Accounting and Finance MSc

• Overview

  Our MSc Accounting and Finance course provides you with the essential skills needed for pursuing a high level career in finance across all types of organisations; public and private sector, within industry and commerce, both in the UK and abroad.

  If you are looking to enhance your career prospects, this course can provide a contextual understanding of how accounting and finance operates within the business environment. You will examine how financial decisions are made within business, as well as the repercussions on broader society of corporate and financial decisions.

  This course has an Industry Placement Option.

  Apply for Non-Placement Route

  Apply for September 2020
  Apply for January 2021

  Apply for Placement Route

  Apply for September 2020
  Apply for January 2021

  Course

  Highlights

  • Exemptions are available from main professional bodies.
  • Industry Placement Option available.

  Open Days

  
• Course Details

  By gaining your Masters in Accounting and Finance through the University of Northampton, you will gain practical knowledge that can be applied in a work setting, with flexible study that is delivered online. You will also benefit from the full support of professionally qualified staff and engagement with your fellow students.

  Some exemptions are available from main professional bodies, including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Exemptions are available from main professional bodies, including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

  There is also an Industry Placement Option, which enables you to develop your skills and knowledge in a real-world environment, while completing an applied research project. This will give you an advantage over the competition for accounting and finance jobs and scholarships after you graduate.

  The placement should be paid and will need to be appropriate to your level of study. We’ll support you in securing a suitable placement opportunity, but do note that they are highly competitive and there is no guarantee of an employer making a placement offer. Those unable or unwilling to progress with an industry placement have the option to transfer onto our Dissertation and Research Methods module to gain the required credits to complete your programme of study.

  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.

  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.

  Industry Placement Option

  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.

  Methods of Learning

  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).

  Assessments

  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.

  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

  Read more

  Additional

  Information

  Exemptions are available from main professional bodies.

  Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

• Careers and Events
  • Open Days

    See for yourself

    Our Open Days offer you a fantastic opportunity to get a real taste of university life at Northampton and discover how studying here will be a life-changing experience.

    Each Open Day has a postgraduate stall, where you can speak with tutors about the postgraduate courses that interest you, to give you all the information you need about studying at the University of Northampton.

    To find out more about the day, please feel free to have a look at our Open Day Guide.

    
  • Careers

    Career Opportunities

    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.

    
  • Visits to employers

    Work experience

    Our Accounting and Finance Master’s students went behind the scenes of one of the town’s flagship employers to find out more about how the company is run.

    Read more in our News article.

    
• 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.

  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.

  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.

  Contacts

  Course Enquiries

  Application status enquiries
  admissions2020@northampton.ac.uk

  Current student enquiries
  SID@northampton.ac.uk

  International student enquiries
  international@northampton.ac.uk

  Applying for 2020
  Facebook Applicant Group

  Office hours:
  Mon – Thu: 9am – 5pm
  Fri: 9am – 4.30pm

  Phone Call

  0300 303 2772

  +44 (0)1604 892134

  +44 (0)1604 892546

• Course Content
  • Level 7 Placement
  • Level 7 Non-Placement

  • Corporate Reporting 1 (20 Credits)
    Module code: FINM008

    Core Module Y
  • Global Financial Strategy (20 Credits)
    Module code: FINM009

    Core Module Y
  • Financial and Business Strategy (20 Credits)
    Module code: FINM010

    Core Module Y
  • Strategic Audit (20 Credits)
    Module code: FINM012

    Core Module Y
  • Investment Analysis (20 Credits)
    Module code: FINM014

    Core Module Y
  • Social Responsibility and Governance (20 Credits)
    Module code: FINM024

    Core Module Y
  • Career Futures: Employability Skills (0 Credits)
    Module code: HRMM072

    Core Module Y
  • Work-Based Project (60 Credits)
    Module code: HRMM074

    Core Module Y

  • Corporate Reporting 1 (20 Credits)
    Module code: FINM008

    Core Module Y
  • Global Financial Strategy (20 Credits)
    Module code: FINM009

    Core Module Y
  • Financial and Business Strategy (20 Credits)
    Module code: FINM010

    Core Module Y
  • Strategic Audit (20 Credits)
    Module code: FINM012

    Core Module Y
  • Investment Analyst (20 Credits)
    Module code: FINM014

    Core Module Y
  • Social Responsibility and Governance (20 Credits)
    Module code: FINM024

    Core Module Y
  • Dissertation and Research Methods (60 Credits)
    Module code: FINM025

    Core Module Y

  Facilities &

  Special Features

  • practical knowledge that can be applied in a work setting
  • flexible study that is delivered online, wherever you are
  • full support from professionally qualified staff and engagement with fellow students
  • link to professional bodies with the possibility of professional memberships
• Further Studies
  • Alumni Discount

    20% off for UoN alumni!

    University of Northampton alumni can receive 20% off postgraduate tuition fees.

    Find out more about our Graduate Discount Scheme.

    
  • Research

    at the University of Northampton

    We are committed to delivering outstanding research that makes a difference to society. Our Research Institutes and Centres work closely with external partner organisations, locally, nationally and internationally. We produce internationally renowned and relevant research and disseminate knowledge on an international scale.

    Visit our Research Hub page for more information.

    
  • Business and Enterprise

    Opportunities Available

    We are committed to supporting and encouraging business growth and we are involved in a variety of initiatives which seek to benefit the wider community as well as students and staff of the University.

    Discover what businesses we work with and what opportunities may be available to you on our Business and Enterprise pages.

    
• Fees & Funding
  • UK & EU
  • International

  20/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years*.

  Full Time: £7,425
  Part Time: £3,300 Year one (80 Credits) Year two £4,125 (100 Credits)

  *Year Two fee may be subject to an inflationary increase for 21/22

  Year 2 (Placement Route Only)

  Year 2 Placement Fee: £500 ** (for placements starting in September 2021 or January 2022)

  *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 2020. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  19/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £7,300
  Part Time: £3,240 Year one (80 Credits) Year two £4,050 (100 Credits)

  *Year Two fee may be subject to an inflationary increase for 20/21

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2019. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  20/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years*.

  International: £13,750

  *Year Two fee may be subject to an inflationary increase for 21/22

  Year 2 (Placement Route Only)

  Year 2 Placement Fee: £500 ** (for placements starting in September 2021 or January 2022)

  **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 2020. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  19/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  International: £12,750

  *Year Two fee may be subject to an inflationary increase for 19/20

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2019. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  Scholarships

  TD Lewis Scholarship

  The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.  This scholarship is awarded on educational excellence…

  The Chancellor's Fund

  The Chancellor’s Fund is a bi-annual fund providing students with awards of between £100 and £1,000. You must be a current student to apply.  The…

*Course data provided by Unistats