Risk Management and Financial Engineering

Risk Management and Financial Engineering at Imperial College London is a comprehensive master's programme designed to equip students with the advanced quantitative and analytical skills necessary to excel in the dynamic world of finance. This programme combines rigorous training in risk management techniques, financial modelling, and derivative pricing with practical insights into the financial industry's current challenges and regulatory environment. Students gain a deep understanding of the mathematical foundations underpinning financial markets, including stochastic processes, statistics, and optimization methods, enabling them to develop sophisticated models for assessing and mitigating financial risks.

Throughout the programme, students engage with a diverse curriculum that covers key topics such as credit risk, market risk, financial engineering, quantitative finance, and computational methods. They learn to use cutting-edge software tools and programming languages, such as Python and MATLAB, to implement complex algorithms and perform simulations that inform decision-making in high-stakes environments. The programme also emphasizes real-world applications, including case studies and project-based learning, preparing students to tackle practical problems faced by financial institutions, asset managers, and regulatory bodies.

Imperial College London’s strong links with the financial industry provide students with valuable networking opportunities, internships, and guest lectures from industry professionals. The programme is ideal for individuals seeking careers as risk analysts, financial engineers, quantitative analysts, and risk managers in global financial markets. Graduates leave well-equipped with the technical expertise, analytic capabilities, and strategic thinking skills required to design, implement, and evaluate risk management strategies in a variety of financial contexts. With its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, Risk Management and Financial Engineering at Imperial College London prepares students to become innovative leaders in the financial sector, capable of navigating and shaping the future of finance.

This programme comprises nine or ten taught modules and an end of year project. Six of the modules are core courses and are taken during the first two terms. The three or four elective modules are taken during the spring and summer terms.

You will devote the summer to the completion of the project. Students can either opt to pursue a traditional research project (10,000 words) OR an 'Applied Financial Research' report (3,000 words), together with an additional elective.

MODULES

Core modules

• Online pre-study courses and September Foundation courses
• Financial statistics
• Advanced Financial Statistics
• Stochastic Calculus
• Risk Management
• Financial Engineering
• Investments and Portfolio Management

Elective modules

• Advanced Corporate Finance
• Advanced Investments
• Banking, Computational Finance with C++
• Credit risk
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Fixed-Income securities
• General Insurance
• Hedge Funds
• International Finance
• Life Insurance
• Numerical Finance
• Private Equity and Entrepreneurial Finance
• Venture Capital Finance and Innovation
• Structured Credit and Equity Products
• Behavioural Investment Management
• Advanced Options Theory

Normally a UK Honours degree at 2:1 or equivalent in a highly quantitative discipline such as Mathematics, Engineering, Science or Economics.

ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

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 higher College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification.

Imperial College Business School is offering a number of £10,000 scholarships based on academic excellence, across all Master’s programmes in 2015/2016.

To qualify for a scholarship you must:

• Have demonstrated excellent academic performance in your previous degree(s)
• Have submitted an outstanding and well-rounded application
• Have applied by the required deadline – please see below for further information

Please note: We do not accept scholarship applications from students who have not yet been made an offer of a place at Imperial College Business School.

Scholarship holders will be expected to carry out ambassadorial duties and support the Marketing and Alumni teams at the Business School.

 1. Apply to the programmeStudents who wish to be considered for a scholarship must apply to the programme by 3 March 2015. Anyone applying to the programme after this date will be unable to apply for a scholarship.

2. First stage of scholarship selectionStudents who are successful in the first stage of the scholarship selection process will be notified of their eligibility in their decision email from the School.

3. Notification of successful scholarship recipientsSuccessful scholarship applicants will be notified of the decision via email by 10 April 2015.

The MSc in Risk Management and Financial Engineering at Imperial College London is a highly specialized postgraduate program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the dynamic field of financial risk management and quantitative finance. Offered by the Department of Finance within Imperial College Business School, this program combines rigorous theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing graduates for careers in asset management, investment banking, financial engineering, risk management, and related fields.

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including financial mathematics, derivatives pricing, credit risk, market risk, financial modelling, and quantitative methods. Students are also introduced to advanced computational techniques, programming languages such as Python and R, and the use of cutting-edge financial software tools. The program emphasizes the development of strong analytical skills, quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving abilities essential for managing financial risks effectively in a complex and rapidly changing global financial environment.

Imperial College London’s state-of-the-art facilities provide students with access to resources such as Bloomberg terminals, financial databases, and modern computing labs. Admission to the program typically requires a strong background in mathematics, engineering, physics, computer science, or related quantitative disciplines. Applicants must demonstrate analytical aptitude and a keen interest in financial markets and risk management.

The duration of the MSc program is generally one year full-time, with options for part-time study available for some courses, accommodating professionals seeking to upskill while working. The program includes a combination of lectures, seminars, group projects, and individual research work, fostering a collaborative learning environment and practical experience.

Graduates of the MSc in Risk Management and Financial Engineering from Imperial College London benefit from a strong industrial and academic network, career support services, and opportunities for internships and industry projects. Many alumni go on to work in top financial institutions, consulting firms, and regulatory agencies worldwide, reflecting the program’s reputation for excellence in quantitative finance and risk management education.

In summary, this Master's program at Imperial College London offers a comprehensive and rigorous education in financial engineering and risk management, combining strong theoretical knowledge with practical skills aimed at preparing students for leadership roles in the finance industry and beyond.