International Accounting and Sustainability (MSc)

To apply for our MSc International Accounting and Sustainability course, you'll need a 2:1 degree. 

Unlike traditional programmes with strict entry requirements in accounting and finance, our master's course is open to students from diverse educational backgrounds.

However, we are unable to accept degrees in the following subjects:

• language studies: this includes degrees that focus on learning a language, such as business English or applied English, or translation. This restriction does not apply to English and English literature degrees which are taught in the UK.
• art, design or vocational studies: this includes degrees that focus on learning a particular form of craft or vocation, such as art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, dance or performance.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Our MSc International Accounting and Sustainability course lasts 12 months on a full-time basis.

The first 9 months involve taught study divided into 2 semesters lasting 15 weeks each. You'll complete 8 modules during this course, including 6 core or compulsory modules and 2 optional modules.

In the final 3 months of the course you'll work on your research task and dissertation.

Your learning will be led by the latest research, and we'll change modules periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We'll also keep course content up to date as teaching staff members maintain various links with the accounting profession, external organisations, and academia.

Semester 1 overview

In your first semester, you'll complete 3 core and compulsory modules:

• Sustainability Accounting and Reporting
• Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
• Introduction to Sustainability

You'll also choose one optional module from the following:

• Executive Compensation
• Financial Reporting and Markets
• International Accounting and Taxation
• International Corporate Governance
• Sustainable Finance

Semester 2 overview

In your second semester, you'll complete 3 more core and compulsory modules:

• Foundations of Research in Accounting and Finance
• Emerging International Green Accounting Technologies, AI, Innovation and Sustainability
• Fundamentals of Management Accounting

You'll also choose another optional module from the following:

• Islamic Accounting Finance and Governance
• Accounting for Corporate Performance and Accountability

Once you've completed your modules for semester 2, you will study for your research task. This will lead to you submitting a dissertation.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

On our international accounting and sustainability degree, we take a flexible and inclusive approach to learning and teaching. This will enable all students to achieve the intended learning outcomes.

You'll gain an understanding of theoretical ideas and technical methods through a combination of:

• lectures
• discussion classes and seminars
• individual and group practical exercises
• case studies
• directed reading

When not attending lectures, seminars and other timetabled sessions, you'll be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve:

• reading journal articles and books
• working on individual and group projects
• undertaking research in the library
• completing coursework assignments and presentations
• preparing for other types of assessments and examinations

You'll develop your analytical, reflective, logical, and creative intellectual skills in response to each module, and enhance these skills through various assessments.

Assessment

We use a range of individual and group assessments on this programme to ensure all students meet the learning outcomes. Typically, these assessment methods include:

• individual written examination
• class tests
• essays
• group activities
• presentations

Some assessments will be based around practical problems, and you'll need to apply both quantitative and qualitative analysis tools. 

Other assessments will address more theoretical issues, and you'll be expected to apply practical methods of accounting, including relevant research methods. 

You'll also be expected to demonstrate your ability to analyse an issue in a critical, logical and reflective manner as part of your dissertation.

Dissertation

On successful completion of the taught part of the programme, you'll complete an individual research task.

As part of this task, you'll write a 15,000-word dissertation. Your dissertation will put your individual research into the context of existing work in the relevant subject area, and set out the results of your research.

Your MSc award is assessed entirely on the basis of your dissertation, which will be supervised by a member of academic staff.

Academic Support

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team, whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the course content. The team includes:

• senior academics
• professional practitioners with industry experience
• demonstrators
• technical officers

Trained postgraduate research students may also contribute to the teaching of seminars, if their research specialism is directly related to the module topic. They may also be involved in practical classes, project work and field trips. All contributions will be supervised by the module leader.

When you arrive at the University of Southampton, we will allocate to you a personal academic tutor. They will typically be a member of academic staff in your own or a closely related subject area.

Your tutor will offer one-to-one support and advice throughout your time at Southampton, and will support you in your studies or with other issues you may have.

Our MSc International Accounting and Sustainability degree will help you build a strong foundation for your current or future career in: 

• international accounting and finance
• financial and business analysis
• sustainability reporting
• sustainable investing and fund management
• green innovations
• emerging green accounting technologies
• sustainability-oriented consultancies and policy-making

You may also want to continue studying accounting and sustainability up to PhD level.

International accounting and sustainability graduates typically progress into roles in the private sector, including banks, financial institutions, and accounting or consulting firms. They also pursue work in public and third-sector organisations, including social enterprises.

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £15,800.
• EU and international students pay £27,800.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

Extra costs you might have to pay

Calculators

In situations where you require a calculator, we allow non-programmable, scientific Casio calculators.

Stationery

You'll be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery items, such as pens, pencils and notebooks. 

We'll specify any specialist stationery items you may need in the relevant module profile.

Textbooks

The library will identify the best way to provide essential texts for modules, including e-books, digitised chapter extracts, or a limited number of print books. 

You can request for the library to purchase additional print copies, or borrow an additional copy via our inter-library loans service. However, you may prefer to buy your own copies of high-demand titles.

Printing

In most cases, written coursework such as essays and projects are submitted online. However, you may need to submit a printed copy of some projects and dissertations. You'll need to cover the costs of printing and photocopying.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship

A scholarship is available to home fee paying students studying an eligible postgraduate master's at Southampton Business School. 

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship

A scholarship of £9,000 is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at the Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. . 
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000