Deputy Dean
Faculty of Business and Law
level:PG;top_up:true;international:true;foundation:false;clearing:false;full_time:true;part_time:false;start_month:September, January;location:Distance Learning
Accounting and Finance (Top-Up) MSc
Key Facts
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Level
Master'sPG MSc
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Duration
Distance Learning: 1 Year
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Starting
September, January
SEP, JAN
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Distance Learning: £2,485
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Distance Learning: £2,485
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Distance Learning
Updated 26/11/2025
Updated 26/11/2025
Overview
Our MSc Accounting and Finance (Top-up) aims to extend and enhance the understanding and competence gained via professional qualifications and to enhance the ability of students to think strategically about management and organisational change within accounting and finance.
This programme is designed for AIA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAP or CPA Australia graduates and provides a means to support the continuing professional and personal needs of accounting practitioners.
Highlights
- Converts professional qualifications like ACCA into an MSc/MA.
- Networking opportunities with other professionals.
- Distance learning is supported worldwide.
Image shows an aerial view of the Learning Hub on Waterside Campus. Also visible are various green spaces next to the River Nene, as well as several university buildings including Halls of Residence.
Image shows the atrium inside the Senate building, which overlooks the lobby area. The building is modern-design, white walls with wooden accents, and is bright and airy.
Image shows a modern library interior with people reading at tables and seated on cushioned chairs in the Learning hub. Shelves filled with books are visible in the background under circular ceiling lights.
Image shows the main entrance to the Learning Hub, which is a large, multi-storied building with many large windows, with ‘Learning Hub’ in large letters on the front. It is a sunny day, and several blurred people are walking outside.
Image shows a large, modern lobby with high ceilings, circular light fixtures, and an upper floor visible. People are sitting on yellow seats and moving around. Stairs and a black staircase are also present.
Image shows the ground floor of the Learning Hub; it is a large, modern atrium with high ceilings, a large clock on the wall, turnstile gates, and an angular black staircase. A student carrying a backpack is walking through the space.
Image shows external view of the multi-storey Senate building, which features many large windows. In the foreground is a tree and purple flowers. The sky is blue and cloudless.
Image shows view of the lawn and courtyard outside the Learning Hub, featuring a bare tree, ornamental grasses, and an abstract sculpture. The building has several stories and features large windows.
Entry Requirements
If you have successfully completed professional qualifications such as AIA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAP or CPA Australia graduates then you will be eligible to apply for this course. Please note that some professional qualifications must be awarded on the basis of exams passes (without exemptions) in order to be accepted for entry onto this course.
International equivalents may be accepted such as OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Accounting and Finance (RQF).
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.
Course Content
This programme will broaden your specialist knowledge previously gained at a professional level, turning leading qualifications like ACCA into a recognised masters degree. In particular the module, ‘Accounting & finance research project’ guides you to research into the key challenges accounting and finance professionals face in the industry. This module aims to equip accounting and finance professionals with the necessary skills to undertake independent project work within a business context. The Research Methods element provides you with an introduction to research, types of research methodology, formulating and planning a research project, data collection, analysis and presentation of research findings based upon an actual industry specific or corporate focused topic.
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
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Dissertation and Research Methods (60 Credits)
Module code: FINM025Status: CompulsoryThe purpose of this module is to apply knowledge gained on the programme by carrying out independent research on a relevant topic of their choice and develop an ability to present, analyse and evaluate information in a reflective and critical manner.
What is distance learning?
Distance learning is an excellent way of gaining a qualification around a busy home life or job. The University of Northampton recognises that many of our students have family and work commitments and offer various online courses which work flexibly around your requirements.
Our programmes of study encompass a wide range of methods of learning, teaching and assessment to help you gain the skills you will need for your working life.
The complete course runs over one year via part-time distance learning.
How will I be assessed?
The only assessment for this course is a dissertation.
What are the special features of this course?
- converts professional qualifications like ACCA into an MSc/MA.
- networking opportunities with other professionals
- distance learning is supported worldwide
Fees and Funding
2025/26 Tuition Fees
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- Distance learning: £2,485
There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2024. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.
Please note that this course is not eligible for Postgraduate Master’s Loan funding.
For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- Distance learning: £2,425
Careers and Employability
The course is concerned with broadening your professional knowledge and aims to provide you with the necessary skills to contribute to the effective management and development of organisations. Combining leading qualifications like ACCA into a masters degree, our MSc Accounting and Finance Top-Up course will enhance your professional and career development.
