Take the first step into a successful career as an accounting and finance researcher, and learn how to design impactful research-based solutions to current and future challenges in micro and macro finance.
Our Accounting and Finance MRes is an Economic and Social Research Council recognised degree, which will introduce you to a broad range of traditional research methodologies and emerging techniques.
This course is an excellent ‘springboard’ for a PhD in accounting and finance, but you can also study it as a standalone master’s degree to get ready for research-focused roles in commercial, policy and professional organisations.
You’ll gain a deep understanding of key theories corporate finance, financial accounting and asset pricing, and essential skills to design and undertake empirical research in these areas.
You’ll be taught by leading academics who regularly publish in top-tier international journals and have substantial experience in writing and undertaking research grants.
MRes courses place more emphasis on research skills, so if your goal is not to move on to a PhD or research-focused roles, we recommend you consider a specialist master’s degree instead.
This programme is delivered in-person at our emblematic Liverpool campus. UK, Republic of Ireland and international students can study this MRes on a full-time basis, while UK and Republic of Ireland students also have the option to study part-time.
Download our Management School PhD and MRes programmes brochure for more details of our available postgraduate research and MRes courses.
This course is an excellent choice if you hold a master’s degree in accounting and finance, or related discipline, and would like to move onto a PhD or pursue a future career in academia.
It’s also an ideal option if you’re working – or intend to work – in commercial, policy and professional organisations where research represents a significant part of your activity.
The University of Liverpool Management School is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.
AACSB Accreditation Standards require a high quality teaching environment, a commitment to continuous improvement, and curricula responsive to the needs of businesses. This achievement means that the Management School meets specific standards of excellence. It also means it's committed to on-going improvement in delivering high quality education.
AMBA is the highest standard of achievement in postgraduate business education. MBA students and graduates, business schools and employers all recognise it as a gold standard. AMBA's rigorous criteria and assessment process ensure that only programmes that demonstrate the highest standards in teaching, learning and curriculum design; career development and employability; and student, alumni and employer interaction achieve accreditation.
The School is also accredited by EQUIS, which is the leading international system of quality assessment, improvement and accreditation of higher education institutions in management and business administration. Institutions that are accredited by EQUIS must demonstrate not only high general quality in all dimensions of their activities, but also a high degree of internationalisation and corporate connections.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In semester one, you’ll complete three compulsory modules with a total credit value of 60 credits.
These modules will help develop your research skills, through a comprehensive overview of research methods in accounting and finance, as well as research philosophies.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH FOUNDATIONS PART I (ULMS590) | 20 |
| CORPORATE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING THEORY (ACFI801) | 20 |
| ASSET PRICING THEORY (ACFI803) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In semester two, you’ll complete three compulsory modules with a total credit value of 60 credits.
These modules will develop your research skills further and introduce you to methods and techniques to undertake advance empirical research.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH FOUNDATIONS PART II (ULMS591) | 20 |
| EMPIRICAL CORPORATE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING (ACFI802) | 20 |
| EMPIRICAL ASSET PRICING (ACFI804) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Once you’ve passed the six modules in semesters one and two, you’ll complete the course with a final 60-credit dissertation.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MRES DISSERTATION (ULMS604) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The Accounting and Finance MRes is delivered in two stages: a taught component followed by a research phase which culminates with a dissertation.
As part of the taught component, modules will provide you with a thorough grounding in established research methods and you’ll also be introduced to innovative and experimental approaches used and created by the same faculty who teach them.
Subject knowledge is primarily delivered via lectures combined with practical activities, including case studies and seminars, to help demonstrate the empirical application of research methods and theories.
Cohorts are deliberately small, to foster individual guidance and fruitful relationships between faculty and students, as part of a rich ecosystem environment where you can learn from one another as peers with common research interests.
The main forms of teaching are lectures, including guest lectures delivered by international scholars, seminars and lab work where applicable, for example to work with statistical software.
Following semester two, you’ll complete a dissertation with the support of an academic supervisor. This final project will enable you to specialise in an area of management and business research which will deepen your knowledge, understanding and capabilities in your chosen area.
Teaching time accounts for an average of 10 hours per week (full-time), but you should anticipate an additional 24 hours of self-directed study and group work per week.
The broad structure of the programme includes 180 credits:
You’ll be required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full Accounting and Finance MRes. You’ll graduate with a Pass, Merit or Distinction (subject to meeting specific criteria outlined by the University).
Assessment tasks are varied and some may be designed specifically to meet the learning outcomes of the programme, but you can expect to be assessed via individual or group:
The weighting of individual components will vary from one module to another. All assessment information is included within the module specification.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Become part of an excellent research environment, working alongside expert researchers and PhD students.
You’ll study in a prestigious research-intensive Russell Group University, and within a triple accredited Management School, with excellent REF21 results and six research centres that support pioneering interdisciplinary research on contemporary issues in business and society.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
The Accounting and Finance MRes has been designed and is run by expert faculty, actively involved in the study of theoretical and practical aspects within this area, to prepare you for success in your future career as a researcher.
This course provides an excellent ‘springboard’ to pursue a career in academia. You can use your training to fast track the early part of a PhD in accounting and finance.
As a stand-alone master’s degree, the programme expands your choices and possibilities for different roles in commercial, policy and professional organisations, where research is a significant aspect of the job:
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £5,238
Part-time place, per year - £2,619
Full-time place, per year - £25,350
Part-time place, per year - £12,650
The fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27. The University may administer inflationary rises to international fees in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | A UK (or overseas equivalent) master’s degree with merit in accounting and finance or related discipline, including relevant quantitative skills training. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold master’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MRes, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 100 overall, with minimum scores of listening 21, writing 21, reading 21 and speaking 23. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 5 overall, with 4.5 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 130 overall, with no component below 120 (exceptional cases only) |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 69 overall, with no component below 61 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 75 overall, with no skill below 70 |
| PSI Skills for English | C1 Pass in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience, living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 18 March 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions