MSc Finance and Accounting
A specialist programme, designed to prepare recent graduates for careers in the finance industry.
Overview
Our accredited MSc in Finance and Accounting is ideal for students looking to pursue careers in the finance industry, such as investment banking and professional services.
This one-year full-time programme provides a thorough grounding in the theory of finance and an understanding of the practical elements of the finance and accounting industry. You’ll gain a foundation and an understanding of the more practical aspects of designing a strategy and managing the finances and risk of a business.
Study programme
Before the course begins you are expected to complete pre-study and foundation modules online. These are designed to provide you with a basic knowledge of areas later covered throughout the academic year and introduce you to the modern tools of finance.
The taught element of the programme starts in September and you study the core modules throughout the autumn and spring terms. Each student also takes elective modules which are taught in the spring and summer terms. The elective modules allow you to tailor your learning to meet your career ambitions and match your interests. Your choice of electives includes two international options which allow you to experience finance in a different economy
In the spring and summer terms, you will choose between undertaking two types of projects and will work on the project in the summer term and summer vacation period. Students who choose the Applied Project submit 3,000 words and a short presentation. Students who choose the Research Project produce an original piece of work around 10,000 words. Students who complete a Research Project will be required to take one less elective. The Research Project is particularly suited to those students wanting to do a PhD after their MSc programme.
Careers
Our graduates are well prepared for jobs in the finance industry, such as investment banking, asset management and consultancy. Graduates have pursued careers in the UK, Europe and further afield, with employers including Deloitte, HSBC and J.P. Morgan.
Professional accreditation
We are among a handful of business schools worldwide to achieve triple accreditation:
- Association of MBAs (AMBA)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
We have also been recognised for our work in tackling gender inequality in higher education with a Bronze Athena SWAN award.
Structure
This page reflects the latest version of the curriculum for this year of entry. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.
Page last reviewed on 25 October 2021.
Structure
Core modules
You take all of the core modules below.
- Foundations in Finance & Accounting
- Advanced Corporate Finance
- Applied Econometrics
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Accounting
- Fundamentals of Derivatives
- Investments and Portfolio Management
- Management Accounting
Non-assessed modules
You complete the following modules but will not be assessed.
- Accounting Primer
- Career and Professional Development
- Finance Careers Primer
- Introduction to Finance
- Introduction to Maths
- Plagiarism Awareness
- Study Skills
- Ethics and Professional Standards in Finance
Optional modules
You can choose three or four optional modules depending on whether you choose a Research Project or Applied Project. At least one of these will be a key elective.
Key elective
- Contemporary Financial Accounting
- Banks, Regulation and Monetary Policy
- Corporate Governance and Stewardship
- Corporate Law and Corporate Tax Strategy
- Corporate Dealmaking
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Real Estate Investments
Optional modules
- Advanced Financial Statistics
- Blockchain and Applications
- Corporate Finance for Practitioners (International Elective)
- Entrepreneurial Finance
- International Finance
- Advanced Company Valuation
- Enterprise Risk Management
- Insurance
- Private Equity and Venture Capital
- Structured Credit and Equity Products
- Innovation and Strategy in FinTech
- Wealth Management and Alternative Investments
Not all combinations of electives are possible, as some electives run concurrently and normally a minimum of 20 students need to be enrolled on an elective in order for it to run.
Project
You chose one of the two projects.
- Applied Project - if you choose this option, you will also complete an additional elective. The report is around 3,000 words. If you have secured a work placement, you will be able to link your project to the area of finance of the employer organisation.
- Research Project - the Research Project is ideal if you wish to follow an academic career and apply to a PhD programme. The report should be around 10,000 words.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
- Case studies
- Equipment/technique demonstrations (e.g. Bloomberg, Datastream)
- Formal presentations
- Group work exercises
- Interactive content including video and module quizzes
- Lectures
- On-line discussion forums
- On-line lecture materials
- Practical classes
- Pre-programme on-line modules
- Seminars
- Work Placement Opportunity
- Workshops
Assessment methods
- Case Studies
- Continuous assessments
- Essays
- Formal Presentations
- Multiple Choice Tests
- Participation
- Reports
- Written Examinations/Tests
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Entry requirements
Minimum academic requirement
Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in a quantitative subject.
You are also required to have a well-researched career plan with clear short and long term goals.
Non-academic requirements
When selecting candidates, the Business School uses a range of non-academic criteria to assess students, including future potential and the commitment which students will bring to the programme.
International qualifications
The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a UK qualification.
We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications. For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College.
If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the ICBS requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for Business School applicants.
Competence standards
Our competence standards highlight the core skills students should be able to demonstrate by the end of this course.
View Imperial College Business School's competence standards [pdf]
We believe in providing the widest practicable access to all of our degree programmes and will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support your study. For more information, please contact the Department using the contact details below.
Imperial College Business School
T: +44 (0)20 7589 5111
E: business.school@imperial.ac.uk
How to apply
Making an application
Apply online
All applicants must apply online.
Visit our Admissions website for details on the application process.
If you are applying to the Business School, you may only be considered for one programme per admissions cycle, with the exception of applicants to our Finance Master's programmes, who may select two programmes.
Application fee
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course:
- £80 for taught Master's applications (excluding MBAs)
- £135 for MBA applications
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
ATAS certificate
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Further questions?
Find answers to your questions about admissions. Answers cover COVID-19, English language requirements, visas and more.
Tuition fees and funding
The fees for MSc Finance and Accounting are the same for UK and international students.
Find out more about fees and funding opportunities.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees
Postgraduate Master's loan
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For 2022-23 entry, the maximum amount is £11,836. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students to support you through your studies. Find out more about our scholarships to see what you might be eligible for.
There are a number of external organisations also offer awards for Imperial students, find out more about non-Imperial scholarships.
Accommodation and living costs
Living costs, including accommodation, are not included in your tuition fees.
You can compare costs across our different accommodation options on our Accommodation website.
A rough guide to what you might expect to spend to live in reasonable comfort in London is available on our Fees and Funding website.
Further information
Got a question?
T: +44 (0)20 7589 5111
E: business.school@imperial.ac.uk
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