Imperial Trading Academy 2026

The Optiver & Imperial Trading Academy

The Optiver Trading Academy returns to Imperial for May 2026. Led by Optiver industry experts, this eight-session program blends academic insights with practical application, taking you from the foundations of market making and options theory to hands-on algorithm development and testing. You’ll design and refine Python-based trading strategies on Optiver’s simulated exchange, Optibook, and put your skills to the test in the final Varsity trading event.

Course overview

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  Market making theory: Foundations of options and market making, evolving to market data analysis and algorithm design.

  
  


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  Hands-on practice: Develop and optimise Python-based trading strategies in Optibook, our 24/7 trading simulator.

  
  


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  Competitive challenges: The lectures and workshops build your knowledge step by step, helping you and your team refine your strategies in preparation for a final competition.

  
  

Eligibility criteria

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  A registered student at Imperial College London

  
  


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  A strong aptitude in mathematics

  
  


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  Basic coding proficiency - participants will use Python for this challenge

  
  


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  No prior backgrounds in financial markets is required

  
  

Application procedure

1. 
   

   Complete the online application form below.

   
   


2. 
   

   After you submit your application, you will receive an email inviting you to Optiver’s Online Assessment Platform to complete the OAP test—a 30-minute assessment that must be completed within 3 days. Please check your Spam or Junk folder if you do not receive it. Should any issues arise, or if you do not receive the assessment email, please reach out to our recruitment team via email for assistance and include 'Imperial Optiver Trading Academy' in the subject line to help us quickly identify the matter.

   
   


3. 
   

   You will hear back about your application decision by Wednesday, October 15.

   
   

Key dates

Course duration: May 5 – May 27, 2026
Schedule: Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (17:30–19:30)
Applications deadline: Monday 13 April, 12:00 BST

Apply below for this incredible opportunity to enhance your knowledge and get practical skills in the world of algorithmic trading.