MScApplied Accounting and Finance
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Why study an applied accounting and finance master's degree at Solent University
Gain ACCA-embedded training in advanced accounting and finance and practical analysis techniques - preparing you for specialist roles and accelerating your route toward ACCA membership.
- 0%of our master’s graduates progress to high-skilled careers or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 22/23, FT taught master's)
- £0kmedian salary for our master’s graduates (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23, taught master's)
- £0minvested in our campus estate and facilities over the past 5 years
- ACCA embedded curriculum helps you fast track your journey toward professional qualification and enhance employability.
- Industry focused teaching delivered by academics with professional backgrounds in accounting, auditing, finance, and strategic management.
- Strong emphasis on digital and analytical skills, including the use of specialist financial software and data driven decision making tools.
- Course content is regularly reviewed by industry experts and accrediting professional bodies.
- Practice based learning using real-world case studies, financial data, business scenarios and applied assessments that mirror industry expectations.
- A clear route into professional and managerial roles, with graduates well positioned for careers in corporate finance, auditing, financial analysis, risk, governance and strategic planning.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
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The MSc in Applied Accounting and Finance is designed to equip you with a rigorous and comprehensive understanding of advanced accounting principles, financial management strategies, and the analytical tools necessary for effective decision-making in complex financial environments.
The programme aims to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing graduates to navigate the dynamic challenges of global financial markets and regulatory frameworks. You will gain proficiency in financial reporting, performance measurement, risk analysis, and strategic financial planning, while also exploring the ethical and sustainability dimensions of financial practice.
Through a blend of academic inquiry, case-based learning, and real-world simulations, the course fosters professional competence, research acumen, and leadership capabilities, enabling graduates to contribute meaningfully to the financial health and strategic direction of organisations across sectors.
Ultimately, the programme seeks to produce reflective, adaptable, and forward-thinking professionals who are well-prepared for roles in accounting, finance, consultancy, and beyond.
Accreditations
Accredited by and with exemptions available:
This course is for
This master’s is designed for students who want to apply accounting and finance in practical, real‑world contexts while working toward ACCA accreditation. It suits applicants with backgrounds in accounting, finance, economics or business who are looking to strengthen their analytical, quantitative and professional skills. Ideal for those aspiring to roles in financial analysis, corporate finance, management accounting or commercial decision‑making, the course provides the applied knowledge, data‑driven techniques and professional grounding needed to thrive in modern financial environments.
What this course leads to
This master’s equips you for a wide range of high‑impact careers across accounting, finance and data‑driven decision‑making. Graduates are well suited to roles such as:
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Students on this course will have access to our Bloomberg suite, which delivers real-time business and market news, data and analysis to the world’s leading industries and companies to support critical financial and strategic decision making.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
What you'll study
Core modules
Strategic Corporate Reporting
In this module you'll develop the skills required to make informed and ethical business reporting decisions in complex and evolving environments. You'll focus on applying international financial reporting standards (IFRS) to real-world scenarios, enabling students to interpret financial statements, assess corporate performance, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Success in this module demands a strong grasp of financial reporting principles, critical thinking, and the ability to integrate technical knowledge with broader business considerations.
Strategic Leadership and Governance
In this module you'll develop the capabilities required to lead organisations effectively and ethically in complex, dynamic environments. You'll be equipped with the tools to make strategic decisions, evaluate governance structures, and respond to emerging challenges in leadership and accountability. You'll explore key themes such as organisational vision, stakeholder engagement, ethical leadership, and the role of governance in driving sustainable performance.
Advanced Business Analytics and Decision-Making
This module will develop your ability to apply data-driven analytical techniques to support strategic and operational decision-making in complex organisational contexts. The module blends advanced management accounting tools with contemporary business analytics approaches, including scenario modelling, predictive analysis, and dashboard-based performance tracking. You will learn to interpret financial and non-financial data, evaluate organisational performance, and contribute to strategic planning using tools such as balanced scorecards, value driver analysis, and ESG metrics.
Ethics and Professional Skills (ACCA)
EPSM is an online learning module that prepares you for the strategic professional exams, as well as providing you with the skills needed to become a trusted finance professional in today’s digital world. This is a non-credit bearing ethics module which is required by ACCA for you to be a Chartered Accountant.
Research Methods and Final Major Project
This module gives you the opportunity to apply your research and analytical skills to an area of business or management of interest to you. The Research Methods element will develop your skills of inquiry and management research, resulting in a project proposal to be used as the basis for your final major project.
Optional modules
Data Science in Accounting and Auditing
This module equips future finance professionals with the skills to harness data science for strategic decision-making. It reflects the increasing demand for data literacy, analytics, cloud technologies, and ethical AI use in business and finance.
Corporate Value Creation and Financial Strategy
This module will equip you with the skills and judgment required to function as an effective financial advisor in complex business environments. You will focuse on strategic financial decision-making, including investment appraisal, business valuations, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management; and cover advanced topics such as international finance, treasury and working capital management, and the use of derivatives for hedging financial risks.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
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At Solent, our aim is to deliver innovative, inclusive and intellectually stimulating teaching to develop self-confident and highly employable graduates. All our courses are designed with employability in mind, which makes industry-based learning a priority.
Assessment on this course is designed to integrate theory with practice, enabling students to produce professionally relevant artefacts such as financial statements, audit reports, tax computations, and strategic performance analyses. These assessments reflect the expectations of employers and professional bodies, ensuring students graduate with the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully in the workplace.
Learn transferable skills
You will be supported to develop a range of transferable skills throughout the course. This includes programming, project management, problem-solving, analytical skills, technical writing, teamwork, communication and presentation skills.
These transferable skills empower you to work in a range of different industries after graduation. The course will also equip you with research and academic skills helping those who wish to pursue a PhD or an academic career.
Why choose a career in accounting and finance
Accounting, auditing and finance sit at the heart of every successful organisation. In a world shaped by rapid technological change, global markets and increasing regulatory expectations, employers need professionals who can interpret complex data, evaluate risk, drive strategic decisions and ensure businesses remain accountable. This industry continues to offer strong career stability, international mobility and pathways into leadership roles, making it an excellent choice for graduates who want long‑term professional growth and the ability to shape financial outcomes in both public and private sectors.
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
Find out more
£35k
median salary for Solent master’s graduates
(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23, FT/PT taught master's)
Alumni network
As part of our global alumni community, you can take advantage of a range of benefits.
Whether it's been days or decades since you left us, or you're soon to don your cap and gown, things are constantly changing at Solent. We're always innovating, but we're also immensely proud of our heritage. And that means you.
Find out more
20% alumni discount
Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are:
- UK and Channel Island full-time fees: £10,400 per year
- International full-time fees: £18,350 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
20% alumni discount
Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:ÂEntry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
An honours degree at 2:2 or higher with at least four ACCA exemptions
- At least three years' accounting-related work experience
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our course entry statement document.
Your application checklist
Applications for postgraduate courses can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. However, we strongly recommend you apply at your earliest convenience.
Please ensure you upload the following mandatory documents with your application:- Two academic references.
- Certified transcripts of qualifications, including English language proficiency if non-UK student.
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of current visa (if applicable).
- A personal statement.
- Employer sponsor form, where appropriate.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in reading, listening and speaking.
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component, or equivalent.
TOEFL IBT tests taken prior to 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component.
TOEFL IBT tests taken from 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 5.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Study options
Full-time September start
Study at Solent full-time, beginning in September. This option lets you complete your qualification in the shortest possible time by taking a full study load each semester.Â
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:ÂMake your application
- 1 year full-time
