Overview

The MSc Accounting, Accountability and Sustainability is a comprehensive full-time master's programme designed for students eager to explore the vital role of accounting in driving sustainable business practices.

In today's rapidly evolving world, sustainability is more than just a trend, it's a crucial aspect of modern business. This programme offers a unique opportunity to explore both accounting principles and sustainability practices.

Ideal for students with a keen interest in accounting and sustainability, this programme bridges the gap between theory and practice. Through engaging coursework and practical projects, you will gain both the technical expertise and hands-on practice in financial reporting, management accounting, and sustainability reporting.

Throughout the programme, you will learn how corporate practices and regulatory frameworks are adapting to address sustainability challenges, from environmental concerns to social responsibilities.

You will develop essential critical-thinking skills and research methods to prepare you for diverse and exciting career opportunities in rapidly growing areas such as sustainability consulting, corporate social responsibility, and environmental accounting. Whether your goal is to lead corporate sustainability initiatives or conduct groundbreaking research in academia, this MSc programme will equip you with the knowledge and skillset to drive positive change and succeed.

Programme structure

The structure of this programme uniquely combines the principles of accounting with a strong focus on sustainability.

The programme begins by introducing core subjects that build a solid foundation in both areas. The second term allows for specialisation with advanced topics and elective options that explore sustainable finance, corporate governance, and ethical supply chains. The programme concludes with a significant research project, providing practical experience and in-depth theoretical knowledge.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc Accounting, Accountability and Sustainability.

Entry requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in: Accounting or an associated subject (eg. Business, Finance, Economics or Management). Quantitative degrees (including Accounting and Finance, Actuarial Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Engineering, Finance, International Economics and Trade, Maths, Physics, Commerce (with specialism in Accounting/Finance/A&F/Economics).

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.

We will also consider your application if your grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if you have a relevant postgraduate qualification which also meets the subject requirements stated above. If this is the case, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications.

If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:

  • evidence of relevant work experience in Accounting and Finance roles such as, Financial reporting, Management accounting, Auditing. Sustainability and Environmental Services roles focused on sustainability, transparency, or accountability. Business roles focused on data and analytics.

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.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

Home: full-time
£18,500 per year
Overseas: full-time
£33,900 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 and scholarships

The Business School is offering a range of scholarships for master's students starting in 2026.

Scholarships for International Students include Think Big Scholarships and Think Big Career Accelerator Scholarships.

Scholarships for Home (UK) Students include the Business School Advance Scholarship.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

The programme will provide an excellent foundation for its graduates to develop careers in any area of accounting, but with specific potential within the expanding area of accounting for and reporting of sustainability information. Given the level of critical thinking and research methods training, graduates may also consider furthering their academic studies into PhD programmes.

Throughout the year, a range of transferable skills will be developed including problem solving, analysis and critical thinking. We aim to create opportunities for students to consider where and how they have developed these skills (for example, by including reflective questions in assignments), and practise articulating them ready for an interview or recruitment assessment situation. A range of teaching and assessment methods will support development of transferable skills.