Course summary
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. Teaching for this postgraduate programme will be delivered at our new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, opening 2026. Here, enhanced links with industry and collaborative learning spaces will provide students with real-world knowledge, networks and skills to succeed once you graduate. Depending on your choice of optional units, you may also be taught on the Clifton Campus.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2026/msc-accounting-and-finance.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree in Accounting or Finance (this includes single honours degrees and joint degrees paired with an unrelated discipline), or Commerce degrees with Accounting/Finance/Accounting and Finance specialisms. OR If your degree is not listed above, 6 modules are required at a 2:1 level. You must have Financial Accounting and Management Accounting. The other four modules should demonstrate Accounting and Finance knowledge – indicative title of modules could be: Accounting in Society, Accounting Information Systems, 'any variation of' accounting (for example, corporate accounting), Auditing, Banking, Corporate Finance, Corporate Reporting, Cost Accounting, Cost Analysis, Cost Management, Financial Analysis, Financial Derivatives, Financial Management, Financial Management and Control, Financial Reporting, Financial Risk Management, Financial Technology, Fundamentals of Accounting, Fundamentals of Finance, Intermediate Accounting, Intermediate Finance, International Finance, Principles of Accounting, Principles of Asset Pricing, Principles of Finance, Quantitative methods for Finance. 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. 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. - Professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA or CFA may be used to meet module requirements. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £18500 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £18500 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £18500 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £18500 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £18500 | Year 1 |
| EU | £39000 | Year 1 |
| International | £39000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
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.
For more information, please view the programme page on our website.
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU