Accounting and Finance (MSc)

You'll need a 2.1 degree in either Accounting or Auditing or a degree programme that has at least 7 modules of accounting or auditing

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country. 

We'll consider the following professional qualifications ACCA/ACA/CIMA qualifications on a case by case basis.

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 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.

Pre-masters

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.

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, with exams in January and May.

In semesters 1 and 2 you will study a range of core and optional taught modules in:

• accounting and finance
• developing advanced knowledge of financial reporting
• management accounting
• capital markets

You will also have the opportunity to explore specialist topics that match your interests and career aspirations.

In semester 2 you will also take a Research Methods module, which introduces you to key research designs, data collection and analysis techniques, and how to apply these to real accounting and finance issues. This module will support the development of your individual research proposal and prepare you for the final stage of the programme.

In semester 3, you will choose to undertake either the Dissertation or the Industry Project in Accounting, Finance and Management. 

The Dissertation involves conducting an in-depth piece of independent research under academic supervision, allowing you to investigate a topic of particular interest in greater depth. 

The Industry Project provides an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills to a practical business challenge, bridging academic theory and professional practice.

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 will undertake either: 

• an individual research project
• an applied industry-based project

One option is to complete a 10,000-word dissertation, based on an independently supervised research project.

Alternatively, you may apply for the Industry Project in Accounting, Finance and Management, a practice-based alternative in which you prepare a sustainability report for an SME, charity, or NGO. This option combines academic research with real-world application, and helps develop analytical and professional skills.

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. 

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £19,000.
• EU and international students pay £36,300.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

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.

What your fees pay for

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:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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. 

If you study part-time, you may not be eligible for this loan. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Business School (MSc) Dean Scholarship (UK)

Scholarships of £9,000 and £5,000 are available to home fee paying students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s at the University of Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School (MSc) Dean Scholarship (UK), including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School (MSc) Dean Scholarship (International)

Scholarships of £9,000 and £5,000 are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s at the University of Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School (MSc) Dean Scholarship (International), including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

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.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

There is no application assessment fee for postgraduate courses starting in 2026.

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

References are not required for this programme.

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.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

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 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 Inclusion and Respectful Behaviour Policy.

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