university of Durham the degree of master in financial accounting

Description

Durham University, a historic public research university in the North East of England, is renowned for its academic excellence, interdisciplinary innovation, and global influence in business and finance. Founded in 1832 as one of the UK’s oldest universities, Durham is situated in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Durham, serving over 20,000 students from 150+ countries across its collegiate campus. Ranked 78th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and top 10 in the UK for Accounting and Finance (QS Subject Rankings 2025), Durham University Business School is a leader in financial research, with 92% of outputs rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” (REF 2021). The Master of Science (MSc) in Finance (Accounting and Finance) is a prestigious postgraduate program that provides advanced training in corporate finance, financial reporting, and analytical techniques. This one-year full-time qualification (180 UK credits at Level 7) awards a distinguished Durham degree certificate or diploma with classification (Distinction: 70%+), preparing graduates for high-impact careers in investment banking, auditing, and financial consulting, with 95% securing professional roles within six months.

A Legacy of Financial and Accounting Excellence

Durham’s MSc in Finance (Accounting and Finance), affiliated with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, builds on the university’s longstanding tradition of rigorous business education, dating back to the establishment of its Business School in 1965. The program emphasizes ethical financial practices and equality of access to services, reflecting Durham’s core values of fairness and societal impact. Delivered by passionate academics who bridge theory and real-world applications, it explores how finance and accounting influence global institutions and daily lives. Ranked 11th in the UK and 60th globally for Masters in Finance (QS 2025), the course is supported by the school’s international reputation, including collaborations with leading financial bodies and access to resources like the Durham Centre for Advanced Financial Studies. Alumni contribute to major institutions such as Barclays, KPMG, and the Bank of England, shaping the £10T+ global finance sector.

Diverse Degree Programs and Diplomas

Durham’s MSc in Finance (Accounting and Finance) is designed for those seeking technical mastery, requiring a strong undergraduate background in finance, economics, or quantitative fields (typically a 2:1 honors degree or equivalent, e.g., US GPA 3.3+). Delivered through lectures, seminars, and practical workshops at the Durham City campus, it includes access to advanced financial modeling tools and culminates in a classified diploma. Key highlights include:

• Core Structure (MSc Finance – Accounting and Finance): The program features core modules on Accounts and Reporting, Financial Statement Analysis, Advanced Financial Theory, Corporate Finance, Econometric Methods, and Financial Modelling and Business Forecasting, taught via lectures, seminars, and hands-on practicals. Optional modules allow customization, such as Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate Restructuring, Modern Accounting Research, Portfolio Management, Python for Finance, or Security Analysis. Students complete either a research-based dissertation or an applied business project in a chosen area, fostering independent analysis of financial challenges.
• Admission Requirements: A 2:1 honors degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a quantitative discipline; strong mathematical skills (e.g., A-level Mathematics or equivalent). English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, no subscore below 6.0). Applications via Durham’s portal require a personal statement, CV, and references; deadline for October 2026 entry: June 2026. Up to 50 places annually, with interviews for shortlisted candidates.
• Variants and Pathways: Related programs include MSc Finance (broader focus), MSc Accounting, or progression to PhD in Finance. Shorter Postgraduate Certificates (60 credits) in Financial Analysis provide entry points. The CFA affiliation supports exemptions toward the CFA charter.

Why Pursue an MSc in Finance (Accounting and Finance) at Durham University?

Enrolling in the Durham MSc in Finance (Accounting and Finance) immerses you in a supportive collegiate environment with small seminars (average 20 students) and access to cutting-edge resources like the Business School’s trading room. The program’s rigorous yet engaging curriculum—praised for its “dedicated faculty and real-world relevance” (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024)—builds analytical prowess through collaborative projects and industry seminars, preparing graduates for roles like financial analyst or auditor at global firms. Durham’s top-10 UK ranking for Accounting and Finance graduate prospects (Guardian 2026) and diverse community (50% international) foster global networks, while the CFA affiliation enhances professional credentials.

In summary, the Durham University Master of Science in Finance (Accounting and Finance) is a rigorous degree certificate that unlocks strategic financial expertise for global impact. For aspiring finance professionals, Durham’s MSc delivers technical mastery and career acceleration.