MSc Accounting and Finance

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

• Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
• English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90, with at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Queens University Belfast offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, diversity, and financial need. 

1. Queens Loyalty Scholarship: The Queen's Loyalty Scholarship is available for Queen's University Belfast graduates who pursue a postgraduate program at the university. It offers a 20% tuition fee reduction for eligible students.
2. Queens University Belfast International Scholarships: The university provides a range of scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amount, and application requirements. Examples include the International Office Undergraduate Scholarship, International Office Postgraduate Taught Scholarship, and International Office Postgraduate Research Scholarships.
3. Vice-Chancellors International Attainment Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship is aimed at international students with exceptional academic performance. It provides a significant reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
4. Queens University Belfast Scholarships for Excellence: The Scholarships for Excellence program at Queen's University Belfast is designed to support high-achieving undergraduate students. These scholarships recognize exceptional academic performance and provide financial assistance to help students reach their full potential.
5. Country-Specific Scholarships: Queens University Belfast offers scholarships that are specific to certain countries or regions. These scholarships are designed to attract talented students from these areas and promote diversity within the university community.
6. Research Council Funding:For postgraduate research students, there are opportunities to secure funding through research council scholarships. These scholarships are competitive and cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses.
7. Sports Scholarships: Queens University Belfast also offers sports scholarships for students who excel in sports. These scholarships provide financial support, training facilities, and other benefits to help athletes balance their sporting commitments with their studies.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may vary each year. 

The MSc Accounting and Finance course at Queen's University Belfast prepares graduates for a wide range of rewarding career opportunities in accounting, finance, and related fields.  

1. Accounting Firms: Many graduates pursue careers in accounting firms, including the "Big Four" firms such as PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG. They can work in areas such as auditing, financial accounting, tax planning, and advisory services. The professional accreditation and rigorous training provided by the MSc Accounting and Finance course enhance graduates' prospects for securing positions in prestigious accounting firms.

2. Financial Services: Graduates can find employment in financial institutions such as banks, investment firms, asset management companies, and insurance companies. They can work in roles such as financial analysis, risk management, investment banking, financial planning, and treasury operations. The strong analytical and quantitative skills developed during the course make graduates well-suited for these roles.

3. Corporate Finance: Many organizations require professionals with expertise in financial management and corporate finance. Graduates can work in corporate finance departments, where they analyze financial data, evaluate investment opportunities, manage budgets, and support strategic decision-making. They can also be involved in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising activities, and financial restructuring.

4. Consulting: The MSc Accounting and Finance course equips graduates with problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, making them attractive candidates for consulting firms. They can provide financial advisory services, assist in business process improvement, conduct financial due diligence, and contribute to financial strategy development for clients across various industries.

5. Public Sector: Graduates can pursue careers in the public sector, working for government agencies, regulatory bodies, and non-profit organizations. They can contribute to financial management, budgeting, policy analysis, and compliance with accounting and financial regulations. The MSc Accounting and Finance course provides a strong foundation in public sector accounting principles and practices.

6. Industry and Commerce: Many companies across industries employ accounting and finance professionals in roles such as financial management, financial analysis, management accounting, and internal auditing. Graduates can work in sectors such as manufacturing, retail, technology, healthcare, and energy, contributing to financial planning, performance analysis, and financial reporting.

7. Entrepreneurship and Start-ups: The knowledge and skills gained during the MSc Accounting and Finance course can also be valuable for graduates who aspire to start their own businesses or work in start-up ventures. They can apply their financial expertise to manage budgets, analyze financial feasibility, and develop financial strategies for entrepreneurial ventures.

8. Professional Certification: The MSc Accounting and Finance course provides a strong foundation for pursuing professional certifications such as ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). These certifications enhance career prospects and open doors to a broader range of opportunities in accounting and finance.

9. Global Career Opportunities: The MSc Accounting and Finance course at Queen's University Belfast has an international focus, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to work in global financial markets. This opens up opportunities for international careers, including working for multinational corporations, global consulting firms, and international financial institutions.

10. Further Studies: The MSc Accounting and Finance course also serves as a pathway for those interested in pursuing further studies, such as a Ph.D. in Accounting, Finance, or related disciplines. Graduates can pursue academic careers, conduct research, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

The MSc Accounting and Finance course at Queen's University Belfast offers excellent career prospects for graduates, providing them with a solid foundation of knowledge, practical skills, and industry recognition necessary for successful careers in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of accounting and finance.