Accounting and Finance (MSc)

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:

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

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.

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. 

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 2022). 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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £15,000.
• EU and international students pay £28,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

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:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

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 aim to 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