International Accounting and Governance (MSc) starting September 2026 for 1 year
With our MSc in International Accounting and Governance you'll be prepared for the global financial industry. You'll cover specialist topics like international corporate governance, as well as the fundamentals of accounting.
Through this course, you'll develop advanced knowledge and skills in international accounting. You’ll apply the diverse range of skills you learn to many sectors and economies. The experience you build will enable you to contribute to the improvement of financial information systems out in the workplace.
There’s an increasing worldwide interest in governance as it relates to finance, accounting, and management. Finance governance is central to Environmental, Social and Governance principles, which inform United Nations Sustainable Development goals. Governance is also closely associated with Principles of Responsible Management Education. This course will provide you with a valuable understanding of governance and its impact on the financial industry.
On this master's course, you'll have the opportunity to specialise through studying an optional module in either Corporate Governance, Islamic Accounting, or Finance and Governance.
From your studies you can expect to gain:
The course draws on the research and teaching excellence of the Centre for Research in Accounting, Accountability, and Governance (CRAAG). CRAAG focuses on the role of accounting in promoting global development and sustainability.
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
This course is led by Dr Gifty Adjei-Mensah and Dr Peng Wang.
Dr Gifty Adjei-Mensah is a lecturer in accounting based in the Accounting Department at the University of Southampton. Her current research involves exploring the impact of corporate social health reporting on various measures of financial and non-financial performance. You can view Gifty's Staff Profile for more information.
Dr Peng Wang is a Lecturer in Financial Management. His main research area is in corporate finance and corporate governance, and he is also interested in ESG (environment, social, and governance). He has extensive teaching experiences in management accounting and corporate governance. You can view Peng's Staff Profile for more information.
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
This course is based at Highfield.
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
To apply for our MSc in International Accounting and Governance, you’ll need a 2:1 degree from one of the following subjects:
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
We do not accept the following subjects:
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.
If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, you can apply to complete a Pre-Master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.
You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the programme. Find out more about Pre-Master's programmes for international students.
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.
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
On this 12 month master's course, you'll study 7 core modules spread over two semesters. You'll also choose one optional module for each semester. These modules allow you to specialise in a topic of your choice.
You'll cover the fundamentals of international finance and corporate governance in your first semester.
There are 3 core modules for you to study, and you'll get to choose one of the following optional modules:
In your second semester, you'll cover a research methods module, which will help you develop your research proposal. This proposal will form the basis of your dissertation. You'll also cover more specialist topics, such as Islamic accounting.
You'll cover 4 core modules in your second semester, and choose one of these optional modules:
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
You must study the following modules :
You must also choose from the following modules :
The course blends theoretical and practical learning methods, so you'll feel prepared to meet the challenges of the global finance industry.
You'll learn through a combination of:
These will help you to achieve the level of understanding you would expect from a master's course. Your hours spent in class will depend on the modules you choose.
You'll get to test your understanding of international accounting and finance before completing formal assessments. Each module normally contains a practice assessment and you'll gain feedback to help you improve. There are a range of assessment methods used in the course, from class tests and essays to group activities and presentations.
Your dissertation project will involve choosing a topic for independent investigation. You'll then write a 15,000 word dissertation describing your work.
We encourage you to base your dissertation on an issue related to accounting, audit, finance, or management. You could also base it on an area of direct interest to a current or future employer.
You'll be allocated a personal tutor when you begin your studies. They'll be an academic staff member either in your own or a closely related subject. Your tutor will offer one-to-one support and advice throughout your course.
You'll also have a dissertation supervisor who will be able to support you in choosing the topic and form of your dissertation project.
The Student Support Hub is also available for any wellbeing, accommodation, or financial concerns.
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees for a year's study:
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course.
If you study part-time, you may not be eligible for this loan. Find out if you're eligible.
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 2 September 2026, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 19 August 2026, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
There is no application assessment fee for postgraduate courses starting in 2026.
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:
You'll also need to submit two 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.
You may also be asked to provide:
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
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
