Accounting and Finance MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Bath

Program Overview

The MSc in Accounting and Finance at the University of Bath is perfect for anyone wanting to combine strong technical skills with practical financial knowledge. You’ll dive into financial analysis, accounting principles, and quantitative techniques, preparing you to make confident, real-world decisions in finance, business, or consulting.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-Time Master’s)

Throughout the year, you’ll build a solid foundation with core modules like Financial and Management Accounting, Fundamentals of Finance, and Econometrics and Data Analysis for Accounting and Finance. These units give you the tools to interpret financial information and make informed decisions.

You can also explore optional modules such as Programming for Finance, Technology and Financial Services, or Introduction to Quantitative Finance, which allow you to focus on areas like FinTech or advanced quantitative skills.

In the summer, you have the chance to put your learning into practice with either a Dissertation, where you research a topic in depth, or a Summer Internship, gaining hands-on experience in a real financial environment.

Focus Areas

Accounting and finance fundamentals, data analysis and econometrics, audit and assurance, taxation, quantitative finance, financial technology, investment evaluation, and sustainability governance.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, you’ll be able to confidently analyse financial data, apply quantitative and technological methods, conduct research or practical projects, and communicate your findings effectively — all skills employers highly value.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This MSc is aligned with professional pathways and is in the process of ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) accreditation, supporting your journey toward chartered accounting roles.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Bath’s Accounting and Finance program is highly regarded, ranked 2nd in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2026 and 3rd by The Times and Sunday Times 2026, and graduates enjoy strong employment prospects, with 76% securing a job within three months of finishing.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Bath, the MSc Accounting and Finance isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about doing finance for real. From the start, you’ll get hands-on experience with the same tools and systems professionals use every day, and you’ll work on projects that challenge you to apply what you’ve learned. The School of Management’s modern facilities make it easy to collaborate with classmates, meet industry experts, and explore career opportunities while you study. You’ll leave with practical skills, confidence, and connections that make a real difference when you start your career:

Industry-standard financial tools: Get hands-on with Bloomberg terminals, Refinitiv Workspace (Datastream/Eikon), Morningstar Direct, Wharton Research Data Services, and more to analyse data and build professional-level financial models.
Collaborative, practical learning: Tackle group coursework, interactive case studies, and computer-based seminars that mimic real-world business challenges, helping you develop teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
Career and professional development: Use the Employability Hub and MSc Personal Development Programme for workshops, networking, and career clinics that get you ready for interviews, CVs, and real-world finance roles.
Internships & placements: Take advantage of competitive work placements or internships, where you can apply your learning in a professional environment and make valuable industry connections.
Optional industry-linked projects: Choose a dissertation or applied project to work on real challenges for employers or conduct research that aligns with your career goals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the MSc Accounting and Finance at the University of Bath opens doors to exciting careers in accounting, finance, and consulting. Many of our students go on to roles like Audit Associate, Financial Analyst, Investment Analyst, or Business Consultant, often joining well-known companies soon after graduation. The course is designed to give you the practical skills and industry connections you need to step confidently into your first professional role:

Dedicated career support: From day one, you’ll have access to careers workshops, one-on-one advice, and guidance on CVs, interviews, and internship applications through the School of Management’s Employability Hub.
Strong employment outcomes: About 76% of graduates secure a job within three months of finishing the program, demonstrating the high demand for Bath-trained professionals.
Professional pathways: The skills you develop — from financial analysis and modelling to accounting and auditing — align closely with what employers are looking for in the industry.
Industry engagement: You’ll have opportunities to network with employers, attend events, and connect with industry partners, giving you valuable professional contacts before you even graduate.
Long-term value: While the MSc itself is not a professional qualification, it lays a solid foundation for future accreditation with bodies like ACCA, and it equips you for long-term career growth in finance and accounting.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to keep learning, you could move on to a PhD in Accounting and Finance, pursue professional qualifications like ACCA or CIMA, or take a specialised postgraduate diploma to deepen your expertise in areas such as corporate finance or financial analytics — giving you even more options to shape your career.