IC Business School launches first-ever undergrad course

Imperial College Business School is launching its first ever undergraduate course this October. The BSc in Economics, Finance and Data Science aims to equip future economists and business leaders with the data science and coding skills sought after by employers.

The College claims it is ‘the UK’s first degree to allow students to study economics and finance, combined with data science.’ However, a simple Google search reveals that at least three other universities offer degrees combining these subjects.

Students on the new degree programme will study nine compulsory modules in each of the first two years, ranging from machine learning and cloud computing, to corporate finance and accounting. In their third and final year, they will have the opportunity to tailor their study with electives, and apply their skills to a final-year project. Successful applicants will require A*AA grades at A-Level, with an A* in Mathematics.

The degree launch comes at a time of change for the youngest of Imperial’s four faculties. In April 2023, after six years in office, Francisco Veloso left his position as dean of Imperial College Business School, to join INSEAD, its world-renowned European cousin. Professor Franklin Allen was appointed on an interim basis, and the College opened applications for a permanent replacement in September.

Imperial’s youngest faculty

The Business School traces its roots back to 1971, when a Department of Management Science was established at the College. The Business School itself was opened in 2004, as the Tanaka Business School, taking its name from tech investor Gary Tanaka, who donated £27m towards it.

Tanaka’s name was dropped in 2008, three years after he was arrested on suspicion of fraud, and the school was rechristened Imperial College Business School. At the time though, the College claimed Tanaka’s legal woes had nothing to do with the change of name. “The decision to rename the school was made to emphasise that it is an integral part of the College,” said an Imperial spokesperson. In 2010, Tanaka was jailed for five years after being found guilty on three counts of investment fraud.