MSc Accounting and Finance
- MSc
Overview
The MSc Accounting and Finance programme encourages deep understanding, innovative thinking, and problem-solving skills in accounting and finance. This taught postgraduate programme emphasises research and analytical capabilities that are essential for a successful career. It builds on your existing knowledge of technical aspects of accounting and finance, enhancing your ability to critically evaluate and apply these techniques in practice.
In the first term, you will explore contemporary issues in accounting and finance through engagement with research literature. You will also develop key skills in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The second term allows for further specialisation through a range of elective units, supporting diverse interests and career ambitions.
The final part of the programme is a research-based dissertation, undertaken with academic supervision. This project involves identifying and investigating a topic in accounting and/or finance, sourcing and analysing relevant data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions. The dissertation develops analytical and critical thinking skills highly valued by employers in finance, accounting, consulting, and related sectors, while also providing a strong foundation for those considering doctoral study.
This programme equips you with advanced technical and analytical competencies required for graduate-level and leadership roles in accounting, finance, investment banking, consulting, and business. Its strong conceptual foundation and practical focus will support your career ambitions, whether you are pursuing professional roles in industry or considering academic research pathways.
Programme structure
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for the MSc in Accounting and Finance.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree (60% or higher) or international equivalent in Accounting or Finance (single honours).
OR
A degree which includes 2:1 or equivalent in Financial Accounting and Management Accounting units, AND, 2:1 or equivalent in at least four other Accounting and Finance-related units. Professional qualifications such as CFA, ACCA and CIMA that demonstrate technical accounting knowledge, may also be considered in lieu of some unit requirements. Examples of acceptable units include:
Principles of Accounting, Principles of Finance, Fundamentals of Accounting, Fundamentals of Finance, Intermediate Accounting, Intermediate Finance, Financial Reporting, Accounting in Society, Cost Management, Cost Analysis, Principles of Asset Pricing, Corporate Finance, Financial Analysis, Cost Accounting, Financial Derivatives, Auditing, Banking, Financial Risk Management, Accounting Information Systems, Corporate Reporting, Financial Management, Financial Technology, International Finance, Quantitative methods for Finance, or Financial Analysis.
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 final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
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 at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
- evidence of 5 years work experience in Accounting and Finance related roles such as Financial reporting, Management accounting, Auditing
- a relevant postgraduate qualification.
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 B.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £18,500 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £39,000 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
Graduates of this programme are well-positioned for a wide range of careers in finance, accounting, and related business sectors. The advanced analytical skills, research capabilities, and technical expertise you develop will make you highly competitive in the graduate job market.
Our graduates pursue diverse career paths, including roles in investment banking, management consulting, financial analysis, corporate finance, and professional accountancy. The programme’s rigorous training also provides a strong foundation for those considering doctoral study and academic careers. Whether your ambitions lie in industry or academia, the programme’s combination of technical expertise and research skills will support your career development.
Take a look at some of the career development opportunities you can benefit from as a Business School student here.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk