Accounting and Finance MSc

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Dundee

Program Overview

The MSc Accounting & Finance at the University of Dundee is a 12-month intensive postgraduate programme designed to give you a strong, practical understanding of accounting and financial decision-making in a global business context. It is well suited to graduates who want to build advanced analytical skills and progress into professional roles in finance, accounting, investment, or management.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time Master’s Year)
During the academic year, students develop a solid foundation in both accounting and finance through a carefully structured set of core and optional modules. You will study International Accounting and Financial Reporting, gaining insight into how global accounting standards are applied in practice, alongside Emerging Financial Markets and Investment, which explores investment decision-making across international markets. Quantitative Methods in Finance and Accounting strengthens your ability to analyse financial data, manage risk, and support evidence-based financial decisions.

Dissertation / Research Project
In the final stage of the programme, you will complete an independent dissertation that allows you to investigate a specialist topic in accounting or finance in depth. This research project helps you apply theory to real-world financial issues, develop critical thinking, and demonstrate advanced academic and professional skills valued by employers.

Focus Areas

Financial reporting and analysis, international accounting standards, investment and financial markets, quantitative analysis, risk management, applied financial research

Learning Outcomes

Ability to analyse complex financial information, apply international accounting frameworks, evaluate investment and financial risk, conduct independent research, and communicate financial insights clearly to professional audiences

Professional Alignment (accreditation)

The programme is delivered by the University of Dundee School of Business, which holds AACSB accreditation, placing it among a select group of business schools worldwide recognised for excellence in teaching, research, and industry relevance.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Dundee is recognised in major global and UK university rankings, including QS World University Rankings and The Guardian University Guide, with strong graduate employability outcomes and a reputation for high-quality postgraduate business education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Accounting & Finance at the University of Dundee is designed to help you develop strong practical skills alongside academic knowledge, so you graduate ready for real finance and accounting roles. Learning goes beyond lectures, with hands-on workshops, applied projects, and access to professional tools that allow you to work with real financial data and real-world case material. Throughout the programme, you’ll engage in collaborative learning, data analysis, and independent research, all supported by modern facilities and specialist resources within the School of Business.

This practical approach is delivered through a range of structured experiences, including:

Industry-standard financial tools: Students gain hands-on experience using Bloomberg terminals and financial databases to analyse markets, company performance, and investment data.
Group projects and presentations: Core modules include assessed group work and presentations, helping you develop teamwork, leadership, and professional communication skills.
Computing and data workshops: Quantitative and finance-focused modules involve practical computing sessions where you work with real datasets and financial models.
Research-led learning: The independent dissertation allows you to conduct in-depth research on a real accounting or finance issue using academic and industry data sources.
Guest speakers and industry engagement: The programme benefits from talks and insights shared by professionals, helping you understand current industry practices and expectations.
Entrepreneurial and professional support: Students can access support through the University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, including mentoring, events, and enterprise development opportunities.
Library and research facilities: Full access to the University of Dundee Library provides specialist accounting and finance journals, databases, and study spaces to support coursework and research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Accounting & Finance at the University of Dundee move into a wide range of professional finance and accounting roles where strong analytical and decision-making skills are valued. Typical job outcomes include financial analyst, management accountant, risk or financial consultant, and investment-related roles, giving graduates flexibility across industries and international markets:

Careers and employability support: Students benefit from dedicated careers support through the University of Dundee Careers Service, including one-to-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, employer presentations, and recruitment events. Employability support is closely linked to the Business School, helping students connect academic learning with real career opportunities.
Employment outcomes and salary prospects: University and national graduate outcome data show that many business and accounting postgraduates secure professional roles within months of graduation, with typical early-career salaries in the mid-£20,000 range and strong long-term earning potential as experience grows.
Industry engagement and employer links: The School of Business maintains active links with employers through guest lectures, networking events, and employer-led activities, giving students exposure to current industry practices and expectations.
Long-term value of accreditation: The programme is delivered by an AACSB-accredited Business School, a globally recognised quality standard that enhances the credibility of the degree and supports long-term career progression.
Graduate outcomes: The combination of applied learning, research skills, and professional awareness developed on the programme prepares graduates for roles in accounting, finance, consultancy, and business management across the UK and internationally.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, students may choose to progress to further postgraduate study such as a PhD or research-focused master’s degree in accounting, finance, or business. The programme also provides a strong academic foundation for pursuing professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or CFA, supporting continued professional development and career advancement.