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MSc Accounting and Finance

  • Graduate taught
  • Department of Accounting
  • Application code N4U1
  • Starting 2024
  • Home full-time: Closed
  • Home part-time: Closed
  • Overseas full-time: Closed
  • Location: Houghton Street, London

phd in accounting lse

The MSc Accounting and Finance has an established reputation for excellence extending over five decades. It provides a comprehensive and rigorous treatment of key areas of accounting and finance. It is appropriate for applicants interested in careers across a wide range of sectors and organisations in the fields of business, consulting and finance, and provides thorough preparation for academic research in accounting or finance.

The programme assumes an academic background in financial reporting, management accounting, finance, economics and quantitative methods prior to entry.  As a condition of admission, you may be required to take one or more courses in these areas to strengthen your background.

Through your course selection, you can emphasise either accounting or finance, or can choose an equally balanced programme across the two areas. You will also be able to specialise in a designated pathway in finance, international accounting and finance, or accounting and financial management.

The programme is housed within the Department of Accounting, which is widely recognised throughout the world for its excellence in accounting and financial management research and education, as well as for its leading role in public policy issues. The interface between accounting and managers, organisations, institutions, public policy and regulatory bodies is a particular teaching and research strength of the Department.

Programme details

Start date 30 September 2024
Application deadline None – rolling admissions. However, please note the funding deadlines.
Duration 9 months full-time, 21 months part-time (see  )
Applications 2022 1009
Intake 2022 167
Financial support Graduate support scheme (see 'Fees and funding')
Minimum entry requirement 2:1 degree or equivalent in accounting and finance or related subject
GRE/GMAT requirement GMAT is recommended for all applicants and is required for those without a UK undergraduate degree (see for further information and exceptions)
English language requirements Standard (see 'Assessing your application')
Location  Houghton Street, London

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for msc accounting and finance.

Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in accounting and finance or a related subject. You are expected to have studied academic courses in financial reporting, management accounting, finance, economics and quantitative methods. Strong candidates who do not have the appropriate background in one or more of these areas may be required to take additional courses before being accepted. This may be a course undertaken at the LSE Summer School or an approved distance learning or web-based equivalent.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet the minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

Given the high competition for places on this programme, applicants who indicate an interest in the MSc Accounting and Finance specifically as their first choice will maximise their prospect of admission to the programme. Equally, you should note the differentiated nature of the graduate programmes in the Department of Accounting, and are advised to identify your first choice accordingly. A transfer from another programme in the Department will not normally be permitted.

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our  Information for International Students  to find out the entry requirements that apply to you

GRE/GMAT requirement

All applicants without a UK undergraduate degree must submit GMAT test scores with their application. The overall GMAT score should normally be in excess of 650 points. Applicants with UK undergraduate degrees, particularly those whose quantitative skills are not demonstrated by their undergraduate studies, may be asked to submit GMAT scores.

Find out more about GRE/GMAT

Assessing your application

We welcome applications from all suitable qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades) - statement of academic purpose - two academic references - CV -GRE/GMAT

See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE.  See our English language requirements .

When to apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. There is no fixed deadline by which you need to apply, however, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details.

Fees and funding

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MSc Accounting and Finance

Home students: £35,472 Overseas students: £36,168

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

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

The School recognises that the  cost of living in London  may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the  Graduate Support Scheme ,  Master's Awards , and  Anniversary Scholarships . 

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline. Funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 25 April 2024 .

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.   Find out more about financial support.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

A postgraduate loan is available from the UK government for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme, to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.

Find out more about tuition fee loans

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students . 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Part-time study Part time study is only available for students who do not require a student visa.

Programme structure and courses

You must successfully complete the equivalent of four full-unit courses to meet the requirements of the MSc Accounting and Finance programme. Results from each of the full-unit courses carry proportionate and equal weight in the final assessment of the degree. Compulsory core courses in accounting and finance provide the foundation for developing an understanding of a variety of topics, themes and core principles. You can then select from a combination of optional full and half unit courses in specific areas of accounting and finance to fit your interests and preferred specialisation. Options from outside the two Departments are also available.

(* denotes a half unit course)

Either Corporate Finance and Asset Markets  *Suspended for 2022/23* Examines the fundamental concepts and tools underlying modern finance, both in the asset markets and the corporate finance side Or Asset Markets A * Equips students with the fundamental concepts and tools underlying the assets markets side of modern finance And Corporate Finance A * Covers a range of topics in corporate finance including capital budgeting techniques, capital structure decisions, dividend policy, decision to go public and mergers and acquisitions. Or Another approved course 

Courses to the value of two units from a range of options

A specified combination of the following courses, equalling one unit in total: Topics in Financial Reporting *  Enhances the student's ability to relate economic events to financial statements and disclosures. Corporate Financial Disclosure and Investor Relations *  Examines the lens of financial accounting and reporting by covering topics on the interaction of financial accounting and reporting with capital markets with a focus on corporate disclosure and communication strategies. Accounting, Strategy and Control *  Provides an advanced overview of current theoretical and practical developments in the area of organisational control. Management Accounting for Decision Making * Focuses on cost and other accounting and non-accounting information systems that aid managerial decision-making.

View Course Videos Here 

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page . 

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated graduate course and programme information page.

