Start dates: September 2025 / January 2026 / September 2026
Full time: 1 year or 2 years in sandwich mode which includes one year's full-time paid supervised work experience (a work placement). Sandwich mode is only available for September entry.
Part time: 24 months
Location: Headington
School(s): Oxford Brookes Business School
Overview
Do you aspire to be the brains behind the money management of major organisations? Our MSc Accounting and Finance can put you on the fast-track; you'll graduate with up to 6 exemptions from the 13 papers required to become a qualified accountant.
This course is designed for graduates of any non accounting and finance subject. Many of our students have studied business before, but we also have students from history, music and even Japanese studies.
You'll learn how accounting and finance teams fit into a small, medium or large organisation and utilise your soft skills in problem solving, teamwork, and communication to have a rigorous and professional approach to managing important financial data. Our teaching team have worked in industry and academia – they’ve written textbooks, but they’ve also worked for international companies like Unilever.
You can join us for guest lecturers from businesses like Harley-Davidson and get involved in Business Challenge Week where cross-faculty student teams work with local companies to address real-world business challenges.
Why Oxford Brookes University?
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Accredited course
You’ll gain up to 6 exemptions from the papers required to become a qualified accountant with ACCA (this usually takes 2-3 years).
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Inspiring guest lecturers
Engage with our speakers, such as an analyst from Pictet Asset Management and the CEO of Melrose Industries.
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Digital know-how
Apply theoretical knowledge in real-world applications, including our new Bloomberg Trading Suite which will offer you the opportunity to use this industry-standard tool to evaluate investment opportunities.
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Expand your expertise
Take advantage of student societies, including the Economics and Finance Society (EFS), which aims to bring together like-minded people, and share knowledge whilst discussing economic issues and events in the financial market.
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Industry insight
Pick optional modules from the areas of accounting, analytics and/or finance.
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Accreditation(s)
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Course details
Course structure
We’ve designed this course to cover the three key areas of accounting education: financial reporting, management accounting and finance. You’ll also build the digital skills you need to use Excel and other software used in industry.
You’ll master management techniques that help plan, control and analyse performance, and develop the technical abilities to evaluate business processes. Understanding how financial decisions contribute to organisations’ objectives will also be key.
We’ll cover financial accounting techniques, from basic transaction records to international financial reporting. You’ll learn to prepare and interpret financial statements and debate current issues in international financial accounting.
You get the chance to do a project that investigates a topic of particular interest to you or your future career. Some students investigate areas like the benefits and drawbacks of Environmental Social Governance reporting, while others examine the best ways to measure success at the organisation where they already work.
Start this course in January or September
You can start this course in January if a September start doesn't suit you or is not currently offered for this course.
If you start in January you will study a range of modules between January and May. During the summer months of June, July and August you will study further modules and begin work on your dissertation. Between September and December you will complete your final modules and focus on your dissertation.
Study modules
Be industry ready when you graduate
By undertaking an optional work placement you can gain valuable and relevant industry experience and develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, networking and problem solving. A work placement can help you decide on your long-term career objectives and may lead to a job offer after graduation (would require visa sponsorship for international students).The WAVES (Work and Voluntary Experience Service) or Careers Office will provide you with support and advice to get ahead in your career, and help you with your CV and applications. The team has access to a wide range of small, medium and large employers that offer postgraduate student work placements.
If you wish to pursue a placement at a particular company, our WAVES team can support you in making an approach to the company. Our Careers Office can also provide you with advice on how to use professional social media channels to pitch yourself to prospective employers.
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Research
Lecturers on this programme are typically members of the Sustainable Development, Accounting and Applied Economics research cluster. Recent work has included an investigation of the relationship between financial development and economic growth and an exploration of sustainability accounting and reporting.
Careers
All businesses need accountants, it’s a global profession with opportunities from America to Australia to Africa opening up for qualified professionals. You'll be part of a new generation of accountants equipped with the latest skills and insight.
Once you’ve completed this course, you’ll be able to apply for ACCA exemptions. You’ll also have sought-after skills in quantitative analysis, communication and presenting which are valued in a range of areas from banking to consultancy.
Our students are attractive to employers in the UK and beyond. You’ll leave Oxford Brookes with global business links with students, teaching staff and professionals.
You’ll find our graduates at prestigious corporations such as:
- BNP Paribas
- Accenture
- Deloitte
- PwC
- UK Civil Service
- Huawei.
Our Staff
Asuka Wakatsuki
I have developed a new specialist course on personal and professional development, focusing on improving employability prospects for students.
Read more about AsukaRelated courses
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree (2:2) in any academic discipline, or equivalent overseas degree from a recognised institution or equivalent professional or other qualification.
Applicants who possess a diploma rather than a good degree may be eligible for entry provided they have compensatory work experience and can demonstrate career development.
This course attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Applications are welcome from those in work and seeking continuing professional development. Because this course is for those with little previous accounting knowledge, it is not suitable for those with a degree in accounting or with professional qualifications.
Entry will also be subject to one satisfactory reference (academic).
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you will need to have the following level of English language competency:
- minimum 6.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in listening and speaking).
- if you have completed your undergraduate degree in the UK (at least one full year of study) you will automatically meet our English language requirements.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
International qualifications and equivalences
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year, your fees will increase each year.
The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support.
How and when to pay
Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.
- For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
- For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.
Optional costs
| Additional costs | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
International Business in Practice Study Trip module (inc. accommodation for seven nights, insurance, company visits and group transportation for all activities). This fee did not include international airfare, visa application fee (if relevant), dinners and activities during your free time. |
£350-1500 |
The programme qualifies graduates for exemptions from professional body examinations - the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). To claim these exemptions, graduates will need to pay registration fees to ACCA then a fee per exemption granted (between 4 and 7 depending on options taken in the programme). |
Typically £135 |
International Business in Practice Study Trip module (inc. accommodation for seven nights, insurance, company visits and group transportation for all activities). This fee did not include international airfare, visa application fee (if relevant), dinners and activities during your free time. |
£350-1500 |
It’s your responsibility to cover print / binding costs where coursework submission is required. Please note that a lot of the coursework is now submitted online. |
From £30 |
| You may choose to purchase books to support your studies. Many books on our reading lists are available via the Library, or can be purchased secondhand. | £20-60 per book |
Accommodation fees in Brookes Letting (most do not include bills) |
£94-265 per week |
Accommodation fees in university halls (bills included, excluding laundry costs) |
£122-180 per week |
Graduation costs include tickets, gowning and photography. Gowns are not compulsory but typically students do hire robes, starting at £41. |
Typically £0-200 |
Students are responsible for their own travel to and from university for classes. BrookesBus travel is subsidised for full-time undergraduate students that are on a course with a fee of £9,250 or more, or living in an Oxford Brookes hall of residence. There is an administration fee for the production of a BrookesKey. |
From £10 |
Funding your studies
Financial support and scholarships
Featured funding opportunities available for this course.
All financial support and scholarships
Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been
published on the website. For more information, please visit our
changes to programmes page.