MSc International Accounting and Finance

Study our accredited Masters course and develop the global skills for a career in Accounting and Finance.

International Accounting and Finance

Key facts

  • Award Masters / MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
  • Start date September 2025
  • Duration MSc full-time: 12 months
  • Mode of study full time
  • Delivery on campus

Accreditations

ACCA

ACCA accredited programme      Association of Chartered Certified Accountants logo     Association of International Accountants logo

Overview

Accounting and Finance is now international because of globalisation and standardising practices. Demand is growing worldwide for graduates with international expertise in Accounting and Finance (Source: Silverfin).

Our MSc International Accounting and Finance meets the business world’s demand for skilled graduates. You’ll graduate with an advanced awareness of international financial markets. We provide training for specialised skills such as reporting and analysis skills.

Industry-relevant skills and practical experience

  • Put theory into practice with access to professional financial databases such as Capital IQ.
  • Understand how to work with international accounting standards.
  • Experience trading in markets with our financial AmplifyMe Boot Camp.
  • Learn about investments and portfolio management with the Student Managed Investment Fund.

Progress towards CFA Charterholder status

We cover learning outcomes from all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) programme. This helps you gain CFA Charterholder status – the most respected and recognised investment credential in the world.

Networking and guest lectures

Regular guest lectures from industry offer valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Previous speakers include:

  • Investment Manager at Walter Scott Global Investment Management
  • Head of Economic and Thematic Research at Aberdeen Asset Management
  • Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Lego
  • Head of Global Emerging Markets Equities at Martin Currie Investment Management
  • Senior Investment Strategist at HSBC Global Asset Management

We are AACSB accredited

The University of Stirling is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is the world's largest global standard-setting body for business education. Only 6% of the world’s leading business schools achieve this accreditation. This recognises our excellence in business education and societal impact.

AACSB Accredited logo

Top reasons to study with us

Professional accreditation

The MSc International Accounting and Finance is accredited by the global accounting bodies Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA ) and Association of International Accountants (AIA) underlining our close relationships with the profession.

Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA)

Our ACCA accreditation gives graduates automatic exemption from four of their papers, (Accountant in Business, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Corporate and Business Law) with a fifth and sixth (Financial Management and Financial Reporting) possible based on the spring semester options you choose.

Association of International Accountants (AIA)

Our accreditation from AIA enables graduates to benefit from exemption from the full Foundation Level as well as from Professional Level 1 paper Business Law for Accountants, and, depending on the spring options chosen, Professional Level 1 paper Financial Accounting and Reporting 1.

The University of Stirling is accredited by AACSB International in recognition of our excellence in business education.

Research overview

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 80% of our research impact in Business and Management Studies was classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A minimum of a second class Honours degree or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.

Other routes of entry

If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.

International entry requirements

View the entry requirements for your country.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

  • IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
  • IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.

Pre-sessional English language courses

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.

Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.

Course details

The MSc International Accounting and Finance is a one-year, full-time course. You’ll undertake up to ten taught modules over two 15-week semesters, followed by a supervised dissertation.

Develop your careers skills with our Flying Start Leadership Programme module

We go beyond textbooks and lecture rooms to focus on your personal and professional development. Our Flying Start module will help you develop practical career skills such as effective public or conflict management.

Modules

Teaching

Teaching is carried out through lectures, small group seminars, workshops, problem-solving classes, computer labs and practical case study exercises.

Many of our staff are publishing world research in leading international journals and engaged in developing new policy and practices within the finance profession as well as delivering innovative teaching.

Assessment

Assessment is through a combination of multiple choice and written class tests, written assignments, presentations including group assignments and written exams.

Course director

Fees and funding

Fees and costs

University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our  Stirling Alumni Scholarship.

Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship

If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. 

If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. 

For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.

Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.

If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. 

If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. 

For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.

Postgraduate tuition fee loans

This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the section, below, for more details.

Additional costs

There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.

Scholarships and funding

Funding 

If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.

Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.

Postgraduate tuition fee loans

Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.

English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.

Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.

Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.

International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.

Cost of living

If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.

International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.

Find out about the cost of living for students at Stirling

Payment options

We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay

After you graduate

Graduates of this International Accounting and Finance Masters are highly sought-after worldwide. Our graduates build successful careers in accounting, finance and senior management roles.

Our graduates work for employers including:

  • University of Putra
  • Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Ltd
  • Lockheed Martin or BGL Plc

This International Accounting and Finance Masters will give you a broad range of transferrable skills. It could allow you to specialise as a:

  • head of internal audit
  • accountant
  • strategy and business analyst
  • multi-functional financial analyst
  • relationship and business development manager

There is a rising demand for advisory services, including:

  • corporate finance
  • business recovery
  • digital transformation

The estimated total pay for an international accounting manager is £54,010 per year, with an average salary of £49,649 per year. (Source: Glassdoor)

Study and careers support

You'll have a mentor who will guide you through your studies.

The Careers Service provides support for CV design, interview skills and other career skills.

What our students said

Anh Le Ngu  Ngo
Anh Le Ngu Ngo
Vietnam
MSc International Accounting and Finance
I am very thankful to the support staff here at Stirling. It has been a huge help having someone listen to me and help me, especially when I am a thousand miles away from home.
Read Anh Le Ngu's story
Su Yanding
China
MSc International Accounting and Finance
During my studies I gained professional knowledge and was lucky enough to meet many good teachers who taught me a lot. I also benefited from participating in the AmplifyME Trading Boot Camp experience as well as research areas such as global macro analysis, technical analysis and basic analysis of behavioural economics.
Read Su's story
Konstantinos Lamprogiorgos
Greece
MSc International Accounting and Finance
The MSc International Accounting and Finance was very intensive and furnished me with the knowledge I was seeking. One of the great aspects of the course was being able to participate in the Amplify Trading Bootcamp which gave me valuable practical experience of financial markets
Read Konstantinos's story

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