Accounting and Finance MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The MSc Accounting and Finance at the University of Sussex is designed to give you a confident, real-world understanding of how financial decisions are made, reported, and analysed in today’s global economy. It’s a great fit if you want to build strong technical knowledge in accounting and finance while developing the critical thinking skills employers value across banking, consulting, and corporate roles.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time programme)

You’ll begin by strengthening your core knowledge through modules such as Corporate Finance, Issues in Financial Reporting, Institutions in the Global Financial Market, and Management Accounting & Control, helping you understand how organisations finance themselves, measure performance, and operate within global markets. As the course progresses, you’ll move into more analytical and theory-driven study with modules including Accounting Theory, Investments, and Research Methods for Finance, sharpening your ability to evaluate financial information and market behaviour. The programme concludes with a Dissertation in Accounting and Finance, where you’ll independently research a topic of interest and apply everything you’ve learned in a practical, in-depth project.

Focus areas:

Financial reporting and regulation, corporate finance decision-making, global financial markets, investment analysis, accounting theory, applied financial research.

Learning outcomes:

You’ll graduate with the ability to interpret and analyse complex financial data, apply accounting and finance theories to real business problems, conduct independent research, and communicate financial insights clearly and professionally.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The programme is delivered by Sussex Business School, which holds EQUIS and AMBA accreditation, and offers professional alignment and potential exemptions with recognised bodies such as ACCA, CIMA, and CISI, supporting your progress toward professional qualifications.

Reputation (employability rankings):

The University of Sussex is consistently recognised for strength in Business, Economics, and Finance, with strong research credentials and an applied teaching approach that supports graduate employability and career progression.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the MSc Accounting and Finance at Sussex, learning goes far beyond lectures. You’ll regularly work with real financial data, professional-grade tools, and applied coursework that mirrors how finance and accounting teams operate in practice. With access to specialist facilities in Sussex Business School and strong careers support built into the programme, you’ll graduate not only with academic knowledge, but with practical experience and confidence in using industry-relevant tools — the kind employers expect from day one.

That hands-on experience comes through in several ways:

Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab and Trading Room: You’ll work with live market data using Bloomberg terminals, gaining experience in market analysis, investment evaluation, and financial decision-making in a realistic trading environment.
Professional financial databases: You’ll use advanced datasets such as WRDS and other academic and market databases to support coursework, financial analysis, and your final dissertation.
Internship opportunities: The programme offers the option to take a 4–10 week internship, allowing you to gain real workplace experience in accounting, finance, or related roles alongside your studies.
Group projects and applied coursework: Many modules include collaborative work, helping you develop teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills that are essential in professional finance settings.
Modern Business School facilities: Teaching and group work take place in the Jubilee Building, which offers dedicated study areas, seminar rooms, and spaces designed for collaboration and networking.
Extensive library resources: Sussex’s main library supports your learning with specialist finance and accounting resources, study spaces, and academic skills support for research and professional report writing.
Careers and employability support: You’ll have access to tailored careers guidance, employer events, CV and interview coaching, and Sussex’s CareerHub platform to help you secure internships and graduate roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Accounting and Finance at the University of Sussex leave with the confidence and skills to step into professional finance and accounting roles across a wide range of industries. Many move into positions such as Financial Analyst, Accountant, Business or Management Consultant, and Corporate Finance Executive, supported by Sussex’s strong employability focus and practical learning approach:

Sussex helps turn your degree into real career momentum through the following:

Dedicated careers guidance: You’ll receive personalised support from Faculty Careers Consultants, offering one-to-one advice on career planning, CVs, applications, and interview preparation throughout your MSc.
Strong employability outcomes: A high proportion of Sussex postgraduates are in employment or further study shortly after graduating, reflecting the university’s strong focus on career readiness and real-world skills.
Industry engagement and employer exposure: Through initiatives like Career Lab, employer talks, networking sessions, and consultancy projects, you’ll gain insight into how organisations operate and what recruiters are looking for.
Competitive earning potential: Graduates from finance-related programmes at Sussex typically progress into roles with solid early-career salaries, with earning potential that grows as you gain experience and professional qualifications.
Professional accreditation value: The course is delivered by EQUIS and AMBA-accredited Sussex Business School and offers ACCA exemptions, helping you move more quickly toward recognised professional accounting qualifications.
Wide graduate destinations: Alumni work in financial services, consultancy, corporate finance teams, public sector organisations, and international companies — roles where strong financial analysis and reporting skills are essential.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re interested in research or an academic career, this MSc also provides an excellent foundation for PhD study in accounting, finance, or related disciplines, supported by the programme’s strong emphasis on research methods, theory, and independent dissertation work.