This programme is designed for students who aim to pursue a career in financial services, accounting practice, banking or asset management. It is also well-suited to finance professionals who wish to improve their knowledge of financial markets and accountancy.
You'll have the opportunity to enter the CIMA Master's Gateway fast-track route, which provides exemptions to 11 CIMA exams as long as you pass the CIMA exams in August. CIMA will also assist with the exams in August.
- Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) - a globally recognised professional body.
- Analyse company and industry data with free subscriptions to Bloomberg and Refinitiv (DataStream). Dedicated modules will teach you how to tackle the databases used by all the companies and organisations across the world.
- Take part in the Queen Mary MSc Investment Fund, currently responsible for over £40,000 worth of investments.
- Graduate with dual awards, an MSc Accounting and Finance and CIMA Advanced Diploma in Accounting meaning graduates will essentially be 75% professionally qualified.
- This programme is a joint venture between the School Of Business and Management and the School Of Economics and Finance, bringing together two very reputable Schools and their combined resources, knowledge, expertise and tradition.
Study options
- Starting in
- September 2025
- Location
- Mile End
- Fees
- Home: £21,500
Overseas: £33,500
EU/EEA/Swiss students
What you'll study
This course is jointly run by the School of business and management and the School of Economics and Finance.
You will examine resource management in the context of today's evolving financial environment, and learn to critique traditional and contemporary financial practice. Professional skills such as practical valuation and investment management will be developed through innovative compulsory modules.
You'll also have the opportunity to choose from optional modules on applied topics, such as risk management, computational finance and value management.
You will be required to attend mandatory pre-sessional mathematics and statistics lectures and classes as part of the course.
The course allows students to gain a professional accountancy qualification with CIMA. Students who successfully complete their modules will be eligible for the CIMA Masters Gateway, a fast-track route to the CIMA Management Level, bypassing 11 exams. By sitting the Management Level Case Study exam alongside their studies, students can achieve the globally-recognised CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting, in addition to their master's degree.
Structure
- Seven compulsory modules
- Choose two elective modules
- 7,000 word dissertation
- 9 Modules plus Dissertation in total instead of the standardised 8 Modules
- You can choose your preferred School (School of Business and Management or School of Economics and Finance) for your Dissertation.
Compulsory/Core modules
By studying this module, students would be able to gain understanding of the following topics: How to carry out valuation of real investment projects; Calculating return and risk, cost of capital; Interrelationship between real investment and financial decisions of the firm: capital structure, dividend policy, financial distress and bankruptcy; International financial management: transfer pricing, international taxation, mergers and acquisitions, and optimal investment decisions
This module examines the financial reporting of companies, and how such reporting can be analysed to evaluate performance. No prior knowledge of accounting is assumed: students learn how accounts are constructed and analysed, then examine the impact of selected issues on the reported numbers e.g. the reporting of intangible assets; and the treatment of share options used to reward management. The module takes a global perspective and refers largely to the regulatory regime of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
This module examines the role and duties of corporate managers, goals of corporate activities, and interests in which corporations should run through debates by introducing students to key topics in corporate governance theory. Research and practice enables them to criticise relevant academic literature to develop the ability to suggest potential areas for development. Developments in early 21st century European corporate governance, corporate governance theory, regulatory frameworks, share/stakeholders, family-owned firms, institutional investors, socially responsible investments, and board of directors are explored.
This course examines the role played by management accounting information in organisational control and decision making to develop a critical understanding of the management accounting roles in organisations. Contemporary issues in management accounting (e.g. total quality management/accounting systems; Customer profitability analysis/customer accounting; Responsibility accounting, financial performance measures, transfer prices, Measuring non-financial performance and the balanced scorecard) are analysed. Perspectives of accounting management control are explained. Contemporary approaches of management control theories related to current global practices of management accounting are contrasted.
The module will provide a foundation in Research Methods for students for their dissertations. It will instruct them in how to prepare a research proposal, to draw out objectives of research, to undertake literature reviews and to assess suitable research methods to use. The course covers both qualitative methods such as case studies, questionnaires, surveys and interview techniques and an introduction to quantitative methods and data analysis. By the end of the course students should be able to prepare a research proposal.
BUS184 Dissertation is a significantly lengthy (7,500 words) piece of independent work on a theme chosen by the student. Each Dissertation must fulfil certain topical areas, which are supported with the guidance of a Dissertation Supervisor, and involves an extended period of research and writing (two to three months). The Dissertation supports the BUSM143 Research Methods Module. Assessment submission is at the end of the semester.
This offers a high level introduction to concepts related to investment analysis. Topics covered include valuation of financial securities; the principles of investment; portfolio analysis and management; financial market equilibrium; the CAPM and APT models; capital budgeting and risk; and market efficiency.
You will study a topic in depth and write up your analysis. In general, the topic can be either an empirical one (in which case it involves the analysis of data using econometric techniques) or a valuation one (in which case it involves the rigorous valuation of a company or companies). A list of suggested topics will be provided, but you can also propose your own topic (as long as it aligns with the research interests of the school's academic staff). You will be assigned a supervisor who can provide you with some guidance, but you will largely work independently.
Valuation is at the heart of many areas of finance such as valuebased investing, mergers and acquisitions and initial public offerings. This course introduces students to company valuation and gives the background to all the tools used in the Excel modelling course (ECOM116) such as free cash flows and present discounted value. It will introduce a range of valuation tools such as use of multiples and real options. The course strongly emphasizes practical applications of these valuation tools.
This module provides a solid foundation in applied econometric methods tailored to the needs of finance students, equipping them with the essential skills to analyze financial data, make informed decisions, and prepare for more advanced studies in econometrics and finance. Students will gain hands-on experience using econometric tools, with a practical emphasis on solving real-world financial problems.
Elective modules
As the international company becomes the norm rather than the exception, the need to internationalise the tools of financial analysis is apparent. We now live in a highly integrated world economy, and it is crucial that businesses understand both the risks and opportunities that globalisation brings. This module is designed to immerse student in the international dimension of financial issues. It specifically focuses on the international aspects of financial management to appreciate the issues that international investments and money management that international operation involves.
The Internet and related financial technologies such as cloud services, blockchain, data analytics ("big data"), and artificial intelligence (AI), combined with web-based business models, such as platforms, are rapidly transforming every day work and the future of the accounting and finance professions. This module looks at how the leading financial technologies (Fintech) impact on accounting and finance professionals. How do the accounting and finance professionals adapt to these changes? What are the opportunities and challenges for accounting and finance professions in the Fintech market? The wider legal, ethical and economic implications of using Fintech are discussed. At the end, students will be introduced to Python, a popular programming language for Fintech.
Risk management is key to an organisation's sustainability. It allows a business to plan for situations ranging from global pandemics to volatile marketplaces, and to put solutions in place that enable them to continue to thrive. The module is designed to provide a complete set of essential management skills to assess and tackle risks.
The module provides an introduction to the study of accounting and finance from the perspectives of other disciplines such as economic sociology, science and technology studies, anthropology, communications, and marketing with an emphasis on understanding the establishment of institutions, production of knowledge, and real-life practices found in accounting and finance.
This module examines aspects of Sustainability Reporting of companies as well as the determinants and the extent of the Integrated Reporting. Specifically the Module focuses on determinants and consequences of Integrated Reporting, Green House Gases regulatory framework and guidance and GreenHouse Gases measurement and reporting
The purpose of this module is to provide students with an overview of the theory and practice of pricing and hedging derivative securities. These include forward and futures contracts, swaps, and many different types of options. This module covers diverse areas of derivatives, such as equity and index derivatives, foreign currency derivatives and commodity derivatives, as well as interest rate derivatives. This module also addresses the issue of how to incorporate credit risk into the pricing and risk management of derivatives. All the relevant concepts are discussed based on the discrete time binomial model and the continuous time BlackScholes model. The extensions of the BlackScholes model are also discussed.
The module is designed to give an insight into the risk management process and how capital is allocated. We identify the main sources of risk experienced by financial institutions such as credit, market, liquidity, and operational risks. Methods for quantifying and managing risk are explored in detail with an emphasis on understanding factors affecting Value at Risk (VAR) calculations. Finally, we see how reporting standards, regulation and innovation have transformed the way financial institutions operate and what can we learn from recent risk management failures.
The purpose of this module is to provide students with a practical introduction to modern portfolio theory and asset pricing, including active portfolio management, portfolio performance evaluation, portfolio insurance, and international portfolio diversification. On the successful completion of the module students will know how to implement modern portfolio management strategies and will be familiar with the practical aspects of asset valuation. The course emphasises real world cases and real world investment and hedging strategies.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Assessment
Assessment methods include academic coursework, short class presentations, debates, computer-based exercises, group work, mid-semester tests and final exams.
Dissertation
Students can choose to complete their dissertation under the supervision of the School of Business and Management or School of Economics and Finance.
The elective modules available to you depend on which School you choose to complete your dissertation with. Programme Directors will run a session on dissertation choice and how this impacts on elective modules.
Examples of past dissertation topics include:
- Mapping out the financial performance of hospitals in England.
- The business model of oil and gas AIM (Alternative Investment Market) industries.
- Anomalies of the efficient market hypothesis: the Day of the Week Effect.
- International spillover effects of changes in interest rates.
—"My undergraduate degree is in accounting, so this programme allowed me to gain a professional understanding of finance, which helped to enhance my future career development. The seminars on finance have helped me learn to apply the knowledge I gained in lectures."
