Our goal is to develop socially responsible and innovative business thinkers. Accredited by both the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), our course will give you a comprehensive grounding in financial and non-financial reporting and analysis, together with the rigorous accounting and financial management knowledge needed to set you on the path to either becoming a Chartered Accountant or pursuing a PhD, should you wish. We provide flexible and innovative teaching methods, capitalising on our strong ties to the business community.
We are in the process of refreshing our curriculum for the 2025/26 academic year to reflect best practices and the latest advancements in academia. New course content and modules will be available on this course page in due course.
Why study Accounting and Financial Management at Keele University?
Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Access to our Bloomberg Financial Lab with all its economic, financial and business real-time data, world news, analyses and reports from the world’s biggest financial organisations
Large choice of optional modules allows you to tailor your studies to match your interests
Gain substantial practical experience through a consultancy project, work placement or entrepreneurship year
Get paid to work alongside an academic expert on a ‘live’ research project to help local SMEs bring innovative products and services to market quicker through Keele Research and Innovation Support Programme (KRISP)
Course summary
With increased regulations around financial reporting and an unstable global economy, accounting and financial management is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects in any business. Long-term success requires the ability to think both strategically and critically, skills we build in our students through creative and innovative teaching and learning practice.
This master’s course is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), which means that with further relevant study and professional experience, you could go on to become a fully qualified certified accountant or management accountant. Alternatively, you can pursue a PhD or a variety of careers in almost any industry in financial advice, management, auditing or risk.
Combining the rigorous examination of core accounting and financial management with a wide range of practical applications, you will learn to work confidently with both numerical quantitative and qualitative financial analysis and reporting. You’ll draw on real-life data and case studies in our state-of-the-art Bloomberg Suite, which features industry-leading technology.
Studying alongside a diverse international body of students from a wide range of national and social backgrounds, you’ll develop as a global citizen, vital in today’s globalised world of work. You’ll expand your professional networks and learn to appreciate different cultural backgrounds and personalities.
The theoretical and technical knowledge and skills required to become a professional accountant means that you can choose to transfer to this career from a range of different disciplines, especially since accounting and financial management is needed in every industry – from sport and leisure, the arts and entertainment to social work, engineering and the natural sciences. Each year, we welcome applicants from a wide range of undergraduate disciplines, some already working, who either want to divert to a financial career and/or recognise the benefits of gaining a postgraduate education in a subject which will improve their contribution to businesses. Past students have joined us having studied subjects as diverse as chemistry and history, as well as business.
Our graduates have gone on to work as a finance officer, audit associate and bank assistant. Others have continued their studies as PhD students or sought to gain Chartered status by taking the relevant ACCA and CIMA exams.
The programme is designed to build a rigorous understanding of the dynamic, global business environment and future challenges with relevant real-world accounting and financial management problems and their efficient solutions.
It provides a solid foundation to develop theoretical and technical skills in a number of subjects, including contemporary areas such as multinational management accounting, corporate governance and sustainability, performance management, international financial reporting, auditing and assurance, contemporary issues in accounting practices, and strategy and globalisation and information management.
A large range of optional modules gives you the choice to retain your focus on aspects of financial management, such as international business context or contemporary issues in accounting, or broaden your scope of study to expand your business knowledge, by exploring marketing or entrepreneurship, for example.
Depending on availability, you can also choose to study a modern language as your optional module, from absolute beginners to advanced level in British Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish or Russian. Those for whom English is a second language may also choose Advanced Business English.
You will study a mixture of core and optional taught modules during semesters 1 and 2. After you have completed the taught modules of the course, you will undertake a large project in semester 3 to further develop your knowledge in a specific area of marketing.
Modules
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Choice of modern languages from post-beginners to advanced level (subject to availability) - Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish or Russian, British Sign Language
After you have completed the taught modules, you will undertake an independent project to further develop your knowledge in a specific area of management or to tackle a specific management issue within an organisation, all of which is designed to enhance your employability and research skills.
The dissertation is a formal written academic project of between 10,000 and 12,000 words, making it ideal preparation for future academic research at MPhil or PhD level or for the report-writing and scrutiny expected of senior management professionals. Taking inspiration from your own interests, and with support throughout from a highly experienced supervisor with relevant expertise, you’ll choose an important and emerging topic to conduct either quantitative or qualitative research in various accounting fields, such as corporate governance, social and environmental accounting, performance management, auditor independence and audit quality, and so on.
During June and September, you will spend eight to 12 weeks undertaking a management research project on behalf of an organisation (chosen by Keele Business School). You’ll put into practice what you’ve learned, developing and applying your skills to solve a business problem, issue or focus on a specific project. As part of the eventual assessment, you’ll present your findings to the host organisation, exactly as you would do within the workplace. Previously, two of our students worked with a local council, one undertaking a feasibility study for the establishment of a school for those wanting to work in the circus, the other developing an evaluation tool to assess applications for the town’s local market. Another student worked with a manufacturing company to investigate new markets for its tile boards outside of the ceramic market such as weddings, mood boards, displays and so on.
Please note that participation in the Consultancy Project is only available after a comprehensive selection process. Please view our terms and conditions to find out more.
An excellent opportunity if you have an idea for a new business venture, this module will provide you with the time, space and expertise to develop it. For between eight weeks to 12 months, you’ll be given the option of a base within the University’s incubator and have access to workshops and guidance from a network of entrepreneurs and business advisers. During this time, you’ll complete a portfolio of evidence on your idea and present this to an external stakeholder. Places are limited, and you will be required to undertake an interview prior to acceptance on this module.
