MSc Accounting and Finance
Overview
This taught postgraduate programme emphasises research and analytical skills that will be valuable in your future career. It will build on your existing knowledge of technical aspects of accounting and finance. You will develop your ability to critically analyse the nature and conditions of effectiveness for these techniques to contribute to accounting and finance practice and governance.
In the first term you will explore contemporary issues in accounting and finance research literature. You will also build key skills in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. This will prepare you for the more specialist elective units taught in the second term.
The final part of the MSc is a research-based dissertation, which involves identifying and analysing a research question in accounting and/or finance under the guidance of a member of staff. For those planning on undertaking a PhD, this dissertation represents an important bridge between taught and advanced research studies.
This programme develops skills for critical analysis of accounting and finance topics, which will be valuable in your future career. The strong conceptual foundation it offers will support students who want to pursue an academic or professional career in accounting or finance.
Programme structure
In the first term you will complete four compulsory units, while in the second you will choose four from a list of optional units. Each of the units is worth 15 credits.
The final part of the MSc is a research-based dissertation, worth 60 credits. This involves identifying and analysing a research question in accounting and/or finance under the guidance of a member of staff. The dissertation gives you an opportunity to explore an original problem, source and process the relevant financial data, analyse that data and learn to draw appropriate conclusions. The results are presented in a final report of up to 15,000 words.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Accounting and Finance.
Entry requirements
A strong upper second-class honours degree (65% or higher) in Accounting and Finance (joint honours).
A single honours degree in either Accounting or Finance may be acceptable. Degree must include 2:1 in Financial Accounting and Management Accounting units, and demonstrate further study at 2:1 level in a range of accounting and finance units.
Applicants with a lower class of degree with at least one year’s relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level G.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- UK: full-time
- £15,200 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £30,500 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding for 2023/24
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
This programme provides research and analytical skills that will be valuable in your future career. It is suitable for students who want to pursue an academic or professional career in accounting or finance.
Some students may progress to PhD study. Others may go straight into employment, with the banking and accounting/consulting sectors being particular favourites.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk