MSc
Accounting and Finance MSc
Accounting and Finance

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Postgraduate EventsApply Now

Key Information

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Date

September 2025 and January 2026

Typical Offer

See More

Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Validation Status

Subject to Revalidation

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Date

January 2025

Typical Offer

See More

Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Academic Years

Course Overview

MSc Accounting and Finance is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding of core accounting and finance principles. The programme provides students with the opportunity to gain a clear understanding of the joint role of accounting and finance in ensuring successful operations in a range of business settings. Students can develop their understanding of the key principles and practical skills required to prepare and analyse accounts and related financial information, and learn about financial management decision making and the methods used to raise finance for companies.

Course Overview

MSc Accounting and Finance is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding of core accounting and finance principles. The programme provides students with the opportunity to gain a clear understanding of the joint role of accounting and finance in ensuring successful operations in a range of business settings. Students can develop their understanding of the key principles and practical skills required to prepare and analyse accounts and related financial information, and learn about financial management decision making and the methods used to raise finance for companies.

Why Choose Lincoln

Access to industry-standard Bloomberg Terminal

Accredited by main UK professional accountancy bodies

Hear from visiting speakers from industry

Real-world experience of the Stock Exchange

Complete a research project in a specialist area

A focus on theoretical knowledge, understanding, and practical experience

A student working on a tablet

How You Study

Delivery methods vary between modules but will include a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, guest speakers, and case studies, allowing students the opportunity to not only learn from experts in each module but also have the time to undertake independent research and practice questions to consolidate learning. Students will also receive one-to-one supervision for the independent research module.

This programme is available for both a September and February start. Optional modules may be restricted for those choosing to enrol in February due to student numbers, timetabling, and staffing constraints. Please note that February admission is only available for full-time study.

Each module typically consists of two or three weekly teaching hours over a teaching term. Four modules are usually studied per term, equating to eight to 12 hours per week. Part-time students usually study two modules per term, equating to four to six hours of contact time per week. Hours of study can vary from term to term for both full and part-time students and can be spread throughout the week.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least four hours in independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.

How You Study

Delivery methods vary between modules but will include a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, guest speakers, and case studies, allowing students the opportunity to not only learn from experts in each module but also have the time to undertake independent research and practice questions to consolidate learning. Students will also receive one-to-one supervision for the independent research module.

This programme is available for both a September and February start. Optional modules may be restricted for those choosing to enrol in February due to student numbers, timetabling, and staffing constraints. Please note that February admission is only available for full-time study.

Each module typically consists of two or three weekly teaching hours over a teaching term. Four modules are usually studied per term, equating to eight to 12 hours per week. Part-time students usually study two modules per term, equating to four to six hours of contact time per week. Hours of study can vary from term to term for both full and part-time students and can be spread throughout the week.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least four hours in independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.

Accreditations

MSc Accounting and Finance students may claim exemptions from some CIMA exams based on the pathway that they select. Please visit CIMA website for further details.

MSc Accounting and Finance students may claim exemptions from some of the Applied Knowledge level exams of ACCA. Please visit ACCA website for further details.

