Accounting and Finance MSc

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Nottingham

Program Overview

The MSc Accounting and Finance at the University of Nottingham gives you the perfect blend of accounting know-how and finance expertise, combining theory with real-world practice. It’s ideal if you’re aiming for a career in accounting, auditing, corporate finance, consulting, or financial analysis, and want to study in a globally respected, supportive environment.

Curriculum Structure

Autumn & Spring Semesters
Your journey starts with a strong foundation in both accounting and finance. You’ll dive into Corporate Financial Strategy, understanding how companies make key investment decisions, while Current Issues in Accounting keeps you updated on important trends in financial reporting and management accounting. Research Methods for Accounting and Finance will give you the quantitative and analytical skills you need to tackle real-world financial challenges.

Spring Semester Continued
As the year progresses, you’ll explore Financial Security Valuation, learning how to value stocks, bonds, and derivatives, and Financial Statement Analysis, where you’ll examine company performance like a pro. These modules sharpen your analytical thinking and help you interpret complex financial information with confidence.

Summer Project
You’ll finish with either an Accounting and Finance Dissertation, where you can research a topic that fascinates you, or a Business Project, tackling practical challenges in a team. This final phase lets you bring everything together and show off your skills before stepping into your career.

Focus Areas

Accounting and financial reporting, corporate finance strategy, financial valuation, data-driven decision making, interpreting financial statements, practical business project experience.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this MSc, you’ll be able to interpret complex financial information, make strategic financial decisions, use quantitative research methods, critically assess accounting practices, and gain hands-on experience with tools like Bloomberg, Microsoft, and SAP.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Nottingham Business School is triple-accredited (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB), a mark of quality that only a few business schools worldwide achieve.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Nottingham ranks among the QS World University Top 100, and Nottingham Business School is well-known for strong graduate support and employability. Many recent graduates have gone on to roles at leading firms like EY, KPMG, PwC, and BDO.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Nottingham Business School, the MSc Accounting and Finance isn’t just about lectures or exams — it’s about getting your hands dirty with real-world finance. You’ll develop practical skills by working with industry-standard tools, tackling live business challenges, and collaborating with fellow students on projects that mirror professional scenarios. On top of that, you’ll have access to expert guidance, digital certifications, and resources that set you up for a confident start in your career.

Here’s how you’ll gain that real-world experience:

Live consultancy projects and case studies: Solve real business problems and apply what you’ve learned in class to actual scenarios, giving you a taste of professional finance work.
Industry-standard digital tools: Get hands-on with Bloomberg Terminals and specialist statistical software, the same platforms used by finance professionals worldwide.
Microsoft and SAP professional certifications: Earn recognised digital credentials alongside your MSc, boosting your employability.
Collaborative Business Project: Work in a team to tackle challenges for a real company, combining research, strategy, and teamwork skills.
Dissertation option: Dive deep into a topic of your choice under expert supervision, showcasing your analytical and research skills.
Careers support and networking: Take advantage of workshops, coaching, and events that connect you with industry professionals and prepare you for internships or graduate roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Nottingham’s MSc Accounting and Finance go on to rewarding careers where they can make a real impact in business and finance. Typical roles include Accountant, Financial or Investment Analyst, Management Consultant, and Business Analyst, with plenty of opportunities in auditing, corporate finance, advisory services, and leadership programmes. Your skills and knowledge are highly valued by employers, opening doors both in the UK and internationally:

Here’s how Nottingham supports you in turning your degree into a successful career:

Personalised careers support: One-to-one coaching, CV and interview prep, employer events, and tailored career guidance from the Nottingham Business School Postgraduate Careers team help you confidently take your next professional step.
Strong employer connections: Our graduates have joined top firms like EY, KPMG, PwC and BDO, benefiting from Nottingham’s long-standing industry relationships.
Graduate employability and ongoing support: Even after you graduate, the University continues to provide guidance and access to opportunities, helping you plan and develop your career.
Employment outcomes and salaries: Business School postgraduates have gone into roles such as accountants, financial managers, and business analysts, with an average starting salary around £38,931.
Professional networks and partnerships: Join a global alumni community of over 27,000 business professionals, giving you connections in countries like China, India, and Nigeria.
Post-study work opportunities: International students can take advantage of the Graduate immigration route to stay and work in the UK after finishing their MSc.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, this MSc sets a solid foundation for doctoral research (PhD) in accounting, finance, or related fields. Many students also pursue professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or CFA to strengthen their expertise and boost career prospects even further.