MSc Accounting and Finance
With our master’s in accounting and finance, you’ll be equipped with the skills, knowledge and attributes to think and act strategically in the accounting and finance sector. You’ll be able to evaluate risks and opportunities through technology, and champion sustainable business growth.
About the MSc Accounting and Finance
Designed with insights from employers and industry, the MSc in Accounting and Finance will provide you with an integrated academic and professional training environment in which you will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to excel in a variety of professional business and accounting roles.
You will also develop digital and data skills that global employers want in the Big Data era, offering a crucial edge in the marketplace against other qualified accountants.
What you'll study
Each element of this course is applied to real-world situations for day-one impact
Develop rounded business skills in addition to core accountancy knowledge
Modules designed in consultation with global accountancy firms
Entry requirements
The entry requirements to study the MSc Accounting and Finance are as follows:
Bachelor’s degree (2:2 minimum) or equivalent international qualification from a UK or recognised international university (all international qualifications will be assessed for equivalency) in a relevant subject area of accounting and finance.
Don’t meet the entry requirements? If you have other qualifications or work experience, contact us to discuss your options.
English language requirements
To study at BPP, it is important that you can communicate and engage in English effectively in an academic setting.
If English is not your first language, you will be required to provide proof of your ability – for reading, writing, listening and speaking in English.
Course details
18 months (FT) with Professional Development Planning (PDP)
From £17,100
Master of Science in Accounting and Finance with Professional Development Planning awarded by BPP University (18-month programme)
Course structure
Choose from two routes to align your training with your career goals.
Develop the in-demand leadership, digital and analytical skills that global employers want with our postgraduate course. Each module offers the opportunity to gain the valuable insights and practical knowledge needed to build a successful accountancy career.
Accounting and Finance
This route covers a broad range of essential topics for business and accounting.
Term 1
Academic and Assessment Support (0 credits)
This module helps you build a strong foundation of academic skills, ensuring you feel confident when it comes to demonstrating your abilities through the quality of your work.
Ethics and Professional Skills (15 credits)
Apply professional scepticism and commercial awareness to evaluate complex situations and make ethical decisions and recommendations that drive sustainable growth and give you the competitive advantage.
Contemporary Issues in Accounting and Finance (15 credits)
This course aims to provide a critical understanding of the key global issues that are impacting the world of accounting and finance, the risks and opportunities that they bring, and how the related fields and professions respond to these changes.
Cloud Accounting and Big Data (15 credits)
Explore the impact of new technologies, such as Big Data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, on the current and future landscape of business.
Data Driven Decisions for Business 15 credits
Gain a wide range of numeracy and data fluency skills that allow you to analyse, evaluate and initiate data analytics and decision-making projects within an organisation.
Term 2
Strategy and Finance for Business (30 credits)
This module explores the internal environment and the impact of the external environment on strategic decision-making.
Corporate and Sustainability Reporting (30 credits)
Discover the concepts, principles and practices that underpin the preparation and interpretation of corporate reports in various contexts including the ethical assessment of managements’ stewardship and the information needs of a diverse group of stakeholders.
Term 3
Governance and Sustainable Business (30 credits)
Gain a thorough understanding of sustainability issues, how and where they arise and their potential impact on organisations in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) business environments.
Applied Business Project (30 credits)
Demonstrate your capability to apply the skills that employers look for, including academic research skills and the incorporation of digital and simulation technologies in realistic scenarios.
Accounting and Finance ACCA Specialised
This route is an ACCA Strategical Professional specialised route. You’re advised to have completed ACCA’s Skills and Knowledge papers in advance of starting the programme.
Term 1
Academic and Assessment Support (0 credits)
This module helps you build a strong foundation of academic skills, ensuring you feel confident when it comes to demonstrating your abilities through the quality of your work.
Ethics and Professional Skills (15 credits)
Apply professional scepticism and commercial awareness to evaluate complex situations and make ethical decisions and recommendations that drive sustainable growth and give you the competitive advantage.
Contemporary Issues in Accounting and Finance (15 credits)
This course aims to provide a critical understanding of the key global issues that are impacting the world of accounting and finance, the risks and opportunities that they bring, and how the related fields and professions respond to these changes.
