MSc Accounting and Finance

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Oxford Brookes University

Program Overview

The MSc in Accounting and Finance at Oxford Brookes University gives you the knowledge and practical skills to understand how financial decisions drive business success. It’s perfect for ambitious graduates looking to fast-track into professional accounting, financial analysis, or corporate finance careers, with the added benefit of earning up to six ACCA professional exemptions during your studies.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Core Development)
In the first stage of the course, you’ll build a strong foundation in key areas of finance and accounting. Management Accounting teaches you how to present and analyse performance information for decision-making, Financial Accounting focuses on preparing and interpreting financial statements, and Corporate Finance shows you how to manage financial strategy to create value. Optional modules such as Professional and Personal Skills and International Finance further enhance your knowledge, while Sustainable Finance and Investment and Investment and Asset Management introduce you to specialised finance topics.

Final Project (Capstone Challenge)
At the end of your studies, the Accounting and Finance Project allows you to apply what you’ve learned to a real-world research or consultancy topic, such as ESG reporting or financial performance analysis, demonstrating your ability to communicate insights effectively and prepare for professional challenges.

Focus Areas

Financial accounting, management accounting, corporate finance, financial reporting, asset management, sustainable finance, international finance, professional skills development

Learning Outcomes

Master financial analysis and decision-making, interpret global accounting standards, apply corporate finance techniques, conduct independent research, develop professional communication and digital skills, and prepare for ACCA exemptions

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The course is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), providing up to six exemptions towards ACCA’s professional exams — a major advantage if you plan to become a chartered accountant.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Oxford Brookes University is recognised globally, with strong teaching performance and subject-specific strengths in business and accounting that are valued by employers worldwide.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Oxford Brookes, the MSc in Accounting and Finance is designed to give you hands-on, practical experience that goes beyond lectures. You’ll work with real financial data, collaborate on live business challenges, use professional tools, and even step out of the classroom to apply your knowledge in real-world contexts. This approach ensures you graduate with skills that employers value and confidence in tackling professional finance and accounting tasks from day one.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded in the programme:

Bloomberg Trading Suite access: Practice financial analysis and investment decision-making using the same Bloomberg terminals professionals rely on.
Business Challenge Week: Collaborate in teams to solve real business problems and present solutions, simulating a professional finance environment.
Guest speakers and industry insights: Learn from finance and accounting professionals who share current trends, real-world challenges, and career advice.
Optional work placements (sandwich mode): Take a supervised placement year to gain professional experience, expand your network, and apply your learning in a real organisation.
Field trips and study visits: Experience global business practices and leadership perspectives outside the classroom, sometimes internationally.
Interactive workshops and practical assessments: Develop problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills through case studies, role-plays, and presentations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MSc Accounting and Finance at Oxford Brookes go on to make a real impact in the world of business and finance. Many find roles such as accountant, financial analyst, auditor, or finance consultant, using both the technical skills and professional confidence they develop on the course:

You’ll receive dedicated support from the university’s Work and Voluntary Experience Service (WAVES) and Careers Office, which helps with CV writing, interview preparation, placement searches, networking, and using professional platforms to connect with potential employers.
Oxford Brookes graduates often go on to work with employers such as Deloitte, PwC, BNP Paribas, Accenture, the UK Civil Service, and Huawei, reflecting strong demand for the skills you’ll gain on this programme.
Typical graduate earnings in accounting-related roles start around £26,000–£28,500 within three years and can grow to around £36,500 after five years, showing solid long-term career progression.
The programme’s ACCA accreditation and up to six paper exemptions provides lasting professional value and can help you fast-track toward chartered accountant status.
Graduates often move into highly skilled professional roles where they contribute to strategic decision-making and leadership within organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this master’s, you could pursue professional qualifications such as completing the full ACCA chartered accountant pathway, or move into specialised postgraduate research or finance-related doctorates. Some graduates also choose additional postgraduate diplomas in areas like corporate finance, taxation, or business analytics to sharpen niche expertise and prepare for senior consultancy or leadership roles.