MSc Accounting and Finance

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: 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:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Cardiff University offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world, easing the financial burden and recognizing academic excellence. 

Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides partial funding for exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship rewards high academic achievement and study, making it ideal for students with strong academic backgrounds.

Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship: This scholarship offers substantial funding to international postgraduate students from certain countries, including the USA, India, Vietnam, and EU nations. The scholarship covers part of the tuition fees and is awarded based on academic merit and potential for success.

Chevening Scholarship: Offered in collaboration with the UK government, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances, supporting future leaders and influencers in various fields.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: For students from Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships provide funding for postgraduate students who would otherwise be unable to study in the UK. The scholarship includes full tuition, living expenses, and airfare, ensuring accessibility for students from developing nations.

British Council GREAT Scholarships: Cardiff University partners with the British Council to offer the GREAT Scholarships for students from specific countries, including China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition fees and are intended to encourage bright students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at Cardiff University offer additional scholarships tailored to specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, and life sciences. These scholarships provide partial funding and are aimed at attracting talented students to specific programs.

Financial Aid and External Scholarships: In addition to Cardiff University scholarships, students can explore external funding options such as loans, grants, and scholarships provided by their home countries or private organizations. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance to help students find external financial support.

Graduates of Cardiff University’s MSc in Accounting and Finance program are well-prepared for a variety of high-demand roles in the global finance sector. With a robust grounding in finance, accounting, and quantitative analysis, students can pursue careers in fields such as investment banking, corporate finance, financial consulting, and risk management. Many graduates work as financial analysts, auditors, and accountants, leveraging their skills in financial reporting, portfolio management, and strategic decision-making to add value in diverse organizational settings.

Financial Analyst: Graduates of the MSc in Accounting and Finance program from Cardiff University are well-equipped to take on roles as financial analysts. They assess financial data, trends, and forecasts to advise organizations on investment strategies and financial planning. This role is ideal for those looking to work in banking, investment firms, or financial consulting.

Investment Banker: With a strong foundation in corporate finance and financial management, Cardiff University graduates can pursue careers in investment banking. These professionals advise clients on mergers, acquisitions, and other financial transactions, as well as assist in raising capital through various financial instruments.

Corporate Treasurer: As a corporate treasurer, graduates manage an organization’s financial operations, including risk management, cash flow, and investment strategies. The MSc program's focus on financial management and strategy provides the necessary skills for this senior finance role, which is crucial in large corporations and financial institutions.

Accountant: Many MSc in Accounting and Finance graduates move into accounting roles, ranging from auditing to tax accounting. They manage financial records, prepare reports, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This role can be pursued in accounting firms, multinational companies, or government bodies.

Financial Planner/Advisor: Graduates may also become financial planners, advising individuals or companies on how to manage their finances, investments, taxes, and retirement planning. With the program’s thorough understanding of personal finance and investment strategies, graduates can guide clients towards long-term financial success.

Risk Manager: In this role, graduates focus on identifying and managing financial risks within an organization. The MSc program's coverage of risk management techniques, quantitative analysis, and global financial markets prepares students for managing risk in sectors such as banking, insurance, and corporate finance.

Management Consultant (Finance): Finance-focused management consultants analyze and advise businesses on financial matters to improve profitability and efficiency. This role benefits from the program’s comprehensive training in financial analysis, strategy, and business operations, making graduates attractive candidates for consulting firms.

Financial Controller: Graduates may pursue positions as financial controllers, overseeing an organization's financial operations and ensuring financial health and regulatory compliance. The expertise in accounting and financial reporting gained through the program is ideal for this career, particularly in large companies and multinational organizations.

Internal Auditor: Internal auditors are responsible for evaluating a company’s internal controls, including its financial systems and processes. With a deep understanding of accounting principles and auditing practices, MSc in Accounting and Finance graduates are well-prepared for this analytical and compliance-focused role.

Financial Economist: Graduates interested in policy-making or economic analysis can work as financial economists, analyzing the macroeconomic factors that affect financial markets. The program’s focus on global financial markets and quantitative research techniques equips graduates with the tools needed for this specialized career.