CIMA logo

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

ACCA logo

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Corporate Finance 1 2025-26FIN9006MLevel 72025-26Corporate Finance introduces the constructs of financial management decision making in modern firms and focuses on investment appraisal and the financing of the firm, dividend policy, capital structure and risk. It will familiarise students with the major theoretical developments and practices in the areas of corporate finance, and aims to encourage students to develop critical thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of diverse practices in areas of capital budgeting, dividend policy, capital structure and risk analysis. Throughout the module students will be expected to draw upon their own experiences and relate these to the theories, concepts and methods being presented.CoreCorporate Finance 2 2025-26FIN9007MLevel 72025-26Following from Corporate Finance 1, this module looks further into the topic of Corporate Finance and advances the perspective that modern organisations can use the ideas of Modern Financial Theory (MFT) to enhance shareholder wealth through the use of derivatives, for example, to manage cash flow volatility. The module then moves to present a detailed analysis of the assumptions of the ‘classical’ approach to Corporate Finance, by analysing the ‘standard’ assumptions and presenting other approaches to the understanding of MFT. These are mainly the implications of alternative ‘modus operandi’ of financial logic, mainly from the perspective of behavioural finance.CoreCurrent Issues in Governance and Finance 2025-26ACC9020MLevel 72025-26This module aims to provide an understanding of, and a challenge to, the wider relevance of the continuing evolution of corporate governance, its basis in law and code, and its interaction with the expectations under the International Financial Reporting Standards environment. You will have the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of current issues affecting financial and non-financial reporting in an international context. The role of the accountant as a financial analyst and advisor is also considered and students are expected to develop their ability to advise on the implications of accounting regulation on reporting.CoreDecision Analysis for Managers 2025-26ECO9040Level 72025-26The aim of this module is to enhance the students’ decision capabilities when confronted with strategic or operational choices. Students will have the opportunity to learn how decision analysis tools can be used to structure and analyse decision problems and how a mix of data and judgement can help decision makers to better achieve their objectives.CoreDissertation and Research Design for Finance 2025-26FIN9105MLevel 72025-26The dissertation provides the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to reflect critically on the aspects relating to their Master's programme. The vehicle will be the researching and writing of a dissertation, based on the methods delivered in the pre-requisite QM modules. The dissertation is the capstone of the Master's learning process and allows the student to demonstrate mastery in scholarship of a programme related topic that they have selected in amalgamation with supervisory tutors.CoreFinancial Accounting - Group Reporting 2025-26ACC9005MLevel 72025-26This module is designed to provide an introduction to single level group structures and the concept of fair value and inter-group transactions. Students have the opportunity to develop a solid foundation in the techniques of complex group accounting, including foreign subsidiaries and changes in structure.CoreFinancial Accounting - Single Entity 2025-26ACC9021MLevel 72025-26This module looks at financial accounting and financial reporting under International GAAP. It commences with the role and requirements of corporate financial reporting in the UK and explores the increasingly important subjects of ethics and corporate governance. Students will have the opportunity to develop a solid foundation in the techniques of accounts preparation and a critical understanding of key areas of financial accounting for single companies. Throughout the module issues of codes of professional conduct and ethical behaviour are considered.CoreSustainability Reporting and Business Ethics 2025-26ACC9027MLevel 72025-26Sustainability practices are wide ranging and include various managerial decisions, monitoring environmental damage, and external financial reporting. In light of climate change and recent environmental disasters, sustainability practices are a growing concern to investors, creditors and regulators, all of whom demand greater transparency and accountability. The first part of the module provides an in-depth overview of current issues and best practices in sustainability and integrated reporting from both managerial and financial perspectives and develops an understanding of an essential role that sustainability practices and transparency play in corporate governance worldwide. The second part of the module, which is designed with support of the Institute of Business Ethics, focuses on business ethical issues and ethical decision-making. The module aims to develop students, as future business leaders, managers or governance professionals, who understand and appreciate the importance of going beyond numbers and supporting good ethical business practices to help companies to sustain long-term success. The module examines the responsibilities of organisations to different stakeholder groups and develops an understanding of fundamental ethical principles and ethical dilemmas in organisations across different job roles. The module also aims to explore the role of information technology (IT) in sustainability governance, a range of ethical questions that arise from the use of IT in business, and how IT can support organisations’ sustainability strategies.CoreLincoln Student Managed Investment Fund - Masters 2025-26FIN9106MLevel 72025-26Initiated from 2015 and officially founded in 2018, the LSMIF is set up with a structure similar to any other professionally run fund management company with students running every aspect of the fund, from CEO to analyst. It is one of only few of this kind in the United Kingdom. The fund uses money raised from donors to invest in shares of companies listed on London Stock Exchange. It is organized, run and managed the same way as an investment company in the real world. The fund has got sponsorship and advisory support from UK leading wealth management companies such as Brewin Dolphin and Mattioli Woods with senior officers from them joining the Board of Advisors. This fund gives students the opportunity to work as analysts, investment managers, CFO, CIO, CEO etc. Students also have the chances to meet, discuss and learn from experts in the field in Quarterly Investment Committee Meetings series. Students are given additional training relating to their works.Optional

