
The Accounting and Finance (Masters Stage) MSc at Birmingham City University is designed for professionals who already hold a relevant accounting qualification and wish to quickly top up their credentials to a Master's degree. This course helps you enhance your understanding of major finance theories, strategic decision-making, and the financial theories underpinning corporate decisions. You will develop critical analytical, technical, interpersonal, and intellectual skills, alongside learning modern research methods in accounting and finance. The program culminates in a research project where you apply your acquired knowledge to an in-depth study of a relevant topic. This postgraduate program prepares you for middle and senior management roles across various accounting and finance sectors. You'll gain practical and transferable skills, working in an international environment with diverse perspectives. The university is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and offers comprehensive learner development support in state-of-the-art facilities like The Curzon Building.
The program is structured to allow you to build on your existing professional qualifications, focusing on advanced accounting and finance concepts. You will work on a full-time basis over six months, with support from experienced tutors. The primary assessment method is coursework-based, culminating in a significant research project.
This Masters Stage program is designed to significantly enhance your employability, preparing you for leadership roles in the accounting and finance industry. Postgraduates typically earn an average of £9,000 more per year than those with only undergraduate degrees, highlighting the value of specialist qualifications in a competitive job market. You'll be equipped to lead and innovate within your field.
If you have international qualifications not listed, please contact the university's international admissions team for further details. If your English qualification is not listed, please contact the university.
Included in your course fees: access to computer equipment (laptops can be borrowed or shared computer rooms used), £5 print credit per year, all essential field trips and associated travel costs, access to Microsoft Office 365 (free download for students and 18 months post-graduation), key software like SPSS and Nvivo, and subscriptions to key journals and websites through the library. Not included: additional printing costs (from 5p per sheet after credit is used), personal stationery and study materials (estimated £30 per year).
This course is accredited by CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). Birmingham City University also holds accredited status with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The international tuition fee for the full 6-month program (2026/27 entry) is £6,325. The university reserves the right to increase fees in subsequent years, capped at 5% in line with inflation or changes in government funding policies.
This programme is a full-time Masters Stage lasting for six months.
You need to have completed the final stage examinations for any of the six CCAB professional accounting qualifications (ACCA, CIPFA, ACIEW, ACAS, ACAI, CIMA) or possess equivalent overseas qualifications fully recognised by a CCAB member or Birmingham City University. For English language proficiency, an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band is required.
The application deadline for the May intake is Friday 2 April to allow sufficient time for visa processing and accommodation arrangements. Late applications may be accepted if places are still available.
Course fees include access to computer equipment, £5 print credit per year, essential field trips and associated travel, and free access to Microsoft Office 365 and key software like SPSS. It does not include additional printing costs or personal stationery.
This programme prepares you for middle and senior management roles in the accounting and finance sectors. Postgraduates typically earn an average of £9,000 more per year than those with only undergraduate degrees.