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 skills that will be essential in your future career. It builds on your existing knowledge of technical aspects of accounting and finance, enhancing your ability to critically analyse and apply these techniques in practice.
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. The second term allows for further specialisation through various elective units, catering to diverse interests and career aspirations.
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. The dissertation equips you with robust research skills, crucial for academic careers or research-intensive roles in the industry. It offers an opportunity to explore an original problem, source and process relevant data, analyse that data, and draw appropriate conclusions. For those planning on undertaking a PhD, the dissertation serves as an important bridge between taught and advanced research studies.
This programme develops skills for critical analysis of accounting and finance topics, which are invaluable for 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
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 a strong upper second-class honours degree (65% or higher) or an international equivalent in Accounting and Finance (joint honours).
OR
A strong upper second-class honours degree (65% or higher) or international equivalent in Accounting or Finance (single honours). This must include a 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.
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 at least one of the following:
- evidence of significant relevant work experience (minimum 12 months) in accounting or audit related roles.
- a relevant postgraduate or professional qualification.
If this is the case, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications. Specific module requirements would still apply.
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 statementIf 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
- Home: full-time
- £18,000 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
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 directly 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