Rebekah Shanks
Accounting and Finance, MSc
Introduction
The Accounting and Finance MSc sets you on a path for a rewarding career in this highly skilled profession, whether you’ve recently graduated or are already working. With this specialised one-year conversion programme you don’t need previous experience in this area to gain the skills to advance a career in the financial and accounting sector.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
A career in accounting and finance requires an in-depth understanding of both the theory and practical knowledge of accounting and finance. With this industry-focused programme, you’ll master a wide range of financial tools and acquire a solid foundation of key accounting and finance topics, while developing the necessary skills for management roles. The programme will thoroughly prepare you for a successful career across a variety of potential accountancy and financial roles and industries.
Led by renowned academics and top industry practitioners, you’ll gain access to the latest accounting and finance research, software and techniques. The Business School’s strong links with financial institutions, recruiters and practitioners ensures a focus on tangible, marketable employability skills, relevant to the real accounting and financial world. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with industry throughout the programme, including working on live projects with prestigious companies. We also run workshops with visiting industry specialists from companies such as Deloitte, KMPG, PwC and EY.
Experience three Professional Development Weeks annually, providing you with valuable opportunities to enhance your skills and career prospects. Additionally, participate in our Careers Fair, where you can interact with potential employers, explore diverse career paths, and make connections that can shape your professional journey.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
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Accounting and Finance
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £26,250 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year UK £15,700 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
- Professional and Academic Skills for Business (Linear) (BU50PL)
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This course is designed to support your academic and professional learning journey as you progress with your Accounting and Finance Programme.
Topics will include, enhanced orientation, study skills, health and well-being and employability activities.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Accounting for Business Decisions (BU503W)
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30 Credit Points
This course provides non-accounting students with an introduction to accounting’s role inside of organisations and how accountants produce and disseminate financial information that helps managers and employees make operational decisions.
The course will introduce students to the theory and practice of accounting techniques that are important for organisational decision making, including:
- measurement of costs and revenues
- planning, control, and performance measurement
- and strategic planning and objectives
- Economic Analysis (BU5033)
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15 Credit Points
The course will cover the main elements of Microeconomic Theory together with how this underpins the macro economy, covering consumer theory, how consumers choose under constraint of a budget, to generate demands. How this theory can be used to consider the welfare effects of price changes will be considered. The problem of production will be examined to understand the supply, and the demand and supply side will be drawn together to consider market structure. How the theory can be used to identify market supplies and demands from empirical data will be examined.
- Issues in Corporate Finance (BU5034)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces students to basic financial concepts before moving on to introduce students to a number of areas of corporate finance including investment appraisal decisions, examining capital structure theory, the financing decisions of the firm, and corporate restructuring. The main aim of the course is to equip students with good analytical skills in order to understand the implications of corporate financing decisions by understanding why companies behave the way they do with respect to financing choices and how this interacts with the real world financial markets, and to enable students to understand the theoretical underpinnings of corporate finance theory.
Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- Portfolio Analysis (BU5526)
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15 Credit Points
This course examines theories and issues relevant to portfolio analysis. Themes include: risk and return; investment motives; the application of modern portfolio theory (including the Capital Asset Pricing Model); information and market efficiency; portfolio analysis and asset pricing; bonds and equities; real estate and derivative markets.
- Financial Markets and Regulation (BU552H)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides students with an understanding of the financial system by introducing students to the reasons for, and nature of, financial markets and financial institutions, before moving on to explore the need and importance of regulation, investigate the causes and consequences of the recent 2008 Global Financial Crisis, and discuss future reform.
- Financial Analysis and International Accounting (BU553Z)
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30 Credit Points
This course provides students with basic knowledge of financial accounting, its sources including double entry bookkeeping, its processes, and its uses; financial reporting, its regulation, interpretation, and audit; accounting theory; and how financial reports are used when conducting a fundamental analysis of an entity.
Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- Business Analysis Project (BU594T)
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30 Credit Points
This course applies the knowledge acquired on fundamental analysis from BU5574. It involves preparation of a business analysis report on a comparative appraisal of the financial position & performance of 2 companies in the same sector. The appraisal includes preparation of a SWOT Analysis for each of the 2 companies informed in part by horizontal & vertical analysis, trend analysis & ratio analysis. The principal sources are the published Annual Reports of the 2 companies, the company websites, information found online on the industry they are in, & any other relevant information.
- Investment Project (BU593Y)
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30 Credit Points
This course expands knowledge and understanding of modern portfolio theory in a real-world setting. Our theme is to use a trading simulator to develop and use investment strategies to trade at market prices with an allocated capital sum. Techniques of financial analysis using established ratios and company analysis are developed in a practical manner and portfolios of assets can be built with transactions logged, and comparisons of asset performance with other asset classes and market indices.
MSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen MoreMSc 24 months On Campus Learning Part Time September Aberdeen MoreMSc 24 months On Campus Learning Part Time January Aberdeen More
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme:
The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen. More Information can be found here.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
You’ll enjoy access to first-rate academic facilities, including our virtual finance lab, powered by Bloomberg. This virtual trading room gives you access to the same professional tools used by major international financial services companies. You’ll attend a variety of stimulating lectures, seminars and tutorials, with your skills and competency assessed by a mix of presentations, traditional exams, essays and projects.
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
The programme assesses the competency and skills that you will need in the accounting and financial world in a number of ways. You will give individual and group presentations, prepare reports, sit assessments and write academic essays.
Why Study Accounting and Finance?
University of Aberdeen Business School ranked 4th in the UK for Accounting and Finance in the Guardian University Guide 2025.
Introducing our professionally recognised university programme, accredited by the ACCA, providing you with exemptions from the initial four professional exams.
Embark on a specialised one-year conversion programme that requires no prior experience in the field, offering you the opportunity to acquire essential skills for advancing your career in the financial and accounting sector.
Develop an in-depth understanding of accounting and finance theory, gain practical knowledge, and apply these concepts to real-world situations. Our curriculum ensures a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter.
Master a diverse array of financial tools by accessing the latest financial research, software, and techniques. This will equip you with a robust foundation in accounting practices, ensuring you stay at the forefront of industry advancements.
You will:
• Experience world-leading facilities with access to our virtual finance lab
• Connect with financial institutions and leading industry practitioners
• Develop a well-rounded skillset for careers in accounting and finance
• Build your business network and access top-tier recruiters around the world
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
This programme is open to graduates from any discipline and does not require business or management study to be completed at undergraduate level.
Our minimum entry requirement for this programme is a degree at 2:2 (lower second class) UK Honours level (or a degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth).
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded postgraduate taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipsCareers
Having a recognised accountancy qualification opens many career doors, with a higher percentage of company board members holding an accountancy qualification than any other kind of postgraduate qualification. You could progress to hold roles such as Accountant, Auditor or Financial Manager in prestigious firms around the world.
This programme caters to both self-starters and seasoned professionals, making it an excellent career decision for those fresh out of undergraduate studies or seeking to transition into a more senior role without prior managerial experience.
For recent graduates, our programme serves as a direct pathway to kickstart a successful career journey. No previous managerial experience is required, ensuring accessibility for enthusiastic individuals ready to embark on a fulfilling career in accountancy.
Professionals aiming for career enhancement will find our programme tailored to facilitate a smooth transition into more senior roles. Acquiring a recognised accountancy qualification through our programme opens numerous career doors, making it a strategic move for those aspiring to climb the professional ladder.
Career Opportunities
- Account Manager
- Accountant
- Financial Manager
- Recruitment Consultant
- Trainee Chartered Accountant
Industry Links
Gain access to premier global recruiters as part of our university program. Benefit from employer-led skills sessions conducted by the renowned big four global firms - Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, and Ernst & Young. These sessions will equip you with the knowledge on how to distinguish yourself in interviews and assessment centers.
Accreditation
The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions. Out of over 15,000 business schools worldwide, only around 200 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.
This degree holds accreditation from
What our Alumni Say
Helen Fowler
Our Experts
- Programme Leader
- Mr Naser Makarem
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
World Class Facilities
- 24 hour access to our online Learning Support provided via our Virtual Learning environment MyAberdeen.
- Membership of the University Library, learning materials including access to core text books.
- The Business School is home to the biggest societies on campus including the Economics and Business Society, InternNetwork, Aberdeen University Consulting Group, the Trading and Investment Club, AIESEC, and the Fintech and Blockchain Club.
Sir Duncan Rice Library
The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.
Find out moreVirtual Learning environment MyAberdeen
This the University’s virtual learning environment. This is where you will find learning materials and resources associated with your courses and where you will be notified of any announcements about your courses or the University.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Business School
University of Aberdeen
MacRobert Building
King Street
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX