Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme blends core accounting and finance theory with applied, international perspectives and research training. You will study a mix of compulsory and optional modules and complete a substantial dissertation or consultancy project tailored to an accounting and finance topic.

• International Financial Reporting and Analysis – advanced study of IFRS, consolidation, group reporting and interpretation of financial statements across jurisdictions.
• Corporate Financial Management – corporate valuation, capital structure and investment appraisal in international settings.
• Management Accounting and Decision Making – costing, budgeting, performance measurement and decision support for managers.
• Auditing and Assurance – audit theory and practice, ethical requirements and quality control in an international audit environment.
• Taxation in an International Context (option) – principles of business and international tax, transfer pricing and tax planning considerations.
• Quantitative Methods and Financial Modelling – statistical techniques, econometrics and spreadsheet modelling used in financial analysis.
• Corporate Governance, Ethics and Sustainability – governance frameworks, risk management and the role of accountants in responsible business.
• Research Methods for Business and Finance – research design, data collection and analysis methods that support the dissertation or consultancy project.
• MSc Dissertation or Applied Consultancy Project – an independent piece of research or a client-focused consultancy project applying theory to a real accounting or finance problem.

Teaching methods typically include seminars, case studies, workshop sessions with software tools, guest lectures from industry practitioners and group work. Assessment is by a combination of examinations, coursework, presentations, case reports and the final dissertation or project.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a UK honours degree (2:2 or above) or an equivalent internationally recognised undergraduate qualification in accounting, finance, business or a related discipline. Applicants with a lower academic qualification but with relevant professional experience or recognised professional qualifications may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of English language proficiency. Typical requirements are an overall IELTS score at postgraduate level with a minimum in each component; equivalent qualifications and test providers are also accepted. Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview or to provide a personal statement and references describing their motivation for the programme and relevant experience.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of accounting and finance roles in multinational and domestic organisations, professional practice and the public sector. Common destinations include:

• Financial accountant, management accountant or finance manager in industry
• External auditor or assurance specialist with accounting firms
• Tax adviser or transfer pricing analyst
• Financial analyst, treasury or corporate finance roles
• Forensic accountant, risk and compliance specialist or internal auditor
• Consultant roles in advisory services, or progression to doctoral study and academic careers

The programme is designed to provide knowledge and exemptions that support progression to professional qualifications (for example ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW and others), and many students combine study with professional exam preparation or move into graduate trainee schemes with accountancy firms, banks and corporate finance teams.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers this degree within a business-focused environment that emphasises applied learning and employability. The programme is taught by staff with a mix of academic and professional experience and uses real-world case studies, employer input and opportunities for applied projects.

The university provides modern teaching and computing facilities, access to financial databases and software used in industry, and careers support including employer events, CV and interview workshops and networking opportunities. The programme’s international focus and practical orientation aim to prepare graduates to work across jurisdictions and to progress both in professional accountancy pathways and in corporate finance careers.