MSc Accounting

Essential Information

This course will enable you to understand how and why companies report on their financial performance and position in the way they do. You will also look at the economic, social and environmental factors that influence an organisation’s social responsibilities and how they integrate with a company’s strategic decision-making processes. In addition you will examine the core principles of audit, assurance and corporate governance.

You will develop a strong understanding of how financial information is used for decision making purposes and how the subsequent outcomes are effectively communicated and evaluated.

Your study will involve analysing real-world financial situations faced by business organisations.

You’ll develop the ability to effectively interpret and make decisions based on accounting and financial information. The course focuses on developing skills and knowledge vital in business, with an emphasis on accounting and assurance.

Students are encouraged to become confident in using accounting knowledge as well as learning how to make decisions in an accounting and financial environment. You will gain a well-rounded knowledge of both theory and practice.

You will be taught by academic staff with extensive practical and academic knowledge, in a department rated ‘excellent’ for teaching quality. Staff’s professional experience ranges from working for smaller organisations to the ‘Big Four’ accounting and professional services firms, The school is an accredited ACCA Gold Provider,

What you will study

Students will take the following modules:

Contemporary Issues in Accounting
In depth , case study based investigation into topical issues and events from the dynamic areas of accounting, audit, tax and finance.

Corporate Governance
A consideration of the systems by which companies are directed and controlled – considering the relative merits of various corporate governance codes and legislation.

Research Methods
Develop an appreciation of the academic research process and the underlying elements and principles and gives students a range of skills and tools required to critically evaluate and conduct post graduate level research.

Strategic Management Accounting
This module aims to provide students with a critical perspective and develop an appreciation of contemporary theories and developments in management accounting.

Corporate Financial Reporting
Develops a critical perspective and appreciation of contemporary theories and developments in corporate financial reporting and features current issues currently being addressed by accounting regulators and practitioners.

Audit, Assurance and Professional Ethics
Helps gain an appreciation of the required knowledge, skills, and professional judgment needed in the audit engagement in the context of best practice and current developments.

Dissertation
A significant piece of student led research into an appropriate area of study – based on previous studies on the course.

Learning, Teaching and Assessment for MSc Accounting

Learning and Teaching methods

The course is delivered full time through a combination of lectures, tutorials, computer workshops, case study analysis and discussion groups. A hands-on, student led approach is employed; whereby students are exposed to real-world situations and given the skills and opportunities to find practical solutions.

Assessment methods

Assessment is by a range of methods including examinations and coursework based assignments.