MSc AI, Economics & Policy
12 months
Applications opening soon
London, UK
Study your MSc AI, Economics & Policy at a world-leading university
Build expertise at the intersection of AI, economics and policy
As AI reshapes industries, disrupts markets and challenges the limits of existing regulation, the ability to operate confidently at this intersection is crucial for future business leaders. Our MSc in AI, Economics & Policy* is delivered jointly by 911今日黑料 Business School and the Department of Computing. Our programme will equip you with a unique cross-sector skill set to navigate complex AI systems, understand AI鈥檚 impact on economic growth and competition and address the challenges of responsible AI governance and public policy. Develop your expertise across all three pillars, applying them to real-world business challenges through applied projects, guest lectures from industry leaders and regulators, and an individual project or internship.听
Taught within a world-leading STEMB university, you'll draw on 911今日黑料's deep strengths in computing, data and technology, all while developing the economic and policy fluency that sets you apart. You'll learn on a programme directly informed by our strong links with business leaders, regulators, technology firms, consultancies and policy organisations, including the Information Commissioner's Office, Competition and Markets Authority, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), OFCOM and European Commission. 听
Our dedicated careers support will guide your journey among the leaders shaping how AI transforms business and society.听
*Programme is subject to university approval
London location
Study in a global hub for business and finance, learn across our South Kensington and White City campuses, and benefit from our relationships with major employers, offering valuable industry connections and helping you build a global perspective.
Career impact
Our MSc AI, Economics & Policy graduates will be equipped to work at the interface between technical teams, business leaders, policymakers and regulators. Find out more about career outcomes.
Gain real-world experience
Apply your knowledge to practical situations and gain real-world business experience, through an Individual Project or Internship.
A unique cross-sector programme
Learn to navigate complex AI systems, understand AI's impact on economic growth and competition, and address the challenges of responsible AI governance and public policy.
Programme content
You will begin by developing a foundational understanding of AI and data-driven systems, including their capabilities, limitations and risks. Compulsory modules will then ground you in the three pillars of the programme: AI and data systems, the economics of AI and digital markets, and the legal and regulatory frameworks governing both. You'll develop practical skills in data analysis and AI tools alongside a critical understanding of how algorithmic systems are regulated, how digital markets operate and what responsible AI looks like in practice. 听
You will be able to tailor the programme to your interests and career ambitions, with options spanning technical topics such as machine learning, generative AI and natural language processing; the economics of AI, digital markets, competition and innovation; and applied industry contexts including finance, health analytics, energy and marketing.听
In the summer, you鈥檒l bring together everything you鈥檝e learned through an Individual Project in a real-world setting. This may involve completing a work placement with an industry or policy partner, undertaking a more traditional research project, or pursuing another approved option.
Please note, programme content is subject to change.
Programme is subject to university approval.
Induction week
Your MSc AI, Economics & Policy induction will be spent at our vibrant South Kensington campus in London. You will be invited to a welcome event where you can meet and network with your fellow students, distinguished faculty and dedicated programme staff, forging new connections and getting a taste of life at 911今日黑料. 听
Foundations in AI, Economics and Policy
Build essential skills in law, programming, and economics as a foundation for advanced study. This module introduces legal and regulatory frameworks, core economic principles, and Python programming, equipping you to analyse the impact of AI on firms, markets and policy. Tailored for diverse backgrounds, it ensures all students are prepared for the challenges ahead.听
Economics of AI and Digital Markets
Examine how AI and digital technologies transform market structures, firm strategies, and competition. This module covers platforms, data, pricing, and market power, and explores AI鈥檚 impact on productivity, labour, and policy. Apply economic theory and real-world examples to understand the evolving dynamics of digital and AI-driven markets and hear from guest speakers across industry and policy.听
Law and Regulation of Algorithmic Systems
Examine the legal and regulatory frameworks governing algorithmic models within software products and services. This module addresses issues such as discrimination, automated decision-making, accountability, and audit obligations, with a focus on high-risk applications and emerging standards like the EU AI Act. Develop the skills to analyse, appraise, and apply regulation to real-world algorithmic systems.听
Law and Policy across the AI Stack
Analyse how legal and policy frameworks govern the entire AI supply chain, from data inputs to system deployment and distribution. This module explores compliance, liability, and governance issues at each stage, equipping you to assess responsibility and manage legal risks in real-world AI development and operations.听
Responsible AI
Examine the ethical challenges of managing AI technologies. This module explores the dynamic relationship between technology, organisational practices, and ethics, equipping you to critically assess responsibility, accountability, fairness, and sustainability in digital innovation projects.听
Electives will allow you to develop specialist knowledge across rapidly evolving fields such as machine learning, generative AI, natural language processing, and formal methods for safe AI, through to domain-specific applications in finance, healthcare, energy, and marketing. Each elective will introduce the core analytical models, frameworks, and ethical considerations shaping the modern data-driven landscape.