About the Department of Accounting

The Department of Accounting is one of the leading groups in the world for teaching and research on the economic, institutional and organisational aspects of accounting and financial management. Maintaining and advancing our leading international reputation for teaching and research is our top priority. Discover the latest news and research offered in the department.

The Department of Accounting has developed substantially in recent years and is now superbly placed to enhance further its leading role in accounting and financial management research globally. Find information about our Faculty and their research, achievements and awards here . 

Research 

We have a strong international and interdisciplinary orientation, and received the highest rating of 5*A in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise, the review of university research by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). Find information about our research here . 

Centre for Analysis of Risk and Regulation (CARR)

CARR is an interdisciplinary research unit, whose core intellectual work focuses on the organisational and institutional settings for risk management and regulatory practices. Find out more on CARR here . 

Department Social Media

Follow us on  Linkedin , Twitter and Instagram

Teaching and assessment

Contact hours and independent study.

A short, focused, introductory course on accounting practices and techniques will be held at the beginning of the programme. Thereafter, you take examined courses up to a total of four full units. The average number of contact hours per week is 12 hours, which includes lectures and seminars. Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar  within the Teaching section of each course guide .

You are also expected to complete independent study outside of class time. This varies depending on the programme, but requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, by engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking and research.

Teaching methods

Courses are taught in lecture and class or seminar format. Lectures introduce the core theoretical and technical concepts whilst their associated classes allow you to discuss and apply these concepts through exercises and in-depth study. Seminars allow for the focused study of key concepts in a more informal style and often involve presentations by students on selected course materials. Many teachers adopt a variety of teaching methods to deliver their courses, such as class exercises, team presentations, individual or group work, or case study discussions.

LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant  course guide . 

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. All full-unit courses are assessed by three hour unseen examinations in the Spring Term. Half-units are assessed by two hour unseen examinations. Some of the half-unit optional courses also have group/individual project work as part of the assessment. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant  course guide .

Academic support

You will also be assigned an academic mentor who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns.

There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE.  LSE LIFE  is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s  Disability and Wellbeing Service  provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians   – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service  – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme  and arranging  exam adjustments.  They run groups and workshops.  

IT help  – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.   

LSE Faith Centre  – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

Language Centre  – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers  ­ – with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library   –   founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.  

PhD Academy   – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice   – this   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.  

St Philips Medical Centre  – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget . 

Student events

Discover the range of free events in the Department of Accounting.

Insights Speaker Series

In order to show how some of the theories taught at LSE is used in practice, the Department runs a series of lectures by external speakers, where the department invite practitioners, and in some cases visiting academics, to make presentations to students. These lectures are generally related to a topical aspect of accounting, finance or something which students are seeing in their lectures and classes.

Python workshop

The Digital Skill Lab is offers a Python training workshop to all students in the Department of Accounting. This Python course is intended for Accounting students and is designed for them to acquire the foundational skills in Python that will be needed to participate in the Python for Accounting practical workshop series. 

Student stories

Giuseppe trecarichi .

MSc Accounting and Finance Italy, Ferrara

Giuseppe Trecarichi graduated from the MSc Accounting and Finance programme, Class of 2019.  "My favourite course was valuation and security analysis (AC444) as it covered the most interesting topics from the process that goes from gathering the relevant financial information of a firm’s statements, to forecasting, to valuing the firm’s stock." Click here to read about his time at LSE. 

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Accounting

Median salary of our PG students 15 months after graduating: £35,000          

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

  • Financial and Professional Services              
  • Accounting and Auditing              
  • FMCG, Manufacturing and Retail              
  • Insurance           
  • Law and Legal Services

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2020-21 were the fourth group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

Students who successfully complete the MSc Accounting and Finance programme pursue careers across a wide range of sectors, in financial institutions, accounting firms, management consulting, industry, government and academia.

Companies who have employed recent graduates from this programme include Bain & Company, Bank of New York Mellon, Barclays Capital, BlackRock, Crédit Agricole, Crowe Horwath, General Electric, JP Morgan, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, PwC, KPMG, Proctor & Gamble, Merrill Lynch, Mondelez, EMI Music, Nordea Bank, Royal Dutch Shell, Schroders and Strategic Asset Partners LLP.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

MSc Accounting and Finance, 2012 Market Risk Analyst, Shell Trading

Sophie-Tao170x230

I am on my first rotation in the Oil Trading Market Risk team. My key responsibility is to manage the possibility of financial loss caused by market price movements. On a daily basis, I identify and investigate trading activity that can potentially create exposure to market risk and analyse the overall market risk that our global trading network is exposed to.

I cannot stress enough how much I have learned from the people I studied with. who all come from diverse backgrounds and possess different strengths. My way of thinking, habits and attitude towards life were tremendously shaped and influenced by my experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. These experiences, together with the knowledge and skills I acquired, are directly relevant and applicable to my current day-to-day work, the most significant of which is the ability to think and work independently.

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the  support available to students through LSE Careers .

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home . 

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE . 

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits . 

How to apply

Virtual Graduate Open Day

Register your interest

Related programmes, msc accounting, organisations and institutions.

