An MSc in Accounting and Finance prepares you for a lucrative career in the field if you are a full-time student and if you are a professional, the MSc provides you with specialist knowledge in different areas of accounting and finance you need to advance in your career.
Pursuing an MSc Accounting and Finance in the UK allows you to strengthen your knowledge and skills with a professionally accredited course of your choice, getting access to training placements and post-study work opportunities in reputed businesses in the UK.
This blog shares all you need to know when planning to pursue MSc Accounting and Finance in the UK, covering top universities, course details, entry requirements, funding, and career prospects for the years 2025/26.
MSc Accounting and Finance is a postgraduate qualification aimed at graduates or professionals with a background of academics or employment in finance, accounting, banking, or a related discipline. This master’s programme is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of accounting and finance concepts, their practical application, and their role in global financial markets.
If you’ve decided to work towards becoming an expert in the field with a master’s qualification, here are a few key details you need to know before you start researching for an accounting and finance master’s course that suits your goals.
Master’s programmes in accounting in finance often incorporate a work placement option in addition to studies, where you can earn course credits while working in a professional capacity at a business organisation. This helps you understand how to apply your knowledge in practice and build industry connections with potential employers and peers.
Students with no professional experience may benefit from an MSc in Accounting and Finance offered with a work placement.
The non-placement route incorporates study, projects, research, and a dissertation, allowing you to gain a deep understanding of the subject by engaging with the study material from an academic perspective. Professionals working towards senior management roles may benefit from a non-placement master’s degree heavily focused on academics and independent research.
MSc Accounting and Finance: With a foundation year
Some universities offering MSc Accounting and Finance programmes give you the chance to opt for a foundation programme that helps you gain fundamental knowledge essential to follow master’s studies in the subject.
Students with no background in finance or accounting can benefit from choosing an MSc with a foundation year as it can help you get familiar with the subject material.
MSc Accounting and Finance: Accreditation
Most MSc Accounting and Finance courses are designed in line with accreditation programmes from several professional bodies, so once your masters is complete, you may gain the full accreditation or you may be exempt from certain exams you need to complete to gain the full accreditation.
Full or partial professional accreditations offered with accounting and finance masters courses include:
AACSB: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
ACCA: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
ACT: Association of Corporate Treasurers
AICPA: Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
AMBA: Association of MBAs
CIMA: Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
EQUIS: EFMD Quality Improvement System
ICAEW: Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
ICAS: Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
IFA: Institute of Financial Accountants
RICS: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
MSc Accounting and Finance courses sometimes recognise your professional experience as credits towards course completion based on RPL or APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning).
If you have significant work experience as a professional in a relevant field, you may be eligible for RPL if your preferred MSc Accounting and Finance programme offers the opportunity.
The duration of MSc courses in accounting and finance depends on the extent of the course and the study schedule.
Full-time MSc accounting and finance: 2 years
Part-time MSc accounting and finance: 4 years
MSc accounting and finance with a foundation year: 3 years
It’s best to keep these key details in mind when you are researching master's courses in accounting and finance for you to earn a qualification that can set you up for success in your career. In the next section, let’s discover why the UK may be an ideal study destination for you to pursue an MSc Accounting and Finance degree, starting with how you would benefit from gaining the qualification.
An MSc in Accounting and Finance gives you specialist knowledge and advanced skills, enhancing your credibility as a finance and accounting professional with a versatile and in-demand qualification. Let’s find out how the degree can benefit you.
If you are a fresh graduate with a bachelor’s in accounting, finance, or a related discipline, the MSc accounting and finance can help you gain advanced knowledge and skills needed to begin your career.
If you have a few years of experience as an accounting or finance professional, the MSc can provide you with advanced knowledge and strengthen your leadership skills helping you accelerate your career growth.
If you wish to sit for accreditation exams like ACCA or CIMA as a student or a professional, the MSc can help you access specialist knowledge required to prepare for the exams and qualify for the accreditation.
Expert faculty: The master's courses in accounting and finance in the UK are taught by senior professionals in the industry and academics with research expertise.
Comprehensive course modules: MSc accounting and finance courses in the UK offer mandatory and optional modules covering advanced concepts in the subjects and specialised knowledge in niche areas.
Professional accreditation: Most business schools offering MSc Accounting and Finance in the UK are accredited by professional organisations in the industry, helping you qualify for professional accreditations while completing the course.
Work placement opportunities: Most accounting and finance programmes in the UK include a work placement or an internship as a part of the degree, where you can apply the knowledge and skills you gained from the course.