You will gain expertise in both the language and tools specific to each discipline as well as critical perspectives that are essential for responsible innovation in today's digital economy.
AI Strategies in Marketing, Innovation, and Consumer Behaviour
Explore the transformative role of AI in marketing and consumer behaviour, blending theory with practical applications. This module covers machine learning, generative AI, and prompt engineering, with a focus on market research, content creation, SEO, personalisation, and social media strategies. Examine ethical considerations and future trends, including VR, AR, and the metaverse, to prepare for the evolving landscape of AI-driven marketing.听
Big Data in Finance
Discover how machine learning is reshaping financial decision-making through advanced analysis of large datasets. This module covers the evolution from linear models to neural networks, focusing on return prediction and credit risk assessment. Gain hands-on experience in Python, developing robust, production-ready systems with a strong emphasis on model validation, interpretability, and deployment for real-world finance. 听
Business Model Design for the Digital Economy
Examine how businesses create, deliver, and capture value in the digital age. Learn to design innovative business models and leverage intellectual property for entrepreneurial success. Case studies and practical exercises provide a deep, practice-based understanding of value creation and capture in IP-intensive industries.听
Data Management and Ethics
Gain a comprehensive overview of big data applications and technologies, including Spark. This module covers the full data lifecycle, from acquisition and cleaning to integration, processing, and digital preservation, alongside critical topics in data security, ethics, and privacy. Develop practical coding skills for scalable analytics and build the expertise to navigate the evolving landscape of big data solutions responsibly.听
Data Wrangling and Visualisation
This module introduces practical data wrangling and visualisation techniques in R and Tableau, emphasising how to ask insightful business questions and analyse data interactively. Exploratory data analysis methods will be discussed from a statistical point of view and with cases in a management context. Our discussions will be complemented by real datasets from retail, supply chain, finance, and other industries. You will be prepared to use analytical and data-driven approaches to make informed management decisions.听
Digital Assets
Build a robust understanding of blockchain and distributed ledger technology, from cryptographic foundations to real-world applications. Explore the evolution of digital assets, the core value propositions, and the historical significance of the Bitcoin white paper. Analyse canonical crypto protocols, DeFi innovations - including tokenisation, smart contracts, and NFTs - and the strategic, legal, and regulatory challenges shaping the sector. Develop the skills to optimise processes, innovate business models, and navigate the dynamic landscape of digital finance.听
Digital Businesses and Marketplaces
Explore the economics of information, data, and digital markets, and the strategies firms use to compete. This module covers information goods, network effects, multi-sided markets, machine learning, and blockchain. Develop the skills to analyse digital business environments and provide strategic recommendations for success in the digital economy.听
Energy Analytics
Explore key analytic techniques for the energy industry, with no prior sector knowledge required. This module introduces energy systems and markets, forecasting electricity demand, risk management, and real options for investment valuation. Learn to analyse industry challenges, including renewables and decarbonisation, and apply quantitative methods for storage optimisation and demand management in evolving energy systems.听
Causality and Explanation in AI (subject to University approval)
Build practical skills in explainable AI and in using causal analysis in AI. This module explores how and why an AI model makes a particular decision. It also introduces the main ideas and tools used to understand cause and effect, think about 鈥渨hat if鈥 situations and identify causal relationships from data. 听
Formal Methods for Safe AI
Gain a comprehensive overview of formal methods for verifying, certifying, and monitoring AI systems. This module covers modal and temporal logics, model checking, and reasoning about multi-agent systems. Learn to specify, verify, and improve the safety and strategic behaviour of AI agents, including applications in reinforcement learning and complex environments.听
Generative AI
Develop a deep understanding of generative AI, from foundational theory to advanced models like VAEs, GANs, diffusion models, and transformers. This module blends hands-on coding with real-world applications across text, audio, image, 3D, and video. Critically assess the strengths, limitations, and ethical implications of generative AI, preparing you to innovate responsibly in this rapidly evolving field.听
