University of Bristol - Business, Economics and Innovation
MSc Accounting and Finance
Bristol, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 39,000 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* home applicants| overseas applicants: 25 july 2025
** overseas full-time | home full-time: GBP 18,000 per year | home part-time: GBP 9,000 per year
Key Summary
About: The MSc Accounting and Finance develops research, analytical and technical skills in accounting and finance. In term one you'll examine contemporary research literature and learn quantitative and qualitative research methods. Term two offers elective units for specialisation. The programme concludes with a supervised research-based dissertation that prepares students for academic study or research-focused roles.
Career Outcomes: The programme equips you with analytical and research skills for academic and professional paths. Graduates may progress to a PhD or enter roles in banking, accounting, consulting, financial analysis, audit, corporate finance, risk management, regulatory or policy positions. Employers value dissertation experience highly.
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.
Year 1
- Contemporary Issues in Accounting
- Fundamentals of Finance
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods in Accounting and Finance
- Dissertation (MSc A&F)
University of Bristol is 8th in the UK and 51st in the world (QS World University rankings 2026)
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.
from 25th November 2024- 4th of December 2025


