MSc Accounting and Finance

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Salford

Program Overview

University of Salford offers a one-year MSc Accounting and Finance to equip students with knowledge and practical skills required to thrive in the world of finance today. The course is less book-work-based on applying financial management, investment analysis, and corporate finance methods than it is. The course equips students for professional careers in finance and allows them to gain strong theory and practical exposure.

Curriculum Structure

The MSc Finance program combines academic rigour with industry-relevant content. You’ll explore topics such as:

Financial Markets and Institutions – Understanding how the global financial system operates.
Corporate Finance and Decision Making – Learning how companies raise capital and make investment choices.
Quantitative Methods for Finance – Developing skills in financial modelling and data analysis.
Portfolio Management and Investment Analysis – Evaluating risk and return to make informed investment decisions.
Financial Regulation and Ethics – Comprehending compliance, governance, and ethical concerns.
A third trimester dissertation or applied project enables you to apply your learning to a real issue or research query, adding genuine depth to your understanding.

Accreditation:
The course is to industry standards and delivered by Salford Business School, which is AACSB-accredited—a highly prized mark of excellence that only a small percentage of business schools worldwide have achieved.

Campus Location:
Located in Greater Manchester, the University of Salford offers proximity to one of the UK's most vibrant financial hubs. The campus is very accessible and features cutting-edge facilities, such as bespoke finance laboratories, Bloomberg terminals, and collaborative learning environments that optimize the learning experience.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Accounting and Finance at University of Salford is designed to help you build strong practical skills alongside academic knowledge, so you’re ready for real finance and accounting roles from day one. Teaching is hands-on and applied, with a strong focus on real financial data, professional tools, and problem-solving tasks that reflect how accountants and finance professionals work in practice. You’ll learn through a mix of workshops, seminars, and applied assessments—bringing everything together through the following experiences:

Specialist Accounting & Finance Labs: You’ll study in dedicated business and finance computer labs, working with financial data and accounting systems to analyse reports, budgets, and performance.
Industry-Relevant Software & Digital Tools: The course introduces professional accounting and finance software used for financial analysis, reporting, and decision-making, helping you gain confidence with tools used in the workplace.
Applied Group Projects: Team-based coursework and case studies are built around real accounting and finance scenarios, strengthening teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Practice-Focused Assessments: Many assessments are designed around real business situations, encouraging you to apply accounting standards and financial theory to practical challenges.
Research-Led Dissertation or Project: You’ll complete an independent project focused on accounting or finance, allowing you to explore a specialist area while developing strong analytical and professional reporting skills.
Library & Learning Resources: You’ll have access to extensive accounting and finance resources, including academic journals, financial databases, and quiet postgraduate study areas to support coursework and research.
Employability-Focused Environment: Teaching is closely aligned with professional expectations, helping you understand workplace standards and career pathways in accounting, finance, and related fields.

Overall, the programme ensures you don’t just learn accounting and finance concepts—you apply them in meaningful, practical ways that prepare you for confident entry into the professional world.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Salford's Careers and Enterprise team provide ongoing support throughout your studies. They offer:

One-to-one career coaching sessions.
Help with writing effective CVs and cover letters.
Interview skills and employer-led workshops.
Invites to recruitment fairs and networking events specifically for finance professionals.

Employability:

MSc Accounting and Finance graduates generally move into roles such as Financial Analyst, Risk Manager, Investment Banker, or Corporate Finance Consultant. The strong links Salford enjoys with employers put the graduates in a strong position for the profession in banking, asset management, consulting, and fintech sectors.

Higher Academic Progression:
If you're planning further ahead than a master's, Salford graduates are well placed to take up PhD programs or professional certifications like CFA, FRM, or ACCA, depending on your future career aspirations.