Entrance to our MSc programmes is strongly competitive. You can increase your chances of a successful application by exceeding the minimum programme requirements.
Important points to note when applying for this programme
Academic requirements
You will need a UK first-class or 2:1 honours degree in one of the subjects below, or an equivalent overseas qualification.
An undergraduate degree in accounting, finance or a related discipline is normally required.
Degrees in quantitative disciplines (e.g. economics or mathematics) or business studies will be considered if you can demonstrate a strong background in accounting and finance throughout your degree.
Supporting your application
You should be able to demonstrate some evidence of mathematical ability.
Relevant work experience is not required but may increase your chances of acceptance.
Relevant professional qualifications will be considered.
Preference will be given to those with grades above the minimum requirements due to strong competition for places on this programme.
For 2020 entry we accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:
IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)
TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 20 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements
PTE Academic: total 67 (at least 56 in each of the Communicative Skills sections)
CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 169 in each module)
Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components
For 2021 entry we will accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:
IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)
TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 20 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements
CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 169 in each module)
Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components
*(Revised 21 February 2020 to remove PTE Academic from 2021 entry requirements. Revised 21 April 2020 to include TOEFL-iBT Special Home Edition in 2020 and 2021 entry requirements.)
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Our strongly vocational MSc is closely in line with professional practice and is an ideal fit if you’re from a quantitative background. This is a programme that will challenge you academically and, through practical applications and case studies, one that will set you up for future roles within Accounting and Finance*.
Studying accounting and finance in Edinburgh will give you the opportunity to be based at the heart of the UK's second largest financial centre.
Many of Europe's leading financial institutions have their headquarters here, a fact that we make full use of on the MSc programme. We regularly bring guest speakers to the School to talk directly to accounting and finance students on real, current practice.
The School also maintains good relationships with a number of accounting and finance professionals who will be on hand to provide advice on research and career opportunities. It is essential connections like these that characterise the dynamic nature of this strongly vocational programme.
Our strong connection to industry is exemplified by our work in the Centre for Financial Markets Research, and the Institute of Public Sector Accounting Research. Bringing together leading academics and practitioners, the centres are a keen theatre of debate, creating new thoughts, new ideas for both the theoretical study and practical application of accounting, finance and investment.
Semester 1
September–December
Compulsory Courses
Advanced International Financial Reporting
Advanced Management Accounting
Foundations of Finance Theory
Statistics for Finance
Semester 2
January–May
Compulsory Courses
Current Issues in Accounting
Research in Corporate Finance
Option Courses*
Choose 1 or 2
Behavioural Finance
Corporate Governance
Equity Valuation
Financial Engineering
Quantitative Research Methods in Finance
Summer
June–August
Dissertation
Details of the Dissertation
