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 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. You can use our Bloomberg terminals for live financial data as well as a range of key databases for research.
Throughout the course you’ll cover:
- equity markets
- investment decisions
- management and financial accounting
- mergers and acquisitions
- internal and external auditing
- behaviour
Unusually for a postgraduate in accounting and finance, 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 reporting and markets, or sustainability accounting.
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
“"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.””
MSc Accounting and Finance Taster Lecture
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree or an accepted equivalent qualification, with at least 7 modules in either of these subject areas:
- accounting
- auditing
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
We'll consider the following professional qualifications if you have an unrelated degree subject:
- Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Work experience in Accounting is not a requirement but can compensate for unrelated degree subject/grades.
We do not accept the following subjects:
- Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', 'Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
- Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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?
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
Course structure
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
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
This module provides a deep insight in some key theories and topics in Corporate Finance. The module looks at how firms and corporation manage financial investment and decisions in the long term and short term. The module will discuss topics ranging fro...
The dissertation stage of your Postgraduate programme involves an extended, independent investigation of a topic of your own choice within accounting, finance and management and the preparation of a 15,000 word dissertation describing your work. Essentia...
This module aims to provide students with practical knowledge of the equity markets (primary and secondary markets, and mergers and acquisitions activities), as well as an overall understanding in the theoretical foundation and empirical evidence with reg...
Financial accounting relates to the measurement and recording of business transactions. It underlies the annual reports published by companies which shareholders and other stakeholder use to assess the past performance of the business and make decisions a...
The module builds on MANG6030 Financial Accounting 1 and exposes students to various accounting theories and approaches to further their understanding of accounting developments nationally (UK) and internationally. The module also exposes students to some...
There are two broad objectives to the module: • The first objective is to introduce students to academic research concerned with social sciences in general and accounting, finance and management research, in particular. The course will therefore enha...
The principal aim of this module is to introduce you to a range of management accounting decision-making techniques. Specifically, you will be encouraged to appreciate the situations within which management accounting techniques work and their limitations...
The principal aim of this module is to introduce you to a range of strategic management accounting techniques and encourage you to further explore management accounting change phenomenon.
You must also choose from the following modules:
Students will be introduced to the regulation of financial reporting; the information perspective to financial reporting; the valuation relevance of financial reporting; economic consequences and Positive Accounting Theory; Earnings management.
The module will provide students with an understanding of the nature of accounting practices and taxation of international activities. With respect to accounting it emphasises the importance of a country’s cultural, social, economic, legal and political e...
Corporate Governance is an area that has grown rapidly in the last few years fuelled by high profile corporate collapses and financial crisis. The module builds on sound theoretical base to encompass the latest developments in the field worldwide. It tak...
Learning and assessment
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 2020). 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 thriving 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 students pay £15,000.
- EU and international students pay £28,000.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
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 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.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
If you're an international student you'll need 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'll 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
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