Accounting and Finance MSc

Course Content

• Course Details

  The MSc Accounting and Finance course is designed to enhance your intellectual and transferable skills, including presentation, research, analysis and appraisal. This masters in Accounting and Finance addresses many of the current accounting issues present in business and how they relate to wider social, technical and economic challenges. You will also have the opportunity to study a specialist interest of your choice.

  By gaining your Accounting and Finance masters through the University of Northampton, you will gain practical knowledge that can be applied in a work setting, with flexible study that is delivered online. You will also benefit from the full support of professionally qualified staff and engagement with your fellow students.

  Some exemptions from professional examinations are available from main professional bodies, including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), meaning you will have to pass fewer professional body examinations in order to become a Chartered Accountant.

  There is also an Industry Placement Option, which enables you to develop your skills and knowledge in a real-world environment, while completing an applied research project. This will give you an advantage over the competition for accounting and finance jobs and scholarships after you graduate.

  The placement should be paid and will need to be appropriate to your level of study. We’ll support you in securing a suitable placement opportunity, but do note that they are highly competitive and there is no guarantee of an employer making a placement offer. Those unable or unwilling to progress with an industry placement have the option to transfer onto our Dissertation and Research Methods module to gain the required credits to complete your programme of study.

  We expect that you will start this Accounting and Finance MSc with a good deal of technical accounting knowledge, having either studied accounting at undergraduate or professional level. You will be provided with theoretical background and applied knowledge at Master’s level that allows you to build upon your existing skills.

  On completion of the course, you will be familiar with theoretical issues in accountancy and finance, and will be able to apply accounting theory and practice to real issues that are faced in day-to-day operations. This will provide you with an excellent framework for pursuing further study, or enhancing your business prospects.

  Industry Placement

  The industry placement enables you to develop your skills and knowledge in a real-world work environment, whilst completing an applied research project. This will give you an advantage over the competition for jobs and scholarships after you graduate and could be a good starting point for setting up your own consultancy business.

  Your placement will need to be appropriate to your level of study and you should also be paid for this work. We will support you in finding and securing a suitable placement opportunity, however it must be noted that placements are highly competitive and there is no guarantee of a placement offer being made by an employer.

  If you are unable or unwilling to progress with an industry placement, for whatever reason, you will have the option to transfer onto our Dissertation and Research Methods module in order to gain the required credits to complete your Accounting and Finance masters programme of study.

  Modules

  The below modules are for the non-placement route course. For the placement modules please see the MSc Accounting and Finance placement route award map.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Dissertation and Research Methods (60 Credits)
      Module code: FINM025

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to apply knowledge gained on the programme by carrying out independent research on a relevant topic of their choice and develop an ability to present, analyse and evaluate information in a reflective and critical manner.
    • Quantitative Methods (10 Credits)
      Module code: FINM070

      Status: Compulsory
      In this module students apply quantitative concepts and techniques to facilitate decision making in the context of financial analysis and investment. Using statistical techniques students analyse financial data for forecasting and measuring risk and return.
    • Advanced International Financial Reporting (20 Credits)
      Module code: FINM085

      Status: Compulsory
      In this module students analyse financial statements and synthesise accounting policies to make informed assessments of a company's performance. The module addresses contemporary issues that influence the preparation and content of these statements, within International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and local Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
    • Corporate Finance (20 Credits)
      Module code: FINM086

      Status: Compulsory
      In this module, students critically appraise a range of corporate finance theories and techniques for effective financial decision making. Through critical appraisal, students develop the skills to formulate strategic corporate financial decisions that align with organisational goals to enhance shareholder value and long-term sustainability.
    • Audit, Assurance and Ethics (20 Credits)
      Module code: FINM087

      Status: Compulsory
      In this module students examine the role of the auditor and critically evaluates the audit monitoring process, as well as the professional and ethical requirements involved. This module delves into the significant contemporary issues that influence audit and assurance process such as artificial intelligence governance and automated decision-making systems.
    • Corporate Governance and Sustainability (20 Credits)
      Module code: FINM088

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will provide students with an insight into the importance of corporate governance in general and the board of directors in particular in enhancing organisational, ecological, and social sustainability.
    • Investment Analysis (10 Credits)
      Module code: FINM089

      Status: Compulsory
      In this module, students develop critical knowledge and analytical skills to analyse risk and return and evaluate investment opportunities. Students learn about the global investment environment, products and investment theories and apply these to investment and portfolio management.
    • Climate Finance and Reporting (10 Credits)
      Module code: FINM090

      Status: Compulsory
      In this module, students acquire knowledge of climate-related regulatory frameworks and theories to propose solutions to potential climate reporting. Students assess the influence of climate issues and risks on the capital market, investment, and finance.
    • Advanced Management Accounting and Control (10 Credits)
      Module code: FINM091

      Status: Compulsory
      In this module students appraise advanced management accounting theories, tools and techniques for managerial decision-making. Students examine contemporary issues to gain a critical understanding of how accounting information impacts organization planning, performance and control.

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• Professional Body

  Successful completion of the MSc Accounting and Finance gives exemptions from some of the examinations of the relevant professional bodies, meaning you will have to take fewer exams on your way to becoming a Chartered Accountant.

  • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

  You will have exemptions from the following 4 papers:

  1. Business and Technology (BT)
  2. Management Accounting (MA)
  3. Financial Accounting (FA)
  4. Corporate and Business Law (LW)

  • Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

  You will be eligible for the masters gateway route. Once you have passed the CIMA Gateway Exam, you will be granted entry to the Professional Qualification at Strategic Leve

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• FAQs

  What is MSc Accounting and Finance?

  This Accounting and Finance masters is an ideal choice for applicants seeking to further their career prospects in the financial field across a variety of different organisations and sectors. With an excellent reputation, an MSc in Accounting and Finance degree explores key areas in finance and accounting through practical applications and academic research.

  Applicants will be expected to have an academic background in this area of study prior to admission and can choose to specialise in a specific area or take a more balanced approach to the areas of accounting and finance.

  What can I do with an MSc Accounting and Finance?

  Our MSc Accounting and Finance graduates have gone on to pursue a number of high level finance and accounting careers following completion of this course. Career prospects include, but are not limited to;

  • Chartered certified/management/public finance accountant
  • Forensic accountant
  • External auditor
  • Management consultant
  • Tax advisor
  • Retail banker
  • Economist
  • Stockbroker

  How will I be assessed?

  The course uses a combination of assessment methods including reports, case studies, time constrained tests and examinations, plus your dissertation.

  Semester One
  You will be introduced to some of the main themes in accounting and finance, this is in the context of utilising financial information to enhance business decision making. Modules in semester one will highlight the importance of sound decision making in successful organisations.

  Semester Two
  You will examine the role which organisations can play in the wider social context in which they operate and also how this role can affect their decision making. You will also study the way in which accounting regulation takes place in an international context.

  Semester Three
  The research proposal produced in Semester two will guide the development of a clearly defined and evidenced study proposal, a critical review of relevant literature, and a robust methodology. Data is then collected, analysed, interpreted and applied to the study proposal and a 15,000 word research report (dissertation) is produced, with the support of a dissertation supervisor.

  How will I learn on the MSc Accounting and Finance?

  On our MSc in Accounting and Finance, you will typically have nine hours (approx.) of contact time with your tutor in the first semester and 11 hours (approx.) in the second semester. Overall you will spend 108 hours per module in self-directed study (reading and research).

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