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.
MSc Accounting and Financial Management programme is designed as a conversion programme open for students from a range of educational backgrounds. The programme provides students with an understanding of the joint role of accounting and financial management 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. Students are encouraged to under-take research linked to their major programme title.
Access to industry-standard Bloomberg Terminal
Accredited by professional accountancy bodies
Hear from visiting speakers from industry
Real-world experience of the Stock Exchange
Tailored final project options
A focus on theoretical knowledge, understanding, and practical experience
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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.
This programme is available for both a September and a January start and is only available for full-time 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 be spending time in the Bloomberg lab as part of their learning activities. Students will also receive one-to-one supervision for the final 60-credit research module. Each module typically consists of two or three weekly teaching hours over a teaching term. Four modules are usually studied per term, equating to 8 to 12 hours of classroom teaching per 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.
The MSc Accounting and Financial Management programme at the University of Lincoln has been awarded the highest level of accreditation by the professional accountancy body AICPA/CIMA. This allows our students and graduates to benefit from an accelerated route to the CIMA Professional Qualification and the globally respected Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation. As a result of this accreditation, students and graduates of the programme are required to complete only five CIMA exams, beginning at the Management Case Study level, to achieve full CIMA qualification.
This module aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to critically analyse financial statements and understand the role of assurance in financial reporting. Students will explore various accounting ratios and financial analysis techniques to evaluate the position, performance, and cash flow of organisations. The module also covers the implications of changes in accounting regulations and the importance of assurance in maintaining the integrity of financial information.
The emphasis on integrating quantitative data and analytical insights into formal communications aligns with modern business practices, where data-driven decision making is crucial. Understanding the implications of changes in accounting regulations ensures that students are up to date with current standards and practices. Finally understanding the role of assurance in financial reporting, is vital for maintaining trust and integrity in financial information.
This module examines corporate governance concepts and principles in both national and international contexts, and aims to teach the key skills necessary to apply strategic thinking to governance, sustainability, finance, law and other areas. The lack of strategic thinking has been repeatedly identified as a major weakness in organisations, where business leaders often rely on past experience and best practice, ignoring creativity and imagination as well as the wealth of structured analytical methods. The syllabus aims to evaluate and combine the use of traditional prescriptive strategic planning tools such as a critical value-adding element with a hypothesis-driven, strategic thinking paradigm.
This module prepares you to undertake a substantial independent project. It introduces you to the core principles of research design and methods you are likely to encounter during independent study. The module seeks to develop your competency and confidence in research methodology to a Master's level.
Sustainability 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.
The 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.
Initiated 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.
† 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.
This module equips students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to record and process financial data typical of small and medium-sized entities. Students will produce accurate financial statements and compose formal written communications that integrate qualitative data and analytical insights to provide professional advice. By mimicking real client interactions, the module will reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of contemporary accounting practices. The focus on producing professional reports and providing advice prepares students for the current demands of the accounting profession, which increasingly values advisory roles alongside traditional accounting tasks.
This module aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to critically analyse financial statements and understand the role of assurance in financial reporting. Students will explore various accounting ratios and financial analysis techniques to evaluate the position, performance, and cash flow of organisations. The module also covers the implications of changes in accounting regulations and the importance of assurance in maintaining the integrity of financial information.
The emphasis on integrating quantitative data and analytical insights into formal communications aligns with modern business practices, where data-driven decision making is crucial. Understanding the implications of changes in accounting regulations ensures that students are up to date with current standards and practices. Finally understanding the role of assurance in financial reporting, is vital for maintaining trust and integrity in financial information.
This module examines corporate governance concepts and principles in both national and international contexts, and aims to teach the key skills necessary to apply strategic thinking to governance, sustainability, finance, law and other areas. The lack of strategic thinking has been repeatedly identified as a major weakness in organisations, where business leaders often rely on past experience and best practice, ignoring creativity and imagination as well as the wealth of structured analytical methods. The syllabus aims to evaluate and combine the use of traditional prescriptive strategic planning tools such as a critical value-adding element with a hypothesis-driven, strategic thinking paradigm.
