Imperial MSc Finance Rep?

 My end goal is to ultimately break into IBD FT (I have quite a bit of experience in IBD already at a BB and MM firm) and was wondering if anyone could tell me more about their reputation across banks in London?

7 Comments
 

Imperial College Business School's MSc Finance program has a solid reputation in London, particularly for its rigorous curriculum and strong placement in investment banking roles. Based on previous WSO threads, here are some key points about its reputation:

  1. Placement in London IB: Imperial MSc Finance graduates have successfully placed at top-tier banks such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, and Barclays, among others. The program is recognized for producing candidates with strong quantitative and analytical skills.

  2. Challenging Curriculum: The MSc Finance at Imperial is considered one of the hardest finance master's programs in the UK. Many students in the program come from strong academic backgrounds in economics and mathematics, which aligns well with the technical demands of investment banking.

  3. Practical Focus: The course is less theoretical compared to programs like LSE's MSc Finance. It offers practical modules and opportunities to develop skills in areas like VBA and Python, which are highly valued in banking roles.

  4. Brand Perception: While Imperial is highly regarded, it is often seen as slightly below LSE, LBS, and Oxbridge in terms of brand strength for finance roles. However, its reputation is still strong enough to secure interviews and offers, especially when combined with prior IBD experience like yours.

  5. Networking Opportunities: Imperial provides access to a robust alumni network and career services that can help you connect with professionals in the industry.

Given your prior experience in IBD at both BB and MM firms, the Imperial MSc Finance could be a strong choice to solidify your technical skills and expand your network, making you a competitive candidate for full-time roles in London.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/admitted-to-imperial-college-business-school-msc-finance-and-lse-msc-finance-for-2019?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/uk-master-in-finance-advice?customgpt=1, 2018 UK Target Uni - MSc - for FO jobs: put your POV, Profile Evaluation: MSc in Finance at LBS, LSE, Imperial, Said or MIT, Imperial MSc Finance and Accounting vs LSE MSc Accounting and Finance

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

If you’ve already got BB and MM IBD experience, you’re in a strong spot. In London, rep varies a bit by group, but overall the scene values pedigree + performance. People care more about deal experience and how well you can talk through it than just firm name. If you're targeting top FT IBD roles, just be ready to walk through your deals in depth and have a clear story. Also, some boutiques and elite independents are really stepping up their game here lately, worth keeping on your radar.
 

 
Most Helpful

I went there a few years ago - everyone who ultimately wanted to get into IBD (not just said they did) got in. Probably did better with EBs than BBs, but that's a general trend ATM. EBs prefer people who can hit the desk running, and as you'd expect masters students fit the bill there. Aside from that, it's a great year and I'd thoroughly recommend.

 

Cum fugit eum labore dolorem. Autem facilis repellendus delectus minus. Ut omnis sit consequatur excepturi repudiandae vel sit. Saepe unde animi voluptatem recusandae officiis beatae eum.

Praesentium debitis iste enim soluta. Sunt et magni laudantium qui. Quam quisquam quidem dolorem facilis non nihil dolores.

Nam sed non qui enim voluptatem. Tenetur beatae recusandae nihil neque. Repudiandae sed repellat commodi nihil officia voluptate. Reiciendis nihil porro quos placeat.

Ratione architecto quia corporis itaque. Sint tenetur repudiandae inventore magni. Dolorem sit sapiente blanditiis vitae magni.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”