Imperial College London has recently officially announced a new program for the 2027 intake:
MSc in AI, Economics & Policy
MSc AI, Economics & Policy
Source: IC
The MSc in AI, Economics & Policy is jointly offered by Imperial College Business School and the Department of Computing. It is the first master's program in the UK to combine training in artificial intelligence technology with economics, law, and governance.
Applications will open in August 2026, with the first cohort of students starting in September 2027.
Imperial College Business School Launches New AI Program
Program Overview
Imperial's new MSc in AI aims to equip students with unique interdisciplinary skills to navigate complex artificial intelligence systems, understand the impact of AI on economic growth and market competition, and address the challenges associated with responsible AI governance and public policy.
Students will develop comprehensive expertise across three core areas: artificial intelligence, economics, and policy. They will apply this knowledge to real-world business challenges through practical projects, guest lectures from industry leaders and regulatory experts, as well as individual projects or internships.
Source: IC
Curriculum Structure
This one-year, full-time program includes pre-sessional preparatory courses, compulsory core modules, elective courses, and an independent research project.
Source: IC
Before the course begins, students will complete a series of online preparatory modules via Canvas to develop relevant knowledge and skills in advance.
Core courses include:
Foundations in AI, Economics and Policy
Economics of AI and Digital Markets
Law and Regulation of Algorithmic Systems
Law and Policy across the AI Stack
Responsible AI
Throughout the academic year, students can choose to take 6-7 elective courses, covering topics such as machine learning, generative AI, natural language processing, and formal methods for safe AI.
Source: IC
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
Applicants should hold an undergraduate honors degree in a relevant STEMB discipline from a recognized university, achieving at least a UK First Class Honours or Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) standard, or an equivalent international qualification.
Relevant subjects include, but are not limited to:
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Quantitative Economics
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Mathematical Finance
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Computing
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Physics
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Engineering or other related disciplines
Source: IC
Prerequisite Course Requirements
Applicants should have a solid foundation in quantitative analysis and have completed the following relevant courses during their undergraduate studies:
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Linear Algebra
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Calculus (including multivariable calculus)
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Probability Theory
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Statistics
Additionally, applicants must have completed at least one programming-related course and demonstrated practical application of programming skills through project work or other coursework.
Quantitative Ability Statement
In the Quantitative Experience Statement, applicants are required to describe their preparation in quantitative and technical areas for this program.
This section should include:
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The most advanced quantitative courses you have taken to date, with a brief description of the topics covered in these courses
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If you have gained quantitative or technical experience through work experience, internships, or practical projects, please also introduce this in this section
Furthermore, in the Programming Languages Statement, you need to introduce the programming languages you have mastered and your level of proficiency, providing examples of specific practical application scenarios.
Source: IC
Standardized Test Scores
Submission of GRE or GMAT scores is not mandatory, but strong scores can enhance your application. For applicants with a relatively weaker quantitative background from their undergraduate studies, the program strongly recommends submitting GRE/GMAT scores to improve competitiveness.
Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds must submit English language proficiency test scores: IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no sub-score below 6.5); TOEFL iBT (old version) overall score of 100 (with no sub-score below 22); TOEFL iBT (new version) overall score of 5.0 (with no sub-score below 5.0); Duolingo English Test overall score of 125 (with no sub-score below 115).
Personal Statement
The personal statement should fully demonstrate:
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Your interest in the intersection of AI, economics, regulation, and governance
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Your career plans after graduation
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Your motivation for choosing to study at Imperial Business School
The admissions committee will also focus on assessing whether students possess the ability to clearly express complex ideas and what contributions they can make to the school community.
In the personal statement, applicants should focus on articulating their interests in areas such as AI governance, responsible AI, technology policy, digital markets, regulation, compliance, and management consulting, and explain how this program will help them achieve their future career development goals.
Recommendation Letters/Internship and Work Experience
When applying, you need to provide contact information for two referees. Referees can be: two academic referees or one academic referee and one professional referee.
Work experience is not a mandatory requirement for application. This program is suitable both for recent graduates and for professionals in the early stages of their career development. Relevant internship, work, or practical project experience will help enhance the competitiveness of your application.
Source: IC
Application Timeline
The round schedule and deadlines for applications for Fall 2027 entry will be announced when the program opens for applications in August 2026.
Source: IC
Imperial College Business School: A Choice Worth Making
Imperial College London is a top-tier global institution with world-leading academic strength in fields such as artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, medicine, and business.
Imperial College Business School is characterized by the deep integration of technology and business. It enjoys an international reputation in areas such as business analytics, finance, innovation and entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence. The school holds triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, making it one of the few elite business schools globally to achieve this "Triple Crown" status.
Source: IC
Imperial College Business School has nearly 40,000 alumni worldwide, spanning 158 countries and regions. Leveraging its robust global alumni network, students gain access to abundant opportunities for career development, industry engagement, and international collaboration.
Source: IC
With the rapid advancement of AI technology, there is a growing demand from businesses and governments for interdisciplinary talent who possess not only expertise in artificial intelligence but also perspectives in economics, business, and policy.
The new AI program launched by Imperial College Business School aligns precisely with emerging trends in industrial development and global governance in the AI era. For students aiming to position themselves in emerging fields such as AI governance, the digital economy, and technology policy, this is undoubtedly a program worthy of close attention.
