Program Overview

Introduction to the MSc Accounting and Data Analytics Programme

The MSc Accounting and Data Analytics is designed for students who want to understand how roles in accounting, investment banking, and asset management are being reshaped by advances in data science, technology, and digital transformation. Throughout the programme, you develop both theoretical foundations and applied skills across accounting, financial management, data analytics, and computer programming — preparing you for roles that demand a strong understanding of business fundamentals alongside the ability to analyse, model, and interpret complex data.

Key Information

• Study mode: Home full-time students (10 months) and Overseas full-time students (10 months) are both open.
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Start date: Early September 2026
• Location: Houghton Street, London
• Application deadline: None – rolling admissions. However, please note the funding deadlines.

Overview

The MSc Accounting and Data Analytics is a programme that integrates accounting fundamentals with applied data science. Developed in response to growing demand within the investment industry, the programme emphasises the use of analytical tools in key areas such as financial reporting, forecasting, corporate valuation, and performance analysis. It's designed to equip you with a blend of financial insight and technical capability that is increasingly valued by a broad range of data-driven financial and non-financial institutions.

Entry Requirements

• Upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in any discipline and good quantitative skills, at least to A-level Mathematics (or the equivalent).
• All applicants without a UK undergraduate degree must submit GMAT or GRE test scores with their application.
• If you've studied or are studying outside of the UK, please select your country from the dropdown list to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Overseas

Select a country to find out the specific entry requirements.

Additional Tests

• GRE/GMAT requirement: All applicants without a UK undergraduate degree must submit GMAT or GRE test scores with their application.
• English language requirements: The English language requirement for this programme is Standard.

Programme Content

You'll attend a pre-sessional programme in early September, which includes preparatory classes in quantitative methods, financial accounting, and management accounting, along with professional development sessions, career, networking, and social events designed to help students connect with faculty and fellow students.

Year 1

In the first term, you'll take courses designed to develop advanced skills in both accounting and data analytics. The foundational accounting courses build a deep understanding of how economic activity is captured and communicated through financial statements. Emphasis is placed on interpreting financial and non-financial disclosures in context and understanding how accounting information supports internal decision-making, valuation, and performance evaluation — skills essential for roles in investment analysis, corporate finance, and financial advisory.

Alongside this, you'll complete data analytics training that combines applied regression, computer programming, and data management and visualisation. These courses prioritise practical application and are structured to ensure you can work confidently with real-world datasets, apply statistical models, and communicate analytical insights effectively — capabilities increasingly expected in the financial services industry.

In the second term, you'll take two bespoke core courses exclusive to the degree programme: Advanced Financial Statement Analysis and Forensic Accounting Analytics. These courses apply advanced analytical techniques to real-world accounting problems, including valuation, earnings quality assessment, fraud detection, and risk diagnostics. You'll gain experience selecting and applying data methods to complex financial disclosures, with an emphasis on judgement, adaptability, and professional relevance.

The programme also includes a range of electives in both accounting and data analytics, allowing you to tailor your degree to areas such as M&A analysis, ESG disclosure evaluation, management control, machine learning, or natural language processing. This flexible structure enables you to develop expertise aligned with your career goals across areas such as investment banking, asset management, private equity, and strategy consulting.

Why Study with Us

Discover more about our students and department. The Department of Accounting at LSE is recognised worldwide for the excellence of its research and teaching, ranked eighth in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

Meet the Department

The Department of Accounting at LSE is committed to advancing and sharing knowledge through rigorous research, innovative teaching, and active engagement in professional and policy arenas.

Why LSE

• University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK
• 1st in London for the 14th year running
• 6th In the world
• Carbon Neutral In 2021, LSE became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK

Your Application

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

Overview

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your academic achievement, statement of academic purpose, two academic references, CV, and GRE/GMAT.

When to Apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full. There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline.

Fees and Funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

Home

• Home student fee (2026/27): £43,000

Overseas

• Overseas student fee (2026/27): £43,000

Fee Status

At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student.

Scholarships, Bursaries, and Loans

• Fee reduction: Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.
• Scholarships and other funding: We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.

Learning and Assessment

How You Learn

• Contact hours and independent study: The programme begins with a pre-sessional programme in early September. Following this, you take examined courses totalling four full units over the academic year.
• Teaching methods: We believe long-term professional success is built on a strong academic foundation. By introducing core concepts early, the programme equips you with the tools to think critically, adapt confidently, and make informed decisions throughout your career.

How You're Assessed

Assessment is based on a combination of formal (summative) evaluations and preparatory (formative) assessments. Summative assessments typically include written examinations, essays, and project work that contribute to the final course grade.

Graduate Destinations

Graduates of the MSc in Accounting and Data Analytics will be well equipped for careers at the intersection of finance, accounting, and data science. Typical roles include financial analyst, asset manager, investment banking associate, private equity analyst, forensic accountant, ESG analyst, and management consultant — particularly in firms that prioritise data-driven decision-making.

Career Support

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work. Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.