Imperial MSc Finance Entry Requirements and Interview Guide
Imperial MSc Finance at a glance
Imperial Business School (ICBS) [MSc Finance] is a 12 month full time master's program for graduates with a strong quantitative background who want to develop advanced finance knowledge and prepare for careers in financial services.** The 2027 program starts in August and is based in London.
For Imperial MSc Finance applicants, the most important parts of the Imperial MSc Finance admission application are the academic background, quantitative preparation, career plan, essays, references, English language requirement, and interview.
Imperial currently describes MSc Finance as a highly quantitative program and expects students to be proficient in probability, calculus, matrix algebra, and real analysis before starting the degree. Graduate applicants also complete a Quantitative Experience Statement to show the Imperial admissions team where they developed their quantitative skills.
The Imperial MSc Finance program is also closely connected to finance careers. According to Imperial's MSc Finance employment report, 93% of the Class of 2024 was employed within six months, while 90% was employed in the finance sector. These figures describe one graduating class and should not be treated as a guarantee of future employment.
Shortlisted graduate applicants complete an online video interview. Imperial says the video interview is an opportunity to demonstrate your motivation and interest in the program while helping the admissions team understand how you approach problems, your motivations, and your wider interests.
That makes the master's degree application more than an academic screening exercise. You need to show that your quantitative background, career direction, academic interests, and personal experiences connect logically to Imperial MSc Finance.
This Imperial MSc Finance admission preparationguide covers the current Imperial MSc Finance entry requirements, application essays, Quantitative Experience Statement, GMAT and GRE policy, application deadlines, fees, scholarships, career outcomes, video interview format, interview questions, and preparation strategy for the 2027 intake.
What makes Imperial MSc Finance different?
A quantitative finance curriculum
MSc Finance is designed for students with a strong quantitative foundation.
The ICBS MSc Finance expects incoming students to be comfortable with probability, calculus, matrix algebra, and real analysis. This requirement is more specific than simply saying that applicants need a quantitative degree.
The Imperial College Business School (ICBS) identifies Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, Finance, and Science among the disciplines that can provide an appropriate academic background.
The ICBS MSc Finance program then builds on that foundation through advanced finance study and practical application. Imperial also offers more than 20 elective options, allowing students to tailor parts of the degree toward their interests and career plans.
Strong links to the finance industry
London is an important part of the program's professional environment.
ICBS highlights relationships with major financial organizations and opportunities to connect with industry practitioners. Its Careers team also provides mock interviews, technical coaching, recruitment events, and access to tools for CV feedback, aptitude tests, and investment banking preparation.
This can be particularly relevant for applicants targeting investment banking, asset management, consulting, or other competitive finance careers.
A clear focus on career development
Imperial MSc Finance program expects applicants to have a clear career plan rather than simply expressing a general interest in finance.
The ICBS admissions team wants to see evidence that you have been building relevant knowledge and experience throughout your undergraduate studies. Relevant internships and work placements are strongly recommended and can add weight to an application.
What are the Imperial MSc Finance entry requirements?
Imperial MSc Finance applicants need a strong academic and quantitative background.
| Requirement | Current Imperial guidance |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | Preferably a First Class Honours degree, although Upper Second Class applicants are also considered |
| Academic discipline | Highly quantitative subjects such as Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, Finance, or Science |
| Quantitative preparation | Probability, calculus, matrix algebra, and real analysis |
| Quantitative Experience Statement | Required to demonstrate advanced quantitative coursework |
| GMAT | Not required, but a strong result can add weight |
| GRE | A strong Quantitative score can add weight |
| English language | IELTS 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in every element, where required |
| References | Two academic referees or one academic and one professional referee |
| Work experience | Relevant internships and work placements are strongly recommended |
| Career planning | Clear short term and long term career goals |
Academic background
Imperial says applicants should preferably have a First Class Honours degree from a recognized university. Candidates with an Upper Second Class Honours degree or international equivalent are also considered.
Your undergraduate subject matters because Imperial MSc Finance is highly quantitative.
Imperial specifically identifies Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, Finance, and Science as examples of suitable disciplines.
A quantitative degree alone does not automatically demonstrate preparation. Your university application should make it clear which courses gave you the mathematical foundation needed for the program.
Quantitative Experience Statement
The Quantitative Experience Statement is one of the most important parts of the Imperial MSc Finance application.
