Accounting and Finance MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

The MSc Accounting and Finance at Queen Mary University of London gives you the skills and confidence to tackle the financial world head-on. If you’re aiming for a career in banking, investment, or professional accountancy, this program mixes theory with real-world practice to help you hit the ground running.

Curriculum Structure

Year (Full-Time, 1-Year Programme)

Over the course of the year, you’ll start with core modules that lay a strong foundation. In the first semester, for example, Corporate Finance for Managers shows you how to make key financial decisions and value companies, while Financial Reporting helps you read and interpret company accounts like a pro. You’ll also get hands-on experience with practical tools for valuation and investment.

In the second semester, you’ll tackle Applied Econometrics with R and Investment Management, learning to use real financial data to make smart decisions. You’ll also have the chance to explore optional modules like Financial Technology, understanding how tech is reshaping finance, or Financial Risk Management, where you’ll learn to anticipate and manage risks in complex markets.

The year wraps up with your Dissertation, giving you the freedom to explore a financial topic you’re passionate about while applying everything you’ve learned.

Focus Areas

Corporate finance, financial reporting, investment management, quantitative methods, FinTech, risk management, and professional skills for the financial industry.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, you’ll confidently interpret financial information, tackle real-world problems using quantitative tools, carry out independent research, and present your insights clearly to support smart decision-making.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program gives you a fast-track into the CIMA professional qualification, allowing exemptions from up to 11 exams, and putting you on the path to the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting alongside your MSc.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Queen Mary is a Russell Group university in London’s financial heart, giving you direct access to industry connections and networking opportunities. You’ll learn using professional tools like Bloomberg and Refinitiv, preparing you to step straight into careers in banking, investment, or finance with confidence.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen Mary, your MSc Accounting and Finance experience is designed to be hands-on and career-ready. You won’t just sit in lectures — you’ll work with the same tools and data professionals use every day, dig into real financial datasets, and take part in projects that bring theory to life. The campus has dedicated computer labs, collaborative spaces, and micro-labs where you can practice econometrics, build investment models, and work in teams just like you would in the workplace. Plus, you’ll get insights from guest speakers straight from the finance and accounting industries, helping you see how what you learn applies to the real world.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience:

Bloomberg and Refinitiv: Access to professional financial databases so you can analyse live market data and test your own investment strategies.
Econometrics & Micro-labs: Hands-on computer labs equipped with specialized software for quantitative analysis and financial modeling.
Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS): Explore premium financial datasets like CRSP and Bankscope for research and coursework.
Industry guest talks: Hear directly from finance and accounting professionals and get tips on careers and market trends.
Collaborative ThinkPod spaces: Work on group projects, presentations, and problem-solving exercises in modern, interactive environments.
CIMA Master’s Gateway route: Apply your learning towards professional CIMA qualifications, giving you a head start in your career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MSc Accounting and Finance at Queen Mary University of London leave ready to take on impactful roles in business, finance, and accounting — think Staff Accountant, Investment Manager, Financial Consultant, or Senior Business Intelligence Analyst. With strong career support and close ties to industry, your degree is more than just a qualification — it’s a launchpad for your professional journey.

Here’s how Queen Mary helps you get there:

Career services: The Queen Mary Careers & Enterprise Centre offers one-to-one guidance, CV and interview coaching, workshops, networking events, and help finding internships or graduate roles during your studies and for two years after graduation.
Strong employment outcomes: Around 90 % of MSc graduates from the School of Economics and Finance are in employment or further study within 15 months, with average starting salaries above £34,000 in the UK.
Industry connections: Regular employer and alumni events, including the Focus on Finance series, bring professionals from London’s financial sector to campus, helping you build real-world connections.
Professional advantage: Through the CIMA Master’s Gateway, you can graduate with exemptions from multiple professional accounting exams — giving your CV a significant edge.
Graduate destinations: Alumni go on to work at top firms in accounting, banking, financial consultancy, and business analytics, stepping confidently into roles where their skills are in high demand.

Further Academic Progression:
After this MSc, you can continue your studies with research degrees like an MPhil or PhD in Accounting or Finance, or pursue professional pathways such as full CIMA qualification, ACCA, or CFA certification. This can open doors to teaching, specialised research, or senior strategic roles in industry.