Why study this course?
This course introduces you to the foundations and advanced analytical techniques of Accounting and Corporate Finance. It will equip you for future careers in either of these in-demand professions across all industrial sectors.
Highlights
As part of your studies you will:
- develop deeper knowledge of the theory and practice of modern accounting and finance
- learn from the research and the expertise of globally respected academics and business executives through the Centre for Social and Environmental Accounting Research (CSEAR) and the Centre for Responsible Banking and Finance (CRBF)
- access the Bloomberg Trading Suite and experience dynamic learning via real time streaming of data
- take part in AmplifyMe University Pathways, immersive online finance simulations in trading, investment banking and quantitative finance
- have the opportunity to specialise in FinTech or Sustainable Finance through option modules and your dissertation
- develop key industry skills including:
- current techniques in financial and management accounting
- conceptual and analytical methods for sound financial decision making
- modelling, forecasting and diagnostics
Teaching
Delivered through lectures, tutorials, simulations and workshops.
Class sizes
Groups range from 15 to 100 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word dissertation in an area of your choice that is relevant and appropriate to the MSc.
Assessment
A mix of coursework, exams, class tests, group work and a dissertation.
Modules
The St Andrews degree structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.
You will take four compulsory modules for the MSc. Each compulsory module typically comprises:
- 20 lecture contact hours
- 5 or 10 contact hours for seminars, workshops, and tutorials
- intensive independent study
If you choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
-
There are five core modules for this course, two to be taken in Semester 1 and three in Semester 2.
Semester 1
Applied Financial Econometrics: develops students’ ability to undertake quantitative research by equipping them with econometric tools and techniques to analyse and interpret financial data.
Financial Accounting: introduces students to fundamental financial accounting concepts, the preparation, interpretation and use of core financial statements, and looks at how this information is used by shareholders, analysts and other stakeholders.
Semester 2
Management Accounting: introduces the core concepts and techniques of management accounting and control, in particular the application, preparation and interpretation of management accounting information and its role in supporting managerial decision making.
Financial Data Analysis with Bloomberg: is designed to empower students to navigate the dynamic landscape of finance using Bloomberg as a powerful analytical tool and will balance key finance concepts with practical application.
Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation: offers students the opportunity to integrate their finance knowledge and skills with accounting principles to forecast firm performance and conduct security valuations.
-
- Corporate Governance
- Portfolio Management
- Sustainable Finance
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
- Behavioural Finance Financial Systems
- International Financial Management
- Risk Management
- Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice
- Leadership in Organisations
- Marketing and Society
- Managing Non-Governmental Organisations
- Scenario Thinking and Strategy
- International Marketing
- Business Ethics
-
Students attend lectures throughout Semesters 1 and 2 to prepare them for conducting the research portion of the dissertation. The dissertation is normally on a specific area of accounting or finance, however, you will have the freedom to develop a topic of your own which is of interest to you and will contribute towards career development or further study goals.
Students are assigned a supervisor based on a research proposal submitted in the second semester. They will then research and write a 15,000-word dissertation over the summer to be submitted on a date specified in August.
What it will lead to
Careers
Graduates from Finance Masters programmes in the Business School have taken up roles in a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors, including:
- Citibank
- EY
- Microsoft
- Morgan Stanley
Further your education
Many graduates pursue PhDs at St Andrews or beyond. Funding includes ESRC awards and Business School studentships, offering RCUK-level stipends and fee waivers for home and EU students.
Go your own way
Our Entrepreneurship Centre offers training and start-up support for those looking to freelance as well as create their own business.
It has an active entrepreneurship community, giving you access to experienced and expert mentors and an investor network, as well as one-to-one advice to help you realise your commercial potential.
Accreditation
You can obtain two certifications, Bloomberg Market Concept (BMC) and Environmental Social and Governance (ESG), as part of your degree.
Why St Andrews?
Industry connections
The Masters Extra (MX) is a programme of events focused on careers and personal and professional development, designed specifically for taught Masters students in the University of St Andrews Business School. The series of talks, workshops, networking opportunities and activities includes guest lectures from entrepreneurs, experienced managers, and leading researchers.
Trading workshop
In collaboration with AmplifyMe, a leading global financial trading and training firm, you will have the exclusive opportunity to participate in online immersive finance simulation courses.
Bloomberg Trading Suite
You will also benefit from accessing the Bloomberg Trading Suite, an invaluable resource that facilitates dynamic learning through real time streaming of data. This is used in modules throughout the programme.
Community
The Management Society, a student-led organisation, hosts a broad range of activities, both subject-related and social. The University also has a number of other student societies relating to the management discipline.
Alumni
As a graduate of St Andrews, you become part of a prestigious and globally connected alumni community. This lifelong membership offers access to career services, networking opportunities, and exclusive resources. Engaging with the University's worldwide alumni network ensures you remain connected to St Andrews, no matter where your career takes you.
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in a quantitative subject such as economics, mathematics or any science subject from the UK or the equivalent international qualification.
- Business/management graduates whose studies included quantitative subjects, as well as applicants from other disciplines may also be considered. Please note this programme is not suitable for applicants who have an undergraduate qualification in accountancy, other courses offered in the Business School may be more suitable.
- Applicants with relevant professional experience are welcome to apply. The University may take this experience into account when evaluating applications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Application requirements
- CV
- personal statement explaining why you have chosen the programme, why this subject is important to you and why you have applied to study at the University of St Andrews in particular (500 words)
- one original signed academic reference
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
A sample of academic writing is not required for this programme.
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
- UK: £15,590
- Rest of the world: £31,450
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support, such as:
Contact us
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics: ask the School
- Ask University Admissions about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 2 September 2025