MA Accountancy and Finance
About this course
MA in Accountancy and Finance, an undergraduate degree centred on financial theory, accounting principles, and the operation of economic and investment systems. Core topics include Statistics, Research Methods, Financial Analysis, Accounting, Legal Analysis, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Ethics & Professional Practice. Students have the option to undertake a year abroad as part of their studies. During the first year, students cover foundational concepts through modules such as Accounting Principles, Finance 1: Finance, Risk and Investment, and The Global Economy. The second year introduces more complex techniques and regulation via Business Law, Understanding Statistics, and Financial Markets and Regulation. The third year advances practical skills through Audit Practice, Taxation, and Applied Corporate Finance. In the final year, students explore specialized topics such as Corporate Governance and Professional Ethics and Accountability and Sustainability, while also completing a dissertation in accountancy or finance.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in English and SL in Mathematics are also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM in related subjects. Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.) GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3. O4 in Mathematics is also required.
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What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 86%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 77%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 25%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Finance Professionals: 70%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 95%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 100%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 70%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 25 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- East Midlands: 5%
- London: 10%
- Scotland: 80%
Who gets in
Based on about 50 students who started
- A levels: 80%
- Other HE qualification: 20%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.
- Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.
- Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.
- Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.
Modules
- Academic Writing for Business
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Accounting and Accountability
- The Economics of Business and Society
- Finance 1: Finance, Risk and Investment
- Accounting Principles
- The Global Economy
- Management Accounting 2
- Building Skills and Experience for Career Success
- Finance 2: Business Finance
- Financial Accounting 2
- Financial Markets and Regulation
- Business Law
- Understanding Statistics
- Financial Accounting 3
- Management Accounting 3
- Audit Practice
- Taxation
- Applied Corporate Finance
- Corporate Financial Theory
- Accountability and Sustainability
- Accounting History
- Corporate Governance and Professional Ethics
- Audit Theory and Evolution
- Dissertations in Accountancy
- Dissertation in Finance
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Accountancy and Finance at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £38,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £31,000 and £49,500. The £38,500 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Finance.
What do graduates of MA Accountancy and Finance at University of Aberdeen do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Accountancy and Finance at University of Aberdeen?
86% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Accountancy and Finance at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 171 UCAS points.
Is MA Accountancy and Finance at University of Aberdeen accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations. Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations. Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations. Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.
Does MA Accountancy and Finance at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Accountancy and Finance at University of Aberdeen?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.