Program Overview

MSc Accounting, Accountability and Sustainability

Overview

The MSc Accounting, Accountability and Sustainability is a comprehensive full-time master's programme designed for students eager to explore the vital role of accounting in driving sustainable business practices.

In today's rapidly evolving world, sustainability is more than just a trend – it's a crucial aspect of modern business. This programme offers a unique opportunity to explore both accounting principles and sustainability practices.

Ideal for students with a keen interest in accounting and sustainability, this programme bridges the gap between theory and practice. Through engaging coursework and practical projects, you will gain both the technical expertise and hands-on practice in financial reporting, management accounting, and sustainability reporting.

Throughout the programme, you will learn how corporate practices and regulatory frameworks are adapting to address sustainability challenges, from environmental concerns to social responsibilities. You will develop essential critical-thinking skills and research methods to prepare you for diverse and exciting career opportunities in rapidly growing areas such as sustainability consulting, corporate social responsibility, and environmental accounting.

Whether your goal is to lead corporate sustainability initiatives or conduct groundbreaking research in academia, this MSc programme will equip you with the knowledge and skillset to drive positive change and succeed.

Key Information

• Programme duration: One year full-time
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline:
  • Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025
  • Home applicants: 8 August 2025
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: MSc

Programme Structure

The structure of this programme uniquely combines the principles of accounting with a strong focus on sustainability.

The programme begins by introducing core subjects that build a solid foundation in both areas. The second term allows for specialisation with advanced topics and elective options that explore sustainable finance, corporate governance, and ethical supply chains. The programme concludes with a significant research project, providing practical experience and in-depth theoretical knowledge.

World-Leading Research

• The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education)
• 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent

Entry Requirements

• You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in: an Accounting degree or an associated subject such as Business, Finance, Economics or Management degree
• If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date
• We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer
• We will also consider your application if your grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if you have a relevant postgraduate qualification which also meets the subject requirements stated above

English Language Requirements

• If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level G

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time £18,000 per year
• Overseas: full-time £33,000 per year
• Fees are subject to an annual review
• For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year

Alumni Discount

• University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study

Funding and Scholarships

• The Business School is offering a range of scholarships for master’s students starting in 2025
• Think Big Scholarships: 200 scholarships available
  • 100 scholarships at £13,000 each
  • 100 scholarships at £6,500 each
• Career Accelerator Scholarships: 200 scholarships at £3,000 each
• Business School Advance Scholarship: £10,000 each

Career Prospects

• The programme will provide an excellent foundation for its graduates to develop careers in any area of accounting, but with specific potential within the expanding area of accounting for and reporting of sustainability information
• Given the level of critical thinking and research methods training, graduates may also consider furthering their academic studies into PhD programmes
• Throughout the year, a range of transferable skills will be developed including problem solving, analysis and critical thinking
• We aim to create opportunities for students to consider where and how they have developed these skills (for example, by including reflective questions in assignments), and practise articulating them ready for an interview or recruitment assessment situation
• A range of teaching and assessment methods will support development of transferable skills.