Overview
Introduction
The MSc Accounting, Organisations and Institutions is a unique programme which gives you the opportunity to study the interface between accounting, organisations and institutions drawing on a variety of social science perspectives.
Our flagship core course will introduce you to fundamental issues at stake in the interrelationships between accounting, risk management, organisational performance, and institutional frameworks for accountability. The broader programme also addresses key design issues for accounting, risk and management control systems, and their operation and regulation in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors.
This programme, and especially the core course, is distinctive in its approach and differs from a more traditional accounting and finance master’s programme. Indeed, it doesn't require a background in accounting, and students with a good initial training in the humanities or the social or natural sciences, and with good essay writing skills, are strongly encouraged to apply. Yet, the programme is also suitable for those students with an accounting background who wish to develop a deeper knowledge of the organisational and institutional context of accounting.
Because of its breadth, this master’s programme is very flexible and prepares you for a wide range of potential careers in accounting, auditing and assurance, financial management, risk management, management consultancy, and regulation, in a variety of for-profit and non-profit organisations globally. The degree also provides you with solid intellectual preparation if you aspire to embark on academic research in the field of accounting.
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.
Entry requirements
Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in any discipline.
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
Please note: Given the high competition for places on this programme, you should indicate your interest in this programme specifically as your first choice in order to maximise the prospect of admission to the programme. You should therefore note the differentiated nature of the graduate programmes in the department, and are advised to identify your first choice accordingly. Admissions selectors place considerable weight on the written personal statement as evidence of motivation and capability and applicants should consider carefully why they are applying specifically for MSc Accounting, Organisations and Institutions. Transfers from (to) the MSc Accounting and Finance to (from) the MSc Accounting Organisations and Institutions are not allowed under any circumstances.
Overseas
English language requirements
The English language requirement for this programme is Standard. Read more about our English language requirements.
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this doesn't guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out.
Programme content
You'll need to successfully complete the equivalent of four full-unit courses to meet the requirements of this programme. At the start of the programme a short, focused, introductory course on accounting practices and techniques will be held. This is followed by teaching on examined courses up to a total of four full units. Importance is placed on developing the highest level of analytical skills with a focus on practice.
Please note ten-month full-time only master's programmes are not compliant with the Bologna process, which may affect the extent to which they're "recognised". For more information on Bologna, please see Bologna process)
Year 1
Courses to the value of one unit
For the latest list of courses, please go to the relevant School Calendar page.
A few important points you’ll need to know:
Please note that the nine-month and ten-month full time master's programmes are not compliant with the Bologna process, which may affect the extent to which they're recognised. For more information, see Bologna process.
We may need to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees due to unforeseen circumstances. We’ll always notify you as early as possible and recommend alternatives where we can.
The School is not liable for changes to published information or for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study, due to developments in teaching practice, regulatory requirements that require us to comply, lack of demand, financial unviability of a course, or due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the loss of a key member of staff or where a location or building becomes unavailable for use.
Places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements so we cannot therefore guarantee you a place.
Changes to programmes and courses may be made after you’ve accepted your offer of a place – normally due to developments in the discipline or as a consequence of student feedback. We may also make changes to course content, teaching formats or assessment methods but these are made to improve the learning experience.
For full details about the availability or content of courses and programmes, please take a look at the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department.
Some major changes to programmes/courses are posted on our updated graduate course and programme information page.
Why study with us
Discover more about our students and department.
Meet the department
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 2026. 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.
Why LSE
University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK in 2025 and 2026
Times and The Sunday Times - Good University Guide 2025 and 20261st in London for the 14th year running
The Complete University Guide - University League Tables 20265th in the world for the study of social sciences and management
QS World University Rankings by Subject 20266th in the world for leading the way in social and environmental sustainability
QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026Your application
Overview
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.
See further information on supporting documents.
You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.
When to apply
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.
Fees and funding
The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.
You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition 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 doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.
At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status using The Higher education (Fee Limit Condition) (England) Regulations 2017.
Fee reduction
Students who have completed and passed an undergraduate degree at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a 10 per cent tuition fee reduction.
Students who have completed and passed two or more Summer School courses are eligible for a five per cent reduction.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for both discounts, the higher 10 per cent discount rate will apply.
Find out more about the LSE alumni discount.
Scholarships and other funding
We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.
We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme and the LSE Excellence Scholarship. Competition for these awards and scholarships is strong. To apply for an award, you must have an offer of a place and submit a Graduate Financial Support application before the funding deadline.
The funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 23 April 2026.
In addition to our needs-based awards, we offer scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for certain subjects.
You can’t apply for a Graduate Support Scheme or LSE scholarship once you’ve joined the School.
Please note: we do expect students who register for a programme to have sufficient funds for the duration.
Government tuition fee loans and external funding
The UK Government offers a postgraduate loan for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme. This is designed 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
Learn more about fees and funding opportunities.
Learning and assessment
How you learn
Contact hours and independent study
The average taught course contact hours per half unit is 20-30 hours and a full unit is 40-60 hours. Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide.
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. Office hours with teachers and your academic adviser are available in addition to this. Your academic adviser will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns.
You're 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 may 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.
Academic mentor: you’ll meet with your academic mentor regularly to discuss your work. Your mentor can provide advice and guidance on academic issues and, where appropriate, personal concerns.
Other academic support: at LSE, we offer lots of opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom.
The Learning Lab is the place to discover and develop the skills you’ll need to reach your academic goals at LSE.
Through the Learning Lab, you can:
- attend practical workshops and one-to-one sessions on essay writing, conducting research, and on managing your reading lists, workloads, and deadlines
- develop your academic writing, reading, and critical-thinking skills to meet degree-level expectations
- work in study groups to strengthen collaboration, cross-cultural communication, and teamwork skills in a supportive environment.
Disability and Mental Health Service: we want all LSE students to achieve their full potential. Students can access free, confidential advice through our Disability and Mental Health Service. This is the first point of contact for students.
How you're assessed
All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's 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. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.
Graduate destinations
Overview
Students who successfully complete the MSc Accounting, Organisations and Institutions 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
Top 5 sectors our students work in:
Career support
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.
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