounting, M&A, asset management, etc.), gaining hands-on experience and boosting employability.

Why this is a great next step — especially if you come from a quantitative or accounting background

If your bachelor’s degree or earlier education had a quantitative component (economics, mathematics, engineering, business, accounting, etc.), this MSc will build on that — equipping you with deep technical knowledge, accounting & valuation skills, plus professional credibility with ACCA/CIMA accreditation.

Beyond that, it offers flexibility: you can tailor electives and projects to match your career ambition — be it corporate finance, investment banking, consulting, asset management, or accounting services.

Given your interest in finance and ambition for global exposure, this degree will not only deepen your skillset but also place you at the heart of London’s financial ecosystem, with strong employer connections and a high-employment record.

Graduates of Imperial College London’s MSc Finance & Accounting often secure competitive roles in global finance, accounting, and consulting firms. Many step directly into positions such as Investment Banking Analyst, Financial Analyst, Corporate Finance Associate, or Consulting Analyst — supported by Imperial’s exceptional employability record and industry reputation.

Why this programme accelerates your career:

• Powerful employability services: Imperial’s dedicated Business School Careers team offers tailored one-to-one coaching, CV and cover-letter refinement, mock interviews, assessment-centre preparation, technical-finance interview training, and personalised career roadmaps. Students also gain access to employer networking events, finance-sector panels, and industry mentors.

• Strong employment outcomes: Around 97% of MSc Finance & Accounting graduates secure employment within six months. A large majority enter high-value finance roles, especially in London — one of the world’s biggest financial hubs.

• Industry and employer partnerships: Graduates are frequently hired by leading financial institutions and consulting firms including Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, major investment banks, and international corporates. Imperial’s strong employer network, London location, and industry-linked curriculum give students direct access to internships, insight programmes, and graduate job pipelines.

• Accreditation benefits: The programme is accredited by ACCA and CIMA, giving students exemptions from several exam components and strengthening long-term professional recognition worldwide. These accreditations offer a lifelong advantage for anyone building a career in accounting, corporate finance, investment analysis, or audit.

• Graduation outcomes: Students benefit from a curriculum that blends technical finance, accounting strategy, valuation, analytics, and professional practice. The optional 16-month route with a 4–6 month work placement provides practical industry experience and boosts job readiness.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc, students can advance toward professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or CFA. Those interested in research or academia can pursue an MRes or PhD in Finance or Accounting. With a few years of work experience, graduates can also progress to an MBA or an executive leadership programme — ideal for transitioning into senior management or strategic roles.