MSc Accounting and Data Analytics

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

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

Graduates of the MSc Accounting and Data Analytics will be prepared for roles in asset management, private equity, investment banking, corporate finance, ESG analytics, and management consulting. The programme will also appeal to students seeking to work in audit and assurance functions that rely more and more on data-driven approaches.

You'll benefit from LSE’s location in London, with opportunities to connect with leading financial institutions through employer events, alumni panels, and industry-focused public lectures. These experiences are complemented by tailored career support throughout the year, helping you navigate a fast-changing and competitive job market.

GRE/GMAT requirement

GMAT or GRE is required for all applicants without a UK undergraduate degree. The overall GMAT score should normally be in excess of 650 points. GMAT is recommended for applicants with UK undergraduate degrees, especially those whose quantitative skills are not demonstrated by their undergraduate studies Test scores should be less than five years old on 1 October 2026.

Find out more about GRE/GMAT, including exceptions.

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

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

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

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

The Department of Accounting at LSE is recognised worldwide for the excellence of its research and teaching, ranked eighth in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. With a long-standing research tradition, the department has consistently been at the forefront of exploring the role of accounting in firms, markets, and the economy. We're committed to advancing and sharing knowledge through rigorous research, innovative teaching, and active engagement in professional and policy arenas.

The department was ranked the top place in the UK to study accounting by the Guardian University Guide in its 2025 and 2026 league tables.

Each year, we admit around 375 students across our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Graduates of our programmes are equipped to analyse how accounting shapes and reflects economic behaviour, informs decision-making and resource allocation, and strengthens transparency and accountability.

We’re proud of our open and collaborative culture, welcoming students, academics, external speakers and practitioners from around the world – all contributing to our rich and diverse community.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Department of Accounting

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

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

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

See further information on supporting documents and check if you're exempt from taking the GRE/GMAT.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.

There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.

For this programme, all students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of their fee status.

For this programme, all students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of their fee status.

Assessment is based on a combination of formal (summative) evaluations and preparatory (formative) assessments. Summative assessments typically include written examinations, essays, and project work that contribute to the final course grade. These are complemented by formative assessments, such as problem sets, class exercises, or group presentations, which are designed to reinforce learning and provide feedback without affecting final marks. This combination ensures that you're well prepared for formal evaluations while developing key skills progressively throughout the programme.

An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

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

The programme also provides a strong foundation for roles in audit, assurance, and financial advisory, especially in firms adopting new technologies to enhance and automate traditional accounting functions. For those interested in sustainability or regulatory work, the integration of financial and non-financial reporting equips graduates for positions in ESG strategy, risk analytics, and compliance.

In the technology and fintech sectors, graduates may join strategy or product teams where financial literacy and technical fluency are increasingly seen as complementary. The programme’s emphasis on computer programming, statistical modelling, and applied machine learning also opens pathways to data science roles requiring domain-specific expertise in finance and accounting.

If you're considering further academic study, the programme serves as strong preparation for research-focused degrees, including PhD programmes in accounting, finance, or data science — particularly those that value interdisciplinary approaches.

Further information on graduate destinations for the Department of Accounting programmes

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.