Programmes

MSc Accounting and Finance

  • Graduate taught
  • Department of Accounting
  • Application code N4U1
  • Starting 2024
  • Home full-time: Open
  • Home part-time: Open
  • Overseas full-time: Open
  • Location: Houghton Street, London

The MSc Accounting and Finance has an established reputation for excellence extending over five decades. It provides a comprehensive and rigorous treatment of key areas of accounting and finance. It is appropriate for applicants interested in careers across a wide range of sectors and organisations in the fields of business, consulting and finance, and provides thorough preparation for academic research in accounting or finance.

The programme assumes an academic background in financial reporting, management accounting, finance, economics and quantitative methods prior to entry.  As a condition of admission, you may be required to take one or more courses in these areas to strengthen your background.

Through your course selection, you can emphasise either accounting or finance, or can choose an equally balanced programme across the two areas. You will also be able to specialise in a designated pathway in finance, international accounting and finance, or accounting and financial management.

The programme is housed within the Department of Accounting, which is widely recognised throughout the world for its excellence in accounting and financial management research and education, as well as for its leading role in public policy issues. The interface between accounting and managers, organisations, institutions, public policy and regulatory bodies is a particular teaching and research strength of the Department.

 

Programme details

Key facts

MSc Accounting and Finance
Start date 30 September 2024
Application deadline None – rolling admissions. However, please note the funding deadlines.
Duration 9 months full-time, 21 months part-time (see Bologna process)
Applications 2022 1009
Intake 2022 167
Financial support Graduate support scheme (see 'Fees and funding')
Minimum entry requirement 2:1 degree or equivalent in accounting and finance or related subject
GRE/GMAT requirement GMAT is recommended for all applicants and is required for those without a UK undergraduate degree (see GRE and GMAT for further information and exceptions)
English language requirements Standard (see 'Assessing your application')
Location  Houghton Street, London

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for MSc Accounting and Finance

Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in accounting and finance or a related subject. You are expected to have studied academic courses in financial reporting, management accounting, finance, economics and quantitative methods. Strong candidates who do not have the appropriate background in one or more of these areas may be required to take additional courses before being accepted. This may be a course undertaken at the LSE Summer School or an approved distance learning or web-based equivalent.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet the minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

Given the high competition for places on this programme, applicants who indicate an interest in the MSc Accounting and Finance specifically as their first choice will maximise their prospect of admission to the programme. Equally, you should note the differentiated nature of the graduate programmes in the Department of Accounting, and are advised to identify your first choice accordingly. A transfer from another programme in the Department will not normally be permitted.

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our Information for International Students to find out the entry requirements that apply to you

GRE/GMAT requirement

All applicants without a UK undergraduate degree must submit GMAT test scores with their application. The overall GMAT score should normally be in excess of 650 points. Applicants with UK undergraduate degrees, particularly those whose quantitative skills are not demonstrated by their undergraduate studies, may be asked to submit GMAT scores.

Find out more about GRE/GMAT

Assessing your application

We welcome applications from all suitable qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- statement of academic purpose
- two academic references
- CV
-GRE/GMAT

See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE. See our English language requirements.

When to apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. There is no fixed deadline by which you need to apply, however, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details.

Fees and funding

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MSc Accounting and Finance

Home students: £35,472
Overseas students: £36,168

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Fee status

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Fee reduction

Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support SchemeMaster's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline. Funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 25 April 2024.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.  Find out more about financial support.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

A postgraduate loan is available from the UK government for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme, to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.

Find out more about tuition fee loans

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Part-time study
Part time study is only available for students who do not require a student visa.

Programme structure and courses

You must successfully complete the equivalent of four full-unit courses to meet the requirements of the MSc Accounting and Finance programme. Results from each of the full-unit courses carry proportionate and equal weight in the final assessment of the degree. Compulsory core courses in accounting and finance provide the foundation for developing an understanding of a variety of topics, themes and core principles. You can then select from a combination of optional full and half unit courses in specific areas of accounting and finance to fit your interests and preferred specialisation. Options from outside the two Departments are also available.

(* denotes a half unit course)

Either
Corporate Finance and Asset Markets *Suspended for 2022/23*
Examines the fundamental concepts and tools underlying modern finance, both in the asset markets and the corporate finance side
Or
Asset Markets A*
Equips students with the fundamental concepts and tools underlying the assets markets side of modern finance
And
Corporate Finance A*
Covers a range of topics in corporate finance including capital budgeting techniques, capital structure decisions, dividend policy, decision to go public and mergers and acquisitions.
Or
Another approved course 

Courses to the value of two units from a range of options

A specified combination of the following courses, equalling one unit in total:
Topics in Financial Reporting
Enhances the student's ability to relate economic events to financial statements and disclosures.
Corporate Financial Disclosure and Investor Relations
Examines the lens of financial accounting and reporting by covering topics on the interaction of financial accounting and reporting with capital markets with a focus on corporate disclosure and communication strategies.
Accounting, Strategy and Control
Provides an advanced overview of current theoretical and practical developments in the area of organisational control.
Management Accounting for Decision Making*
Focuses on cost and other accounting and non-accounting information systems that aid managerial decision-making.

