MSc Accounting and Finance

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Surrey

Program Overview

The MSc Accounting and Finance at the University of Surrey is designed to help you confidently step into the world of finance and accounting with the skills employers actually look for. It’s ideal for students who want a strong mix of theory and real-world application, whether you’re aiming for professional accounting roles or broader finance careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time, one academic year)

At the start of the course, you’ll focus on building strong foundations through modules such as Principles of Accounting, Strategic Management Accounting, Quantitative Methods, and Principles of Finance and Investment. These subjects help you understand how financial information is created, analysed, and used to support business and investment decisions. As the year progresses, you’ll move into applied learning with modules like Cases in Accounting and Finance and Ethics in Finance, where you’ll work with real-world scenarios and develop professional judgement. The programme concludes with an independent project, giving you the chance to explore an accounting or finance topic that matches your career interests.

Focus areas (in a string):

Financial accounting and reporting, management accounting, corporate finance, investment analysis, quantitative and econometric methods, ethical and professional practice

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop strong analytical and numerical skills, apply accounting and finance theory to real business problems, interpret financial data with confidence, communicate financial insights clearly, demonstrate ethical and professional decision-making

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Accredited by AACSB and recognised by the CFA Institute, with opportunities for exemptions from professional bodies such as ACCA, CIMA and ICAEW

Reputation (employability rankings):

Surrey Business School has a strong reputation for graduate employability, with the majority of students progressing into professional roles or further study, and the University of Surrey consistently ranked well in UK and global business and economics league tables

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the MSc Accounting and Finance at the University of Surrey, learning goes far beyond lectures. You’ll gain hands-on experience by working with real financial data, tackling practical business problems, and collaborating with classmates in ways that reflect how finance professionals actually work. Throughout the course, you’ll use industry-standard tools, analyse real company cases, and build the confidence to apply accounting and finance concepts in real-world situations — not just exams.

This practical approach comes together through a range of experiences, including:

Industry-relevant software and databases: You’ll work with professional tools such as Excel, Stata, Refinitiv Eikon, WRDS, Bloomberg, Python and Mathematica, giving you direct exposure to the platforms used in financial analysis, investment research and reporting
Group projects and teamwork: Many modules involve group-based assignments, helping you develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills while solving realistic accounting and finance problems
Real business case studies: Through modules like Cases in Accounting and Finance, you’ll analyse real organisations and financial scenarios, learning how to make informed, ethical decisions under real-world constraints
Digital learning environment: Teaching is supported by SurreyLearn, along with tools like MS Teams and Zoom, so you can collaborate, present work and access learning materials just as you would in a modern workplace
Academic and research support: You’ll have access to Surrey’s Library and Learning Centre, offering specialist business and finance resources to support coursework and your final project
Student societies and networking: Outside the classroom, you can engage with the Surrey Accounting & Finance Society, which connects students with industry talks, skills workshops and employer-led events

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Accounting and Finance at the University of Surrey leave with practical skills that translate directly into strong career outcomes. Many move into roles such as Financial Analyst, Accountant, Auditor, or Finance Manager, using the analytical, reporting and decision-making skills developed throughout the programme. What really sets Surrey graduates apart is how well prepared they are to step into professional environments with confidence:

Personalised careers support: From day one, you’ll be supported by the Surrey Employability and Careers Centre, offering one-to-one career guidance, CV and LinkedIn reviews, interview coaching, employer presentations and access to Surrey’s exclusive job portal — all available to international students
Strong graduate outcomes: The vast majority of Surrey Business School postgraduates progress into employment or further study within 15 months, showing the programme’s strong alignment with what employers are looking for
Attractive salary prospects: Surrey master’s graduates typically achieve competitive average salaries, reflecting the value employers place on postgraduate-level accounting and finance skills
Professional recognition that lasts: The programme’s alignment with ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW and the CFA Institute means you may benefit from exam exemptions, helping you progress faster toward professional qualification and long-term career growth
Employer engagement and exposure: Through Surrey Business School events, guest speakers and industry-led sessions, you’ll gain insights into real career paths and build professional awareness before you graduate

Further Academic Progression:

If you decide to continue your studies, this MSc creates strong pathways forward. Many graduates go on to complete professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA or CFA, while others choose doctoral study (MPhil or PhD) in accounting, finance or management — particularly if they’re interested in research, teaching or highly specialised roles.