Overview

Attend an open day

Download our course brochure

Discover more about the course

Course overview

Develop advanced accounting and finance expertise for careers in financial services, research and related sectors.

  • Build a high-level understanding of accounting and finance theory and practice for careers in accounting, financial services or related sectors.
  • Study in Manchester on a course linked to The Manchester Accounting and Finance Group.
  • Benefit from CFA Institute Affiliate and ESRC status, with an accelerated route to CIMA on successful completion.
  • Study at a business school ranked 7th in the UK and 26th in the world for Finance Masters courses (QS Business Masters Rankings 2026).

Open days

Alliance Manchester Business School and the university both hold regular events throughout the year, including webinars, information sessions and the annual on-campus Master's Expo. All of which offer the opportunity to find out more about our facilities and courses from our academic and admissions staff.

This year sign up for webinars as part of our ‘Original Thinking for the Next Generation’ Webinar series, exclusively at Alliance Manchester Business School. Join a webinar to hear from academics and employers about the skills students gain, how they are applied in the workplace, and where they could take you next.

We also attend a number of education fairs both in the UK and overseas throughout the year. For more details on how you can meet us, visit our events page.

Contact details

School/Faculty
Alliance Manchester Business School
Contact name
Master's Admissions Office
Telephone
+44 (0)161 306 1339
Email
Website
https://www.alliancembs.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/msc-accounting-and-finance/
School/Faculty overview

Alliance Manchester Business School was established in 1965 as one of the UK's first two business schools. Today, we are the UK's largest campus-based business and management school, and 'Original Thinking Applied' is at the heart of everything we do. Find out more .

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

We require a UK bachelor degree with first or upper second class honours or the overseas equivalent, with excellent results in accounting and finance subjects. 

When assessing your academic record, we take into account your grade average, position in class and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification. 

You need to have studied or be studying a degree in accounting or finance. We can also consider exceptional candidates with degrees in economics or mathematics.  You must have taken a significant number of courses in accounting and finance during your degree, and a major or specialisation in accounting and/or finance in your final year, with top level results in final year accounting and finance subjects.  You must also demonstrate a solid background in quantitative skills, econometrics or maths.

We can consider applicants studying degrees in business administration or commerce who can demonstrate a very strong background in accounting and finance throughout their degree and a final year major or specialisation in accounting or finance, and strong quantitative skills. Due to competition for places, we give preference to applicants with a bachelor degree in accounting or finance.

A GMAT/GRE is not required to apply for this course but in some cases The Admissions Team may request this after the initial review of your application if your degree does not contain enough relevant quantitative modules.

English language

For the latest information on demonstrating your English proficiency for those whose first language is not English, please see our language requirements .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements see entry requirements for your country .

Fees and funding

Fees

Fees for entry in 2027 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2026 were as follows:

  • MSc (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): £22,600
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £37,800

The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs.

Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information .

Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about - student finance options for UK students.

Learn more about - fees and finance for international students.

Graduates of The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University can receive a 10% discount on their master's degree tuition fees as part of our Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount scheme.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply online

Staged Application Deadlines

NOTE: There is a non-refundable application fee of £60. You should be prompted to pay this within the application portal before you can submit your application. We cannot consider applications until you have paid the application fee.

Applying to multiple programmes

Staged admissions

We operate a staged admissions process for this course, see more information on how to apply and our deadlines.

Tuition fee deposits

If you are successful in receiving an offer, you will be required to pay a tuition fee deposit of £2,500 by the deadline stated in your offer letter to confirm your place. We ask for the deposit as competition for places is high and there is limited availability. The deposit amount is then deducted from your tuition fees when you register on the course.

Advice to applicants

Your statement of purpose should answer the specific questions outlined below.

  1. Please tell us your current overall average, the average for your accounting and/or finance major / specialization, and if possible your position in class.
  2. Please list any other accounting and finance courses or qualifications you have taken in addition to your undergraduate degree.
  3. Please tell us why you are interested in the MSc Accounting and Finance course at Alliance MBS and how the course will impact on your future.
  4. It is very competitive to gain a place on this course.  Please tell us what makes you stand out as an exceptional applicant compared to others.

How your application is considered

Applications cannot be processed without the following:

  • valid English language qualification
  • first and second year transcript (scanned copies are accepted at the time of application)
  • list of final year modules (where possible this should be included within the same document as your first and second year transcript)
  • statement of purpose (this is included as part of your application form, you do not need to email your statement of purpose directly to the Admissions Team)

Deferrals

To defer your offer to the following year, you must contact your admission officer to get a copy of the deferral form. You can only defer your offer for one year.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

Course details

Course description

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Amplify Trading BootCamp

Take your accounting and finance knowledge to the next level with a specialist master’s designed to support ambitious careers in accounting, financial services, research and related sectors.