Code(s) N4U4

MSc Finance (full-time)

Code(s) N3UA

MSc Finance and Risk

Code(s) N4U3

MSc Finance and Private Equity

Code(s) N3UB

MSc Finance and Economics

Code(s) LN43

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Accounting (Economics of Accounting)

Entry requirements.

To be considered for admission, you should have a substantial academic background in accounting, finance, economics or another subject with a strong quantitative component.

Students are normally required to have prior training at master’s level. We may exceptionally accept students with outstanding performance in their undergraduate degree.

GRE or GMAT is required from all applicants. Test scores are valid for 5 years so students who have taken the GRE/GMAT for the MSc Accounting and Finance at LSE will not be required to take a new test.

Months of entry

August, September

Course content

About the MRes/PhD programme

The Department of Accounting at LSE is one of the leading groups in the world for teaching and research on the economic, institutional and organisational aspects of accounting and financial management. Our PhD programme provides rigorous academic training aimed at preparing students to undertake research of the highest international standards.

You will benefit from a truly international and interdisciplinary environment. You will have access to a wide range of taught courses and research seminars across different departments and research centres within the School. You will work closely with faculty in the Department throughout the programme, and you will interact with leading scholars from other universities thanks to our active external workshop series. All students admitted to the programme are fully funded, and financial assistance is also available for you to present your work at conferences.

You will be expected to complete the programme within five years. In the first two years, you will take a set of core and elective courses in accounting and related fields and complete a research paper. After the second year, you will focus on your PhD thesis.

Our programme is structured in two tracks: The Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (AOI) track , which is devoted to the study of interrelationships between accounting, organisations and institutions, and the Economics of Accounting (EoA) track, which primarily examines accounting and financial reporting issues from an economics perspective.

Department of Accounting

The Department of Accounting is widely recognised throughout Europe for its excellence in accounting and financial management research and education, as well as for its leading role in public policy issues. The interface between accounting and managers, organisations, institutions, public policy and regulatory bodies is a particular teaching and research strength of the Department.

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students .

Fees and funding

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme. Visit the website for more information about the fees .

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

LSE offers studentships to new PhD students in the form of LSE PhD Studentships, LSE ESRC Studentships, LAHP AHRC Studentships and LSE & III PhD Studentships on Analysing and Challenging Inequalities.

These awards are open to high calibre students of all nationalities studying across all research areas at the School.

Find out more about financial support.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • Campus-based learning is available for this qualification

Course contact details

phd in accounting lse

Associate Professor of Accounting

Department of Accounting

The London School of Economics and Political Science

phd in accounting lse

Dr. Li is currently a Research Fellow at Centre for Endowment Asset Management at Cambridge Judge Business School and Centre for Analysis of Risk and Regulation (CARR) at London School of Economics.

Dr. Li’s research focuses on Financial Reporting and Disclosure, Debt Contracting, and Shareholder Engagement on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues. She has published in top-tier academic journals in accounting and finance areas.

We have 2 Accounting PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in London

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Accounting PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in London

Lse phd studentships for 2024/25 entry, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Social Sciences Research Programme

Social Sciences Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

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Phd opportunities.

PhD Opportunities highlight some of the specific PhD projects, programmes or other information currently available from a university.

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MRes/PhD Accounting (Accounting, Organisations and Institutions)

  • Graduate research
  • Department of Accounting
  • Application code N2ZD (AOI track)
  • Starting 2024
  • Home full-time: Closed
  • Overseas full-time: Closed
  • Location: Houghton Street, London

The Department of Accounting at LSE is one of the leading groups in the world for teaching and research on the economic, institutional and organisational aspects of accounting and financial management. Our PhD programme provides rigorous academic training aimed at preparing students to undertake research of the highest international standards.

You will benefit from a truly international and interdisciplinary environment. You will have access to a wide range of taught courses and research seminars across different departments and research centres within the School. You will work closely with faculty in the Department throughout the programme, and you will interact with leading scholars from other universities thanks to our active external workshop series. All students admitted to the programme are fully funded, and financial assistance is also available for you to present your work at conferences.

You will be expected to complete the programme within five years. In the first two years, you will take a set of core and elective courses in accounting and related fields and complete a research paper. After the second year, you will focus on your PhD thesis.

Our programme is structured in two tracks: The Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (AOI) track, which is devoted to the study of interrelationships between accounting, organisations and institutions, and the Economics of Accounting (EoA) track , which primarily examines accounting and financial reporting issues from an economics perspective. Below you find more information about the AOI track. For information about the EoA track please click here .

Research in the AOI track is mainly qualitative in approach, focusing on the accounting process within and across organizations. Our intention is that your chosen topic will involve the investigation of how accounting practices are shaped by their institutional contexts, have behavioural consequences and can be vehicles for operationalising different values. Efforts to design internal and external accounting practices are both a function of specific economic and political interests, but are also shaped by social and political aspirations. Research in this track can potentially embrace a wide variety of accounting areas, such as studies in management accounting and organisational control processes, analyses of the impact of new accounting systems in the private and public sector, event-based work on transformations of auditing and risk regulation regimes, historical studies of accounting, as well as broader contributions to social theory.

Faculty supervising students in the AOI track have close links with LSE’s Centre for Analysis of Risk and Regulation (CARR).