ICBS master's degree applicants can list up to five of their most quantitative modules or elements of their studies. Imperial asks candidates to identify the main topics covered and the level at which they studied them.
Think beyond course titles.
If you studied statistics, calculus, probability, econometrics, linear algebra, mathematical modeling, or programming, explain the relevant topics rather than simply naming the course.
The goal is to give the ICBS MSc Finance admissions team a clear picture of your actual quantitative preparation.
Imperial also provides an online mathematics test that applicants can use to assess whether their mathematical background is suitable for the program.
GMAT and GRE
GMAT or GRE is not mandatory for Imperial MSc Finance.
However, this does not mean test scores are irrelevant.
Imperial says a well balanced GMAT result can strengthen an application. Its current guidance requires a minimum overall percentile ranking of 55%, while the current average for the GMAT 10th Edition is 645. Imperial also says a GRE Quantitative score of 159 can add weight to an application. GMAT or GRE is highly recommended for candidates with less quantitative degree backgrounds.
Therefore, applicants should not interpret “GMAT not required” as meaning that a strong score cannot help.
English language requirement
Where English language evidence is required, Imperial currently lists an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in every element.
Imperial MSc Finance also accepts other approved English language qualifications, including TOEFL and the Duolingo English Test, subject to the current requirements.
Check the ICBS MSc Finance official admission requirements for your qualification before submitting an Imperial MSc Finance admission application, particularly if your undergraduate degree was completed outside a qualifying English speaking country.
References
Graduate applicants need two academic referees or one academic and one professional referee.
Imperial recommends that one referee can be your current line manager when appropriate. References must also come from professional or academic email addresses rather than personal accounts such as Gmail or Yahoo.
Choose referees who can provide specific evidence about your academic ability, quantitative preparation, professional development, or potential.
What essays are required for Imperial MSc Finance?
The Imperial MSc Finance application includes three essay questions.
These essays give applicants an opportunity to explain their career direction, program fit, community contribution, and personal qualities.
Career plans after graduation
Essay 1: "Please discuss your career plans after graduation. (350 words)"
Avoid stopping at a broad statement such as wanting to work in finance.
Explain the role or area you want to pursue, why it interests you, what experiences have influenced that direction, and which skills you want to develop through MSc Finance.
A clear answer should make it easy to understand the connection between your past experience, Imperial MSc Finance, and your future career.
Why Imperial Business School?
Essay 2: "Why do you want to study at Imperial Business School and how will you contribute to our community? (500 words)
This is an opportunity to demonstrate genuine program research.
Rather than relying on general statements about prestige, identify specific elements of Imperial that connect to your goals. These could include the quantitative curriculum, electives, London location, finance industry connections, Careers support, student societies, or other aspects of the student experience.
Then address the second half of the question.
What will you contribute to the Imperial community?
Your academic interests, professional experience, extracurricular activities, international experiences, leadership, or community involvement can provide evidence.
Imperial's values
Essay 3: Imperial’s values are Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, Innovation, and Excellence. Describe a time where you embodied one, or more, of these values and explain the impact it had. (500 words)
The values are Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, Innovation, and Excellence.
Choose one meaningful example instead of trying to mention every value.
Explain the situation briefly, describe what you personally did, show how your actions reflected the selected value, and then explain the impact.
Demonstrate the quality through your actions rather than simply claiming that you possess it.
Your ICBS MSc Finance essays and video interview should also tell a consistent story. The experiences you discuss should sound like they belong to the same applicant.
What are the Imperial MSc Finance application deadlines for 2027?
Imperial uses a staged application process for the 2027 MSc Finance intake.
| Round | Application deadline | Decision deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 29, 2026 | November 25, 2026 |
| Round 2 | January 6, 2027 | March 3, 2027 |
| Round 3 | March 10, 2027 | May 5, 2027 |
| Round 4 | April 28, 2027 | June 16, 2027 |
Applications must be submitted by 23.59 UK time on the relevant deadline. Imperial describes MSc Finance as highly competitive and advises applicants to apply early. Earlier application can also place candidates in a stronger position for scholarship consideration and admitted student events.
Plan backward from your target round.
You will need time to prepare your essays, request references, document your quantitative experience, complete supporting materials, and prepare for the interview if shortlisted.
How much does Imperial MSc Finance cost?
Imperial MSc Finance currently lists £51,000 as the tuition fee for MSc Finance for 2027 entry. The dedicated fees and funding page notes that the 2027 tuition fee will be confirmed shortly, so applicants should check the official page before making final financial plans.
A £6,500 deposit is required after accepting an offer. Imperial states that this deposit is part of the tuition fee rather than an additional charge. Accommodation and living expenses are separate.
Imperial MSc Finance scholarships
Imperial Business School offers several scholarships for master's applicants.
Current examples include the Dean's Impact Scholarship, Female Future Leaders Scholarship, Females in Finance Future Leaders Scholarship, Global Future Leaders Scholarship, Imperial Excellence Scholarship, and Imperial Inspires Scholarship. Award amounts and eligibility vary.
Imperial recommends applying early because scholarships may not be awarded after every admissions round.
If funding is an important part of your admission application, review the scholarship criteria before submitting your program application so you can prepare any additional written materials in advance.
What are the career outcomes for Imperial MSc Finance?
According to Imperial's MSc Finance Career Impact report, 93% of ICBS MSc Finance graduates from the Class of 2024 were employed within six months and 90% were employed in the finance sector.
The same report shows that 63% were employed in the UK and reports an average salary of $92,564 on a purchasing power parity basis. These figures apply to graduates from the Class of 2024 who were seeking employment and shared employment data with Imperial.
These statistics provide useful context for applicants researching Imperial MSc Finance career outcomes, but they should not be interpreted as a guarantee of an individual student's employment result.
Imperial also provides career support through mock interviews, technical coaching, employer events, career consultants, CV feedback, aptitude test resources, and investment banking training resources.
The program is particularly relevant to applicants exploring areas such as investment banking, asset management, consulting, and other finance careers.
For your application, the more useful question is not simply whether employment statistics look strong.
Consider whether the curriculum, career support, industry connections, and London location align with the career path you want to pursue.
What is the Imperial MSc Finance video interview like?
Shortlisted applicants complete an online video interview as part of the admissions process.
Imperial says the admission interview gives candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their motivation and interest in studying at Imperial. The school also wants to understand how you approach problems, your motivations, and your wider interests.
Imperial's admissions guidance does not publish a fixed list of questions.
Instead, its interview guidance explains that applicants should expect questions about their background, strengths, passion for the program, and program specific topics. The school also emphasizes that applicants should think on the spot and use real examples from their own experiences.
Prepare without memorizing
Imperial specifically advises applicants to prepare without over preparing.
Its guidance recommends using preparation time to organize the key points of an answer rather than scripting every sentence. The school also encourages natural answers and specific examples.
This becomes even more important given Imperial's current guidance on AI.
Imperial MSc Finance says applicants should practice key themes rather than scripts, speak naturally, and avoid reading prepared answers during the video interview. It also emphasizes that the interview should represent the applicant's own voice and thinking.
The practical approach is simple.
Know your stories, career goals, quantitative background, and reasons for choosing Imperial. Do not memorize a paragraph for every possible question.
Focus on the actual question
Imperial MSc Finance interview guidance warns applicants against answering a different question from the one being asked.
For example, if you are asked about a time you kept a team motivated, explaining why teamwork matters does not answer the question.
Start with the specific experience.
Then explain what you did, why you made those decisions, and what happened as a result.
Use real examples
Imperial recommends using specific real life examples where possible.
This matters because the interview is designed to help the admissions team learn more about you, rather than receive a generic explanation of what a successful finance applicant should say.
What Imperial's AI guidance means for interview preparation
Imperial's own admissions guidance is clear that authenticity matters.
The school says AI can be useful for brainstorming ideas, checking grammar, and refining structure, but the underlying ideas, reflection, tone, and wording should come from the applicant.
For the video interview, Imperial says it wants to hear the applicant rather than a rehearsed script or AI generated phrasing. It specifically recommends preparing the key themes and treating the interview like a conversation.
This is consistent with Imperial's broader interview guidance, which recommends natural answers, real examples, and preparation without memorizing responses word for word.
There is also relevant research on asynchronous video interviews. A 2024 study published in Computers in Human Behavior, Beyond Traditional Interviews: Psychometric Analysis of Asynchronous Video Interviews for Personality and Interview Performance Evaluation Using Machine Learning, examined asynchronous video interviews and found that verbal features explained a substantial amount of variation in the study's personality and interview performance models. The researchers also discussed limitations around automated assessment and identified some instances of algorithmic bias, meaning the findings should not be interpreted as proof that a particular speaking style guarantees a better interview outcome. Instead, the results suggest that the quality and content of applicants' responses can play an important role in asynchronous video interview performance.
The useful takeaway for applicants is narrower.
Practice speaking clearly on camera, review how you communicate your reasoning, and become comfortable answering the same topic in different ways.
What Imperial MSc Finance interview questions should you practice?
Imperial does not publish a fixed list of MSc Finance interview questions. The questions below are therefore representative practice questions based on the areas Imperial says it explores rather than predictions of the actual interview.
Why do you want to study MSc Finance at Imperial?
Connect your answer to your academic background, career direction, and specific features of the program.
A strong response should explain why Imperial, why finance, and why now.
What are your short term and long term career goals?
Imperial looks for candidates with a clear career plan.
Explain the role or area of finance you are targeting and how the MSc Finance program fits into your development.
Tell us about a quantitative problem you solved
Choose an example where your quantitative skills were genuinely important.
Focus on how you approached the problem, what information you considered, and how you reached your conclusion.
Tell us about an experience that changed how you approach problems
This question allows you to demonstrate reflection.
Choose a situation where something did not go exactly as expected and explain how you adjusted your approach.
What have you done to prepare for a career in finance?
Discuss internships, coursework, projects, competitions, research, student organizations, or other experiences that helped you understand the industry.
The important part is not the number of experiences.
Explain what you learned from them.
What interests you outside academics?
Imperial says the interview can explore wider interests.
Choose something you genuinely care about and be prepared to explain why it matters to you.
How should you prepare for the Imperial MSc Finance interview?
Build answer frameworks
Prepare key points instead of complete scripts.
For each major topic, identify three or four points you want to communicate.
This gives your response structure while allowing you to adapt naturally to different questions.
Practice the same experience from different angles
One experience can answer several types of questions.
A quantitative project might demonstrate problem solving, teamwork, failure, leadership, analytical thinking, or learning.
Practice changing the emphasis without changing the underlying facts.
Practice on camera
Video interview preparation is different from writing an answer.
Recording yourself helps you notice whether your response is too long, whether your main point appears early enough, and whether your delivery sounds natural.
You can also review your pacing, filler words, eye contact, facial expression, and ability to explain complex ideas clearly.
Revisit your application
Read your CV, essays, career planning answer, Quantitative Experience Statement, and other submitted materials before the interview.
Your interview should remain consistent with the application you submitted.
Practice under realistic timing
Imperial's older official interview guidance explains that applicants receive preparation time before spoken questions and emphasizes using that time to identify the key points rather than writing a complete response.
Practice giving yourself limited preparation time.
The objective is not to eliminate pauses.
It is to become comfortable organizing your thoughts quickly.
What mistakes should Imperial MSc Finance applicants avoid?
Underestimating the quantitative requirement
MSc Finance is explicitly quantitative.
Imperial expects proficiency in probability, calculus, matrix algebra, and real analysis. A strong overall academic record does not remove the need to demonstrate appropriate quantitative preparation.
Treating GMAT as completely irrelevant
GMAT is not mandatory, but Imperial says a strong result can add weight to an application.
Applicants with less quantitative academic backgrounds should pay particular attention to Imperial's recommendation around GMAT or GRE.
Writing a generic career plan
Saying you want to work in finance does not explain your direction.
Identify the type of role or sector you are interested in and connect it to your previous experiences and the skills you want to gain.
Memorizing an interview script
Imperial specifically recommends preparing themes rather than scripts.
Practice your ideas, not every sentence.
Ignoring the Quantitative Experience Statement
This section gives Imperial direct evidence of your quantitative preparation.
Use it carefully by selecting your strongest relevant courses and explaining the topics covered.
Giving vague reasons for choosing Imperial
Avoid relying entirely on reputation.
Research the curriculum, electives, career resources, industry connections, London location, and other features that genuinely connect to your goals.
Leaving the application until the last minute
The application includes essays, references, academic documents, quantitative information, career planning, and potentially test scores.
Give yourself enough time to review everything before submitting.
How to Prepare for Imperial MSc Finance with MYLS Interview
The most effective interview preparation is practice that reflects the actual video interview experience while giving you clear feedback on how to improve.
With MYLS Interview, applicants can practice questions related to career goals, finance motivation, quantitative experiences, problem solving, leadership, teamwork, and academic interests in a realistic timed interview environment.
How MYLS Interview Helps Imperial MSc Finance Applicants
Full Interview – Simulate a complete interview experience with multiple questions in one session. This helps you practice maintaining structure, confidence, and consistency across different question types.
Single Question Practice – Focus on one question at a time when refining specific areas such as finance motivation, career goals, or quantitative problem solving.
Personalized Model Interview – Generate interview questions based on your resume, personal statement, or application materials. This helps you prepare for questions that are highly relevant to your own background and experiences.
Timed Video Practice – Experience realistic preparation and response time limits similar to those used in many admissions video interviews. This helps improve clarity and decision making under pressure.
AI Feedback Report – Receive structured feedback immediately after completing a response so you can identify strengths and improvement opportunities before your next practice session.
Ability Scores – Review performance across competencies such as communication, leadership, problem solving, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning.
Question Ability Card – Understand how each response performed across individual competencies and identify specific skills that need additional practice.
What to Improve Section – Receive actionable suggestions that explain exactly where your answer can become stronger, clearer, or more persuasive.
Answer Transcript – Review a complete transcript of your response to identify repetitive language, unclear explanations, or missed opportunities to provide stronger examples.
Video Playback – Watch your own responses and evaluate your pacing, confidence, professionalism, and overall communication style.
Verbal and Speaking Analysis – Assess factors such as speaking clarity, filler words, sentence structure, and delivery effectiveness.
On Camera Presence Evaluation – Understand how your eye contact, engagement, confidence, and presentation may be perceived in a video interview setting.
Progress Checklist – Track improvement across multiple practice sessions and identify which interview competencies have improved over time.
Interview History – Revisit previous practice attempts, compare performance, and monitor long term development throughout your preparation process.
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Instead of memorizing scripted responses, MYLS Interview helps you become more comfortable discussing your own experiences, motivations, achievements, and career goals naturally. This approach aligns closely with Imperial's guidance to prepare key themes while answering authentically during the interview.
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Final thoughts
Getting ready for Imperial MSc Finance starts well before the video interview.
Your academic background needs to demonstrate the quantitative foundation Imperial expects. Your Quantitative Experience Statement should make that preparation easy to understand. Your essays should connect your experiences with your career plans and explain why Imperial is relevant to your next step.
The interview then gives you another opportunity to demonstrate those connections in your own voice.
Know your quantitative background. Know your career goals. Know your reasons for choosing Imperial. Then practice explaining them naturally.
The goal is not to predict every question.
It is to become comfortable enough with your own experiences and ideas that you can give a clear answer when the actual question is different from the one you practiced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Imperial MSc Finance entry requirements?
Applicants should preferably have a First Class Honours degree, although Upper Second Class applicants are also considered. Imperial expects a highly quantitative academic background and proficiency in probability, calculus, matrix algebra, and real analysis. Applicants also complete a Quantitative Experience Statement and provide references.
Does Imperial MSc Finance require the GMAT or GRE?
No. GMAT or GRE is not mandatory, but Imperial says a strong result can add weight to an application. GMAT or GRE is highly recommended for candidates with less quantitative degree backgrounds.
What is the Imperial MSc Finance video interview like?
Shortlisted candidates complete an online video interview. Imperial says the interview explores motivation, previous experience, future aspirations, problem solving, and wider interests. The school recommends preparing key themes without memorizing complete scripts.
What essays are required for Imperial MSc Finance?
The application includes three essays covering career plans, why you want to study at Imperial and how you will contribute to the community, and an example demonstrating Imperial's values. The word limits are 350, 500, and 500 words.
When are the Imperial MSc Finance application deadlines for 2027?
The current deadlines are September 29, 2026, January 6, 2027, March 10, 2027, and April 28, 2027. The corresponding decision dates are November 25, March 3, May 5, and June 16.
How much does Imperial MSc Finance cost?
Imperial currently lists £51,000 for 2027 entry, although its dedicated fees page says the 2027 tuition fee will be confirmed shortly. A £6,500 deposit is required after accepting an offer and counts toward the tuition fee.
Can MYLS Interview help with Imperial MSc Finance preparation?
Yes. MYLS Interview lets applicants practice representative video interview questions, record responses, and review structured feedback on areas such as content, answer quality, verbal communication, and on camera presence.