Please note: The Entrepreneurship pathway is available to UK Students only.
In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are looking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and workplace experience. With support from the Faculty Placement Officer, you will gain first-hand professional experience on a suitable, paid work placement for between eight weeks to 12 months. During your placement, you will be required to complete an extended project on behalf of the organisation. As part of the eventual assessment, you’ll present your findings to the host organisation, exactly as you would do within the workplace. Your placement can be based anywhere in the UK giving you the opportunity to work with local, national and international organisations.
Students who require a visa to study in the UK may be able to add in a work placement depending upon the programme. The ability to add a work placement is dependent upon the UK Immigration rules at the time of the request. It may be that for some programmes students will not have the option to request a placement period to be added to their programme before they arrive in the UK and would need to apply for a new visa. There is no guarantee that a placement will be provided and that students who have a visa are subject to a number of restrictions on the type of work, including placements they can undertake.
Keele Business School (KBS) has been selected for the 2024-2025 cohort of PRME Champions. Consisting of 47 businesses and management schools from around the world, The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) is an initiative of the United Nations Global Compact, focused on raising the bar for sustainable business education. More information about PRME Champions can be found here.
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Entry requirements
Pre-Master's in Business
The Keele University International College offer a one semester Pre-Master's in Business programme for international students who do not meet the traditional entry requirements for a postgraduate business degree at Keele University.
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Typical offer: 2:2 degree in any subjectAdditional criteria apply
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a public university or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a private university or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any subject or 65% in a degree in any subject from a '211' university or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in any degree of three years or longer or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any subject or 65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any subject or Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pre-Master's in Business
The Keele University International College offer a one semester Pre-Master's in Business programme for international students who do not meet the traditional entry requirements for a postgraduate business degree at Keele University.
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
Professional qualifications and work experience
The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.
Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
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Funding
Living costs
Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2025 start date falls in the 2024/25 academic year. Please see the January 2025 fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2025
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
Scholarships
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage for more information.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Our educational programmes and the learning environment at Keele is designed to help you to develop further as a well-rounded postgraduate and a critical thinker who is capable of making a positive and valued contribution in a complex and rapidly changing global world, whichever spheres of life you engage in during and after your studies at Keele.
Team building, group work, research, presentations and projects will help you develop essential skills, such as business planning, decision-making, problem-solving, communication, delegation and time management.
Accountancy is one of the highest earning professions globally, with the average UK salary around £30K, according to 2020 figures from Payscale. However, our master’s will not only prepare you to become a qualified Chartered Accountant, but also for a wide-range of careers in accounting and/or financial management both in the UK and internationally. You could work in accounting and finance-related roles within many different sectors.
Alternatively, you’ll be placed to pursue further postgraduate studies at MPhil or PhD level, which can lead to an academic career in Accounting. Our graduates work for major employers including the Bank of England, Campus Group, Grant Thornton and Eastern International University Vietnam.
Our teaching and learning strategy is wide-ranging and innovative, seeking to give you a rich learning environment that draws actively upon leading edge research, as well as current business practice. It includes traditional lectures, workshops and small group tutorials and innovative approach of flipped classes which, through debate, discussion and case study, will encourage you to become a socially responsible business thinker.
A key strength of our programme is our commitment to developing your critical thinking and practical skills, whether you are preparing for an academic or professional career. The carefully designed modules combined with research and other placement-related projects will give you valuable insight into the interface between theory and real-world accounting practice
You’ll gain hands-on experience in our Bloomberg Suite, with the option to gain the Bloomberg Marketing Concepts (BMC) certificate. Bloomberg’s professional service is a powerful platform for financial professionals that delivers real-time data and news and contains a wide range of analytical tools for asset valuation and portfolio and risk management. This platform is used by banks and other financial services organisations in their daily operations.
Teaching schedule
Teaching takes place over the first two semesters. There are no formal group classes during Semester 3, but you consult with supervisors and access the University’s learning and teaching facilities and support services.
Semester 1 runs from the end of September to the end of January, with an assessment period in January.
Semester 2 runs from the last week of January to the middle of June, with the assessment period in June.
Semester 3 runs from June to the end of September.
KBS staff have extensive teaching, research and industrial experience in a variety of fields both in the UK and internationally. The School maintains a strong commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching and research. Our staff members have substantial teaching experience and are committed to continuing professional development; some are members (Fellows/Senior Fellows) of the Higher Education Academy. All of our lecturers have PhDs or equivalent, and hold professional qualifications.
The programme team maintains a strong commitment to excellence, innovation and multi-culture in teaching and research. Teaching is informed by research with all teaching staff presenting and publishing academic papers at national and international conferences, in books and in internationally top-ranked accounting, finance, and management journals. Their expertise spans a diverse range of areas from financial market evaluation, auditing, social and environmental accounting to corporate governance.
As a Keele Business School student, you will study alongside innovative companies that are based in the Business School building, a hub for fostering networks and linking with industry.
Keele Business School is located at the heart of the Keele University Science & Innovation Park, one of the leading developments of its kind in the UK. The Park offers companies a business environment that provides an innovative research culture, combined with academic expertise and the University’s specialist resources, with a variety of opportunities for students to get involved, from internships, knowledge exchange partnerships, and student enterprise initiatives.
