About this course
Become an expert in auditing, corporate governance and tax through our MSc Accounting and Finance degree. You’ll also have a rare opportunity to study international accounting and taxation. This course will prepare you for a variety of careers in accountancy and other sectors.
This master's in Accounting and Finance course is ideal if you have studied in accountancy, business, mathematics, or economics. It’s also suitable if you have relevant professional experience and want to improve your career opportunities.
You’ll evaluate and apply core technical accounting and finance methods to real-world situations, and gain a detailed understanding of global financial markets and accounting systems. Using the Bloomberg terminals for live financial data as well as a range of key financial databases for research.
Throughout the course you’ll cover:
- equity markets
- investment decisions
- management and financial accounting
- mergers and acquisitions
- internal and external auditing
- behavioural finance
Unusually for an accounting and finance master’s you’ll have an opportunity to study international accounting and taxation. You’ll learn how a country’s social, economic, legal and political environment determines its tax regulations, and the impact of tax on company behaviours.
Other current study choices include the rapidly expanding area of corporate governance. This will give you an understanding of high profile corporate collapses and financial crisis. You can also choose from financial reporting and markets, or accounting and societies.
Specialists also give regular guest lectures and will share insights with you from current research and industry issues. This will enhance your studies and career options, giving you real networking opportunities.
Course lead
Dr Oliver Marnet is the course lead for our MSc Accounting and Finance degree, and former Head of the Accounting Department. His research focus is on behavioural decision-making applied to audit and corporate governance. As well as continued interests in accounting, finance, audit, governance and judgement and decision-making.
He has won competitive research grant awards from, inter alia, the ICAEW and the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education, UK. He has also conducted research for the European Commission, Big-4 accounting firms, the Pensions & Investment Research Consultants Ltd (PIRC), Research Fortnight HE, and contributed to The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators’ (ICSA) review of the Higgs Guidance for the Financial Reporting Council.
Accreditations
This course is accredited by:
“"What I learnt in the Business School was not limited to the financial sheets or return on investment, but a logical mindset with can-do spirits. The Business School gave me great exposure to the real business world, such as career talks and networking events.””
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree or an accepted equivalent qualification, with at least 7 modules in these subject areas:
- business
- corporate finance
- taxation
- management
- auditing
- mathematics
- statistics
- cost accounting
- economics
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
Professional qualifications such as ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualifications can compensate for an unrelated degree subject. Work experience in Accounting is not a requirement but can compensate for unrelated degree subject/grades.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
This is a full-time 1-year course, running from September to the following September. Your studies will be divided into 3 semesters and you’ll have exams in January and May.
The content is covered in taught modules in semester 1 and 2.
The research methods module in semester 2 relates to the development of your research proposal. This will form the basis of your dissertation in semester 3.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Learning
You’ll learn technical skills in finance and accounting and will improve your transferable skills such as analytical thinking, team working and communication and writing.
You'll learn through a variety of methods including:
- access to Bloomberg terminals for live financial data
- interactive in-class technology
- using financial databases for research
- applying knowledge to media and business case studies
- talks from The Institute of Chartered Accountants and top firms
- numerical problem-solving tasks
Assessment
Assessment methods include:
- exams
- coursework
- group essays
- group presentations
Dissertation
To complete this master’s you’ll need to carry out an individual research project. You’ll write a 15,000 word dissertation as part of this.
Your research project will be supervised.
Academic Support
We have an open and friendly culture at Southampton Business School and will support you whenever you need it.
Your personal academic tutor is there to offer help and advice on academic issues, and the module leaders and course leader are also available for course-related questions.
In addition, the University provides a range of support services including language and writing skills support.
Careers
During your time as a postgraduate in accounting and finance, you’ll have opportunities to build a large network with international firms and industry experts.
You could develop a career in:
- banking
- financial institutions
- accounting/consulting firms
Our graduates have gone on to work in the UK and internationally for organisations including:
- KPMG
- Mars Chocolate
- Zurich
- National Health Service (NHS)
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £12,950.
- International students pay £22,806.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK and EU nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
How to apply
You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least two weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
If you're an international student you'll need to have approval from the UK's Academic Approval Scheme before you can study this course.
The ATAS certificate is required for certain sensitive postgraduate subjects.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000