              Modules

                          † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

                          Corporate Finance 1 2024-25FIN9006MLevel 72024-25Corporate Finance introduces the constructs of financial management decision making in modern firms and focuses on investment appraisal and the financing of the firm, dividend policy, capital structure and risk. It will familiarise students with the major theoretical developments and practices in the areas of corporate finance, and aims to encourage students to develop critical thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of diverse practices in areas of capital budgeting, dividend policy, capital structure and risk analysis. Throughout the module students will be expected to draw upon their own experiences and relate these to the theories, concepts and methods being presented.CoreCorporate Finance 2 2024-25FIN9007MLevel 72024-25Following from Corporate Finance 1, this module looks further into the topic of Corporate Finance and advances the perspective that modern organisations can use the ideas of Modern Financial Theory (MFT) to enhance shareholder wealth through the use of derivatives, for example, to manage cash flow volatility. The module then moves to present a detailed analysis of the assumptions of the ‘classical’ approach to Corporate Finance, by analysing the ‘standard’ assumptions and presenting other approaches to the understanding of MFT. These are mainly the implications of alternative ‘modus operandi’ of financial logic, mainly from the perspective of behavioural finance.CoreCurrent Issues in Governance and Finance 2024-25ACC9020MLevel 72024-25This module aims to provide an understanding of, and a challenge to, the wider relevance of the continuing evolution of corporate governance, its basis in law and code, and its interaction with the expectations under the International Financial Reporting Standards environment. You will have the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of current issues affecting financial and non-financial reporting in an international context. The role of the accountant as a financial analyst and advisor is also considered and students are expected to develop their ability to advise on the implications of accounting regulation on reporting.CoreDecision Analysis for Managers 2024-25ECO9040Level 72024-25The aim of this module is to enhance the students’ decision capabilities when confronted with strategic or operational choices. Students will have the opportunity to learn how decision analysis tools can be used to structure and analyse decision problems and how a mix of data and judgement can help decision makers to better achieve their objectives.CoreDissertation and Research Design for Finance 2024-25FIN9105MLevel 72024-25The dissertation provides the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to reflect critically on the aspects relating to their Master's programme. The vehicle will be the researching and writing of a dissertation, based on the methods delivered in the pre-requisite QM modules. The dissertation is the capstone of the Master's learning process and allows the student to demonstrate mastery in scholarship of a programme related topic that they have selected in amalgamation with supervisory tutors.CoreFinancial Accounting - Group Reporting 2024-25ACC9005MLevel 72024-25This module is designed to provide an introduction to single level group structures and the concept of fair value and inter-group transactions. Students have the opportunity to develop a solid foundation in the techniques of complex group accounting, including foreign subsidiaries and changes in structure.CoreFinancial Accounting - Single Entity 2024-25ACC9021MLevel 72024-25This module looks at financial accounting and financial reporting under International GAAP. It commences with the role and requirements of corporate financial reporting in the UK and explores the increasingly important subjects of ethics and corporate governance. Students will have the opportunity to develop a solid foundation in the techniques of accounts preparation and a critical understanding of key areas of financial accounting for single companies. Throughout the module issues of codes of professional conduct and ethical behaviour are considered.CoreSustainability Reporting and Business Ethics 2024-25ACC9027MLevel 72024-25Sustainability practices are wide ranging and include various managerial decisions, monitoring environmental damage, and external financial reporting. In light of climate change and recent environmental disasters, sustainability practices are a growing concern to investors, creditors and regulators, all of whom demand greater transparency and accountability. The first part of the module provides an in-depth overview of current issues and best practices in sustainability and integrated reporting from both managerial and financial perspectives and develops an understanding of an essential role that sustainability practices and transparency play in corporate governance worldwide. The second part of the module, which is designed with support of the Institute of Business Ethics, focuses on business ethical issues and ethical decision-making. The module aims to develop students, as future business leaders, managers or governance professionals, who understand and appreciate the importance of going beyond numbers and supporting good ethical business practices to help companies to sustain long-term success. The module examines the responsibilities of organisations to different stakeholder groups and develops an understanding of fundamental ethical principles and ethical dilemmas in organisations across different job roles. The module also aims to explore the role of information technology (IT) in sustainability governance, a range of ethical questions that arise from the use of IT in business, and how IT can support organisations’ sustainability strategies.CoreLincoln Student Managed Investment Fund - Masters 2024-25FIN9106MLevel 72024-25Initiated from 2015 and officially founded in 2018, the LSMIF is set up with a structure similar to any other professionally run fund management company with students running every aspect of the fund, from CEO to analyst. It is one of only few of this kind in the United Kingdom. The fund uses money raised from donors to invest in shares of companies listed on London Stock Exchange. It is organized, run and managed the same way as an investment company in the real world. The fund has got sponsorship and advisory support from UK leading wealth management companies such as Brewin Dolphin and Mattioli Woods with senior officers from them joining the Board of Advisors. This fund gives students the opportunity to work as analysts, investment managers, CFO, CIO, CEO etc. Students also have the chances to meet, discuss and learn from experts in the field in Quarterly Investment Committee Meetings series. Students are given additional training relating to their works.Optional

