About this course
Explore the key strategic and tactical challenges faced by managers at all levels with our full-time MSc Accounting and Management degree. You’ll develop your financial management practice to understand the risks and uncertainties impacting modern business.
On this course, you’ll focus on accounting and financial management as you learn how to measure and assess organisational performance. This will give you the skills to pursue careers in finance, accounting or consultancy.
Our master's in accounting and management is a great way to advance to higher-level strategic management roles. You don’t need training or experience in accounting to apply, and we consider applicants from a range of backgrounds.
During the course, you’ll gain a solid foundation in management and accounting concepts, along with related topics including:
- managing in a global context
- accounting for corporate performance
- marketing in the digital age
You can personalise your learning to suit your professional needs. For example, you can choose to focus on:
- corporate finance
- international logistics
- risk taking and decision making
- entrepreneurial governance
- project management
Our academic team will enrich your learning through their research and industry insights.
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Qinging Zhang. She studied in France and China, and completed her PhD in accounting and finance at the University of Durham. Her research interests include finance and corporate governance.
Visit Dr Zhang's profile page to find out more about her work and publications.
Accreditations
MSc Accounting and Management 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 at least a 2:1 degree, preferably in business or economics.
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
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
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
On this master’s in accounting and management your studies will run for a full 12 months, from September to the following September.
The first 9 months cover taught modules and includes exams. From June to September you’ll work on your supervised research project.
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:
Accounting systems provide useful inputs in the decision-making processes of organisations. The overall aim of this module is to provide an understanding of how accounting processes and techniques are implicated in the management of organisations, be it a...
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...
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...
This module provides a critical understanding of fundamentals of financial accounting. It examines how financial statements are prepared and the concepts and measurement issues underlying their preparation, enabling you to appreciate the way that recordin...
This module provides you with the theoretical background and practical knowledge of management accounting. It introduces fundamental concepts of relevant cost and revenue for decision making and more contemporary management control techniques.
It focuses on the challenges of managing people within a global context. The module will provide you with a practical grounding in the skills necessary to present a clear and concise business report in global human resource management.
This module is a general introduction to ‘Marketing’ as a management function and activity for students not studying marketing as their main discipline. It looks at the role of marketing in enabling organisations to meet their strategic and operational go...
You must also choose from 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...
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...
This module deals with the finance in an international context. This includes spot and the forward exchange rates, the operation of common currency systems and also international cultural differences which affect the way business is governed.
The international logistics module provides a sound foundation in international logistics management in terms of road, rail, air and sea freight transport. The focus is primarily from a user perspective in order to provide a logistics and supply chain man...
The global and rapid growth of managing by projects in every sector, industry, and company type has led to the development of pan-sector theories and bodies of knowledge in project management. The specific nature of projects as temporary and unique activi...
The ability to make effective decisions in the face of risk and uncertainty is essential to success in today’s fast changing world. This module seeks to equip you with the knowledge of decision-making processes and models that will help you achieve this o...
Learning and assessment
Learning
In lectures you’ll learn core theories highlighted using real-world examples. You’ll apply your knowledge through a combination of:
- discussion classes
- seminars
- individual and group practical exercises
- case studies
- directed reading
You’ll enrich your learning through our academics’ insights into their research and industry experience. They’ll use interactive teaching including group work, mini-debates and student-led presentations. The teamwork, project management and communication skills you hone during this time will be invaluable throughout your career.
The Business School has strong industry links with professional accounting bodies, for example, Senior Teaching Fellow Richard Cartwright is President of the Southern Society of Chartered Accountants. We also invite professional bodies and businesses to share their expertise so you can stay up to date with the latest industry trends and challenges.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary between modules and may include:
- group and individual coursework
- presentations
- exams
- multiple-choice tests
- dissertation
Dissertation
You'll need to use the methods, techniques and skills you learn in the taught part of the programme to write a 15,000-word dissertation.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
You’ll boost your salary potential by graduating with the accounting and management skills employers are looking for:
- analysis and interpretation of financial reports and accounts
- accounting in business decision making and corporate governance
- appreciation of management in a global context
- design of a marketing campaign
- identification, analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data
As a graduate you can work for banking organisations, financial institutions, accounting firms and consultancies. Examples of the companies our students have gone on to work for include:
- EY
- PwC
- Deloitte
- McLaren Automotive Ltd
If, once you've graduated, you decide to study for professional qualifications you may be able to apply for accounting qualification exemptions.
This master's is also good preparation for further research at PhD level.
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.
Deposit
When you accept your offer to study on this course you’ll be asked to pay a deposit. This is non-refundable. The deposit amount is:
- UK students: £250
- EU and international students: £1,000
Full terms and conditions and details of how to pay this deposit will be sent to you in your offer letter.
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
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.
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 usually make one of 4 decisions:
- Offer you a place on this course
- Offer you a place on a different course which we think suits you better
- Tell you that we'll consider your application a second time in the next stage
- Tell you that your application has been unsuccessful
If we decide to consider your application a second time in the next stage, this will only happen once.
If we offer you a place, you'll need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we'll offer your place to another applicant.
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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