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ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

MSc / PGDip

Choose Award
Duration

1 year FT / 2 years PT

UCAS Code

MN40

Entry

September 2027, February 2027

Fees

View fees

Department of Business and Enterprise
Choose Award
Duration

1 year FT / 2 years PT

UCAS Code

MN41

Entry

September, February

Fees

View fees

Department of Business and Enterprise

£100k invested in our financial trading suite, exposing you to sector-leading facilities

Job vacancies in the financial sector increased 12% in 2025, driven by demand for AI, data analytics, regulatory, and sustainable finance skills.

Looking to build a career in accounting, finance or the wider financial services sector? Our MSc Accounting and Finance will help you develop the advanced knowledge, practical expertise and strategic thinking needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global industry.

Designed for graduates seeking to advance their careers, this course develops expertise in advanced financial reporting, corporate finance, financial management, investment analysis, business analytics and corporate governance. You'll build the analytical, technical and decision-making skills valued by employers across accounting firms, banks, investment institutions, fintech organisations and consultancy businesses.

Combining academic study with practical, industry-focused learning, you'll gain hands-on experience in our dedicated Financial Suite, using professional trading terminals and industry-standard software to analyse real-time market data and financial information.

The course also explores key trends shaping the future of the profession, including sustainable finance, ESG reporting, digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, blockchain and artificial intelligence. Guest lectures, masterclasses and networking opportunities with industry professionals will further enhance your learning experience.

Developed with reference to leading professional bodies such as ACCA and CIMA, the programme supports progression towards professional qualifications and may offer exemptions from selected professional examinations.

Combining academic rigour, practical experience and strong industry engagement, our MSc Accounting and Finance prepares you for senior and specialist roles across the global financial services sector.

Why should I choose to study Accounting and Finance MSc / PGDip?

  • EXCELLENT FACILITIES – Our Financial Trading Suite supports the develop of your skills in professional trading.

  • PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION – Developed with reference to ACCA and CIMA, the course may offer exemptions from selected professional examinations, helping you progress towards professional qualifications more quickly.

  • FUTURE-FOCUSED LEARNING – Gain hands-on experience using industry-standard software and real-time market data in our dedicated Financial Suite, preparing you for modern finance and accounting careers.

  • FINANCE IN PRACTICE – Meet senior finance and accounting professionals through our Executive Speaker Challenge Series and tackle real-world business challenges to develop workplace-ready skills.

  • DIVERSE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES – Build expertise across accounting, finance, investment, analytics and corporate governance, preparing you for roles in accounting firms, banking, fintech, consultancy and corporate finance.

  • ACADEMIC SKILLS SUPPORT – Benefit from dedicated Maths and Stats and Exam Skills refresher packages, designed to support all students regardless of their previous qualifications.

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A student in a lecture session at University College Birmingham

Pay early and save up to £4,500

International students who meet all our deposit deadlines can qualify for Early Action Scholarships of £4,500 or £3,500, depending on your course. Simply meet the payment deadlines and we'll do the rest - no application needed. International students can also apply for merit scholarships, worth up to the full amount of the tuition fee.

Early Action Scholarships 

International Merit Scholarships

Our facilities

Students on our accounting and finance courses at University College Birmingham enjoy a wealth of practical learning opportunities in our cutting-edge Financial Trading Suite on campus, while we also provide a range of support services for student entrepreneurs through our Enterprise Hub.

Course breakdown

  • Postgraduate

Core Modules

Corporate Finance for Managers

This module introduces the main techniques used by the financial management team of an organisation to maximise profitability, growth and the value of the organisation. Learners will study the methods of investment project appraisals (NPV and IRR), working capital management and how such companies choose different financing options in order to increase the wealth of the shareholders. You will appreciate the way capital structure is formed within the firm and how it may affect the cost of capital, dividend policy and the value of an organisation.

Data Analysis for Management

This module uniquely combines business statistics with financial modelling techniques. As the world becomes ever more data-driven, analytical skills are in high demand but very short supply. Data Analysis for Management equips you with the analytical skills to meet the current and future needs of any industry by using data for gaining business insights, predicting future trends and decision-making. Aside from providing theoretical knowledge and practical skills to understand, interpret and communicate data, this module also offers a hands-on, scenario-focused and practical approach to learning financial modelling. The module will allow you to develop your beginner-to-intermediate knowledge of spreadsheet modelling to a more advanced level. Learners will at the end of the course be able to build a relational data source, integrate data from multiple tables and transform them into meaningful results for decision making.

Financial Accounting and Reporting

This module aims to provide an overview of financial accounting and the different types of accounting information. The module discusses how to distinguish between management and financial accounting and the financial statements in which accounting information is presented. The module covers the principles of double-entry book-keeping including year-end adjustments and how to prepare basic financial statements for different business entities. It develops students' knowledge and understanding of financial accounting principles and techniques to record and present financial information. It also provides skills which are required to effectively analyse and interpret financial statements for stakeholders .

