This research program offers students the chance to dive into advanced empirical research in accounting and finance. They'll gain a solid understanding of research methods used in capital market analysis and delve into topics that are important to financial institutions.

• • banking and financial institutions • mergers and takeovers • the role of financial analysts • shareholder activism

Students have the option to pursue a 'three paper' thesis, which involves producing three research articles along with an introduction and conclusion. Alternatively, they can go the traditional route with a comprehensive dissertation detailing their research. Supervisors will support them in submitting their work to conferences and aiming for publication in international journals, helping them build an impressive research portfolio even before graduation.

Studying at Essex Business School (EBS), known for its top-notch empirical research in accounting, finance, and related fields, participants will be part of the largest department at the University of Essex. This gives them the chance to collaborate with expert academics who have diverse research interests and perspectives on financial practices and policies.

The accounting group at EBS is well-regarded for its research on governance, auditing practices in developing countries, and the effects of accounting practices in a globalized world. They look at different aspects of accounting through a social science lens and advocate for responsibility and ethics in business. For instance, Emeritus Professor Prem Sikka's critiques of corporation tax avoidance often make headlines in both national and international media.

University of Essex is also home to one of the largest and most respected finance groups in the UK. Their work has been cited in the Bank of England, the European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve.

Students benefit from insight from many accounting and finance research centres:

• Essex Accounting Centre • Essex Finance Centre • BAFA Accounting and Finance in Emerging Economies • Essex Centre for Macro and Financial Econometrics

They organise seminars throughout the year where students have access to the latest academic thinking and the opportunity to network with colleagues and visiting scholars from across the world.