Accounting and Finance London School of Economics and Political Science

Overview

The Accounting and Finance programme at the London School of Economics and Political Science offers a comprehensive exploration of how financial information shapes modern organisations and global economies. Students engage with a curriculum that balances technical proficiency with a deep understanding of the social and institutional contexts of calculation and reporting. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that graduates are equipped to handle complex challenges in governance, sustainability, and risk management.

Why Accounting and Finance at the London School of Economics and Political Science?

• Ranked as the top institution in the United Kingdom for accounting studies by the Guardian University Guide for 2025 and 2026.
• Recognised globally for excellence, holding the eighth position in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for accounting and finance.
• Benefit from an open, collaborative culture that connects students with world-leading academics, practitioners, and international policy experts.
• Gain significant career advantages through professional accreditations from major bodies including ACCA, CIMA, and ICAEW, providing potential exam exemptions.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 35700 per year
• National fee: GBP 9535 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured across three years, allowing students to split their time between core accounting subjects and related disciplines such as economics and statistics. Modules may include:

Year 1

• Financial Accounting
• Management Accounting
• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Quantitative Methods
• Finance

Year 2

• Intermediate Financial Accounting
• Intermediate Management Accounting
• Econometrics
• Economics of Accounting: Research Methods and Evidence
• Principles of Finance

Year 3

• Results Accountability and Management Control for Strategy Implementation
• Contemporary Issues in Financial Accounting
• Corporate Finance, Investments and Financial Markets
• Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation
• Corporate Governance, Risk Management and Financial Audit
• Accounting, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability

Careers with Accounting and Finance

Graduates from this programme are highly sought after by elite global employers across diverse sectors. Many transition into high-level roles within professional accountancy, investment banking, and management consultancy. The analytical rigour of the degree also prepares students for successful careers in financial management, the public sector, and specialised investment analysis.

The most common industries for graduates include:

• Financial and Professional Services
• Accounting and Auditing
• Management Consultancy
• Real Estate, Environment and Energy
• Manufacturing and Retail

LSE Careers provides extensive support, including dedicated careers fairs, CV workshops, and networking opportunities with top-tier UK and international employers to facilitate immediate graduate employment.

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the following bodies for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations:

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants(CIMA) through the Accredited degree accelerated route

• Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)

• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England (ICAEW)