University of Warwick

What you'll study

This programme covers the key technical and analytical areas of contemporary accounting and financial management. Core teaching typically addresses financial reporting and analysis, management accounting, corporate finance, financial statement analysis and valuation, and the role of accounting in corporate governance and strategy.

Students engage with research methods and quantitative techniques to support evidence-based decision making, and apply those methods in an independent dissertation or applied project. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, case studies, workshops and group projects, with assessment through a combination of unseen exams, coursework, presentations and the final dissertation or applied research project.

• Financial Reporting and Analysis – accounting standards, preparation and interpretation of financial statements.
• Management Accounting – costing, budgeting, performance measurement and decision-making tools for managers.
• Corporate Finance – investment appraisal, capital structure, cost of capital and corporate investment decisions.
• Valuation and Financial Statement Analysis – techniques to value firms and assess corporate performance.
• Governance, Ethics and Audit – corporate governance frameworks, auditing principles and professional ethics.
• Research Methods and Quantitative Techniques – analytical skills to support the dissertation and applied research.
• Dissertation or Applied Project – an independent piece of research or client-focused project that demonstrates mastery of the subject.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree from a recognised university. Candidates with degrees in accounting, finance, economics, business, mathematics or related disciplines are typical, but the programme is also designed to be accessible to graduates from other backgrounds who can demonstrate quantitative ability and strong academic performance.

Where applicants do not hold a conventional accounting background, relevant quantitative coursework, professional experience or an ability to demonstrate numeracy is usually required. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through an acceptable qualification or recognised language test.

Applications are considered on the overall strength of academic records, references and supporting statements. In some cases, a strong professional profile or relevant work experience may be taken into account.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme progress into a wide range of professional roles in accounting and finance. Common destinations include professional practice with audit and accountancy firms, management accounting, financial analysis and corporate finance roles within industry, and advisory positions in consulting and risk management.

The programme also provides a solid foundation for those aiming to study for professional qualifications or to pursue doctoral research. Warwick’s careers support and employer connections assist students seeking graduate programmes, internships and direct entry roles with major employers across the public and private sectors.

Why study at University of Warwick

Warwick Business School is known for combining rigorous academic research with practical relevance, and the MSc in Accounting and Financial Management benefits from faculty who are active researchers and experienced practitioners. The school has strong links with accountancy and finance employers, which helps with guest speakers, employer projects and recruitment opportunities.

Students at Warwick have access to dedicated career services, entrepreneurship support and a broad professional network. The campus environment and interdisciplinary opportunities across the university further enrich learning, enabling students to develop both technical expertise and the transferable skills sought by employers.

The programme is structured to support progression to professional qualifications and to careers that require both accounting knowledge and strategic financial insight, making it suitable for those aiming for roles in practice, industry or research.