MSc International Accounting and Finance

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Reading

Program Overview

The MSc International Accounting and Finance at Henley Business School gives you the skills and confidence to tackle global finance challenges. You’ll learn how to interpret complex financial information, make smart investment decisions, and apply accounting principles in real-world business situations — perfect for ambitious students who want a fast-track into finance, advisory, or accounting roles.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Your Core Knowledge
Your first year lays the groundwork in both accounting and finance. You’ll explore modules like International Financial Reporting and Regulation to understand how financial statements reflect business realities, Investments to see how capital markets work, and Management Accounting: Theory and Practice to master the tools used in decision-making. You’ll also dive into Financial Securities and Markets, giving you a real feel for the workings of global finance.

Year 2 – Specialising and Gaining Experience
In the second year, you can focus on areas that match your career goals. Options like Behavioral Finance show you how human psychology affects markets, Derivative Securities: Pricing, Hedging and Trading provides hands-on risk management experience, and Accounting Information Systems gives insight into the tech behind modern accounting. You can also take optional projects or placements to gain practical workplace experience.

Final Phase – Independent Research
The programme wraps up with a major research project or dissertation, letting you apply everything you’ve learned. This experience builds your analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills — all essential if you’re aiming for senior finance roles or further academic study.

Focus Areas:

International Financial Reporting, Capital Markets, Investment Analysis, Management Accounting, Finance Modelling, Applied Projects and Systems Integration

Learning Outcomes:

Master advanced accounting and financial concepts, apply international regulations, evaluate investments, use modern analytical tools, and conduct independent research

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Offers exemptions from CIMA and ACCA exams, fast-tracking your path to professional accounting qualifications

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Henley Business School is triple-accredited (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB) and highly regarded in the UK and internationally. Graduates go on to work at top employers like PwC, Deloitte, BCG, UBS, and China Citic Bank, giving you a strong launchpad for your career.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Henley, learning isn’t just about reading textbooks or sitting in lectures — it’s about getting hands-on experience that mirrors the real world of finance and accounting. From day one, you’ll be applying what you learn through practical exercises, group projects, and interactive workshops. You’ll get to use the same tools and software that professionals use, work on real business scenarios, and even have the chance to gain work experience that can give your career a real boost.

Here’s how Henley brings this learning to life:

ICMA Centre Dealing Rooms: Step into trading simulation labs with over 100 terminals, featuring industry-standard Bloomberg and Refinitiv Eikon software, letting you analyse live markets, test trading strategies, and experience how decisions are made in the financial world.
Real-World Financial Databases: Access the same databases professionals use to research markets, track instruments, and conduct deep financial analysis for your projects and assignments.
Group Projects & Case Studies: Work closely with peers on realistic business scenarios, using tools like Excel for financial modelling, helping you build teamwork, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Work Placement Opportunities: Optional modules let you get actual workplace experience, helping you apply your knowledge, network, and explore career paths before you graduate.
Personal & Career Development Support: Henley’s Careers Team offers workshops, networking events, and one-on-one guidance to help you prepare for interviews, polish your CV, and confidently step into your future career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Henley’s MSc International Accounting and Finance opens doors to exciting roles such as Financial Analyst, Management Accountant, Audit Associate, or Investment Analyst. You’ll leave with the practical skills, professional credibility, and confidence that top employers value — and Henley provides plenty of support to help you get there:

Career Support Services: The Careers and Professional Development Team works with you one-on-one to polish your CV, practice interviews, plan your job search, and connect with potential employers. Support continues for up to four years after graduation, and you’ll also take part in careers modules and networking events during your studies.
Employment Outcomes & Salaries: Henley graduates have gone on to work at leading firms like PwC, Deloitte, BCG, UBS, and China Citic Bank, with 100% of accounting graduates employed or in further study within 12 months of finishing their degree.
Industry Recognition & Professional Progression: You’ll gain 11 exemptions toward CIMA and exemptions from four ACCA applied exams, giving your career a head start toward chartered status.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: Henley is triple-accredited (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB) — a mark of global excellence that employers recognize, making your degree even more valuable over time.
Global Employer Network: You’ll join a worldwide Henley alumni network working in finance, consulting, and professional services, giving you connections wherever your career takes you.

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to keep studying, you could move into research-focused degrees like a PhD or professional doctorate at Reading, building on your dissertation and specialising further in areas like international accounting, finance, or financial markets.