MSc Accounting and Financial Management

Studying with us 

You can study the MSc Accounting and Financial Management from anywhere in the world, at a pace that suits you. Our flexible approach to studying allows you to fit your studies around your commitments and you can decide how many modules to take. 

The degree consists of 11 modules, and you can take up to two per session (subject to module availability). That means, depending on your time and financial situation, you can complete the MSc Accounting and Financial Management in one and a half to five years. And if you need to take a session off, you won't be charged during that session. 

Over a 10-week session, a 15-credit module or a 30-credit module will both typically require 10 to 15 hours study per week. Find out further information about the programme structure, modules, and specifications on our website.  

When you register with us, you will gain access to all resources and study materials via your Student Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), that will equip you to complete each module successfully. You will gain access to a range of essential resources, activities, videos, discussions, and support, as well as the opportunity to engage with your online tutor and fellow students.   

Online Library   

As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the Online Library. You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require. 

Senate House Library 

If you’re based in the United Kingdom, or are visiting London, make sure to visit Senate House Library. Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources. 

Online tutor support 

Studying our online MSc Accounting and Financial Management entitles you to receive tutor support and feedback. You will join an online tutor group to receive academic support and guidance on assessments. If you choose to study as a web-supported learner, you will have the opportunity to join an online tutor group and be able to engage with your fellow students. If you interested in studying with a local teaching centre, you will benefit from face-to-face tuition.   

Assessment 

Modules include a mix of assessments, giving you the chance to undertake formative assessments, which will help you measure your progress and summative assessments, which will count to your final marks.  From coursework assignments and online tests, you can submit your assignments and sit your tests anywhere in the world with an internet connection meeting our minimum requirements. 

This University of London degree has been developed by and is delivered with academic direction from UCL. Ranked eighth in the world in the 2023 QS World University Rankings, UCL is one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

The degree draws on the expertise of the School of Management team at UCL who have designed and delivered a range of accounting, finance, and management related courses, both on campus and online.

Programme Director

Professor Alan Parkinson

Alan Parkinson is Professor of Financial Education in UCL School of Management in University College London (UCL), where he is Director of Studies and School Deputy Director (Education). He is a qualified accountant, with a Doctorate in Education (Theme: Accounting Education), two Masters degrees and a Higher Education Teaching Certificate. Alan’s scholarship research interests focus on Curriculum Evaluation, Performance Measurement in Accounting Education, Historical Perspectives on Business, and Technology Applications within Education. He presents regularly at national and international Education-related conferences and workshops, and publishes in scholarship journals. Prior to joining UCL, he held a number of senior positions in other UK institutions. In his senior university management positions, he has been and still is responsible for strategic decisions regarding investments and resources. He has teaching experience across both Masters and Undergraduate levels, and on vocational and professional courses accountancy courses, both in ‘face to face’ and online contexts. His teaching emphasises the integration of accounting/finance with other management subject areas. He specialises in Managerial Accounting and Financial Management and contributes to more generic Accounting modules. He co-designed and teaches on MSc Accounting and Financial Management, and MSc Professional Accountancy, both online programmes which are joint ventures between UCL and University of London Worldwide. In 2018 he received PQ Magazine’s Award as Best Public Sector Accountancy Lecturer. In August 2022 he received an Honorary Fellowship of the Centre for Business and Economics Research. His has extensive training and consultancy expertise, with significant international experience. In November 2017 he was a part of the team which developed Icarus, a bespoke business simulation which received Gold Award for Best Learning Simulation at the UK National Learning Technology Awards. Alan likes all sport (especially football), reading (particularly history-related), and travel. He thinks smiling is a particularly good hobby.

What qualifications do you need?

To qualify to register for the MSc or individual modules, you will need a bachelor's degree which is considered at least comparable to a UK upper second class honours degree from an institution acceptable to the University.

English language requirements

You need a high standard of English to study this programme. You will meet our language requirements if you have achieved one of the following within the past three years:

• IELTS: at least 6.5 overall with 6.0 in the written test
• Pearson Test (Academic): at least 59 overall, with 59+ in reading and writing and 54+ in speaking and listening.
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English.
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (grade C or above).
• TOEFL iBT: at least 92 overall, with 22+ in reading and writing and 20+ in speaking and listening.
• If you do not meet the English language proficiency requirements but believe that you can demonstrate the requisite proficiency, the University may, at its discretion, consider your application.

Computer requirements

We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly.

More about computer requirements.

For the Capstone Project, students will need one of the following supported platforms:

• Mobile platforms of iOS, Android and Windows 10 support:
  • iOS support OS version 8+ (free download available)
  • Android support API level 19+ Version 4.4 - 4.4.4
  • Windows 10 UWP version

And:

• Icarus (Professional Accountancy) App (latest version)

Other specialised software may be made available by the University if required.

The fees you pay depend on whether you live in a developing (Band A) or developed (Band B) nation - see Countries and Regions list [PDF].

The fees below relate to new students registering for the 2024-2025 session.

On average, fees are subject to a five per cent year-on-year increase.

Students who registered earlier can view their fees on the Course Fees page. 

Important: the table below does not include fees payable to a third party, such as tuition costs payable to a Recognised Teaching Centre or fees charged by your local examination centre, or local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or sales tax.

*The full programme fee is payable when you first register on the programme and includes access to study materials and your first entry into the assessments. It does not the module fee when repeating a module, applications for Recognition of Prior Learning and fees payable to a University of London Recognised Teaching Centres, if applicable. By paying in full at the beginning of your programme, you avoid any annual fee increases to module fees. With pay per module, you pay for each module as you register for it.

**The indicative totals given for teaching centre supported fees represent the amount you would expect to pay if you were to complete the MSc degree in the minimum period of time (as per when modules become available), without resits, and paying per module with a year-on-year increase of five per cent. These totals do not reflect the cost of any additional tuition support you may choose to take, resits, or applications for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool.

More about programme fees

Additional Costs

You will also need to budget for:

• Textbooks (could extend to around £300 per year)
• Tuition costs if you study at a Recognised Teaching Centre.

Sales Tax

Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.

Further information on Sales Tax.

Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees. (If in doubt, please check with them before making a payment.)

Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.

More on funding your study

You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including an online payment facility via the Student Portal and Western Union Quick Pay.

More on how to pay your fees

This degree is appropriate for those wishing to develop their knowledge of and exposure to technical elements of accounting and financial management and their applications within corporate life, from both operational and strategic perspectives.

You will develop an understanding of the areas that finance managers would encounter on a daily basis, complemented by engagements with selected specialist issues.

What do employers think of our graduates?

In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register.

You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.

More on the University of London Careers Service