Accounting and Finance MSc

Course Content

• Course Details

  We expect that you will start this course with a good deal of technical accounting knowledge, having either studied accounting at undergraduate or professional level. You will be provided with theoretical background and applied knowledge at Master’s level that allows you to build upon your existing skills.

  The MSc Accounting and Finance course is designed to enhance your intellectual and transferable skills, including presentation, research, analysis and appraisal. This course addresses many of the current accounting issues present in business and how they relate to wider social, technical and economic challenges. You will also have the opportunity to study a specialist interest of your choice.

  On completion of the course, you will be familiar with theoretical issues in accountancy and finance, and will be able to apply accounting theory and practice to real issues that are faced in day-to-day operations. This will provide you with an excellent framework for pursuing further study, or enhancing your business prospects.

  List of modules

  Information about the modules for the Placement route of this course can be found on the award map:

  Placement Modules

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• Entry Requirements

  If you hold a recognised first or second class honours degree from a UK university or international equivalent in finance, banking, accounting or a related discipline then you will meet our Accounting and Finance degree entry requirements for this course. If you hold professional qualifications, you will also be considered for entry onto this course.

  For more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • Minimum standard – IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) for study at postgraduate level.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  22/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years*.

  • UK Full Time: £7,650
  • International – Full Time: £15,000
  • Year 2 Placement Fee: £500 * (for placements starting in September 2023 or January 2024)

  *The placement fee amount will only be charged to you after you secure a placement and are enrolled on the work based project in year 2 of your course. You will not be charged this fee if you do not secure a work placement.

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2022. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  21/22 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years*.

  • UK Full Time: £7,470
  • International – Full Time: £14,000
  • Year 2 Placement Fee: £500 * (for placements starting in September 2022 or January 2023)

  * Year Two fee may be subject to an inflationary increase for 22/23. The placement fee amount will only be charged to you after you secure a placement and are enrolled on the work based project in year 2 of your course. You will not be charged this fee if you do not secure a work placement.

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2021. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

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• Professional Body

  Successful completion of the MSc Accounting and Finance gives exemptions from some of the examinations of the relevant professional bodies, meaning you will have to take fewer exams on your way to becoming a Chartered Accountant.

  • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

  You will have exemptions from the following 4 papers:

  1. Business and Technology (BT)
  2. Management Accounting (MA)
  3. Financial Accounting (FA)
  4. Corporate and Business Law (LW)

  • Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

  You will be eligible for the masters gateway route. Once you have passed the CIMA Gateway Exam, you will be granted entry to the Professional Qualification at Strategic Leve

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• Postgraduate Discount Schemes

  Whether you are an international, home or EU students, we offer a generous tuition fee discounts for postgraduate study.

  Our International Scholarships page has details of the International Graduate Scholarship offering up to 50% for alumni of the University and the International Scholarship offering up to 30% for new students.

  The Graduate Discount Scheme page has information about the 20% discount for Home and EU graduates.

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• Optional Work Placement

  The industry placement enables you to develop your skills and knowledge in a real-world work environment, whilst completing an applied research project. This will give you an advantage over the competition for jobs and scholarships after you graduate and could be a good starting point for setting up your own consultancy business.

  Your placement will need to be appropriate to your level of study and you should also be paid for this work. We will support you in finding and securing a suitable placement opportunity, however it must be noted that placements are highly competitive and there is no guarantee of a placement offer being made by an employer.

  If you are unable or unwilling to progress with an industry placement, for whatever reason, you will have the option to transfer onto our Dissertation and Research Methods module in order to gain the required credits to complete your programme of study.

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• FAQs

  What is MSc Accounting and Finance?

  This Accounting and Finance postgraduate course is an ideal choice for applicants seeking to further their career prospects in the financial field across a variety of different organisations and sectors. With an excellent reputation, an MSc Accounting and Finance degree explores key areas in finance and accounting through practical applications and academic research.

  Applicants will be expected to have an academic background in this area of study prior to admission and can choose to specialise in a specific area or take a more balanced approach to the areas of accounting and finance.

  What can I do with a Masters degree in Accounting and Finance?

  Our graduates have gone on to pursue a number of high level finance and accounting careers following completion of this course. Career prospects include, but are not limited to;

  • Chartered certified/management/public finance accountant
  • Forensic accountant
  • External auditor
  • Management consultant
  • Tax advisor
  • Retail banker
  • Economist
  • Stockbroker

  How will I be assessed?

  The course uses a combination of assessment methods including reports, case studies, time constrained tests and examinations, plus your dissertation.

  Semester One
  You will be introduced to some of the main themes in accounting and finance, this is in the context of utilising financial information to enhance business decision making. Modules in semester one will highlight the importance of sound decision making in successful organisations.

  Semester Two
  You will examine the role which organisations can play in the wider social context in which they operate and also how this role can affect their decision making. You will also study the way in which accounting regulation takes place in an international context.

  Semester Three
  The research proposal produced in Semester two will guide the development of a clearly defined and evidenced study proposal, a critical review of relevant literature, and a robust methodology. Data is then collected, analysed, interpreted and applied to the study proposal and a 15,000 word research report (dissertation) is produced, with the support of a dissertation supervisor.

  How will I learn?

  Typically, you will have nine hours (approx.) of contact time with your tutor in the first semester and 11 hours (approx.) in the second semester. Overall you will spend 108 hours per module in self-directed study (reading and research).

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Careers and Employability

Studying the Accounting and Finance MSc offers you excellent career opportunities. Our recent graduates have secured positions in accounting firms, industry, banking, finance and commerce.