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          How you are assessed

                          The programme utilises a range of assessments including project work, group presentation, assignment, objective test, and examination. Students are also expected to write a research proposal and 12,000-word dissertation, and it's encouraged that this linked to their major programme title.

                          How you are assessed

                          The programme utilises a range of assessments including project work, group presentation, assignment, objective test, and examination. Students are also expected to write a research proposal and 12,000-word dissertation, and it's encouraged that this linked to their major programme title.

                          Bloomberg Terminal

                          Students can use our Bloomberg Terminal, which is designed to help industry professionals make better-informed investment decisions by offering the latest market news along with historical data and an international network to communicate securely and reliably. Bloomberg offers a practical resource for students to reinforce the theories they learn in lectures, and enable them to become familiar with the tools used by today’s financial services professionals.

                          An academic working with a student in the Bloomberg lab

                          Student Managed Investment Fund

                          Lincoln International Business School offers the Student Managed Investment Fund (LSMIF), which is an investment fund created, operated, and maintained by students within the school, with everything running within the real-world environment of finance.

                          One of only a handful of its kind in the UK, students will be managing real money with the objective of making positive returns while managing risk. Industry veteran and long-time lecturer Hao Quach can help support the students throughout, utilising his years of experience in all aspects of investment banking and 20 years teaching in many countries.

                          How to Apply

                          Postgraduate Application Support

                          Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.

                          A student listening in a seminar

                          January Starts 2025

                          Please note that this course is also available for a January 2025 start. View a full list of courses with January start dates.

                          Entry Requirements 2025-26

                          Entry Requirements

                          First or second class honours degree and grade C in GCSE Mathematics.

                          Please note that this course may not be suitable for students who have completed an undergraduate programme in accounting or finance within the UK.

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          January Starts 2025

                          Please note that this course is also available for a January 2025 start. View a full list of courses with January start dates.

                          Entry Requirements 2024-25

                          Entry Requirements

                          First or second class honours degree and grade C in GCSE Mathematics.

                          Please note that this course may not be suitable for students who have completed an undergraduate programme in accounting or finance within the UK.

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

                          Funding Your Study

                          Postgraduate Funding Options

                          Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

                          Two students working on a laptop in a study space

                          Career Development

                          This course provides the opportunity to develop analytical skills which can be highly valued by employers in the public and private sectors. Graduates have gone on to careers as accountants and roles in financial management and financial reporting.

                          Academic Contact

                          For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.

                          Mr Umer Farooq
                          UFarooq@lincoln.ac.uk

                          Working in Partnership

                          Lincoln International Business School works with students and organisations to enhance the contribution of business to society. For students, that means developing their business skills and knowledge to improve their career readiness.The University of Lincoln is a member of AACSB, a global nonprofit association connecting educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders.

                          AACSB logo

                          Postgraduate Events

                          To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

                          A group of students sat around a table, working together on a project
                          The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.