Programme details

Start date 30 September 2024
Application deadline . However, please note the funding deadlines
Duration Five years full-time: two years MRes, three years PhD. 
Please note that LSE allows part-time PhD study only under limited circumstances. Please see   for more information. If you wish to study part-time, you should mention this (and the reasons for it) in your statement of academic purpose, and discuss it at interview if you are shortlisted.
Financial support LSE PhD Studentships, ESRC funding, departmental scholarships (see 'Fees and funding')
Minimum entry requirement Merit in a taught master’s degree in a relevant discipline
GRE/GMAT requirement None
English language requirements Standard (see 'Assessing your application')
Location  Houghton Street, London

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for mres/phd accounting aoi track.

To be considered for admission, you should have a substantial academic background in accounting or a cognate area (for example, economic sociology, organisation studies or economic history).

Students are normally required to have prior training at master’s level. We may exceptionally accept students with outstanding performance in their undergraduate degree.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our  Information for International Students  to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Assessing your application

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff at the School, and we recommend that you investigate  staff research interests  before applying.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications) - statement of academic purpose - references - CV - outline research proposal - sample of written work

See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE, but we recommend that you do.  See our English language requirements .

When to apply

The application deadline for this programme is 23 May 2024 . However, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details.

Fees and funding

Every research student is charged a fee in line with the fee structure for their programme. The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MRes/PhD Accounting (Accounting, Organisations and Institutions)

Home students: £4,786 for the first year Overseas students: £22,632 for the first year

The fee is likely to rise over subsequent years of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with the level of fee that the Research Councils recommend. The fees for overseas students are likely to rise in line with the assumed percentage increase in pay costs (ie, 4 per cent per annum).

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Scholarships, studentships and other funding

The School recognises that the  cost of living in London  may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for  LSE PhD Studentships , and  Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding . Selection for the PhD Studentships and ESRC funding is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline.  

Funding deadline for first round of LSE PhD Studentships and ESRC funding: 15 January 2024 The deadline for the second round of LSE PhD Studentships: 25 April 2024

The Department of Accounting may also offer departmental scholarships.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.  Find out more about financial support.

External funding 

There may be other funding opportunities available through other organisations or governments and we recommend you investigate these options as well.

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students . 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

A PhD in Accounting from LSE consists of six coursework units, completed over two years, followed by a thesis which is usually expected to take a further three years. 

Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (AOI) Track

This track is devoted to the study of interrelationships between accounting, organisations and institutions.

Foundations in Accounting, Organisations and Institutions Emphasises the inter-relations between technical, organisational and institutional issues. While some technical accounting knowledge will be helpful, it is not essential and each lecture will provide the necessary technical foundations.

You will also be required to take a number of courses in Methodology.

Fundamentals of Social Science Research Design Explores design considerations and options across quantitative and qualitative research, including issues of data quality, analysis, reporting and reproducibility.  At the end of the course, you will be able to read a wide variety of empirical social science with a critical and balanced perspective and you will be better equipped to implement and make arguments defending the methods you use in your research.

Qualitative Research Methods (or equivalent with permission) Presents the fundamentals of qualitative research methods. It prepares you to design, carry out, report, read and evaluate qualitative research projects.

Introduction to Quantitative Analysis (or equivalent with permission) An intensive introduction to quantitative data analysis in the social sciences.

Depending on the previous methods training you have undertaken, you will be allowed to replace one or all of the above listed methods courses with more advanced courses.

In addition, you will be required to complete elective courses to the value of 1.0 unit in relevant fields, e.g.:

  • The Sociology of Markets (0.5)
  • History of Economics: Making Political Economy into a Social Science (0.5)
  • History of Economics: Ideas, Policy and Performativity (0.5)
  • Monetary and Financial History (1.0) (suspended in 2024/25)
  • The Long-Run Analysis of Firms and Industries (0.5)

Or any other graduate- or research-level course available in the School with permission.

Further training and transferable skills courses:

Topics in Accounting Research (AOI) Focuses on the institutional and organisational context of accounting practices in their broadest sense. Seminars are generally based on key readings at the interface between accounting, organisation studies, regulation and management. This course is not examined in the first year, but you are required to attend. The course is examined in the second year.

Department of Accounting Research Forums (ARFs) Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (AOI) Research Seminars and Workshops 

Second year

Topics in Accounting Research (AOI)  

Research Paper in Accounting A research paper of between 6,000 and 8,000 words, related to your designated major field, to be submitted at the end of August of the second year.

You will also be required to complete elective courses to the value of 1.0 unit in relevant fields, including more specialised methods training if not taken above, e.g.:

  • Doing Ethnography (0.5)
  • Qualitative Text and Discourse Analysis (0.5)

Accounting Work in Progress Seminars This is a non-examined course which all PhD students in Accounting (AOI and EoA tracks) are required to take from Year 2 onwards. You present your work in progress to fellow students and faculty, including drafts/outlines of your Year 2 research paper, and ongoing PhD work thereafter.

Department of Accounting Research Forums (ARFs) Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (AOI) Research Seminars and Workshops

PhD programme

After meeting the progression requirements, you progress to PhD registration and begin to work on your thesis. You will continue to attend the following seminars and workshops:

Topics in Accounting Research (AOI) Accounting Work in Progress Seminars Department of Accounting Research Forums (ARFs) Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (AOI) Research Seminars and Workshops  

You can find the most up-to-date list of optional courses in the Programme Regulations section of the current School Calendar . 

