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. 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. 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

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) or 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 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, Cost Management, Cost Analysis Management Control, 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

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

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

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of one year's relevant work experience such as accounting or audit related roles.
  • a relevant postgraduate or professional qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

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 G.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£16,400 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 for 2024/25

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.