A 2:1 in a highly quantitative subject
The minimum entry standard is a 2:1 in a highly quantitative subject, such as Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, Finance or Science.
Master's · Imperial Finance
Imperial MSc Finance: quantitative entry standard, optional GMAT and the rounds
Imperial's MSc Finance is a one-year, full-time course at Imperial Business School that starts in August 2027. Its page asks for a 2:1 in a highly quantitative subject and expects proficiency in probability, calculus, matrix algebra and real analysis. The GMAT is not required but adds weight, applicants need a well-researched career plan, and admissions run in rounds, with Round 2 closing on 6 January 2027.
2027-28 entry · Official information
What Imperial asks for in Imperial MSc Finance
Taken from the Imperial College London postgraduate taught course page for the MSc Finance and read on 2 November 2026. The page describes 2027-28 entry; confirm every date and rule on the page before you rely on it.
Four mathematical foundations
All students are expected to be proficient in probability, calculus, matrix algebra and real analysis before they start.
GMAT optional, career plan expected
The GMAT is not required but will add weight to an application. Applicants are also required to have a well-researched career plan with clear short- and long-term goals.
Rounds, not one deadline
Round 2 closes on Wednesday 6 January 2027 and Round 3 on Wednesday 10 March 2027. Round 1 closed on 29 September 2026. The page says the programme is highly competitive and advises early application.
Choose a project route
Students take either an Applied Project, with an additional elective and the optional Extended Work Placement, or a traditional Research Project.
First choice at the Business School
An applicant to the Business School must submit this course as their first choice to be considered for it.
Official sources
Read on 2 November 2026 on the Imperial College London postgraduate taught course page for the MSc Finance, which describes 2027-28 entry. The English-language score table, the accepted international qualifications, the fee and funding pages, the admissions website and the graduate outcomes were not read and are not stated.
Fit
Who the entry standard describes
The page asks for a 2:1 in a highly quantitative subject and names Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, Finance and Science. It also states the mathematics it expects on day one.
An economics or finance graduate
Both are named subjects. The page still expects proficiency in probability, calculus, matrix algebra and real analysis, so check your degree's mathematics against that list.
A mathematics, engineering or science graduate
These are named subjects. The course uses Python as its primary programming language and includes core modules in Corporate Finance, Derivatives and Investments and Portfolio Management, which are likely to be new subject content for a non-finance graduate.
A graduate from a less quantitative subject
The page does not list less quantitative degrees. Read the page and contact the admissions team before building a plan around this course.
Decision
The decisions the course asks you to make
The course gives you two choices that shape the year: the project route and how much you rely on electives. The readings below are Avandy's judgment (heuristic), not Imperial's.
Applied Project or Research Project
The Applied Project comes with an additional elective and access to the optional Extended Work Placement. The Research Project is the traditional route and takes three electives, not four. Decide which suits the work you want to show.
The optional placement
A four-to-six-month placement extends the programme to 16 months, and the page says additional tuition fees apply. Decide before you accept an offer whether you can commit to the longer route.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
Because the page requires a career plan, write it before the statement. A plan with clear short- and long-term goals helps you choose electives and a project route that agree with it.
Application
Rounds, the GMAT and how to use them
The page describes a staged process. Round 1 is for Business School courses only and has closed. Round 2 closes on 6 January 2027 with a decision by 3 March 2027. Round 3 closes on 10 March 2027 and Round 4 on 28 April 2027.
Apply early within the rounds
The page says the programme is highly competitive, advises early application and cannot guarantee that places will be available, or that courses will remain open, in later rounds.
GMAT
Not required, but it adds weight. A candidate who has taken it needs a minimum overall percentile of 55 on the current edition or a score of at least 600 on the older one.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
If your mathematics is thin on paper, a GMAT result is one way to add a quantitative signal, but it does not replace the degree standard. Decide on it early enough to take the test before your chosen round closes.
Planning
Planning for the August 2027 start
The page describes a course starting in August 2027, and the dates above belong to that cycle.
What to do now
Check your degree and your mathematics against the page, write the career plan, decide on the GMAT and choose the round you will aim for. Re-read the page before submitting, because Imperial says course information is subject to change.
Support
Independent support with course choice and the written application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Imperial College London or any of its departments. Support sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the published requirements of each course. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What degree do I need for Imperial MSc Finance?
The page asks for a 2:1 in a highly quantitative subject, such as Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, Finance or Science.
Is the GMAT required?
No. The page says the GMAT is not required for MSc Finance but will add weight to an application.
When is the next deadline for August 2027 entry?
Round 2 closes on Wednesday 6 January 2027, and Round 3 closes on Wednesday 10 March 2027. Round 1 has closed.
Can I do a work placement?
Yes, a four-to-six-month placement is optional and extends the programme to 16 months. The page says additional tuition fees apply.
Does the course use programming?
The page says Python is the primary programming language.
Students and families
Talk to us about the Imperial MSc Finance
Tell us about your degree, your grades, your relevant experience and the master's courses you are weighing. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare the application.