Ranking
Triple
Crown Accredited
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
Build a strong understanding of accounting and finance, exploring the theories, evidence and innovations shaping the profession.
The world of accounting and finance is ever-changing, with the profession adapting to new technologies, changing regulations and global challenges. Our programme will build on your existing knowledge, deepen your expertise, and develop the skills you need to thrive in industry.
Gain practical insight through employer-led sessions and professional development opportunities. Dedicated careers support at Birmingham Business School will help you build your confidence, develop your professional skills and prepare for your future.
Meet our graduates
You are entitled to the following ACCA qualification exemptions on successful completion of the MSc Accounting and Finance:
- Business and Technology
- Management Accounting
- Financial Accounting
- Corporate and Business Law
The standout feature of my course is the exceptional support from university staff and teachers. Their commitment goes beyond traditional academic guidance.
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Why study Accounting and Finance at Birmingham?
Our MSc Accounting and Finance programme is designed to produce specialists equipped with the intellectual, analytical, communication, and ethical proficiencies essential for a distinguished career in accounting and finance.
Develop your understanding of the principal theories and empirical research that form the foundation of accounting and finance. You will master a variety of methodologies to address and resolve real-world challenges. Additionally, you will acquire a suite of transferable skills, including critical analysis, effective communication, and teamwork, which are invaluable for your professional success.
The course will provide you with the skills, knowledge and opportunities to excel a career in the accounting, financial services and related sectors of the economy.
- Accounting and Finance graduates are in high demand from a wide range of top employers for their specialist skills.
- Our modules cover topics at the forefront of emerging trends in accounting and finance.
- The programme has been developed by leading researchers in the field, with a focus on sustainable and responsible business practices.
Triple-crown Accreditation
Birmingham Business School is one of a few schools worldwide to hold triple-crown accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
- Top 2
UK university targeted by leading graduate employers
- 68th
QS World University Rankings 2027
- 99th
THE World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Business and Economics
Course delivery
Our MSc Accounting and Finance degree includes a wide variety of learning and teaching.
- Taught modules - these include lectures, workshops, seminars, case studies and expert guest speaker sessions.
- Assessments - these will include group and individual essays, class tests, group projects, group presentations and examinations.
- Dissertation Project - this provides students the opportunity to study an accounting and finance topic of personal interest in considerable depth under the supervision of experienced academic staff.
Module information
The course comprises of 180 credits, taught through a series of 20 credit modules and a 60 credit Dissertation . Students will study three core modules and choose three optional modules.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
2026/27 Session
| Core Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Accounting Theory and Policy | 20 |
| Corporate Financial Management | 20 |
| Professional Integrity and The Reflective practitioner | 20 |
| Dissertation | 60 |
| Optional Modules (select three) | Credits |
|---|---|
| Alternative Finance | 20 |
| Auditing Theory and Practice | 20 |
| Business Analytics | 20 |
| Financial Modelling Techniques | 20 |
| Fundamental Analysis | 20 |
| International Business Taxation | 20 |
| International Financial Management | 20 |
| Management Accounting | 20 |
| Public Financial Management | 20 |
| Sustainability Accounting and Accountability | 20 |
Teaching staff
Programme Director
Mrs Ambika Sharma Solanki
Programme Director, MSc Accounting and Finance
Ambika Sharma Solanki is a Lecturer at Birmingham Business School in the University of Birmingham
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
or postgraduate diploma from a UK university (or overseas equivalent) in Accounting or Finance related subjects.
Applicants with a degree other than in Accounting or Finance will also be considered provided they meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Successful completion of a minimum of three Accounting or Finance modules (passed at undergraduate level); or
- Relevant professional or applied work experience in accounting, finance, or a closely related area; or
- Part-qualified status with a recognised professional accounting body (e.g., ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent)
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English presessional programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £19,890
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2027 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Postgraduate Masters loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent). If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- Applications open on 1 October
Applications for September 2026 have now closed.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Ask us a question
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
Career opportunities
Graduates will leave Birmingham perfectly placed to take up key accounting and financial positions or managerial and consultancy roles in the private and the public sector.
With a strong foundation in accounting and finance, you’ll be prepared for opportunities across leading accountancy firms, financial institutions and multinational organisations. The programme also provides valuable knowledge for entrepreneurs who want to understand finance and apply it effectively in their own ventures.
Studying in Birmingham, a major UK financial and business hub, gives you opportunities to connect with industry through our growing network of employers and professional partners.
Your careers toolkit
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
- Careers support services and Careers Network
- Work experience and placements
- Enterprise and entrepreneurship
- Alumni and employer connections
- Global opportunities and life experience
- Careers in the curriculum
We are consistently one of the top universities targeted by graduate employers
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
Upcoming events
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Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Birmingham: a city built for students
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.