Healthcare and Medical Analytics
Examine how analytics drives decision-making in healthcare organisations. This module blends theory and hands-on analysis of patient, provider, and pharmaceutical data, addressing key challenges in both private and public health sectors. Explore metrics, privacy, and policy issues, and apply advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to real-world healthcare problems.听
Introduction to Machine Learning
Gain a solid foundation in machine learning concepts, algorithms, and methodologies. This module introduces key problem types, supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, and evolutionary algorithms. Develop practical skills to implement, evaluate, and apply machine learning solutions, preparing you for advanced topics and real-world applications.听
Machine Learning Applications in Marketing
Develop practical, data-driven marketing skills through hands-on analysis of real-world datasets and cases. This module equips you to apply machine learning and analytics to solve key marketing challenges, from customer insights to campaign optimisation and social media analysis. Gain the analytical mindset and quantitative tools needed to drive effective marketing strategies in today鈥檚 digital landscape.听
Machine Learning and Finance
Gain a practical and theoretical foundation in machine learning for financial applications. This module covers supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, and advanced sequential modelling with attention mechanisms. Apply Python-based techniques to real-world finance challenges such as credit risk, sentiment analysis, and speech recognition, developing the skills to implement and optimise data-driven investment strategies.听
Maths for Machine Learning
Develop advanced mathematical skills essential for designing and implementing modern machine learning algorithms. This module covers multivariate calculus, probability, optimisation, and inference techniques, equipping you to critically assess and build robust statistical models for real-world applications.听
Natural Language Processing
Explore the foundations and real-world applications of Natural Language Processing, with a focus on deep learning and large language models. This module covers word representations, text classification, language modelling, and advanced architectures. Gain hands-on experience training and fine-tuning state-of-the-art NLP models for diverse language tasks.听
Predictive and Prescriptive Health Analytics
Learn how predictive and prescriptive analytics drive data-informed decisions across healthcare, from patient care to system operations. This module covers project scoping, workflows, and key methods including regression, classification, and optimisation. Apply theory to real healthcare data and case studies, developing practical skills to address complex challenges in health analytics.
Principles of Distributed Ledgers
Explore the foundational principles of distributed ledger technologies such as blockchain. This module covers blockchain architecture, smart contract programming, and decentralised application development. Gain hands-on experience with EVM-based platforms, security analysis, and DeFi applications, preparing you to innovate in the evolving world of digital finance and infrastructure.听
Reinforcement Learning
Gain a unified understanding of reinforcement learning, from foundational theory to state-of-the-art algorithms. This module covers tabular and deep RL, tracing the evolution of model-free and model-based methods. Develop skills in theory, implementation, and evaluation using Python and PyTorch, and learn to critically assess and apply RL techniques to complex decision-making problems.听
Individual Project
Deliver a substantial, independent AI project that synthesises your learning across the programme. This capstone module develops your ability to research, design, and implement advanced AI solutions, while demonstrating originality, technical skill, and effective communication through a scholarly report and presentation.
Internship
Undertake an internship听in industry as an alternative to the Individual Project. Apply programme knowledge in a professional setting, work on a substantial real-world problem and develop independence, analytical skills and effective communication through a final report and presentation, with support from both workplace and academic supervisors.
Admissions
Applications for 2027 entry will open in August 2026. Please register your interest if you'd like to receive email updates about the programme.
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Discover our admissions process for the MSc AI, Economics & Policy including entry requirements, how to apply, and key dates and deadlines.
Fees and funding
Choosing to pursue a Master's is one of the most important decisions you will make and is a substantial investment in yourself.
Many of our students fund their studies through multiple funding sources. We offer a wide range of awards, including a number of scholarships to the most talented applicants.
