Rebekah Shanks
Accounting and Finance, MSc
Introduction
The Accounting and Finance MSc sets you on a path for a rewarding career in this highly skilled profession, whether you’ve recently graduated or are already working. With this specialised one-year conversion programme you don’t need previous experience in this area to gain the skills to advance a career in the financial and accounting sector.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
A career in accounting and finance requires an in-depth understanding of both the theory and practical knowledge of accounting and finance. With this industry-focused programme, you’ll master a wide range of financial tools and acquire a solid foundation of key accounting and finance topics, while developing the necessary skills for management roles. The programme will thoroughly prepare you for a successful career across a variety of potential accountancy and financial roles and industries.
Led by renowned academics and top industry practitioners, you’ll gain access to the latest accounting and finance research, software and techniques. The Business School’s strong links with financial institutions, recruiters and practitioners ensures a focus on tangible, marketable employability skills, relevant to the real accounting and financial world. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with industry throughout the programme, including working on live projects with prestigious companies. We also run workshops with visiting industry specialists from companies such as Deloitte, KMPG, PwC and EY.
Experience three Professional Development Weeks annually, providing you with valuable opportunities to enhance your skills and career prospects. Additionally, participate in our Careers Fair, where you can interact with potential employers, explore diverse career paths, and make connections that can shape your professional journey.
The University of Aberdeen is a leader in teaching and research in the field of accounting and finance and this programme builds on our considerable strengths in these areas. The Business School is home to The Centre for Governance, Accountability, and Sustainability. The group produces world-class contemporary and historical research that are of importance to the accounting profession, policy makers, regulators, business etc. and those who have a desire to address deep social, economic and sustainability issues facing the world.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Accounting and Finance
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen MoreMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost UK Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £15,700 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £15,700 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 EU / International students Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £26,250 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £26,250 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £18,250 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £18,250
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Funding Opportunities
Alumni Discount Scheme - we are pleased to offer a 20% discount for postgraduate tuition fees to all alumni who have an undergraduate degree from University of Aberdeen.
Please note that the Aberdeen Alumni Discount cannot be claimed in conjunction with any other scholarship award.
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
You’ll enjoy access to first-rate academic facilities, including our virtual finance lab, powered by Bloomberg. This virtual trading room gives you access to the same professional tools used by major international financial services companies. You’ll attend a variety of stimulating lectures, seminars and tutorials, with your skills and competency assessed by a mix of presentations, traditional exams, essays and projects.
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
The programme assesses the competency and skills that you will need in the accounting and financial world in a number of ways. You will give individual and group presentations, prepare reports, sit assessments and write academic essays.
Why Study Accounting and Finance?
- The University of Aberdeen was ranked 18th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2026.
- University of Aberdeen Business School ranked 6th in the UK for Accounting and Finance in the Guardian University Guide 2026.
- With a community of over 130 nationalities at the University of Aberdeen, students are immersed in an environment that enables international discourse creating truly global exchanges, generating deep insights that spark innovative change.
- Introducing our professionally recognised university programme, accredited by the ACCA, providing you with exemptions from the initial four professional exams.
- Embark on a specialised one-year conversion programme that requires no prior experience in the field, offering you the opportunity to acquire essential skills for advancing your career in the financial and accounting sector.
- Develop an in-depth understanding of accounting and finance theory, gain practical knowledge, and apply these concepts to real-world situations. Our curriculum ensures a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter.
- Master a diverse array of financial tools by accessing the latest financial research, software, and techniques. This will equip you with a robust foundation in accounting practices, ensuring you stay at the forefront of industry advancements.
You will:
- Experience world-leading facilities with access to our virtual finance lab
- Connect with financial institutions and leading industry practitioners
- Develop a well-rounded skillset for careers in accounting and finance
- Build your business network and access top-tier recruiters around the world
What Our Students Say
Abubakar Oladapo
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Our minimum entry requirement for this programme is an undergraduate degree at UK Honours level (or a degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth).
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEnglish Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
Careers
Having a recognised accountancy qualification opens many career doors, with a higher percentage of company board members holding an accountancy qualification than any other kind of postgraduate qualification. You could progress to hold roles such as Accountant, Auditor or Financial Manager in prestigious firms around the world.
This programme caters to both self-starters and seasoned professionals, making it an excellent career decision for those fresh out of undergraduate studies or seeking to transition into a more senior role without prior managerial experience.
For recent graduates, our programme serves as a direct pathway to kickstart a successful career journey. No previous managerial experience is required, ensuring accessibility for enthusiastic individuals ready to embark on a fulfilling career in accountancy.
Professionals aiming for career enhancement will find our programme tailored to facilitate a smooth transition into more senior roles. Acquiring a recognised accountancy qualification through our programme opens numerous career doors, making it a strategic move for those aspiring to climb the professional ladder.
Career Opportunities
- Account Manager
- Accountant
- Financial Manager
- Recruitment Consultant
- Trainee Chartered Accountant
Industry Links
Gain access to premier global recruiters as part of our university program. Benefit from employer-led skills sessions conducted by the renowned big four global firms - Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, and Ernst & Young. These sessions will equip you with the knowledge on how to distinguish yourself in interviews and assessment centers.
Accreditation
The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions. Out of over 15,000 business schools worldwide, only around 200 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.
This degree holds accreditation from
Our Experts
You will be taught by and have access to a number of experts, many of whom are internationally renowned within their respective fields. These will include members of The Centre for Governance, Accountability, and Sustainability.
For more details on academic experts and those who will be teaching within your programme discipline please visit the People section of the Business School website.
- Programme Leader
- Dr Chathurani Rathnayake Mudiyanselage
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
World Class Facilities
The University of Aberdeen, established in 1495, is Scotland’s third oldest and the UK’s fifth oldest University. The university’s ancient campus reflects its long-standing academic tradition, with historic buildings such as King's College, which dates back to the 15th century. This blend of ancient architecture and modern facilities creates a unique atmosphere where students can experience the best of both tradition and innovation.
Sir Duncan Rice Library
The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.
Find out more
Affordability
Aberdeen has been named the cheapest place for students to rent private accommodation in the UK. In 2024, StuRents reports that the average price of a student private rental property in the Granite City was just over £96 a week.
Aberdeen City
Named Scotland's Safest University City (Unbroken Britain Survey, Provident Financial, 2018) and is in the top 10 in the UK for places to live and work (PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2018).
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Business School
University of Aberdeen
MacRobert Building
King Street
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX