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University of Aberdeen · Undergraduate
MA (Hons) Accountancy and Finance Bachelor's degree at the University of Aberdeen
MA (Hons) Accountancy and Finance at University of Aberdeen is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), offering exemptions from some professional examinations.
MA (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
100%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
Accountancy and Finance | Undergraduate Degrees | The University of Aberdeen Accountancy and Finance ( MA ) How to Apply Enquire Now Introduction Accountancy and Finance at Aberdeen is a great combination of subjects to help you prepare for a stellar career in international finance, business, politics, media or many ot From the provider’s course page.
MA (Hons) Accountancy and Finance is a Bachelor's degree (MA (Hons)) at the University of Aberdeen, based in Old Aberdeen. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Finance graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 65% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Accounting & Finance, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
9.5
/ 10
Exceptional
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent89
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional100
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Exceptional95
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 7 modules
- Academic Writing for BusinessCompulsory
Module details
This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve.
- Getting Started at the University of AberdeenCompulsory
Module details
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students and articulating students who are in their first year at the University, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term. Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
- Accounting and AccountabilityCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course introduces the theoretical and contextual foundation of accounting. It does not involve any technical aspects of accounting or bookkeeping but provides an introduction to the political, economic, institutional, professional and managerial context of accounting.
- The Economics of Business and SocietyCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course is an introductory course in microeconomics where we study the decision making of individual actors (consumers, employees, firms, governments, etc.) in an economy.
- Finance 1: Finance, Risk and InvestmentCompulsory15 credits
Module details
The module considers the nature and operation of investment markets, focusing on three asset classes; shares, bonds and real estate. It looks at the characteristics of these investment options in terms of their risks and returns. The module introduces basic financial mathematics: time value of money, calculation of present values and investment rates of return.
- Accounting PrinciplesCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This is an introduction to accounting which aims to provide an understanding of how organisations – particularly small and medium sized businesses – capture, create and use accounting information both to guide their activities internally within the management function and to communicate their financial performance and position to external users of the accounts.
- The Global EconomyCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course is an introductory course in macroeconomics where we study the behaviour of the economy as a whole. Whereas microeconomics focuses on individual markets, macroeconomics addresses the "big issues" such as unemployment, inflation, economic growth, and financial crises.
Year 2 7 modules
- Management Accounting 2Compulsory15 credits
Module details
This course extends the operational tools and techniques introduced in level 1 Accountancy courses. It develops more complex problem-solving techniques in the planning, control and decision-making process.
- Building Skills and Experience for Career SuccessCompulsory
Module details
This course, which is designed for level 2 students and above, is studied entirely online. Topics include career planning, finding work experience and articulating your skills and experiences in applications and interviews.
- Finance 2: Business FinanceCompulsory15 credits
Module details
The main aim of this course is to develop a sound understanding of fundamental principles underlying the theory and practice of finance, thereby providing a strong basis for further study of advanced finance theory and cognate disciplines.
- Financial Accounting 2Compulsory15 credits
Module details
The objective of FA2 is to build upon material introduced in first year in order to develop students' technical skills in financial statement preparation. Students will gain an appreciation of the regulatory framework for financial reporting.
- Financial Markets and RegulationCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course provides students with an understanding of the financial system, primarily from a UK perspective, introducing students to the reasons for, and nature of, financial markets and institutions before moving on to explore the need and importance of financial regulation.
- Business LawCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course is designed to provide non-LLB students with an understanding of the main issues in business law. Topics will cover elements of the Scottish law and legal system concerning Company Law, Partnership, Employment Law, Agency, Contract Law, Delict, Bribery Act and Intellectual Property Law.
- Understanding StatisticsCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of statistical concepts and methods relevant to accounting, management, finance, real estate and economics.
Year 3 6 modules
- Corporate Financial TheoryCompulsory15 credits
- Applied Corporate FinanceCompulsory15 credits
- Financial Accounting 3Compulsory15 credits
Module details
This course builds upon AC2530 Financial Accounting 2. The aim is to further develop practical and analytical accounting skills through the knowledge and understanding of controversial financial accounting and reporting issues, facilitating the ability to critically appraise current financial and non-financial reporting practice.
- Management Accounting 3Compulsory15 credits
Module details
Building upon the material in Management Accounting 2, the course examines in greater detail behavioural, managerial, and strategic aspects of management accounting and management control.
- Audit PracticeCompulsory15 credits
Module details
This course aims to develop the students' knowledge, understanding and critical awareness of the audit techniques, judgements and practical skills associated with a financial statement audit.
- TaxationCompulsory15 credits
Module details
The aim of this course is to provide knowledge and understanding of the UK tax system and its administration. Students will gain an appreciation of direct taxes payable on income, profits, and other gains by both individuals and by corporations, and indirect taxes on spending.
Year 4 3 modules
- Audit Theory and EvolutionCompulsory15 credits
- Public Sector AccountingCompulsory15 credits
- Accountability and SustainabilityCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Sustainability, both in its ecological and social dimensions, has now become a challenge that concerns all types of organisations
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
A course like this typically builds from accounting and finance foundations in your first year, covering double-entry bookkeeping, financial statements and the reporting framework, alongside time value of money and quantitative methods for business decisions. In year two, you'll usually progress to management accounting, corporate finance and financial reporting under IFRS standards. From year three onwards, a course like this normally moves into specialist options, such as audit and assurance, taxation, corporate finance, financial risk and fintech, alongside advanced corporate reporting and an independent dissertation or applied project. Throughout, you'll develop skills in financial analysis, decision-making and professional practice, with opportunities to align your studies towards exemptions from professional accountancy examinations.
Who it's for
This course suits those seeking a structured pathway into accounting and finance careers. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with typical entrants achieving more than 240 UCAS tariff points. The professional accreditations mean graduates can progress towards chartered accountancy qualifications with recognised exemptions, making this particularly valuable if you plan to pursue further professional credentials in accounting.
Careers & job market
Across Accounting and Finance courses nationally, 87% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 65% are in highly skilled roles or further study. National earnings data shows starting salaries of £25,000–£32,500 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £23,375–£33,000 after three years and £30,175–£42,600 after five years. These figures reflect the broader graduate population; individual outcomes vary. First-year continuation rates stand at 85% across the sector.
University & format
This MA (Hons) in Accountancy and Finance is studied full-time over 4 years at the University of Aberdeen, a public university in Old Aberdeen founded in 1495. Teaching is conducted in English. The degree is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for exemption from some professional examinations. As a recognised UK degree-awarding body, the qualification is nationally recognised.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively. Overall student satisfaction: 75%.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent95% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: More than 240 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Professionally accreditedAccredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations
Professionally accreditedAccredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Aberdeen's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Competitive entry
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesA*A*A*+A-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeNN34quote this on your application
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code NN34). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Aberdeen whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
International£20,800 / yr
Provider fee page. Set under Scotland's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.
Check fees at University of Aberdeen →If you normally live in Scotland
For eligible Scottish-domiciled students at an eligible Scottish provider, SAAS can pay tuition directly. Living-cost support can combine bursary and loan and depends on household income and student circumstances. Students from elsewhere use their home funding body.
Check the current amounts with SAAS →Paying for it
- SAAS tuition payment: paid directly to the university for eligible Scottish-domiciled students, applied for through SAAS.
- Living-cost support: a mix of bursary and loan from SAAS, depending on household income.
- Repayment: only above the Scottish repayment threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
Scotland runs its own system through SAAS; check saas.gov.uk for current rates.
Funding matched to this course
All University of Aberdeen funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Careers & earnings
What Accounting & Finance graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £27,000 | £25,000 – £30,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £31,500 | £25,500 – £36,000 | 25 |
| 5 years after | £45,500 | £31,500 – £52,500 | 25 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
100%
in work or further study 15 months on
65%
in highly skilled work or study
95%
continue past their first year
90%
find their work meaningful
100%
say work fits their future plans
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in accounting & finance · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Accounting & Finance nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£27,000
£25,000 – £32,500After 3 years LEO
£31,500
£23,375 – £33,000After 5 years LEO
£45,500
£30,175 – £42,600national rangethis course’s medianaxis £21,500 – £47,500
National figures for Accounting & Finance graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
100 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
60% working40% working and studying0% in further study65% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Accounting & Finance courses at the same study level.
This course £45,500Peer median £35,500Middle 50% £30,000–£42,500
81st percentile
Compared with 957 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
Leeds Beckett UniversityBA (Hons) Business Management with Finance£45,500Royal Holloway University of LondonBSc(Econ) (Hons) Financial & Business Economics£45,500Royal Holloway University of LondonBSc(Econ) (Hons) Financial and Business Economics with a Year in Business£45,500University of AberdeenMA (Hons) Finance£45,500
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Finance ProfessionalsSOC 2020 242 · 60% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,173
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 20; response rate: 70%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Accounting & Finance graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
87%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Accounting & Finance courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes65%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Accounting & Finance graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- The Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG)
- Banks & insurers
- Corporate finance teams
- HMRC & public sector
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Accounting & Finance graduates.
Accounting & FinanceLecturerGEDU Global EducationAccounting Engineer - Pre-Sales & Post SalesStacksAccounting Advisory Manager | Lead Client Projects HybridCFGIAccounting, Insight and Advisory ManagerRSM UKAccounting & FinanceLecturerGEDU ServicesAccounting Associate Apprentice Business Services (September 2026)Best ApprenticeshipsLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold.
📈
Where graduates go
100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £27,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
🎯
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.5 out of 10: NSS 88.9% · in work or study 100% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Aberdeen
All students13,930
International18.8%
Aged 25+29.2%
Business and management across the UK
Students586,710
Aged 25+44.3%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Is Accounting & Finance right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Aberdeen from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £20,800 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
University of Aberdeen offers the Aberdeen Global Scholarship (£6,000/yr) for international students, see Scholarships above.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Aberdeen and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Aberdeen
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is competitive. Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was More than 240 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by the University of Aberdeen. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Finance graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 65% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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