Master of Science (MSc) International Accounting & Finance

Overview

Aims of the Programme

Technological innovation has created a wave of disruptive activity that will change the shape of the global economic and financial system over the next decade. Digitisation and ever-increasing volumes of data has led to a demand for graduates (employees) from programmes specifically tailored to the skills required for a changing and increasingly competitive and globalised business landscape. In order to meet this demand, this industry-aligned, strategically-focused and highly-applied programme focuses on accounting, quantification of data, treasury functions and corporate finance. It is designed to appeal to graduates seeking to gain exposure to data-driven financial decision-making roles.

The MSc in International Accounting and Finance is a one year full-time or two years part-time programme. This broad programme with an integrated delivery from end‐to‐end covering a range of skills applicable to a wide range of accounting and finance functions. The programme aims to develop learners' knowledge of the theory and practice necessary for them to secure employment and perform in a variety of areas in a broad range of companies.
 
The programme focuses on practical skills in core areas such as the role of capital markets, quantitative financial modelling, treasury risk management, international financial reporting, and advanced financial management. Its aim is to create a critical understanding of core accounting, financial, and quantitative principles whilst also enhancing the practical technical skills of the learners.

Aims and Objectives

The specific programme aims and objectives are as follows:

• Enable learners to develop in-depth knowledge and analytical skills in current and evolving disciplines of international finance and accounting.

• Provide learners with a systematic knowledge of the organisational and regulatory context of international accounting and finance.

• Facilitate the learners’ development and application of skills and attributes that are complementary and relevant to the contemporary workplace.

• Identify and develop autonomous learning skills for the learner.

• Develop in the learner a contextual understanding of evolving financial and economic trends and technologies.

• Enable the learner to identify, develop and apply detailed analytical, creative, problem solving and research skills.

• Provide the learner with a comprehensive platform for career development, innovation and further study.

Overall, the programme aims to create in learners, a critical understanding of international accountancy and finance issues, developing learners’ understanding of the demands of the changing environment through up-to-date and in-depth knowledge of the core and subfields of international accountancy and finance whilst also providing valuable and necessary practical skills in this field.

Delivery

This programme is taught on a hybrid basis. This means learners are timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for the Master of Science in International Accounting & Finance are: 

• A Level 8 primary undergraduate honours degree with a minimum Second-Class Second Division classification (2.2) from a recognised third level institution in a cognate area who wish to specialise in the field of accountancy and finance.  Cognate subjects include general business, accountancy and finance related degree, or

• A Level 8 primary undergraduate honours degree with a minimum Second-Class Second Division classification (2.2) from a recognised third level institution in a non-cognate area but holds 3-5 years professional experience in a related field and who require a qualification in this area in order to progress professionally, or

• An equivalent professional qualification such as ACCA or CIMA.

• For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE or DBS English Assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.
  
  

Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification at a 2.2 award level and who have at least 3 years’ work experience may also be considered through the college’s normal RPL procedures.  Relevant professional experience may be taken into account and individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis through DBS RPL procedures.