Heriot Watt University UK United Kingdom

MA Accountancy and Finance

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The MA Accountancy and Finance at Heriot Watt University UK is designed for ambitious individuals seeking to master the complexities of modern financial management and accounting practices. This postgraduate degree equips you with the advanced analytical and strategic skills necessary to navigate the global financial landscape, understand corporate financial theory, and apply sophisticated accounting techniques. You will delve into areas such as financial markets, management accounting, and corporate reporting, preparing you for impactful roles in a dynamic and essential industry. This programme is ideal for those aiming for leadership positions in finance and accounting, offering a robust foundation for professional success.

This full-time, on-campus MA is structured over four years, providing a comprehensive and progressive learning journey. You will engage with a blend of mandatory and optional modules, including in-depth study of auditing, taxation, financial modelling, and international accounting, culminating in a substantial dissertation in your final year. Throughout your studies, you will develop practical expertise through case studies and real-world applications, working alongside faculty with extensive industry experience. Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared to pursue diverse career paths in public accounting, corporate finance, financial analysis, and management consulting, armed with highly sought-after skills and a prestigious qualification.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Master of Arts program in Accountancy and Finance provides a comprehensive foundation in accounting principles and financial theories. Over four years, students will explore core subjects such as introduction to accounting, management in a global context, marketing, and economic principles. The curriculum progresses to cover financial markets, management accounting, corporate finance, and business research methods, culminating in specialized electives in areas like auditing, taxation, financial modeling, and risk management.

1 Year 1

Introduction to Accounting and Finance Compulsory
Management in a Global Context Compulsory
Introduction to Marketing Compulsory
Academic Skills Compulsory
The Economy Compulsory
Discovering Business Compulsory
Becoming a Professional Compulsory

2 Year 2

Fundamentals of Finance Compulsory
Principles of Accounting Compulsory
Financial Markets Theory Compulsory
Management Accounting in Organisations Compulsory
Financial Accounting Compulsory
Quantitative Methods 1 Compulsory

3 Year 3

Management Accounting Techniques and Decisions Compulsory
Intermediate Financial Accounting Compulsory
Corporate Financial Theory Compulsory
Business Research Methods Compulsory
Business Law and the Law of Corporate Governance Compulsory
Auditing and Assurance Elective
Taxation (Tax Law) Elective
Managing Corporate Value Elective
Applied Financial Modelling in Python Elective
Financial Derivatives Elective
Introduction to Commercial Law Elective
Mergers and Acquisitions Elective
Fundamentals of Financial Technology Elective

4 Year 4

Accounting and Finance Dissertation 1 Compulsory
International Trade Elective
Topics in World Economic History 1 Elective
Agency Theory and Corporate Governance Elective
Accounting Theory Elective
Managerial Accounting: Decision Making Elective
Risk Management and Derivatives Elective
Accounting and Finance Dissertation 2 Compulsory
Development Economics 2 Elective
Economics of the European Union Elective
Professional and Critical Theory Elective
Contemporary Issues in Finance Elective
Corporate Reporting Elective
International Accounting Elective
Equity Markets and Fund Management Elective

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

15% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,102.00 USD 27,142.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,142.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,142.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,142.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 104,528.00 USD 108,568.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 503.00 - USD 2,667.00
Food & Groceries USD 4,833.00 - USD 6,444.00
Transport USD 967.00 - USD 1,128.00
Utilities & Bills USD 2,417.00 - USD 6,847.00
Estimated Total USD 8,217.00 - USD 14,419.00

Living cost estimates are based on Edinburgh Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

84%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accounting & AuditingConsumer Finance & Credit ServicesEnergy Engineering & InfrastructureFinancial Technology (Fintech)Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)Insurance & Risk ManagementOil & Gas Exploration & ProductionPower Generation & UtilitiesPrivate Equity & Venture CapitalRefining & Petrochemicals

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Deloitte

EY

Lloyds Banking Group

NatWest Group

SLB

Shell

Why Study MA Accountancy and Finance at Heriot Watt University UK

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at Heriot Watt University UK in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MA Accountancy and Finance at Heriot Watt University UK

Can I work while studying?

As a degree student in the UK, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed for this.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, you can submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores. For TOEFL, the overall score must be 79 with specific minimum scores in individual sections; similar requirements apply to IELTS and PTE.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue positions such as Financial Analyst, Account Manager, Auditor, Investment Banker, and Risk Manager.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program offers insights into legal and ethical contexts of accountancy and examines capital markets. You'll also learn about financial analysis and business operations throughout the course.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The MA Accountancy and Finance program has an intake month in September. Make sure to check application deadlines and prepare your documents accordingly.
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