Is Imperial MSc Finance worth it in 2025–26 for securing jobs in investment banking and private equity in the UK?

Question

T Mehta · Accepted Answer

Imperial MSc Finance is definitely worth it in 2025&ndash;26 for students aiming at investment banking roles in the UK. The program has strong recruiting ties with banks in London, and most graduates secure roles within six months of finishing. IB analyst salaries usually start around &pound;60,000&ndash;&pound;65,000 base, with bonuses adding another 30&ndash;50%.
For private equity, it&rsquo;s not a direct entry route, but Imperial graduates often use banking or consulting roles as stepping stones. Alumni are visible across major banks like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Barclays, and boutiques that feed into PE. ROI makes sense because, despite high tuition, placements in IB quickly cover the cost within a couple of years.
One area where Imperial stands out is its small class size &mdash; around 90 students &mdash; which gives more targeted career support compared to larger programs. This helps maximize outcomes in a competitive job market.

Karan P · Answer

The question most people forget to ask is whether a UK master&rsquo;s can really push someone into IB or PE, and with Imperial MSc Finance the answer is usually yes &mdash; but in different ways.
&bull; Investment banking is the clear strength. Around 70&ndash;75% of graduates land finance jobs in London, with IB being the top destination. Salaries hover around &pound;60,000 base plus bonuses. &bull; Private equity is tougher. Very few get in directly, but Imperial grads often enter IB first, then make the switch after two to three years. &bull; Recruiters know Imperial as a technical, quant-heavy degree, which makes candidates competitive in assessment centres and modeling tests. &bull; The brand may not match LSE&rsquo;s in buy-side circles, but the focused alumni network in London banking is a strong advantage. &bull; ROI is strong if the plan is to build a career in the UK, since visa sponsorship is common for IB hires.
So yes, for 2025&ndash;26, Imperial remains a solid bet if the goal is IB now and PE later.
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