ObjectivesThe programme recognises that the role of the auditor has been extended and you will, therefore, not only develop traditional skills in accounting, auditing and risk analysis, but also an understanding of the processes of strategy and change in organisations, together with the ability to act as consultants.
Entry requirementsThe normal requirement is a business-related honours degree or equivalent, a postgraduate qualification or equivalent, or a relevant professional qualification. However, those without a first degree who have significant work experience are encouraged to apply.
Academic titleMSc Audit Management and Consultancy
Course descriptionAudit has traditionally developed from the role of the accountant. However, the audit role is expanding into new areas including the identification and management of business risk, and providing advice to management. Internal and external auditors are increasingly acting as consultants to and within organisations.
Professional accreditation
We are seeking appropriate professional accreditation for this programme. Applicants holding a professional accounting qualification will be considered for appropriate exemption.
Careers
As participants will already be employed in an audit role, this programme will support and develop their audit, leadership and consultancy skills to enable them to fulfil their extended role.
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 valuating companies, the role of audit; accounting information systems and international regulatory processes and mechanisms in audit and accounting.
Audit Processes and Management
This module develops your critical understanding of the audit function. You will look at its ethical background. You will also learn how to do computerised audit assignments by selecting from, and applying a range of techniques. You will look at the changing profession of audit, planning the audit, testing IT-based systems, systems thinking and audit and project management.
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 you to contribute to developing business strategy and managing change in your organisation.
Audit Assurance and Consultancy
This module draws together aspects of audit management and the role of the auditor acting as a consultant, and integrates this knowledge with the expanding areas of risk management and corporate governance. It will develop your understanding of how the methods adopted by auditors can be applied in a broader context and you will explore differing opinions by examining critical perspectives on audit.
Options
Audit Investigation and Forensic Accounting
This module will introduce you to how an organisation controls its financial activities, evaluates the effectiveness of financial arrangements and develops professional skills and knowledge in financial investigation.
Or choose an option from:
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 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.
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.