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.  

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated graduate course and programme information page.

Supervision, progression and assessment

Supervision.

Successful applicants will be assigned two supervisors, a principal and secondary supervisor at the start of the programme.

During the MRes period you will have the opportunity to meet and discuss your research interests with a range of faculty members to help ensure you have the right fit with your supervisors for your PhD. This is designed to expose you to various faculty members within the academic group on a rotation basis and also to provide a more integrated experience where you will have the chance to develop your ideas with junior faculty.

Because of the close relationship between the supervisor and their subject area, you will be able to develop a solid intellectual relationship with an experienced researcher who is directly engaged with, and interested in, your research progress. The direction and guidance you are given occurs through frequent student/supervisor meetings and reviews, as well as discussions of relevant academic issues during seminar presentations by faculty and visiting academics. 

Progression and assessment

Throughout your PhD, progression is monitored via bi-annual progress reviews by the departmental Research Student Assessment Review Committee. The Committee meets each year in January to assess your mid-year progress and in June to assess your end-of-year progress and make decisions on continued registration/de-registration.

During your second year of your PhD, you will undergo a ‘mid-term review’. As part of the mid-term review, you have to submit a solid draft of one complete core chapter, a less developed draft of one further core chapter, as well as a detailed outline for the rest of the PhD thesis with a timeline for completion. You will be provided with an opportunity to defend your submitted written materials orally. The materials will be reviewed by a Departmental Review Committee which will consist of the supervisory team and one internal reviewer drawn from the Department, who has not been involved in your supervision. You need to pass the ‘mid-term review’ to progress to the third year of your PhD studies.

Your final award will be determined by the completion of an original research thesis and a viva oral examination.

More about progression requirements

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians   – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service  – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme  and arranging  exam adjustments.  They run groups and workshops.  

IT help  – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.   

LSE Faith Centre  – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

Language Centre  – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers  ­ – with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library   –   founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.  

PhD Academy   – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice   – this   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.  

St Philips Medical Centre  – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget . 

Student stories

Nadine de gannes (2018, ivey business school).

De-Gannes_Nadine

The PhD journey for me was one of discovery. Personally, I unearthed the depths of my work ethic and perseverance. In focusing intently upon a particular area of study and questioning what was known and puzzling over what remained unknown, I discovered the types of questions I wanted to ask, and how I wanted to go about finding the answers. Both methodology and methods training are central pillars in doctoral research, and the Department of Accounting enabled these in spades. I was never left wanting for opportunities to enhance skills that were critical to the successful completion of my thesis. There was also no shortage of outstanding academics to challenge and inspire critical thinking and discussion. The PhD was not an easy road, but undoubtedly one that I believe was worthwhile.​

Take a look at the department webpages for further student stories .

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Support for your career

Throughout the programme, you are expected to participate in departmental research seminars, forums, workshops and internal brownbags enabling you to grow familiar with the process of presenting and discussing academic papers with experienced faculty, and provide opportunities for networking. Funding is also available for you to attend and present papers at academic conferences.

LSE Careers has a team dedicated to PhD students offering a wide range of resources and advice. You will receive regular updates on career events and workshops offered by LSE Careers and the LSE’s PhD Academy.

The Department aims to give all doctoral students the opportunity to teach during the programme. Developing teaching skills and experience is an important component of the students' career development and prepare you for future academic roles. To make this experience as valuable as possible we draw on the support of LSE's Eden Centre .

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home . 

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE . 

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits . 

How to apply

Download programme brochure

Register your interest

Related programmes, mres/phd accounting (economics of accounting).

Code(s) N2ZE (EA track)

MRes/PhD Finance

Code(s) N4ZC

Request a prospectus

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Careers in accountancy and financial management

This sector guide will provide you with information on what a career in accountancy and financial management looks like, what organisations and roles you could work in, and how to get there. you will also find information about job sites, useful resources, industry events, and advice on how to network with alumni in the sector., back to all employment sectors: browse information about another sector., what is a career in accountancy and financial management.

Accountancy and financial management are integral to the business world, and involve the recording, reporting and analysis of financial transactions. The sector includes audit and advisory work, taxation, business consulting, and management accounting. Technological innovation, the rise of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, climate change, and issues concerning social responsibility, accountability and justice are impacting the sector, creating new opportunities and challenges for those in financial management. 

You will usually work towards chartered status or qualification from one of the sector’s professional bodies. In the UK, there are six accountancy bodies, covering different locations and types of practice. The Financial Reporting Council provides a useful oversight of the accountancy profession , with links to each one. 

Where can I work, what can I do, and how can I get there?

Where can i work.