Programme fees and scholarship details will be announced soon听- sign up to receive updates.
What our students say
鈥淚t's a really interesting period of time in the business world, and understanding how to push our work further, to research deeper and also be critical and question our sources, has pushed me to be a better researcher. 911今日黑料 has pushed me to interrogate how we use AI to the best of its abilities, but also in a constructive way.鈥
Next steps
Career impact
The programme prepares you for roles in technology companies, consultancies, regulatory authorities, competition agencies, central government and international organisations. In a job market disrupted by AI technology, organisations demand enterprise-wide鈥疉I governance to maintain a competitive edge and future leaders will require a combination of specialised and AI-related business skills to lead successfully across functions. You will be equipped to work at the interface between technical teams, business leaders, policymakers and regulators.听
911今日黑料 Business School Careers provides world-class support tailored to your individual career aspirations, and it's an integral part of your experience on this programme. Personalised services 鈥 including career planning, CV advice, and mock interviews 鈥 are available before you start, throughout your studies, and after you graduate. Our career consultants support you both in securing a role in the sector of your choice and in building long-term career success.听
What our students say
鈥911今日黑料 challenges not just the way you approach things, but also your thought processes. And shifting the way you're thinking, to me, is what leads to innovation. With so many different perspectives in the room with you at 911今日黑料, it leads to a change in perspective and that change allows you to generate ideas you hadn't thought of.鈥
Start your Master's journey
Frequently asked questions
All applications to our postgraduate programmes are made online 鈥 we do not accept paper applications. Please refer to the 鈥楬ow to apply鈥 section of each programme page. This details which documents you are required to submit with your application and the selection process.
All of our programmes are academically rigorous and include a quantitative component. Therefore, all candidates are expected to have a basic level of mathematics before the start of the programme. The quantitative experience statement provides an opportunity to demonstrate this to the selection committee.
In the quantitative experience statement, you need to list up to five of the most quantitative modules or elements of your studies to date. You should detail:
- The main topics of study (eg: algebra, probability etc)
- The level of study (eg: high school, undergraduate degree, short course etc)
This will allow the selection committee to have an understanding of your quantitative experience to date.
Quantitative experience is a key selection criterion for our more quantitative programmes. These are: MSc Finance, MSc Finance & Accounting, MSc Financial Technology, MSc Investment & Wealth Management, MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering, MSc Business Analytics & AI, MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance and MSc Economics & Strategy for Business.
Please check the entry requirements for your programme of interest to ensure your background is sufficiently quantitative. For other programmes, candidates are advised to review the programme content and the pre-study modules. You should check what the numerical content of the programme includes before submitting an application.
You can apply to be considered for one programme each year. We will take your areas of interest and eligibility into account when considering you for alternative programmes.
It is not compulsory to submit the results of an approved English language test with your application. However, it is strongly encouraged. It will add weight to your application if you are able to show that you have met the language requirement prior to applying.
Read about detailed information regarding the Business School鈥檚 language requirements and the tests that we accept
To submit a verification request, you must first create an online account with Qualification Check. You should use the unique link provided to you as part of your offer conditions.
Once you have completed the two-step registration process, you will have access to your online account. Search for the name of the institution at which you obtained your qualification(s).
Then, follow the steps to enter the required information for submission of a verification request. Your details will then be sent to that institution to be authenticated by the appropriate department.听.听
Qualification Check鈥檚 standard procedure is to contact the primary source of the information. This is the institution at which you studied. Qualification Check will regularly contact the relevant department at the institution to confirm the authenticity of your qualifications.
We understand that applications are urgent and Qualification Check makes every effort to accommodate your needs and expedite processes. Some institutions may take longer than others. But rest assured that Qualification Check is working hard to complete your verification.听.
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide the contact details of two referees. Your referees will be contacted by email once you have completed and submitted your application. The email will contain instructions on how they can submit your reference via our application system.
Please ensure that each reference letter that is submitted has been sent from an academic or professional email address. We cannot accept references sent from personal email addresses, such as Gmail, Hotmail, 126, 163, Sina, QQ, and Yahoo.