Guanyu Liu, Accounting and Finance MSc, 2022
Teaching
Programme Director: Dr. Nicholas Tsitsianis
The School of Business and Management aims to provide a high-quality teaching and learning environment.
This programme's modules have been developed and will be taught by academics who are experts in their fields. You’ll have the opportunity to gain invaluable insight from industry speakers in guest presentations and talks.
You’ll be assigned an Academic Advisor who will guide and support you in both academic and pastoral matters, throughout your course.
Our lecturers also publicise their office hours, when they are available to give feedback and advice on coursework, on their online staff profiles.
If you have any questions and would like to speak to the programme director via phone or email, please feel free to email them to schedule a one-to-one.
Where you'll learn
Facilities
- ThinkPod interactive collaboration space with presentation, recording and video conferencing facilities.
- Access to Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS), which includes Bankscope and CRSP.
- Full access to the postgraduate micro-lab, containing specialised econometrics software.
- Free access to industry-standard datasets including Bloomberg and Eikon.
Campus
Teaching is based at Queen Mary’s main Mile End campus, one of the largest self-contained residential campuses in the capital. Our location in the heart of London’s East End offers a rich cultural environment.
We have invested £105m in new facilities over the past five years to offer our students an exceptional learning environment. Recent developments include the £39m Graduate Centre, providing 7,700 square metres of learning and teaching space.
The campus is 15 minutes from Central London by tube, where you will have access to many of the University of London’s facilities, including the Senate House library.
You’ll be studying in the financial capital of the world, close to London's main financial districts - the Square Mile and Canary Wharf.
About the School
School of Business and Management
We invite our students to ask incisive questions, to challenge their assumptions, and to search for solutions to real-world challenges.
The School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which ensures that the highest standards of excellence in teaching, research, curriculum, and learner success are met.
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), the School of Business and Management dramatically moved up the Times Higher Education rankings. Among 108 UK business schools, the School now ranks:
- 22nd for overall research quality (up from 39th in REF2014)
- 28th for research outputs (up from 34th)
- 12th for research impact (up from 24th)
- 21st for research environment (up from 59th)
School of Economics and Finance
- Around 1,000 master’s students from all over the world
- Teaching by research-active academics as well as visiting city professionals
- Ranked 4th in the UK for research output in economics and econometrics in the Research Excellence Framework in 2021
- Wide range of elective modules as well as professional development modules on programming languages, trading platforms such as Bloomberg, etc. (see Programme structure)
- Student investment fund (QUMMIF) provides practical skills in financial analysis and trading as well as opportunities to network with fellow students, academics, and city professionals
Career paths
This course will prepare you to pursue a wide range of roles across accounting, financial services and banking, as well as more general roles within business.
Graduates from this course are now working in roles such as:
- Staff Accountant
- Tax Associate
- Investment Manager
- Financial Consultant
- Senior Business Intelligence Analyst
at companies including EY, Deloitte, PwC, CBRE and Brewin Dolphin.
Fees and funding
Full-time study
September 2025 | 1 year
- Home: £21,500
- Overseas: £33,500
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Conditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Queen Mary alumni can get a £1000, 10% or 20% discount on their fees depending on the programme of study. Find out more about the Alumni Loyalty Award
Funding
There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Postgraduate loans (UK students)
- Country-specific scholarships for international students
Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:
Entry requirements
UK
Degree requirements
A 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in any subject, provided the degree contains satisfactory study of Mathematics and Statistics. Subjects likely to contain sufficient quantitative elements include Accounting, Mathematics, Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, Economics and Finance.
Students from less quantitatively oriented degrees, such as Management and Politics, are welcome if they have focused on the more quantitative elements of those degrees.
Other routes
If you do not have a degree with sufficient quantitative elements as indicated above, you may want to consider our CIMA accredited MSc Accounting and Management programme instead, which also allows you to enter the CIMA Master's Gateway fast-track route.
Candidates that do not currently meet the set entry requirements may also have the option to study the Graduate Diploma in Finance and Economics. Meeting the required grades on completion of this programme will provide a pathway to study MSc Accounting and Finance.
Find out more about how to apply for our postgraduate taught courses.
International
English language requirements
The English language requirements for our programmes are indicated by English bands, and therefore the specific test and score acceptable is based on the band assigned to the academic department within which your chosen course of study is administered. Note that for some academic departments there are programmes with non-standard English language requirements.
The English Language requirements for entry to postgraduate taught in the School of Business and Management falls within the following English band:
Band 4: IELTS (Academic) minimum score 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking
We accept a range of English tests and qualifications categorised in our English bands for you to demonstrate your level of English Language proficiency. See all accepted English tests that we deem equivalent to these IELTS scores.
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa.