Accounting and Finance, MSc

Course content

You'll explore the essentials of corporate finance and the relationship between accounting information and organisational performance. At the same time, you'll build advanced skills in handling quantitative data and examine how modern finance theories are applied to solve complex finance problems.

You will gain an understanding of important research methods in finance and their impact on current practice, and explore topics such as financial analysis, reporting and regulation.

Beyond these core modules, you'll be able to specialise in areas that suit your career plans with your choice of optional modules. You'll take at least one of Corporate Governance or Information and Organisation Design, but you could also study topics such as forensic accounting, behavioural finance or international investment.

A professional skills module runs throughout the year to help you develop the critical skills that will allow you to take your knowledge into the workplace. By the end of the year, you'll be prepared to design and carry out your own research dissertation on a related topic of your choice, developing your ability to tackle the most pressing challenges currently facing the industry.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Quantitative Methods 15 credits
• Corporate Finance 15 credits
• Accounting and Organisational Performance 15 credits
• Applied Finance 15 credits
• Financial Analysis 15 credits
• Accounting and Finance Dissertation 60 credits
• Critical Skills for the Finance Professional 15 credits

Optional modules

Choose two optional modules. One of these must be either Information and Organisation Design or Corporate Governance.

• Information and Organisation Design 15 credits
• Corporate Governance 15 credits
• International Business Finance 15 credits
• Forensic Accounting and Finance 15 credits
• Behavioural Finance 15 credits
• International Investment 15 credits
• International Banking and Finance 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Accounting and Finance MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These will include lectures, seminars, workshops, online learning and tutorials. In addition to the assessed modules and research dissertation, you benefit from professional training activities and employability workshops.

Thanks to our links with major companies across the business world, you can also gain a practical understanding of key issues. For example, students have developed their knowledge of financial markets through a one-week trading simulation delivered in partnership with Amplify Trading. Read more about professional development activities for finance students.

Assessment

You'll be assessed using methods such as exams, project work, presentations, reports and essays. This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a related subject such as accounting, finance, economics or mathematics.

A background in accounting is essential and you'll need to have a good grounding in quantitative subjects.

International qualifications

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component . For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:

• don't meet the English language requirements for your course or
• want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.

Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Economics and Finance (6 weeks) and Language for Business: Economics and Finance (10 weeks).

How to apply

UK/EU: 30th June 2018

International: 31 March 2018

• Apply

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you're still studying
• Two academic references
• A personal statement
• An up-to-date CV
• Evidence of your English language qualifications, if English is not your first language
• A letter of sponsorship, if you need one.

Admissions policy

Leeds University Business School Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy

Fees

UK/EU: £13,750 (total)

International: £25,500 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances.

We award a range of scholarships to UK, EU and international students. Scholarships are available to candidates who can demonstrate an excellent academic record and show excellent professional and personal skills.

There are several scholarships available for this course that you may be eligible for, including:

• Masters in Accounting and Finance UK/EU Excellence Scholarship
• Masters in Accounting and Finance International Excellence Scholarship
• Dean's Excellence Scholarship (UK/EU and International)
• Leeds Alumni Bursary and Excellence Scholarship

Read more about Business School scholarships.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates of this masters course are vast. You will be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of core accounting and finance principles, and the numerical and analytical skills to succeed in this rapidly changing complex environment.

Graduates have gone on to work as management accountants, management consultants, audit managers, finance managers, equity managers and credit risk officers.

Careers support

We help you to achieve your career ambitions by providing professional development support and training as part of the Masters programme. You benefit from our dedicated Professional Development Tutor, who will work with you to develop the important professional skills that employers value.

We're also committed to offering a wide range of development and training events and activities. Recent activities and events have included field trips to corporate headquarters, CV building and interview sessions, professional risk management workshops and commercial awareness networking events.

Read more about our careers and professional development support.

The University of Leeds Careers Centre also provides a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate.

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