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Accounting and Finance (MSc) (2024 Entry)

Accounting and Finance students at the University of Warwick

Explore our Accounting and Finance taught Master's degree.

On our MSc Accounting and Finance course, you will explore current theories and cutting-edge techniques. Warwick Business School, ranked 6th most targeted University by top employers (The Graduate Market in 2022 Report), offers you specialist guidance as you explore how accounting and reporting decisions affect markets and companies.


Course overview

Enhance and develop your background in accounting, while exploring theories and cutting-edge techniques in finance on our MSc Accounting and Finance course.

Study accounting in its wider social context and examine how accounting and reporting decisions affect markets and companies. The course is designed to give you all the accounting and finance tools needed to step into a wide range of financial and accounting careers in an international environment.

Skills from this degree

  • Develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful accounting or finance professional
  • Develop your industry acumen by accessing our CareersPlus service with specialist careers coaches
  • Become a specialist via your elective modules

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

A 2:1 or above achieved in a relevant subject at Undergraduate level. Your Undergraduate studies should contain substantial elements of accounting and finance, as well as some quantitative modules and preferably some microeconomics.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

  • Band B
  • IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Core modules

Financial Markets
This module aims to explore and formalise the fundamental relationships between investors’ decision-making in the presence of uncertainty (“risk”) and the cross-sectional and inter-temporal properties of the prices and returns of financial assets.

Management Accounting & Control
Discover more about the tools and techniques which are well established and used by management accountants in organisations to aid planning, decision making and control.

Financial Accounting: Theory and Context
Build on the financial reporting knowledge gained in your undergraduate programme. You will develop awareness of the contingent and powerful nature of technical accounting.

Financial Reporting & Financial Statement Analysis
The main objective of the module is to provide you with the tools to analyse firm financial performance from an equity valuation perspective and to carry out a business valuation building on this analysis.

Corporate Financial Management
Gain an introduction to the principles of corporate finance and how the basic tools and techniques can be applied to analyse and improve the decisions of a firm.

Research Methods in Accounting
The main goal of the module is to introduce you to quantitative research methods, providing you with the knowledge and skills (critical and analytical) to understand how these methods are applied in accounting research.

Dissertation

A 12,000 word dissertation gives you the opportunity to develop, test, practice and apply the techniques and theories you have gained through your studies.


Optional modules

Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:

Auditing & Assurance
Gain an understanding of the social importance, nature and objectives of the audit function.

Corporate Governance and Financial Reporting
Discuss the position of governance in corporate contracting and how it helps align the actions of managers with the interests of shareholders.

Derivative Securities
Develop an in-depth understanding of the characteristics of different classes of derivative securities.

Financial Risk Management
Understand the need for financial risk management, the techniques to measure financial risks according to the regulatory framework, and tools for the management of risk exposure.

Judgement & Decision Making
This module will introduce you to the psychology of human judgement and decision making.

Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Control
This module is designed to introduce you to the basic issues in mergers and acquisitions.

Read the module descriptions for this course on the Warwick Business School website.Link opens in a new window

Teaching

You'll study six core modules and two optional modules of your choice, one of which must be from Accounting. Finance modules are taken from our very successful MSc in Finance – one of the UK’s top finance courses, as ranked by the Financial Times’ Masters in Finance Pre-experience Ranking 2022.


Class sizes

The class size for this course is around 40 students.


Typical contact hours

Students on this MSc will typically receive between 26 and 30 contact hours per module in the form of lecture, seminars, and lab sessions.


Assessment

Assessment is a mix of exams and coursework with your 12,000 word dissertation bringing all your learning together at the end.

Your dissertation

A 12,000 word dissertation gives you the opportunity to develop, test, practice and apply the techniques and theories you have gained through your studies. You will be supervised and supported throughout by one of our academic staff or teaching associates and will usually submit your dissertation in early September.


Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, core and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your core modules will be registered for you and you'll be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.

There may be events taking place in the evenings. Classes may run up to 7pm and other events, such as careers presentations may take place later or on weekends. Occasionally, classes and exams may be held on weekends. We will notify you in advance if this is the case.

This is a full-time course, so there are no holidays as such. However, the two weeks covering Christmas and New Year are guaranteed to be free from lectures. There may also be weeks free over the Easter period (check with your programme team). Resit exams may take place outside of standard teaching periods.

Your career

We have our own dedicated careers team at Warwick Business School called WBS CareersPlus. You will have access to one-to-one career guidance appointments, CV checks and tailored mock interviews.

Personalised support

The WBS CareersPlus team will support you and help you to understand yourself and your strengths. They can help you to identify possible career paths, and to set and achieve your career ambitions. This helps to boost your employability and helps you prepare for your career.

You can take advantage of personalised careers coaching and advice. Our one to one careers appointments can help you if you have a question about writing applications, wish to explore your career options, or need to prepare for interviews and assessment centres.

Discover our graduate destinations brochure here.

Warwick Business School

If you’re interested in the bigger picture, comfortable challenging assumptions and want a degree that will open doors, then WBS is the place for you. We will give you the foundation for change and prepare you for your future career. Are you ready to make your mark in the world of business?

Find out more about us on our website.

The vision of WBS is to be Europe’s leading University-based Business School, developing transformational ideas and people that shape how we do business. We recognise that rankings are one way to profile our progress towards fulfilling this vision, and are proud to participate in the major global business education rankings.

MSc Finance

  • 4th in the UK and 16th in the world - Financial Times Masters in Finance Pre-experience Ranking 2023
  • 6th in the UK and 19th in the world - QS Business Masters Rankings 2024

MSc Management

  • 1st in the UK and 18th in the world - Economist/WhichMBA - 2021 Masters in Management biennial ranking
  • 2nd in the UK and 28th in the world - Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2023
  • 3rd in the UK and 18th in the world - QS Business Masters Rankings 2024

MSc Marketing & Strategy

  • 2nd in the UK and 9th in the world - QS Business Masters Rankings 2024

MSc Business Analytics

  • 2nd in the UK and 14th in the world - QS Business Masters Rankings 2024

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Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your taught course fees  


Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support. 

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed. 

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.


Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.

How to apply for a postgraduate taught course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

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Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.

Postgraduate Fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Live chats

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.