Financial Markets and Institutions

Over the last 25 years, the world of the financial industry has experienced a very dynamic development which has been characterised by financial innovation, technological enhancement, market failures and stringent regulations. This module would provide comprehensive understanding of the finance theories and concepts operating within the financial markets and institutions. In addition, the recent trends within the financial markets, the financial crisis and the regulatory responses would be covered. The purpose of this module is to give students the knowledge and understanding of the way financial markets function in terms of the different categories of participants, their role in the financial system and their interaction. As the economic and competitive environments change, the study of Finance, Financial Markets and Institutions is inevitable at Post-Graduate finance education.

Governance and Ethics

This module aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the concepts, theoretical perspectives and mechanisms of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. It allows you to understand the impact of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility on the firm's performance and investment decisions. The module evaluates governance structures and responsibilities and enables to exercise judgement in utilising and reviewing ethical rules and concepts for business.

Management Accounting for Decision Making

The module aims to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of students in appraising management accounting techniques in decision making. The module introduces the theory and practice of management accounting before examining the key management accounting tools for decision making techniques used for planning and controlling costs. These techniques include preparation and use of budgets, standard costing and variance analysis. The syllabus ends with an exploration of issues relating to performance measurement and monitoring of business processes in the context of organisational strategy.

Masters Research Project

This module introduces students to the disciplines and techniques required for critical appraisal of complex data and industry practice; creating research designs and accompanying research techniques; building theoretical frameworks, and the scheduling and execution of a research project. The module will develop students' skills and expertise in the essential research tools they will need for both successful Postgraduate study and as leaders in their chosen service industry sector.

The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.

Entry requirements

Academic

  • MSc Finance and Accounting – A grade classification of 2:2 is required, or international equivalent (including relevant English language qualifications).

  • PGDip Finance and Accounting – A grade classification of third class is required, or international equivalent.

  • A subject-related UK or International honours degree from a recognised institution.

  • You should have studied in a closely-related discipline that will enable you to meet the academic rigour of the course and understand the finance and accounting modules.

  • GCSE maths – Grade A*-C or 9-4, or equivalent Level 2 qualification.

Work-Based

  • We also consider applicants who are currently employed and wish to apply to University College Birmingham.
  • To apply, you must have 5 years of relevant managerial work experience, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of the sector for the subject matter you are interested in pursuing.
  • A reference detailing your roles and responsibilities from your line manager and a meeting with the programme team will usually be scheduled prior to a place being offered.

International students

For academic and English entry requirements for EU and international students, please visit the Country Specific Information page.

Additional

If your degree is not related and you do not have relevant managerial work experience, please contact Admissions so that we can discuss your application on an individual basis before you apply. 

If you have any questions, please complete our enquiry form:

Enquiry Form

Key information

Teaching and assessment

Note: Indicative information only – actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction. 

Teaching 

Learning strategies include: 

  • Lectures (including guest lectures) 

  • Small group seminars 

  • Workshops 

  • One-to-one tutorials 

  • Group projects 

  • Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) 

  • Self-directed study 

You will need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.

Assessment

Assessment formats include:

  • Examinations

  • Coursework (including presentations, case studies, online debates, assessed seminars, executive reports and numerical computations)

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.

Timetable

This is an example timetable for this course. Please note that timetables can vary from year over year and semester over semester due to various factors.

View example timetable

Additional qualifications and training

Our MSc in Finance and Accounting is accredited by CIMA and includes 11 exemptions from the CIMA qualification, while you will also be able to apply for the CIMA Gateway examination.

Tuition fees for home students

If you are a home student enrolling on a [Band 4] postgraduate degree course at University College Birmingham in 2026/2027, the tuition fee for full-time study will be £12,000 per year. For part-time study, the fee will be £6,000 per year.

View tuition fees for home students

Tuition fees for international students

If you are an international student (or have been fee assessed as an international fee payer) and enrolling on a full-time [Band 3] postgraduate degree course in 2026/2027, the fee for the academic year will be £20,750. If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year or £250 for a half-year placement.

View fees for international students

Please note: international fees are subject to change for 2027/2028.

CIMA registration fees

CIMA registration fee for MSc students: for current course registration fee and 1st exam entry fee, please visit the CIMA website https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/landing/uk

"An MSc Accounting and Finance develops the advanced insight employers value: rigorous analysis, ethical judgement, and strategic thinking. Our graduates can interpret complex data, advise at senior level, and adapt to digital change. It accelerates professional credibility, leadership potential, and career progression across global financial services and contemporary business environments."

Asif Sadiq Senior Lecturer

Career opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Mortgage adviser

Average Salary: £52,500

Chartered management accountant

Average Salary: £32,000

Retail banker

Average Salary: £30,500

Data analyst

Average Salary: £32,500

Purchasing manager

Average Salary: £28,000

HIRED

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Asif’s Story

Playing a key role in developing our master’s degree, Asif explains how this course will prepare you for a career in the sector.

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