This course gives you a strong understanding of the theory and practice of accounting and finance, helping you develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills and research capability needed to succeed in professional or academic pathways. You will explore core areas of accounting and finance, with an emphasis on empirical research methods, practical application and the issues shaping the sector.

A wide range of modules allows you to tailor your studies around your interests and career goals. You will also complete a dissertation on a research area of your choice, giving you the opportunity to build specialist expertise, apply research methods and develop independent critical thinking.

The MSc Accounting and Finance is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council as postgraduate preparation for PhD study. It also holds CFA Institute Affiliate status and, on successful completion, provides an accelerated route to joining the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Studying at Alliance Manchester Business School means learning within a leading research-led business school, supported by expert academic staff and a strong accounting and finance community.

Special features

Prepare for the CFA qualification
Through our partnership with Kaplan Schweser, the 20 highest-performing students from Semester 1 who demonstrate a strong interest in the CFA qualification receive access to Kaplan's CFA Level I preparation resources. Support includes tuition materials, online question banks, progress tests, mock examinations, tutor guidance and one-to-one support. The CFA programme develops advanced investment analysis and portfolio management expertise and provides the first step towards earning the globally recognised Chartered Financial Analyst® credential.

Discover financial markets through Trading BootCamp Week
Delivered in partnership with Amplify Trading, this immersive experience gives students the opportunity to work on a simulated live trading floor alongside experienced traders using specialist software. You'll respond to live market developments, economic data and geopolitical events while applying classroom learning to different asset classes in a practical financial markets environment.

Access industry-standard datasets through the Finance Zone
Benefit from access to one of the UK's most comprehensive collections of specialist financial and business databases used by researchers and finance professionals around the world. Resources include Bloomberg, Datastream, Thomson ONE, Compustat, WRDS and Capital IQ, helping you develop the data analysis and research skills expected across the finance industry.

Learn within a recognised finance research environment
The programme is linked to The Manchester Accounting and Finance Group, one of Europe's leading accounting and finance research units. Research-informed teaching ensures you engage with contemporary developments in financial markets, investment and corporate finance throughout your studies.

Build a foundation for professional and academic progression
The programme holds both CFA Institute Affiliate status and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) status, supporting career development within the finance sector while also providing a strong foundation for progression to doctoral research.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment is by taught examinations, coursework, assignments, group assessment and presentations and finally by a 60 credit dissertation.

Course unit details

You will study a total of 180 credits during the course. The eight taught units during semester one and two total 120 credits and consist of both compulsory and optional taught units.

  • BMAN70232 Advanced Management Accounting; or
  • BMAN72912 Corporate Governance
    must be selected as a mandatory course.

Summer period

Dissertation (60 credits)

Apply what you have learned in the taught part of the course.Normally consists of a literature review followed by a piece of work based on qualitative or statistical research.

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
BMAN70211 15 Mandatory
BMAN70241 15 Mandatory
BMAN71111 15 Mandatory
BMAN71152 15 Mandatory
BMAN71282 15 Mandatory
BMAN70232 15 Optional
BMAN70432 15 Optional
BMAN71122 15 Optional
BMAN71132 15 Optional
BMAN71171 15 Optional
BMAN71291 15 Optional
BMAN72912 15 Optional
BMAN74112 15 Optional
BMAN74551 15 Optional
Displaying 10 of 14 course units
Display all course units

Course collaborators

Worshipful Company of International Bankers Affiliation
Our accounting and finance division courses are affiliated with the Worshipful Company of International Bankers (WCIB). Every year the best dissertation out of the following four courses will receive the WCIB Prize worth £300.

  • MSc Accounting
  • MSc Accounting and Finance
  • MSc Finance
  • MSc Quantitative Finance

The winner will also enter the competition for the prestigious WCIB Lombard Prize . 

What our students say

“The trading simulations provide students with experience of real-world trading and the opportunity to engage with contemporary financial markets.” - Vanida Jirapaisankul

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

The course provides suitable training for those who wish to take up specialist positions in the accounting and financial services sector of the economy or those who wish to subsequently pursue a research and/or an academic career via a PhD in Accounting and Finance. Many students go on to work in the financial sector either in the City or across other sectors.

Careers support

AMBS Master’s students have dedicated careers support designed to build employability and connect you with employers. You’ll have access to employability sessions covering applications, CVs, interviews and LinkedIn; tailored workshops with feedback; and one-to-one support with a careers consultant. You can also engage with employer and alumni insights through guest speaker events, and keep track of opportunities through the online careers platform. The AMBS postgraduate careers support works closely with the University Careers Service, giving access to careers fairs, employer presentations and advertised vacancies.

Read more about the Postgraduate Careers Service >>

Accrediting organisations

The course conforms to the present ESRC guidelines for Masters degrees and has ESRC recognition as a postgraduate training year in preparation for undertaking a PhD . 

The course has partnership status with the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.