Cloud Accounting and Big Data (15 credits)
Explore the impact of new technologies, such as Big Data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, on the current and future landscape of business.
Data Driven Decisions for Business 15 credits
Gain a wide range of numeracy and data fluency skills that allow you to analyse, evaluate and initiate data analytics and decision-making projects within an organisation.
Term 2
Compulsory modules:
Strategic Business Reporting (30 credits)
Discover the concepts, principles and practices that underpin the preparation and interpretation of corporate reports in various contexts including the ethical assessment of managements’ stewardship and the information needs of a diverse group of stakeholders.
Elective modules:
Advanced Financial Management (30 credits)
Get the knowledge and skills expected of a senior financial executive or advisor. These include exercising professional judgement and critical evaluation, decision-making and communicating recommendations on the financial management of private and public sector organisations.
Advanced Taxation (30 credits)
The Advanced Taxation module is designed to reflect the need to exercise professional judgement and provide relevant information and advice to individuals and businesses on the impact of major taxes on financial decisions and situations commonly encountered by individuals and businesses.
Term 3
Compulsory modules:
Strategic Business Leader (30 credits)
Develop the knowledge, skills and professional judgement required by effective senior financial executives or those advising senior management
Elective modules:
Advanced Audit and Assurance (30 credits)
Build the skills and knowledge you need to understand the complexities of audit assignments, including communication, critical analysis, professional scepticism and judgement.
Advanced Performance Management (30 credits)
Assess the impact of external factors on strategic management issues and deals and learn how you can management them.
Embedded in the 18-month option, the PDP programme can contribute to your success at finding jobs and post-study work visa opportunities. It provides a structured approach to professional development, helping you gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to sustain a career in your chosen field.
You will receive additional sessions which run alongside academic terms to prepare for the six months of career practice which may include projects, voluntary works, placement or internship opportunities. *
In addition to your academic study, you can benefit from:
One-to-one coaching
Self-serve skills content for independent study
Access to LinkedIn Learning courses
Speaker events from professionals in industry
Masterclasses to enhance your employability
Employability activities on our Virtual Campus or in-centre
Intensive preparation for interview opportunities if you meet the criteria
*Please note, if you fall behind with your studies and cannot progress on your Master’s programme, you will not be eligible for the placement interview process. The Placements team works with an extensive range of employers to find work placement opportunities for our students. Placements may vary in length and may be paid or unpaid.
You must complete all compulsory modules. Elective modules will run subject to demand and may not all be available in all locations on all courses.
How you'll study
Contact hours
Depending on the exemptions held, a student’s individual study hours will vary per week. You will typically have around 10 to 14 contact hours per week, typically consisting of:
Eight to 12 hours of teaching (depending on modules)
Two hours of office hours
Students will need to undertake 22 hours of independent study per module, per week.
Learning materials
All learning materials are supplied as part of the course fee. These include:
Workbooks
Practice and Revision kit
All other learning materials are provided online, to reflect modern working practices and minimise our environmental impact. Print on demand versions are available for students with specific learning needs.
Types of assessment
The programme features a variety of assessments including coursework and examinations.
Coursework is in the form of essays, reports or case studies, while group or individual presentations may be required to assess other competencies. Examinations will be with written elements or multiple-choice questions and may be unseen or part-seen, where assessment material is released in advance.
BPP University offers flexibility in how these assessments are undertaken, and the programmes will utilise online tools where available to deliver assessments. On occasion, some assessments may require attendance at a physical location.
Full details on BPP University's feedback policy on examinations and assessment can be found in the Manual of Policies and Procedures.
Learning support
Access a full range of learning support services for students with any specialist learning needs. View learning support services
Dates and locations
Rolling start dates across the academic year
Rolling start dates across the academic year
Fees and funding
2024-2025 academic year
A deposit of £350 will need to be paid within 48 hours of accepting your offer, in order to secure your place.
Funding options
We offer a number of ways to support you with funding your university studies.
Need to discuss finance?
If you have any questions or require help, contact us on 03300 603100.
Why study at BPP University?
Studying as an international student
We welcome students from around the world, offering a culturally diverse study environment, with our specialist service helping choose your study location, correct visa, finance options and even somewhere to live.
We’re also a Student Sponsor and are fully recognised and accredited as a Higher Education Institution.