Industry connections: The UK’s business schools have strong ties with top companies in the world hiring accounting and finance professionals, allowing you to build a global professional network and leverage it as you progress in your career.
High employability: Graduates who’ve successfully completed an MSc Accounting and Finance course in the UK would have the skills and proficiency in the field that top employers are looking for.
Business schools in UK universities offer you the opportunity to access up-to-date knowledge and develop essential skills towards becoming a well-rounded accounting and finance professional. Let’s have a look at the top universities offering MSc Accounting and Finance in the UK so you can identify courses that align with your academic background and career aspirations.
These universities in the UK rank high for the learning experience they deliver in accounting and finance subjects. Here’s a list of the top UK universities (Complete University Guide - Accounting & Finance Subject Ranking 2025) you can consider along with their UK subject ranking, tuition fees for international students, and the accreditations of the accounting and finance programmes.
| University | Ranking | Annual Fees for MSc Accounting and Finance | Professional Accreditations |
|---|---|---|---|
| London School of Economics | 1 | £38,000 | ACCA |
| University of Bath | 2 | £33,600 | ACCA (under review) |
| University of Warwick | 3 | £42,730 | AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS |
| University of Glasgow | 4 | £35,640 | AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS |
| Queen's University Belfast | 5 | £25,800 | ACCA, CIMA |
| University of Edinburgh | 6 | £34,600 | ACCA, ICAS, ICAEW, AICPA, CIMA |
| University of Leeds | 7 | £37,000 | AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS |
| University of Manchester | 8 | £36,000 | CIMA |
| University of Exeter | 9 | £32,300 | ACCA, CIMA |
| University of Strathclyde | 10 | £32,600 | CIMA |
As you start your research into accounting and finance programmes that suit your goals, it’d be helpful to understand the course content of the programmes you are considering. Let’s have a look at a general overview of the course content in MSc accounting and finance courses in the UK so you can identify whether they are aligned with your academic background and career goals.
As a student pursuing an MSc Accounting and Finance programme in the UK, you get the opportunity to study the subject in-depth, apply your learnings, and sharpen your practical skills.
Asset pricing: Determining the prices of and returns on financial and real assets, including stocks, bonds, currencies, and real estate.
Corporate finance: Identifying how corporations address funding sources, capital structuring, and investment decisions.
Cross sectional econometrics: Applying statistical and mathematical models to economic data on individuals to test theories, hypotheses, and future trends.
Financial modelling and data analysis: Analysing financial data using mathematical and statistical models to predict future outcomes and make informed business decisions.
Financial statement analysis: Examining financial statements of a company including the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement to support decision-making processes.
Management accounting: Identifying, analysing, and interpreting financial data to communicate information to managers and help achieve business goals.
Qualitative research methods: Collecting and analysing non-numerical data to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences using identified methodologies.
Quantitative techniques in accounting and finance: Using statistical techniques in empirical research to predict or estimate the impact of one variable on another.
Advanced management accounting: Exploring advanced topics and contemporary issues in management accounting in a range of industry settings, including strategic management and performance management.
Auditing and control: Assessing resources used by businesses for operations and identifying opportunities to reduce errors or fraud, improve the accuracy of financial reporting, increase efficiency and operational efficacy, and improve a company's overall reputation and credibility.
Behavioural finance: Exploring the influence of psychology on the behaviour of investors or financial analysts, including the subsequent effects on the markets and financial trends.
Corporate governance: Identifying the rules, practices, and processes used to direct, manage, and control an organisation.
Current issues in empirical finance: Evaluating current and emerging challenges in empirical work in financial economics, financial econometrics, and theoretical work with empirical implications.
International money and finance: Exploring monetary interactions between two or more countries across areas like foreign direct investment and currency exchange rates.
Market-based accounting: Identifying purchasing decisions associated with energy supplies that companies have chosen and measuring energy emissions from the business.
Mergers and acquisitions: Exploring mergers and acquisitions as a business transaction between two companies, with the business ownership changing or being combined.
Time series econometrics: Applying statistical and mathematical models to economic data arranged by time sequences like weeks, months, quarters, and years to test theories, hypotheses, and future trends.
UK universities offer a combination of select core modules and a few optional modules as the syllabus for your MSc Accounting and Finance degree. Optional modules help personalise your education based on your interests, but you may need to keep in mind that some optional modules may not be offered if there’s an insufficient number of students registering for them.
Next, we’ll look at the learning and teaching methods and learning outcomes of an MSc accounting and finance in the UK, so you can be better informed when you are exploring course options that fit your goals.
Typically, MSc Accounting and Finance programmes in the UK follow a combined approach to teaching and learning with lectures, seminars, and self-study hours included in your timetable. Here’s a general breakdown of your study schedule and learning outcomes from the master’s course:
Learning and teaching
Timetabled sessions: Lectures, guest lectures, seminars, and workshops you are required to attend.
Guided self-study: Self-managed study hours during which you can learn independently by reading journal articles, researching, working on individual projects, preparing for exams, and more.
One-to-one mentoring: Tutorial hours to access mentoring and additional support from a personal tutor.
Learning outcomes
Developing leadership skills: Strengthen communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills essential to advance into senior and management roles.
Enhancing professional competence: Establish subject expertise with advanced knowledge and practical skills to apply your knowledge in solving business problems.
Practising global thinking: Acquire a comprehensive worldview of finance and accounting, exploring how the disciplines interact with social, economic, and political affairs across the world.
Adopting ethical, responsible, and sustainable practice: Identify and adopt professional practices that benefit the individuals, environment, and the community.
MSc Accounting and Finance courses in the UK place focus on practical skill development towards fast-tracking the growth of your career. Let’s find out how your practical skills and academic knowledge will be assessed in an MSc accounting and finance course to qualify you as a master’s degree holder.
Since MSc Accounting and Finance courses in the UK incorporate diverse learning and teaching methods, you will be assessed in a method corresponding to the type of learning you follow. The nature of the assessments can vary by university as well as the course structure you opt for, but you can expect the following methods of assessment in most master’s programmes:
Essays and assignments: Academic essays, research papers, reports, and presentations.
Tests and exams: Module-specific tests and semester-end examinations to gauge your critical and analytical skills.
Dissertation: Thesis detailing individual research solving a real-world challenge in your niche.
Individual/group projects: Workshop-led projects to strengthen your teamwork and leadership skills.
The assessment criteria in the accounting and finance programmes in the UK can be strict in order to meet the quality standards of education they follow and to maintain the academic reputation of the qualification within the industry. This also means the entry requirements for MSc Accounting and Finance courses in the UK can be strict as well. Let’s go through the entry requirements to find out.
Universities in the UK look for candidates with a relevant academic background and/or demonstrated capacity to pursue an MSc Accounting and Finance programme in the UK. Quantitative thinking is a significant requirement as you will be working with numbers, so you need to have a strong affinity for mathematics, statistics, and finance. The requirements can vary by programme so until you shortlist your options and go through individual programme listings, here are the common entry requirements for an MSc Accounting and Finance in the UK.
Undergraduate qualification: Second class lower division honours (2.2) and upwards in a related discipline like accounting, finance, banking, economics, and statistics.
Professional experience: Three to five years of professional experience in accounting or finance. This requirement is not expected of fresh graduates but having relevant work experience can increase your chances of acceptance, especially if your undergraduate qualification is in a discipline unrelated to accounting and finance.
English language proficiency: The accepted overall IELTS score for MSc Accounting and Finance in the UK is usually around 7.0, and your university may specify the score they prefer for each component in IELTS.
Some UK universities offer pre-master’s programmes to prepare students for master’s studies in accounting and finance. If you have an academic or professional background in an unrelated discipline, you can benefit from a pre-master’s course that covers fundamentals in the subject and get you ready for advanced studies in accounting and finance. Note that you are required to apply for the pre-master’s course before you apply to your preferred accounting and finance master’s.
The entry criteria can vary depending on the offering university: some universities may require a second class upper division honours and some may have less strict academic and professional requirements. If you need support reviewing programme listings and identifying accounting and finance master’s programmes you may qualify for, experts at SI-UK can help.
As accounting and finance-related roles are in demand across a number of industries, an MSc Accounting and Finance in the UK can help you access a range of lucrative career pathways. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your career, your MSc programme can help enhance your employability and offer career support. The career counselling experts in your university can mentor you on:
Understanding the job market
Identifying the skills employers are looking for
Creating a standout CV
Facing interviews
Using social media to boost your credibility as a professional
Finding your first job
Here are a few professional roles you can qualify for with an MSc Accounting and Finance in the UK and their salary potential as you gain experience in the role.
| Professional Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Actuary | £70,000 |
| Arbitrator | £65,000 |
| Business Development Manager | £80,000 |
| Chartered Accountant | £65,000 |
| Chartered Certified Accountant | £45,000 |
| Chartered Management Accountant | £54,000 |
| Chartered Public Finance Accountant | £50,000 |
| Company Secretary | £82,000 |
| Economist | £75,000 |
| External Auditor | £45,000 |
| Forensic Accountant | £85,000 |
| Management Consultant | £110,000 |
| Mortgage Adviser | £45,000 |
| Procurement Manager | £65,000 |
| Stockbroker | £100,000 |
| Tax Adviser | £68,000 |
Source: Prospects
Now that we’ve looked at a few professional roles you can apply for with an MSc in Accounting and Finance in the UK, let’s learn about the financial investment you need to make towards your advanced education in the UK.
The international fees for the 2025/26 study year for MSc Accounting and Finance courses in the UK can vary depending on the course schedule, academic reputation, and industry reputation of the university offering the programme. It is also worth considering the costs involved in the application process and the cost of living in addition to your tuition fee to calculate the approximate cost of your education in the UK.
The total international fees for a two-year MSc in Accounting and Finance in the UK can range from approximately INR 50 lakhs to INR 100 lakhs. Your university may also charge a maintenance fee which may come up to INR 1 to 2 lakhs.
Annual tuition fee: £25,000 – £47,000
Fees for the placement year (if applicable): Approx £1,530
Health surcharge: £776 per year
Additional costs: Depending on the programme additional costs can amount to approximately £200 per year for travel, material (specific calculators etc.), printing and binding, as well as stationery
The expenses involved in the application and admission process may vary for each student depending on the university. Here’s a general breakdown of your pre-arrival fees for reference:
Student visa fee: £490
Language proficiency tests: Approx £115
Application fee: Approx £50 – £100 (Some universities do not charge this fee)
Initial deposit paid out to the university to confirm your place in the programme: Approx. £1,000 – £1,500 (Some universities do not charge this fee)
Airfare: Depends on the location you are travelling from
The cost of living in the UK can vary depending on the region, so once you shortlist the universities and the programmes you would like to apply to, you can look into the cost of living in the area and plan your finances accordingly. Here are some expenses you can expect in your monthly cost of living until then:
| Expenses | In London | Other Cities in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Student accommodation (with bills) | £848 | £664 |
| Room in private accommodation (without bills) | £750 | £554 |
| Utility bills | £140 | £80 |
| Groceries | £155 | £116 |
| Dining out, cafés, bars | £150 | £80 |
| Public transport | £103 | £54 |
| Stationery and equipment | £60 | £60 |
| Mobile phone bill (SIM only plan) | £18 | £18 |
| Student gym membership | £20 | £15 |
These estimates can give you a general understanding of the costs you should consider, but the actual costs can be different as your living cost depends on the university you are applying for, the city you will be living in, and your lifestyle. Now that we’ve looked at the expenses you may expect, let’s find out how you can get funding support for your education in the UK with a scholarship.
Most scholarships are merit- and need-based, so you may need to show records of excellent academic and financial status to be eligible to apply. It’s worth applying to a scholarship that meets your needs, so make sure you check on the funding opportunities provided by your preferred university and third-party benefactors. Here are a few scholarships awarded to Indian postgraduate students studying MSc Accounting and Finance in the UK.
| Scholarship | Funding Amount |
|---|---|
| Bath India Master's Scholarship | £5,000 |
| Chevening Scholarship | Fully funded |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Often fully funded |
| Global Study Award | £10,000 |
| GREAT Scholarship 2025 | £10,000 |
| India Merit Award | £5,000 |
| Inlaks Sivdasani Scholarship | Fully funded |
| LSE Taught Master's Scholarships for International Students | £41,666 towards tuition fees and living costs |
| UCL Global Master's Scholarship | £15,000 |
| World Changers Glasgow Scholarship | £5,000 tuition fee discount |
If you need to explore more scholarships you may be eligible for or get support applying for a scholarship, our scholarship search can help you.
UK universities often have a few rounds of applications to accept candidates to their master’s programmes, and some universities may also have an application round exclusive to international students. It’s best to check on your preferred programme’s deadlines and start preparing the required documents early on to make your application process smooth and efficient.
MSc Accounting and Finance programmes in the UK generally accept applications through their university online portal, where you are required to create a student account and attach all the required documents to the application form. Here’s a breakdown of the application process you may go through and the supporting documents you need to put together before working on your application.
Choosing your preferred programme
As you explore your programme options, you can shortlist the universities that fit your academic background and career goals.
Compiling your application
You need to start compiling your application well in advance, giving yourself time to collect and validate all the required information, review your application, and finetune it further. You can get free application support from the experts at SI-UK to put together a well-thought out application that can increase your chances of success.
Submitting your application
Your application has to be submitted before the deadline set by your university. As universities may have different rounds of applications and specific deadlines for international students, you need to make sure you send in your application at the right time.
Statement of purpose: An essay that highlights your academic background, professional experiences (if any), and your academic and career goals
Proof of language proficiency: Records of your English proficiency test scores
Academic transcripts: Your bachelor’s degree transcripts and records of other academic achievements
Letter of recommendation: One or two letters of endorsement from a mentor/employer.
CV: Your updated CV, ideally on a single page
Proof of payment of application fee: Transaction record of your payment
Proof of funds: Financial records to show your capacity to fund your education in the UK
If you need further support with documentation and the steps that follow when applying to your preferred MSc Accounting and Finance course in the UK, you can always reach out to our counsellors for support and guidance.
Indian students entering the UK for studies need to apply for a student visa, and post-completion of the course, you have the opportunity to apply for a Graduate visa that allows you to extend your stay in the UK for two more years. Let’s find out how you can apply for the Student visa that lets you enter the UK once you are enrolled in your masters programme.
Step 1: Fill in your Student visa application form via the GOV.uk site
Step 2: Submit your documents, either:
Online when filling out your application
At a visa application centre
Step 3: Book a biometrics appointment with your closest visa application centre
Step 4: Attend your biometrics appointment and if you’ve chosen to do so, submit your documents on the same day
Step 5: Attend a visa interview if you’re asked to do so
While this process can seem complicated and lengthy at first, preparing your documents early can give you a headstart with your visa application. If you need support with your visa application, experts at SI-UK can help you through our visa assistance service.
A current passport
Your CAS from your university
Documents to show financial evidence, which can include:
A letter confirming an educational loan
Bank documents of current accounts, deposits, savings accounts, pensions, and/or investment accounts
A letter from your parents or guardian if they’re funding your studies, along with a legal document showing your relationship to them and their financial documents
A letter from your financial sponsor if you have one which includes their contact details and the amount of money they’ll provide for you
Your TB test results
Written consent from your financial sponsor (if applicable)
You can learn more about the visa application process and the documentation you need in our guide on UK Student Visa: Checklist of Documents You’ll Need To Apply. If you need further assistance with applying for your visa, you can access expert support with our Visa Service.
If you are researching MSc accounting and finance programmes in the UK, you might also find the below master’s programmes in the UK aligned with your academic goals and career aspirations in a specialised role in finance and business.
MSc Finance: Applying modern finance theories in the financial world, while maintaining high ethical standards expected from you as a financial specialist.
MSc Financial Management and Risk: Developing your knowledge and critical understanding of financial management and organisational needs to manage financial risk.
MSc Financial Technology (FinTech): Exploring contemporary finance as an academic discipline bringing together technology, economics and regulation, and change management principles to the world of finance.
MSc International Banking and Finance: Studying different banking systems and international markets, recognising needs and challenges of the globalised and dynamic modern banking industry.
MSc International Business: Gaining the necessary knowledge and skills to confront the challenges of operating in a digitally interconnected world characterised by risk, uncertainty, and complex problems.
An MSc Accounting and Finance in the UK can help you gain access to senior, specialist, and leadership roles in the field, enhancing your expertise and credibility with an internationally recognised qualification.
As you start working towards your goals to accelerate your career growth or aim to begin your career with a strong academic foundation, SI-UK counsellors can support you throughout the process of applying to your best-fit MSc Accounting and Finance programme in the UK.
The MSc Accounting and Finance course in the UK is generally 1-2 years long.
Fresh graduates from an accounting, finance, banking, or a relevant academic background
Industry professionals with 2-3 years of work experience
MSc Accounting and Finance in the UK qualifies you as an expert in the field, giving you access to a wide range of lucrative career opportunities across the world.
Yes. The UK has top-ranking business schools offering comprehensive master’s programmes in accounting and finance. After your studies, you can also easily access internships and work placement opportunities in top companies based in the UK.
An MSc Accounting and Finance degree holder can earn upwards of £45,000 (INR 49 lakhs) through £110,000 (INR 1.2 crore) after a few years of work experience.
Career scope for accounting and finance graduates include accountancy, chartered accountancy, banking, insurance brokering, financial advisor, financial trading, investment analyst, and tax advisor.
Yes. A degree in accounting and finance from a UK university enhances employability and gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end.
Rashmi Lakshanya Urban Development and Planning at University College London
A member of the SI-UK team will be in touch within 24 hours to arrange your initial consultation with one of our UK education experts.