  • Public practice (sometimes called private practice) – typical employers include professional services firms and there is a demand for graduates to fill positions in audit and accounting. Relevant qualifications depend on your area of specialism, for example the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) offer the ACA qualification for accounting, and the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT), and Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) provide training for tax consultancy. The ICAEW , ATT and CIOT websites provide further details. 
  • Industry and commerce – all businesses require financial and accounting expertise, and you will find many related graduate roles in management, retail, and FMCG. Such roles can lead to the Chartered Global Management Accountant qualification, awarded by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). CIMA members work in 150,000 organisations worldwide. The CIMA website provides further details. 
  • Public sector – includes the Civil Service, local government and charities, and commonly involves working towards the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) professional qualification. The CIPFA qualifications webpages provide more information. There are also tax related roles within the public sector, for example HM Revenue & Customs administer taxation systems in the UK and offer the Tax Professional Graduate Programme . 
  • Overseas – tax legislation differences provide challenges to working abroad if you are not familiar with the country’s taxation system. However, accounting practices internationally often adhere to common rules; the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and CIMA each have members in around 170 countries worldwide. Communities like Chartered Accountants Worldwide can provide insight. Some professional bodies have recognition agreements with counterparts around the world, but often further assessments may be needed to gain the required qualification standard.  

What can I do?

There are many different roles in the sector. We’ve outlined those that are often of interest to LSE students with links to further information. If you can, try to talk to someone who’s doing the job you’re interested in, so you can get a real flavour of what it’s like. In the next section, under ‘resources’, you can find more information on job sites, job search resources, and how to network with alumni in the sector.     Accountancy and audit 

  • Chartered accountant – manages the finances of customers, from individuals to large multinational corporations. Keeps financial records and makes recommendations for strategy and business needs. Also increasingly deals with the identification and analysis of financial information related to non-financial topics like environmental footprint, societal impact etc. Chartered status is gained after a period of relevant work experience and completion of a chartered accountancy qualification (eg, ACA). The Prospects chartered accountant job profile provides further details.
  • Management accountant – analyses, researches and reports on financial aspects of a company to support senior managers' decision making. Advises on financial spending and distribution, and future financial planning. Typically based in industry across a range of sectors. Check out the Prospects chartered management accountant job profile . 
  • Auditor – provides an independent review of a company's finances, assessing their past performance and their future income generation, to see if they are 'fair and true' and to give confidence to board members and shareholders. May also conduct an audit of a company's other business areas, including CSR, environmental costs and risks, health and safety, etc. For more information, access the Target Jobs auditor job description .
  • Forensic accountant – liaises with the solicitor of a client, looks at and prepares papers related to financial and contract matters and presents them to court. Answers any questions or scrutiny about the work presented. These positions tend to be taken by experienced accountants. The Prospects forensic accountant job profile is a useful resource. 

Roles in tax are often a mixture of law, administration, and accountancy, drawing on a range of intellectual, presentational, and personal skills.

  • Tax adviser – works with companies and individuals to create the best tax strategies for them. The diverse nature of taxation means that tax advisers rapidly develop areas of specialist knowledge, including corporate, personal, international, inheritance tax, VAT, National Insurance, and trusts and estates. The Prospects tax adviser job profile provides further details.
  • Tax accountant – maintains financial records, produces reports and makes recommendations. A similar role to that of a chartered or management accountant, but specialising in tax.

You may also find some of the roles in our Careers in financial services and Careers in consultancy pages interesting. 

How can I get there?

A common route in is through a graduate scheme, usually open for applications from September to December in your final year of study – but the smaller the firm, the later the deadline. Graduate programmes typically involve working towards professional membership. Smaller firms may look to recruit entry-level positions on an ad-hoc basis.

Jobs in tax or accounting require training towards professional accreditation worldwide, so graduate and trainee programmes that allow you to obtain this are common entry points in the UK.

Evidence of experience is important when applying for graduate positions. Many firms run summer vacation internship programmes with application deadlines usually falling in February and March, sometimes sooner. Don’t neglect the smaller or niche firms which may give you greater responsibility more quickly. You may have to apply on a speculative basis with a CV and covering letter.

Initial graduate and trainee positions can progress into finance and consulting roles, or the financial foundations gained can provide a means for transition into ‘non-finance’ roles, for example, in project management, operations, and strategy.

If you’ve worked for a number of years in a related position, it is likely that experienced hire roles would be more suitable than graduate schemes. For career changers, relevant experience is important. If you don't have that experience, it may be possible to develop your skills in a voluntary capacity, eg, with a charity.

Where can I find out more about working in this sector?

Interested in finding out more about a career in accountancy and financial management?

Here are some helpful links, including the ways LSE Careers can help support you on your journey.  

LSE Careers events: 

  • Discover | Banking and financial services programme  (including careers fair in Autumn Term) 
  • Discover | Public sector and policy programme
  • Discover | Data programme
  • Discover | Tech programme

Industry-wide conferences and summits: 

  • ACCA Annual Conference
  • CIPFA’s annual conference: Public Finance Live
  • Digital Accountancy Show
  • Innovate Finance Global Summit (IFGS)
  • Xerocon London

LSE Careers resources:

  • Watch: Careers in accountancy video recording .
  • Blog: Networking during your job search .
  • Blog: Five reasons to make sure you’re on LinkedIn .
  • Check out these online tools to support your career research and applications. 
  • Student Circus – a job search portal for international students in the UK who are currently on a student visa.

External resources:

  • Best Accounting Software – get an explanation of common accounting terms and what they mean.
  • Vault – go to “guides” and select the one for Accounting to get an overview of the accounting profession and changing trends in the industry.
  • Inside Careers guide on AccountancyCareers .
  • TargetJobs  – for further advice, information, and graduate profiles.
  • Accountancy Age – keep up to date with accounting news.
  • ACCA – professional bodies’ sites are great sources of information and research on the future of the profession.
  • AccountingToday – features industry news, career articles, podcasts, blogs, and “best company” lists.

