Imperial College Finance Masters'
So Imperial has a few different finance masters :
MSc Finance
MSc Finance and Accounting
MSc Financial Technology
Msc Investment and Wealth Management
MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering
I would personally be open to do any of the FIN, FIN + ACC. , or Investment and WM. Which one of these programs has the highest acceptance rate/ easiest chance of getting in? Does anyone have any insights on IB/PE recruiting from these programs?
I don't have a very quant background : did a reputed EU 4 yr BBA + 1 year experience as a junior PE analyst in a LMM PE firm. I'm a bit scared these UK schools heavily favor those who studied economics/math/very high GMAT scores over international experience/in the field. (ps Im a 23y M EU national).
Any insights appreciated:)
Based on the WSO threads discussing Imperial College's finance masters programs, here's what you need to know:
Acceptance Rates and Entry Difficulty: Specific acceptance rates for each program at Imperial College are not typically disclosed publicly. However, the general consensus is that programs like MSc Finance and MSc Finance and Accounting are highly competitive due to their direct relevance to high finance roles. The MSc Investment and Wealth Management might be slightly less competitive but still demands a strong profile.
Background Suitability: While it's true that UK schools, including Imperial, often favor candidates with strong quantitative backgrounds, your experience as a junior PE analyst and your business administration background are significant. These practical experiences can offset the less quantitative nature of your undergraduate degree, especially in programs like MSc Finance and Accounting or MSc Investment and Wealth Management.
Recruiting for IB/PE: Imperial College is well-regarded in the finance industry, and its graduates are considered for roles in investment banking and private equity. The MSc Finance and MSc Finance and Accounting programs are particularly aligned with these sectors. Networking and leveraging the school's career services and alumni network can significantly enhance recruitment opportunities.
Advice for Application: Highlight your practical experience in PE, your understanding of the finance industry, and any quantitative skills you have acquired through your work or additional courses. Tailoring your application to show a well-rounded profile with a balance of practical experience and theoretical knowledge could increase your chances of admission.
In summary, while the competition is stiff and the programs at Imperial do favor strong quantitative skills, your unique experiences and background could make you a compelling candidate, especially for the MSc Finance and Accounting or MSc Investment and Wealth Management programs.
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
Seems like you're aiming for IB/PE based on your post. I'm currently on the waitlist for the MSc Finance & Accounting even though MSc Finance was my first choice.
Assuming that's your goal post graduation, then either the MSc Finance or MSc Finance & Accounting would be best aligned with your goals. But from what l've heard based on those l've spoken to is that the MSc Finance & Accounting programme is very competitive this year, the average acceptance rate is ~18%, the MSc Finance is ~10%.
They both require quantitative backgrounds, the MSc Finance being more rigorous as some students end in other sectors like S&T/markets related roles or even PE (which happens to be a few), whereas the Finance & Accounting students aim for corporate finance, accounting, etc. I think this year, the Fin&Acc students got stronger placement than last year and maybe even some MSc Finance students.
Imperial is one of the better masters programs that doesn’t require a GMAT as it seems you’re somewhat worried about that — maybe your experience at a LMM PE firm could offset some of the weaker parts of your application. If you’re looking to get into IB or PE, then I think it’s possible but might be harder for PE as you’re competing with LBS, LSE, Oxford & HEC Paris students, combined with the fact that not every PE shop runs an analyst program so there aren’t many seats relative to IB out of the masters.
Thanks.
See your points. From looking pretty extensively in this forum, many say that at a certain point the program doesn’t matter nearly as much as the school (as long as it’s finance/econ related)
I’m surprised at the c.18% acceptance for the Mfin + accounting. Thought it would be much closer to 10 similar to the finance.
Is the Inv. + WM not even worth considering for looking to start in IB? I think my profile would fit much more that program (Inv.+WM) in order to get accepted, but don’t want it to close any doors (I have no idea what the acceptance % is). At this point I would be happy to have anything Imperial on my CV so I’ll apply to all 3
A&F masters are always less competitive than pure finance ones, purely for "prestige" reasons (given that the two programs are essentially identical barring one or two courses most of the time). At LSE, for instance, the MFin offer rate is around 10%, while the A&F one is closer to 20-25%. Same for Imperial, ~10% offer rate for MFin, 25-28% for the A&F, on a historical basis - think Imperial's A&F program was actually more competitive than LSE's last year, and possibly this year as well. If you're shooting for IB, I'd stick to these two programs - I&WM is more markets-based.
100% correct. For prestige reasons it is much much harder to get in MSc in Finance programs...
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