Our electronic application service is provided by an external provider. Therefore, there may be a delay before the receipt of your references is confirmed on your student application account.
If you receive confirmation that your references have been received but this still isn鈥檛 confirmed on your account a week after receiving the confirmation, please contact the Central Admissions team at business.admissions@imperial.ac.uk.
If you submit a complete application by the deadline, you will receive an outcome by the corresponding decision deadline. However, we may be unable to guarantee a decision by the deadline if:
- There are delays in receiving your references
- The documentation required to progress your application is missing
If the requested information is not received within five working days, we may be unable to guarantee a decision by the round deadline.
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If you have received confirmation that your references have been submitted but this is not reflected in your account after a week, please contact the Central Admissions team at听business.admissions@imperial.ac.uk.听
Yes. As part of the selection process, shortlisted candidates for our MSc programmes will be invited to complete an interview. Interviews are conducted through our video interview platform. You can access it online to record and submit your answers.
The interview process typically takes about 20 minutes and does not require extensive preparation. It aims to supplement your written application and help you convey your suitability for your chosen Master鈥檚. This will be done through answering questions about your previous experience and future aspirations.
AI/Chat GPT guidance:
The purpose of the interview is to get to know more about you. We want to see how you approach problems, your motivations and wider interests.
If we identify malpractice or answers provided are not genuine, then this may factor negatively into the admissions committee decision.
For all MSc programmes, you can normally expect to receive a decision within six to eight weeks of submitting a complete application. Please keep in mind that during busy times and/or where documents are missing from an application, this time may increase.
When an offer is submitted by the Business School, the Central Admissions team needs to make a number of final checks before it can be formally approved. These may include:
- An additional review of an applicant鈥檚 academic background
- Ensuring the references we have received are valid
Until you have received confirmation of the official offer via 911今日黑料鈥檚 applicant portal, please do not:
- Arrange accommodation
- Book flights
- Decline any other offers you may be holding
The majority of offers are successfully approved by Central Admissions. You will be able to see full details of your offer conditions once your official offer has been confirmed.
Unfortunately, we are unable to confirm when you will receive a decision on your application. We will be in touch via email as soon as there is an update. You do not need to provide any additional information unless you think it will add significant weight to your application. For example, updated transcripts, relevant internships, English language results.
Please email your programme Recruitment & Admissions team if you would like feedback on your application. Please note that whilst limited feedback can be provided, the decision of the academic selectors is final. It will not be possible for your application to be reconsidered.
If you receive an offer you can request to defer it to the following year. Requests will be considered until 15th June.
Requests submitted after 15th June 2026 will only be approved in exceptional circumstances.
Please note deferrals are considered on a case by case basis and in order to be considered for a deferral, payment of the tuition fees deposit is required.
If you already paid your deposit for the current admissions cycle, this will be carried over to your new offer. However, our tuition fees do increase each year and you will be required to make up the difference between the old deposit and the new deposit amount.
Please note that you can only defer once.
We are unable to assess eligibility before an applicant applies. The academic selection committee needs to review a full application before any decision can be made.
Please check the specific entry requirements of the programme you are interested in studying. Please also check our international entry requirements. If you feel you meet our entry requirements you can apply online.
In addition to the guidance on our website, we hold regular information sessions online and on campus throughout the year. Here, we would be happy to discuss your suitability in more detail.
We accept a wide range of international qualifications for postgraduate study at 911今日黑料.
We've provided general guidance in the country and region index. Here, understand how qualifications awarded by public institutions overseas may satisfy our minimum academic admission requirements.
We review our听requirements annually.听Updates usually happen in September each year before the next academic year of entry.
If your country or region is not listed, please contact the relevant Admissions team for further information.
Most MSc programmes require at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or international equivalent) 听to be admitted. Work experience can add weight to an application. However, this would not replace the academic requirement, no matter how extensive the experience is. The exceptions to this are:
Please refer to the programme鈥檚 entry requirements for more detailed information.
The Business School does not offer pre-sessional English courses. We do not accept attendance of a pre-sessional English course as a means of meeting the English language requirement.
Yes, you can. You can pay your tuition fees in either one or two instalments. These are payable at the start of term, or at the start of term and February, respectively. If you pay in instalments there will be a 2% surcharge of the total amount added to your first instalment.