Top tips on how to network with an alum in the sector:

  • Get involved in groups like LSESU's Accounting Society to network and demonstrate commitment on your CV.
  • Use LinkedIn to search for and connect with LSE alumni and to join industry groups (eg, Big Four Accounting Consulting; Accounting / Finance / Professionals). 
  • Search CareerHub for LSE Careers alumni panels and events. 
  • Consider student memberships for professional bodies. Professional bodies such as ICAEW and CIMA provide social networking resources and networking opportunities for members (eg, IMA has its own online social network – myIMA ). Follow them on social media and LinkedIn to receive updates about events and networking opportunities.

Jobs and opportunities

Here are some links and resources to help you in your search for jobs in accounting and financial management:

  • Explore ‘accounting’ vacancies on LSE’s CareerHub jobs board
  • Accountingcrossing.com
  • Goingconcern.com

Appointments

If you would like to discuss your career plans and ideas, you can book a confidential one-to-one careers appointment with one of our careers consultants via CareerHub appointment bookings .

These appointments are for any stage of your career planning, so don’t feel like you need to have everything worked out before booking an appointment.

Events_747x420_

Explore our Discover | Banking and financial services programme: Find out more about our careers programme for those interested in working in finance.

Book an appointment: chat with a careers consultant about your options or plans..

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Diploma in Accounting and Finance

London school of economics and political science, university of london, different course options.

  • Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, similar courses at different universities, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

Postgraduate Diploma

Subject areas

Finance / Accounting (General) Accounting

Course type

The Diploma in Accounting and Finance is a qualification in its own right, designed for students with little or no background in accounting and finance. It would also be an ideal programme if you have some background in accounting and finance and would like to extend your knowledge and understanding in areas of special interest, or if you require a greater depth of knowledge before pursuing postgraduate study.

It is a flexible programme, providing a solid training and foundation in accounting and finance, including mathematical skills for more advanced master’s elective courses. You will be able to both specialise in accounting and finance, and select from a wide range of courses available throughout the School.

This programme is suitable for students with undergraduate degrees in arts, economics, law, business, science and engineering, as well as those with some background in accounting and finance. There is a clear route from the Diploma towards master's level study within the Department, subject to satisfactory performance.

The programme is housed within the Department of Accounting, which is widely recognised throughout Europe for its excellence in accounting and financial management research and education, as well as for its leading role in public policy issues. The interface between accounting and managers, organisations, institutions, public policy and regulatory bodies is a particular teaching and research strength of the Department.

Teaching methods

LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only.

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course.

Our graduates pursue careers across a wide range of sectors, in accounting, corporate finance, equity research, fund management and management consultancy. Companies who have employed recent graduates from the Diploma in Accounting and Finance programme include Barclays Capital, Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, HSBC, Mazars, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, PayPal, Simon-Kucher & Partners and Societe Generale.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in any discipline. Indicating an interest in the Diploma in Accounting and Finance specifically as your first choice will maximise your prospect of admission to the programme. Equally, you should note the differentiated nature of the graduate programmes in the Department of Accounting, and identify your first choice accordingly.

MSc Finance

Bournemouth university, msc international accounting & finance, accounting and business finance msc, university of bedfordshire, business administration (finance) mba, accounting and business finance with data analytics msc.

IMAGES

  1. LSE PhD in Accounting brochure by LSE Department of Accounting

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  2. LSE Accounting Magazine Issue 3 by LSE Department of Accounting

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  3. LSE Accounting Magazine Issue 6 by LSE Department of Accounting

    phd in accounting lse

  4. Virtual Graduate Open Events

    phd in accounting lse

  5. LSE Accounting Magazine Issue 6 by LSE Department of Accounting

    phd in accounting lse

  6. LSE Accounting Magazine

    phd in accounting lse

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  6. LSE European Institute PhD Info Session 2023

COMMENTS

  1. MRes/PhD in Accounting

    The next session will be in November 2024. You can view the recording from a previous session here and slides here. For any queries about the programme, please email [email protected]. MRes/PhD in Accounting, study at LSE, Accounting Organisations and Institutions, Economics of Accounting, Department of Accounting, apply for, research degree,

  2. MRes/PhD Accounting (Economics of Accounting)

    A PhD in Accounting from LSE consists of six coursework units, completed over two years, followed by a thesis which is usually expected to take a further three years. Economics of Accounting (EoA) Track. This track primarily examines accounting and financial reporting issues from an economics perspective. You will normally commence in late ...

  3. MRes/PhD Accounting (Accounting, Organisations and Institutions)

    A PhD in Accounting from LSE consists of six coursework units, completed over two years, followed by a thesis which is usually expected to take a further three years. Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (AOI) Track. This track is devoted to the study of interrelationships between accounting, organisations and institutions.

  4. Department of Accounting

    Study | MRes/PhD in Accounting. Research . Research | Overview. Research Highlights | Explore research happening in the Department. ... London School of Economics and Political Science. Houghton Street. London. WC2A 2AE UK . LSE is a private company limited by guarantee, registration number 70527.

