MA Accountancy and Finance
About this course
MA in Accounting and Finance. Core topics include Financial Analysis and Accounting. The programme is accredited by all major professional accountancy bodies in the UK and covers the legal and ethical contexts of accounting. Teaching is delivered by practising professionals and academics over a four-year period.
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: points Highers: AABB (over two sittings) BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM HNC: NextGen Accounting Achieved with Merit HND: NextGen Accounting Achieved with Merit
See the highest paying Business & Accounting degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 28 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 73%
- Learning opportunities: 81%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 84%
- Organisation and management: 70%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 76%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 65 students who started
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 3%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 7%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 85 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- London: 6%
- South East: 1%
- South West: 1%
- Scotland: 84%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 70 students who started
- A levels: 71%
- A degree: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 27%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Association of International Accountants (AIA) 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 Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) 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 Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.
Modules
- The Economy
- Critical Academic Skills
- Management in a Global Context
- Introduction to Accounting
- Sustainable Business
- Introductory Finance
- Introduction to Economic and Financial Analysis
- Becoming a Professional
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Accountancy and Finance at Heriot-Watt University earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 3 years, £38,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £47,500. The £38,000 median after five years is £4,500 more than the UK median for Accounting.
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Accountancy and Finance at Heriot-Watt University?
73% 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 Heriot-Watt University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 177 UCAS points.
Is MA Accountancy and Finance at Heriot-Watt University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Association of International Accountants (AIA) 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 Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) 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 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 Heriot-Watt University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Accountancy and Finance at Heriot-Watt University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 3% left higher education.