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.
Discover more about our students and 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.
We were ranked third in the UK for Accounting and Finance in the Guardian University Guide 2027 .
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.
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.
Search for a country 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.