Course Structure

The programme offers the opportunity to pursue appropriately advanced studies in both accounting and finance, equipping the students for careers in financial institutions, management consulting, and industry or the public sector.

The modules included in the programme aim to develop capacities of critical assessment of literature and methods, and the ability to communicate, orally and in writing, on topics in accounting and finance.

They provide a stimulating suite of learning activities that introduce students to contemporary theories and practice.

The contents provided during the programme will also be useful to those who wish to pursue PhD studies in accounting and finance.

Semester 1 (60 CATS)

- Financial Management
- Business Technologies and Analytics
- International Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Strategic Accounting and Financial Management

Semester 2 (60 CATS)

- Accounting in Society
- Management Accounting and Control
- Research Methods in Accounting and Finance

Plus choose one from:

Derivatives
This module develops theoretical and practical knowledge of derivative instruments in financial markets. It introduces typical derivative instruments including futures, forwards, options, etc. It also covers classic derivative pricing models such as the binomial tree model and the Black-Scholes Model.

International Finance
This module details the complications and unique characteristics of finance that crosses a border. It covers subjects such as foreign exchange trading, exchange rate systems, and the real economic effects of capital flows.

Money and Banking
This module examines the theory of money and banking. The module content considers the main banking and monetary institutions and monetary policy.

Semester 3 (60 CATS)

Route 1 – Dissertation

Traditional Dissertation (100%)
The aim of the dissertation is to provide students with the skills needed for conducting theoretical and/or empirical research in accounting and finance.

OR

Route 2 – Academic Research Project

Auditing and Accountability (25%)
This element of the module provides a theoretical and practical understanding of contemporary auditing and accountability issues in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, including principles and techniques of auditing.

Ethics and Governance (25%)
This element of the module provides an overall understanding of the complex and dynamic relationships between business corporations, their stakeholders (shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, etc.) and the society in which they operate.

Critical Literature Review (50%)
This element of the module requires completion of a Critical Literature Review on a chosen/given topic. This will provide students with the skills needed for conducting theoretical and literature-based research in accounting and finance.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching Methods

Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:

The development of transferable skills will shape the teaching and learning on the programme. The successful completion of coursework, for instance, will require students to gather information from a range of sources, as well as select and assimilate the relevant knowledge and complete tasks within deadlines.

You will also acquire the ability to write projects and an MSc dissertation, which aims at developing the skills of reading and summarising academic articles. The students will be able to analyse financial statements, apply investment strategies and understand the role of accounting in both profit and not-for-profit organisations.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

• A variety of methods, including individual and group work, presentations, case studies, class tests and dissertation will be used. Both summative and formative assessment methods are adopted throughout all modules, which span from practical computer-based work, to class tests, group and individual presentations and academic essays.

Facilities

You will have access to Bloomberg terminals in the FinTrU Trading Room, giving students the skills, experience and knowledge necessary to prepare them for a career in the financial services sector.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/fintru-trading-room/

Modules

Career Prospects

Introduction

This Masters programme provides the basis for both profession- and research-orientated careers, as well as skills and knowledge required to progress into management careers in the accounting and financial services. It opens a wide range of career opportunities in banking, accounting and auditing, government, corporate finance, investment analysis and academia.

For further opportunities to enhance your studies and career prospects please see the school website.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/

Employment after the Course

Graduate prospects from the MSc Accounting, Finance and Analytics are excellent; culminating in Queen’s being ranked first in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Accounting and Finance (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023). Graduates from this programme have secured roles with employers such as Bank of China, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Allstate, and many others. Typical graduate roles include chartered and certified accountants, consultants, auditors and finance professionals.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£8,800
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£8,800
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£9,250
EU Other 3	£25,800 (£6,000 discount, see T&Cs link below)
International	£25,800 (£6,000 discount, see T&Cs link below)

£6,000 Scholarship available for 2025 entry. Click this link to view the Terms and Conditions.

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications

1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.

1.2 International applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure their place on the course. The current mandatory tuition fee deposit payment is £1000 International (Non- EU & EU except ROI).

1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.

Read the full terms and conditions at the link below:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/postgraduate/tuition-fees/deposit-refunds-policy/

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus