ObjectivesThe course demonstrates the close links between management accounting and change. You will develop hard and soft accounting skills as well as the interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively in the modern organisation. You will work independently and with the support of peers and tutors in tutorials, seminars, directed exercises and IT-based activities. The programme is suitable for fully- or part-qualified accountants for whom exemptions are available.
Entry requirementsThe normal requirement is an honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, a postgraduate qualification or equivalent, or a relevant professional qualification. However, if you do not have a first degree but have significant appropriate work experience, you are encouraged to apply.
Academic titleMSc Accounting and Finance
Course descriptionAccounting and finance are central to managing organisations effectively. This course integrates accounting, leadership and change, and provides you with a practical insight into developing the discipline. It also provides you with a firm knowledge of accounting and finance and the adaptability needed in a rapidly-changing environment. It is distinctive in its focus on using financial skills in organisations rather than on mathematically modelling financial markets.
Course structure
Three core modules deal with the disciplines of financial accounting, management accounting and international finance. You will also study the management of change and an option module before taking accounting skills and management research models in preparation for your dissertation.
Careers
Graduates can expect to be employed in areas within industry, accounting practices or the public sector.
Financial Reporting, Regulation and Analysis
This module builds on your basic understanding of business and accounting practises. It will develop a critical analysis and evaluation of approaches to regulating and applying accounting knowledge. You will study valuation of companies, the role of audit; accounting information systems and international regulatory processes and mechanisms in audit and accounting.
The Management of Change
This module helps you understand how to develop a business strategy as a starting point to change. It will enhance your understanding and skills in planning, managing and evaluating change and strategic processes. You will be able to contribute to developing business strategy and managing change in your organisation.
Corporate and International Finance
This module develops your ability to apply and critically examine the principles and practice of finance within organisations. You will look at its effects on how organisations operate in an international context. You will also develop your understanding of the environmental pressures and organisational change faced by organisations, and assess their impact on financial management processes.
Management Accounting and Strategy
Management accounting has undergone significant development and a range of techniques has been introduced into practice. You will look at how the discipline is currently developing in practice and theory. This module focuses on the management accounting techniques that contribute to an organisation’s strategic management. You will study approaches to cost management, performance measurement, control and capital investment appraisal.
Professional Skills and Practices in Accounting and Audit
This module develops your understanding of the range of modules typically applied to accounting research. You will look at the key themes in accounting knowledge and be introduced to some of the skills you will need to be a professional or academic accountant or auditor. This module also incorporates the practical aspects of leadership and consultancy issues.
Management Research
This module aims to provide you with knowledge of research strategies and is designed to help you understand the processes involved in conducting effective research. You will see the significance of theoretical principles in the research process And understand how important it is to present clear and credible arguments and evidence to support research design and findings.
Options
You will be able to select options from an appropriate range of modules available.
Dissertation
This module integrates your learning and development as you apply your knowledge and understanding to organisational issues. You will do a major project related to a business issue of significance within an organisation, leading to a written report.