Finance (Accounting and Finance)

The MSc in Finance (Accounting and Finance) provides you with the essential skills and learning to thrive in a wide range of corporate environments around the world and to play a key role in ensuring they function to the highest finance and accounting standards.

You will learn how to apply analytical skills, technical skills and the latest research techniques to the sophisticated and stimulating world of finance and accounting. Underpinning all aspects of learning are our core values of fairness and equality of access to financial services, these skills are valued by top global financial institutions and businesses, and by leading PhD research programmes.

This 12-month full-time course is affiliated with the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA), the leading global association for investment professionals and the accepted benchmark around the world for technical excellence in financial markets. Core modules, which are taught through lectures, seminars and practical work, cover the key financial areas of accounts and reporting, financial statement analysis, advanced financial theory, corporate finance, econometric methods and financial modelling and business forecasting.

The core modules are complemented by your choice of optional modules, which give you the opportunity to tailor the course to your interests and career goals. You will also complete either a research-based dissertation or an applied business project in an area of your choice.

The MSc is delivered by academic staff who are dedicated and passionate about their subject and how it relates to both people’s daily lives and the functioning of financial institutions and corporations across the globe. Successful completion will enable you to progress to a challenging and stimulating role in this vitally important sector.

World-class Business Education

• 11th (UK) 34th (Europe) 60th (Global) - QS World University Rankings: Masters in Finance 2025

Course structure

Financial Accounting and Reporting is a key module in which you acquire and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of financial accounting and reporting concepts as well as ethical issues. You will also be shown how to apply International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to particular cases involving single entities or groups. You will develop the skills to prepare single entity and consolidated financial statements in line with IFRS requirements and also acquire and demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of accounting-based techniques of financial statement analysis.

Financial Statement Analysis complements the Financial Accounting and Reporting module and is designed to extend your knowledge of financial statements. You will be expected to show a critical understanding of, and ability to apply, financial statement analysis to assess corporate performance, risk, growth potential, future prospects, and value.

Econometric Methods provides you with the knowhow necessary to be able to carry out empirical research in economics or finance, and to understand more advanced econometric techniques.

Advanced Financial Theory offers stimulating and rigorous training in modern financial theory and in the most important current research with an emphasis on the application of finance principles. You will also develop an advanced understanding of normative and positive research in financial theory together with the related descriptive and empirical evidence.

Corporate Finance covers the theory and practice of corporate finance and the latest research. You will examine both normative and positive aspects of the theory, together with supporting descriptive and empirical evidence.

The Dissertation, on a finance topic of your choice, develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning. It provides an opportunity to conduct an in-depth investigation at an advanced level and present your findings and conclusions. To add a further international dimension to the course you can apply for the international route where you undertake research abroad at a partner university. There is also the option to develop a more applied project in conjunction with an appropriate organisation.

In recent years, optional modules have included:

• Accounting Theory
• Advanced Macroeconomics
• Advanced Microeconomics
• Auditing and Accountability
• Bank Management
• Banking and Financial Intermediation
• Behavioural and Neurofinance
• Climate Finance
• Corporate Governance
• Capital Market Development
• Derivative Markets
• Accounting: An Information Content Perspective
• Financial Modelling and Business Forecasting
• Financial Risk Management
• Financial Technologies I
• Financial Technologies II
• Fintech Regulations
• International Study Tour
• Islamic Banking and Finance
• Islamic Capital Markets
• Islamic Law and Financial Transactions
• Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate Restructuring
• Modern Accounting Research
• Portfolio Management
• Python for Finance
• Security Analysis
• A language module

Careers and employability

We are a global Business School with more than 380 partners in 68 industry sectors. These relationships play an important role in securing our reputation as an active learning environment that shapes innovative researchers and alumni who have made a significant contribution in the finance sector.

Reflecting our core values of equality of access to financial services and fairness in how we experience the financial world, we offer a range of support functions to help you achieve your career goals. We hold a careers weekend and career insight events featuring experts from a relevant finance area and we can help you with business projects and placements and in securing international opportunities.

This course will equip you to develop a fulfilling career in finance or in research across the world. The market for jobs is fiercely competitive but the wide support structure at Durham is here to help you achieve your goals.

Alongside your MSc Finance programme we offer the opportunity to complete the Certificate in Engagement with Practice. The Certificate aligns with our strategic objective to cultivate future leaders in finance who are highly sought after by global institutions and research programmes. This distinctive and comprehensive offering within the MSc Finance programme enables students to build both technical expertise and the essential soft skills required for success in a competitive industry. Through a series of extra-curricular engagements, students deepen their knowledge and develop in-demand skills, such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. By completing at least ten targeted activities or a combination of engagements and Bloomberg certifications, participants demonstrate a well-rounded skillset that reflects the high standards of the finance profession. Successful completion results in a certificate of recognition, formally included on the academic transcript, signalling professional readiness to employers.

The programme’s events include "Zero to Hero" bootcamps in areas like Python programming, SQL, Entrepreneurship Finance and CFA exam training, equipping students with valuable, career-focused technical skills. Networking opportunities and workshops, delivered by leaders from industry, provide additional insights and exposure to real-world finance scenarios. Additionally, the student-led Investment Club offers an immersive experience in managing a live investment fund, building practical skills in teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Together, these diverse experiences empower students to apply their academic learning, gain industry insights, and establish connections, ensuring they graduate with the skills, confidence, and network needed to thrive in their postgraduate careers​.

Take a look at some of the roles taken up by recent finance graduates from the Business School:

• Assistant Wealth Manager at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
• Economic Analyst at KPMG
• Treasury Analyst at UPS
• Market Risk Analyst at Bangkok Bank
• Accountant at EY
• Associate at PwC
• Editor at China Financial Publishing