  5. MRes/PhD Accounting (Economics of Accounting)

    Learn more about MRes/PhD Accounting (Economics of Accounting) Program including the program highlights, fees, scholarships, events and further course information. ... The Department of Accounting at LSE is one of the leading groups in the world for teaching and research on the economic, institutional and organisational aspects of accounting ...

  6. MRes/PhD Finance

    Tuition fees 2024/25 for MRes/PhD in Finance. Home students: £4,786 for the first year. Overseas students: £22,632 for the first year. The fee is likely to rise over subsequent years of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with the level of fee that the Research Councils recommend.

  7. PhD in Accounting Job Market

    Daphne Hart (PhD Accounting graduate, 2019) MRes/PhD in Accounting. ... London School of Economics and Political Science. Houghton Street. London. WC2A 2AE UK . LSE is a private company limited by guarantee, registration number 70527. +44 (0)20 7405 7686. Campus map. Contact us. Report a page.

  8. LSE PhD in Accounting brochure

    For further information on our PhD programme contact: Graduate Admissions Manager Department of Accounting The London School of Economics and Political Science Houghton Street London WC2A 2AE Tel ...

  9. MSc Accounting and Finance

    The MSc Accounting and Finance has an established reputation for excellence extending over five decades. It provides a comprehensive and rigorous treatment of key areas of accounting and finance. It is appropriate for applicants interested in careers across a wide range of sectors and organisations in the fields of business, consulting and ...

  10. Prospective students

    For enquiries relating to Postgraduate study, including the MRes/PhD Accounting and our MSc programmes, please contact Graduate Admissions or email [email protected]. ... London School of Economics and Political Science. Houghton Street. London. WC2A 2AE UK . LSE is a private company limited by guarantee, registration number 70527.

  11. Accounting (Economics of Accounting)

    About the MRes/PhD programme. The Department of Accounting at LSE is one of the leading groups in the world for teaching and research on the economic, institutional and organisational aspects of accounting and financial management.

  12. Applying for a PhD

    Known as a research degree, the PhD is usually a four year (full-time) or five to seven year (part-time) course of independent and original research which is supervised by an academic specialist in the subject area. ... London School of Economics and Political Science. Houghton Street. London. WC2A 2AE. UK . LSE is a private company limited by ...

  13. PhD

    Accounting PhD Programme . ... (LSE) and University College of London (UCL). Scholarships and funding. All students offered a place on the PhD programme receive full funding, which includes a tax-free stipend of £28,890 guaranteed for five years and a tuition fee waiver.

  14. Xi Li

    Dr. Xi Li is the Associate Professor of Accounting at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Before joining the LSE in 2016, she worked at Fox School of Business, Temple University and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. She earned her PhD in accounting from the London Business School in 2010.

  15. PhD programme

    Enjoy a structure similar to top US accounting PhD programmes and benefit from rigorous training in the first two years. Subjects include: microeconomics. information economics. corporate finance. asset pricing. game theory. econometric methods. Experience weekly research workshops and accounting doctoral courses, including:

  16. Available programmes 2024/5

    Please check back for 2025/6 entry. Not running in 2024/5. Please check back for 2025/6 entry. Be sure to check the funding and application deadlines for your chosen programme on the individual programme page. Check the availability of Graduate programmes at LSE, including Diplomas, Masters, PhDs, Executive programmes and Dual Degrees.

  17. Accounting PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in London

    Alongside our projects in the wider community, our research helps to build connections with stakeholders locally and around the world which allows us to advance our social mission. Read more. Funded PhD Programme (Students Worldwide) PhD Opportunities. 1. Find a PhD is a comprehensive guide to PhD studentships and postgraduate research degrees.

  18. PHD IN ACCOUNTING...

    PHD IN ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SESSION, 16 NOV REGISTER TO FIND OUT MORE Have you considered studying for a PhD in Accounting? Please join us at our forthcoming information session to find out more:...

  19. MRes/PhD Accounting (Accounting, Organisations and Institutions)

    The Department of Accounting at LSE is one of the leading groups in the world for teaching and research on the economic, institutional and organisational aspects of accounting and financial management. Our PhD programme provides rigorous academic training aimed at preparing students to undertake research of the highest international standards.

  20. Careers in accountancy and financial management

    Graduate programmes typically involve working towards professional membership. Smaller firms may look to recruit entry-level positions on an ad-hoc basis. Jobs in tax or accounting require training towards professional accreditation worldwide, so graduate and trainee programmes that allow you to obtain this are common entry points in the UK.

  21. Diploma in Accounting and Finance at London School of Economics and

    The interface between accounting and managers, organisations, institutions, public policy and regulatory bodies is a particular teaching and research strength of the Department. Teaching methods. LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and ...

  22. Salman K.

    MSc Finance - London School of Economics · A first-class graduate in accounting currently finishing the MSc Finance programme at the London School of Economics. · Experience: Critchleys · Education: The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) · Location: London · 500+ connections on LinkedIn. View Salman K.'s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members.

  23. List of people associated with the London School of Economics

    This list of people associated with the London School of Economics includes notable alumni, non-graduates, academics and administrators affiliated with the London School of Economics and Political Science.This includes 55 past or present heads of state, as well as 18 Nobel laureates. LSE started awarding its own degrees in its own name in 2008, prior to which it awarded degrees of the ...