Master of Science - Finance and Accounting (2 Year)

Program Description A fundamental requirement of any successful organisation is to be able to manage its accounting and financial activities efficiently and effectively. This requirement has become more obvious in recent times as organisations have faced turbulent economic conditions, lending difficulties, risk management issues and the criticisms of governance. The MSc Finance and Accounting degree is designed to enable students to become a critical member of an organisation’s core management team.

In the first semester, students develop a strong core knowledge of institutional, accounting and financial modelling frameworks. Students will explore the operation of markets, their major participants and the regulatory environment, as well as building a firm understanding of corporate finance, basic accounting and financial analysis.

In the third semester, students choose an experiential project. With the opportunity to use their skills in a real-world setting, students can choose from completing a consultancy experience project, an in-company experience project, a business research project or a global experience project.

What the student will gain from this degree: • An understanding of traditional and current theoretical principles, models and frameworks of strategic accounting and strategic financial management. • An ability to apply knowledge, tools and techniques to resolve issues in new and diverse situations within the accounting discipline. • A critical approach in evaluating the rigour and validity of published research and assessing its relevance to the practice of accounting. • An understanding of the wider social, environmental and economic sustainability issues and their interrelationships which may be impacted by or have an impact on organisational activities.

The Finance and Accounting course has been created in collaboration with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) institute. The modules are aligned with the institution’s own qualifications, which students can work towards upon completion of their degree. The CFA credential is held by over 150,000 professionals around the world. The charter gives a strong understanding of advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management skills. This course allows students a quicker route to the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Professional Qualification and the global professional designation of Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). The CIMA Professional Qualification is recognised worldwide as the most relevant global finance qualification for a career in business.

Students opting for the two year route can add a year’s work placement onto their course. It’s a great way to put learning into practice and gain valuable real-world experience to help boost career prospects once graduating.

The placement year will last up to 48 weeks (minimum 36 weeks). If students are unable to take a full year's placement, but have completed the minimum 36 weeks, they can qualify for a Placement Diploma in Industrial Experience. If students undertake a placement, they must take up the Business Research Project in Semester Three.