You would be asked to select a payment schedule during the offer acceptance process. Please contact听the听Student Finance Team听if you have further questions about this process.
Yes, we offer a 10% bursary on programme fees to successful candidates with either:
- An undergraduate degree from 911今日黑料 awarded at a minimum of upper second class
- A Master鈥檚 degree awarded with a minimum of Merit
To be considered for this bursary, you must submit your application by the scholarship deadline.
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If an organisation is responsible for paying your tuition fees, you must provide valid proof of the sponsorship.
Satisfactory evidence of sponsorship is usually regarded as an original, dated and duly authorised letter from your sponsor on headed paper, including:
- Your name and College Identifier Number
- The programme for which you have been offered a place
- The amount of fees which will be paid by your sponsor (please report in GBP)
- The address to which the invoice should be sent
- Any Purchase Order Number required
- Confirmation that the fees will be sent directly to 911今日黑料 College
Sponsorship letters should be emailed to the Central Admissions team at听business.admissions@imperial.ac.uk听
Your CAS number holds information about the programme you will study and if you have paid any fees. You will not need a formal letter from 911今日黑料 confirming your offer status for your visa appointment.
For more information about what you will need, see the听.
If you need any advice about your visa please contact the听International Student Support team. Most information can be found on the听International Student Support website.
We will start to issue CAS numbers from April. The details of your CAS will appear on your My 911今日黑料 record after you have met all the conditions of your offer. Please note that you will need to upload a scanned copy of the photo page of your passport and current visa (if you have recently completed a degree in the UK), before your CAS can be issued. Please upload these documents to the 鈥楶assport/visa鈥 section of your My 911今日黑料 account.
Once your CAS is ready, you will receive an email confirming that it has been uploaded onto your My 911今日黑料 account. If you log into My 911今日黑料 you will be able to find your CAS number and the details that have been included in your CAS.
Please note that we cannot provide you with a CAS if you have outstanding conditions on your offer. Please ensure that you allow enough time to meet your conditions and apply for a visa before the start date of your programme of study.
The Business School holds online information sessions throughout the year to give you the opportunity to learn more about the programmes from the Programme Director, current students and alumni. Please refer to the听meet us听page to find out when the next event is being held for your interested programme(s).
The Business School is located on the South Kensington campus of 911今日黑料 London. Please refer to the听location page听for our address and guidance on how to get here.
Many students choose to live in private rented accommodation whilst attending the Business School whilst others choose to book accommodation through听. Please refer to the听accommodation听page听for more information regarding the different types of accommodation available to you.
Please note that before you contact us you should also check information on the relevant pages on the Business School or College website. If your question isn鈥檛 answered, please contact the appropriate team below.
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General application queries
Recruitment & Admissions team
business.school@imperial.ac.uk
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Deposit and tuition fee invoice queries (including refunds)
To check if your payment has been received
Tuition Fees Team
tuition.fees@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0) 20 7594 8011
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To check if your documents have been received
Queries regarding your CAS number
Central Admissions
business.admissions@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0) 20 7594 7258
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Career-related queries from admitted students
Careers Team
icbs.careers@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0) 20 7594 9617
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Visa and immigration queries
International Student Support
+44 (0) 20 7594 8040
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Accommodation queries
accommodation@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0) 20 7594 9444
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General student information and advice
Student Hub
student.hub@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0) 20 7594 9444
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Advice on budgeting and London living costs
Advice on external scholarships
Student Financial Support
student.funding@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0) 20 7594 9014
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If you鈥檝e submitted your application but haven鈥檛 received your CID number
Registry Systems
registry.systems@imperial.ac.uk
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Password or technical issues with your 911今日黑料 Gateway account
IT Service
deskservice.desk@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0)20 7594 9000
Almost all of the MSc programmes we have available are 12 month, full-time programmes. The only exception is our MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) programme, which is available on a part-time basis.
Yes, we offer an Economics, Finance and Data Science Bachelor's degree, as well as a range of courses at undergraduate level:
- BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science
- BPES Programme
- Joint Honours and Intercalated BSc Programme