This module prepares you to undertake a substantial independent project. It introduces you to the core principles of research design and methods you are likely to encounter during independent study. The module seeks to develop your competency and confidence in research methodology to a Master's level.
The focus of the Risk Management and Data Analytics (RMDA) module is multi-fold aimed at building student’s knowledge and skills on risk management, business valuations, and data analytics. The module is aimed at providing students with a comprehensive understanding of risk management techniques used by corporations and financial institutions in the context of foreign exchange exposures and interest rate fluctuations. The module also builds comprehensive knowledge on valuation principles where students will learn a variety of techniques used for determining intrinsic value of equity and fixed income instruments. Finally, the module will be used to deliver fundamental concepts of data analytics to students.
The Strategic Investment and Financing Decisions (SIFD) module provide students with an in-depth understanding of how investment and financing shapes the long-term direction of companies. The module addresses the constructs of financial management decision making and provides learning on investment appraisal, management of working capital, and the financing of the firm, with a special focus on how these shape corporate decisions and impact shareholder’s wealth. The module will blend theoretical concepts with real-world examples, helping students develop critical thinking skills to address complex strategic financial challenges.
This module begins with an introduction to the role of management accounting in the contemporary business environment. The module recognises the various types of managerial decisions to evaluate the role of management accounting information in support of such decisions. Students will consider the specific tools and techniques within management accounting to help managers carry out planning and exercise control such as budgeting, forecasting, performance management, profitability analysis, and interpretation of outcomes. Part of this module is concerned with the development of the skills needed to understand and apply the various tools and data analytics techniques that may be used to support managers in effective planning, environmental management, and control.
Sustainability 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.
The Applied Final Project is a unique alternative to the traditional dissertation that provides the opportunity for students to put their skills into practice by integrating, deepening, and applying the knowledge and insights acquired throughout their postgraduate programme in a real-world context. Whilst the specific content of each project will vary, it will be underpinned by a process of research and data analysis on a relevant issue, challenge or topic, interpreted in an applied rather than a pure academic way. This module offers students the chance to demonstrate their research, analytical, creative, and professional skills, contributing to the solution of contemporary problems in accounting and finance. Students will be expected to produce a written report, present their findings via a defence presentation and reflect on their learning, knowledge and skills.
The 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.
Initiated 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.
† 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.
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, and contact hours.
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, and contact hours.
The programme utilises a range of assessments including project work, group presentations, assignments, and objective tests. 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.
The assessments on the programme are designed to assess understanding of key technical accounting/financial management concepts, evaluate students' abilities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life problems in accounting/financial management, develop analytical skills, and ability to critically assess financial and non-financial information for decision-making purposes.
There are a range of formative and summative assessments that students will undergo. The assessments include group work, presentations, reports, projects, portfolios, and In-class-tests. For the final 60-credit independent research module, students will have the opportunity of selecting either a pure research-based dissertation or the applied final project.
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.
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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.
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Sylvester graduated from our MSc Accounting and Financial Management in 2025 and has since secured offers from prestigious firms such as PwC, KPMG, and Forvis Mazars. He describes stepping into the corporate world with confidence, ready to apply everything he's learnt during his time at the University of Lincoln.
The programme challenged me to keep learning and create valuable personal and professional relationships. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence to believe in my ability to achieve any goal I set for myself. Adapting quickly was essential, as I came from a different country with a distinct culture and academic system. The university and my tutors were incredibly supportive during this transition, always available to help me navigate unfamiliar challenges.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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This course provides the opportunity to develop analytical skills which can be highly valued by employers in the public and private sectors. Our graduates have secured roles in audit firms, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and local accounting practices based in Lincoln and other parts of the UK. Several of our international students have also successfully obtained sponsored employment opportunities with UK-based employers after graduating from the programme.
For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.
Mr Umer Farooq
UFarooq@lincoln.ac.uk
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.
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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.
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