View Course Videos Here 

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page.

About the Department of Accounting

The Department of Accounting is one of the leading groups in the world for teaching and research on the economic, institutional and organisational aspects of accounting and financial management. Maintaining and advancing our leading international reputation for teaching and research is our top priority. Discover the latest news and research offered in the department.

News 

The Department of Accounting has developed substantially in recent years and is now superbly placed to enhance further its leading role in accounting and financial management research globally. Find information about our Faculty and their research, achievements and awards here

Research 

We have a strong international and interdisciplinary orientation, and received the highest rating of 5*A in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise, the review of university research by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). Find information about our research here

Centre for Analysis of Risk and Regulation (CARR)

CARR is an interdisciplinary research unit, whose core intellectual work focuses on the organisational and institutional settings for risk management and regulatory practices. Find out more on CARR here

Department Social Media

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Teaching and assessment

Contact hours and independent study

A short, focused, introductory course on accounting practices and techniques will be held at the beginning of the programme. Thereafter, you take examined courses up to a total of four full units. The average number of contact hours per week is 12 hours, which includes lectures and seminars. Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide.

You are also expected to complete independent study outside of class time. This varies depending on the programme, but requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, by engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking and research.

Teaching methods

Courses are taught in lecture and class or seminar format. Lectures introduce the core theoretical and technical concepts whilst their associated classes allow you to discuss and apply these concepts through exercises and in-depth study. Seminars allow for the focused study of key concepts in a more informal style and often involve presentations by students on selected course materials. Many teachers adopt a variety of teaching methods to deliver their courses, such as class exercises, team presentations, individual or group work, or case study discussions.

LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant course guide

Assessment

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. All full-unit courses are assessed by three hour unseen examinations in the Spring Term. Half-units are assessed by two hour unseen examinations. Some of the half-unit optional courses also have group/individual project work as part of the assessment. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

Academic support

You will also be assigned an academic mentor who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns.

There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE. LSE LIFE is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s Disability and Wellbeing Service provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as student counselling, a peer support scheme and arranging exam adjustments. They run groups and workshops. 

IT help – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.  

LSE Faith Centre – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.  

Language Centre – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers ­– with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library  founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding. 

PhD Academy – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice – this offers discounted private dental services to LSE students. 

St Philips Medical Centre – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers – we have a Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy) and an Adviser to Women Students who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think London is a fantastic student city, find out about key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners. Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about London on a budget

Student events

Discover the range of free events in the Department of Accounting.

Insights Speaker Series

In order to show how some of the theories taught at LSE is used in practice, the Department runs a series of lectures by external speakers, where the department invite practitioners, and in some cases visiting academics, to make presentations to students. These lectures are generally related to a topical aspect of accounting, finance or something which students are seeing in their lectures and classes.

Python workshop

The Digital Skill Lab is offers a Python training workshop to all students in the Department of Accounting. This Python course is intended for Accounting students and is designed for them to acquire the foundational skills in Python that will be needed to participate in the Python for Accounting practical workshop series. 

 

Student stories

Giuseppe Trecarichi 

MSc Accounting and Finance
Italy, Ferrara

Giuseppe Trecarichi graduated from the MSc Accounting and Finance programme, Class of 2019. 
"My favourite course was valuation and security analysis (AC444) as it covered the most interesting topics from the process that goes from gathering the relevant financial information of a firm’s statements, to forecasting, to valuing the firm’s stock."
Click here to read about his time at LSE. 

 

Careers

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Accounting

Median salary of our PG students 15 months after graduating: £35,000          

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

  • Financial and Professional Services              
  • Accounting and Auditing              
  • FMCG, Manufacturing and Retail              
  • Insurance           
  • Law and Legal Services

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2020-21 were the fourth group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

Students who successfully complete the MSc Accounting and Finance programme pursue careers across a wide range of sectors, in financial institutions, accounting firms, management consulting, industry, government and academia.

Companies who have employed recent graduates from this programme include Bain & Company, Bank of New York Mellon, Barclays Capital, BlackRock, Crédit Agricole, Crowe Horwath, General Electric, JP Morgan, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, PwC, KPMG, Proctor & Gamble, Merrill Lynch, Mondelez, EMI Music, Nordea Bank, Royal Dutch Shell, Schroders and Strategic Asset Partners LLP.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Sophie Tao

MSc Accounting and Finance, 2012
Market Risk Analyst, Shell Trading

Sophie-Tao170x230

I am on my first rotation in the Oil Trading Market Risk team. My key responsibility is to manage the possibility of financial loss caused by market price movements. On a daily basis, I identify and investigate trading activity that can potentially create exposure to market risk and analyse the overall market risk that our global trading network is exposed to.

I cannot stress enough how much I have learned from the people I studied with. who all come from diverse backgrounds and possess different strengths. My way of thinking, habits and attitude towards life were tremendously shaped and influenced by my experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. These experiences, together with the knowledge and skills I acquired, are directly relevant and applicable to my current day-to-day work, the most significant of which is the ability to think and work independently.

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the support available to students through LSE Careers.

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Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour. Find out about opportunities to visit LSE

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