MSc Accounting and Finance Top Up
Programme Overview
In the context of continuing change within the global business and financial environment, including the increasing impact of technological development, organisations require professionals who possess advanced knowledge of accounting and finance and the ability to apply that knowledge to strategic and operational decision-making. Effective organisational performance increasingly depends upon individuals who can interpret financial information, understand the wider business environment, evaluate risk, and contribute to informed managerial judgement.
The MSc Accounting and Finance (Top-Up) is designed as a postgraduate progression award for students who have already completed substantial prior learning through recognised professional accounting qualifications, such as ACCA or CIMA. The programme provides an opportunity for such students to build upon their existing professional knowledge and skills through Master’s-level study in accounting and finance. It is intended to develop a critical and applied understanding of contemporary accounting and financial issues, while strengthening students’ analytical, evaluative and decision-making capabilities within organisational contexts.
The programme is specifically intended for individuals with an appropriate background in accounting and finance, including those who are part-qualified or qualified through recognised professional accounting bodies, and who wish to progress to a university Master’s award through a recognised top-up route. In this respect, the programme is designed to complement prior professional learning by providing the opportunity to achieve the broader academic, critical and independent learning outcomes expected at Master’s level.
The award is structured as a top-up Master’s route, with entry and advanced standing determined in accordance with the University’s regulations and procedures for the recognition of prior learning.
Course Information
Course Objective
Develop Accounting & Financial Knowledge
A thorough and contemporary knowledge of the accounting and financial processes of an organisation and the ability to forward plan and effectively manage risk.
Understand Environmental Challenges & Trends
A knowledge of environmental challenges and trends, the opportunities and constraints these create, and how they impact on organisational decision-making and resource allocation.
Develop Key Skills for High Performance Organisations
The development of key skills associated with employment in high performance organisations.
Develop Lifelong Learning & Employability Skills
Lifelong learning and employability skills to enable preparation for a future career in accounting and finance.
Programme Outcomes
- Critically understand the underlying principles and theories of financial reporting and analysis in the international context and demonstrate extensive knowledge with the recent development of international accounting and reporting standards and practices.
- Assess current developments in strategic financial accounting, management accounting and social, environmental and sustainability accounting in theoretical, practical and historical contexts.
- Critically understand the principles and underlying theories of corporate finance and equity investments.
- Apply appropriate strategic management accounting techniques for strategic planning, control and performance management and analyse a business project and identify where improvements could have been made.
- Identify, conceptualise and define a research question(s) and justify its relevance to practice and its significance as a potential contribution to existing knowledge.
- Critically evaluate a range of complex scenarios and generate evidence-based solutions using contemporary research methods/methodologies in the context of relevant accounting and finance theories and sound organisational management principles, especially in the area of financial and management accounting.
- Interpret, assess and communicate knowledge and information effectively using a range of analytical tools for presenting, communicating and assessing financial and accounting strategies with academic, professional or practical contexts, both as an individual and as part of a team.
Course Structure
The MSc Accounting and Finance (Top-Up) is structured as a postgraduate top-up programme designed for learners with relevant prior learning in accounting and finance. The programme enables learners to build upon their existing professional knowledge and develop advanced academic, analytical and research capabilities at Master’s level.
| Module Code | Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANF516 | Advance Financial Management | 20 |
| ANF514 | Research Methods | 20 |
| ANF520 | Dessertation | 60 |
| Total Credits | 100 |
Teaching & Assessment
Delivery is designed to support advanced, research–led and applied learning, including:
- Lectures, workshops and seminars
- Applied business and organisational activities
- Case studies and applied business simulations
- Research supervision and academic mentoring
- Online learning resources and discussion forums
- Independent study and guided reading
- Peer learning and research presentations
Entry Requirement
Progression Opportunities
Graduates of the MSc Accounting and Finance (Top-Up) will have developed advanced knowledge and skills in accounting, financial management, research and evidence-based decision-making.
The programme supports progression into a range of accounting, finance and management-related roles, as well as opportunities for further academic and professional development. Graduates may pursue careers in areas such as:
- Financial Management
- Management Accounting
- Financial Analysis
- Corporate Finance
- Accounting and Financial Reporting
- Financial Planning and Control
- Risk Management
- Finance and Business Consultancy
- Strategic Financial Management
Graduates may also consider further postgraduate research or doctoral-level study in accounting, finance, business or related disciplines.
Join a generation of students who think globally and act locally.
