Master's
Finance & Accounting
On-Campus

MSc Accounting and Finance

Offered by Birkbeck, University of London

England
1 Year
English
Intakes: February, June, October

Course Overview

The MSc Accounting and Finance is an intensive one-year program designed for graduates seeking advanced expertise in financial reporting, strategic management accounting, and corporate finance. This program provides deep knowledge of corporate governance theories, International Accounting and Reporting standards, and strategic decision-making processes. Students will develop skills in preparing financial statements for single entities and groups, implementing management accounting systems, and understanding financial management in multinational enterprises. The program includes a significant independent research component (dissertation) and offers optional modules in international finance and monetary policy, preparing graduates for senior roles in the global finance industry.

Course Structure

Core Modules

Advanced Financial Reporting and Corporate Governance

Develop deeper knowledge of corporate governance theories, principles, and mechanisms. Learn to apply accounting standards and prepare financial statements for various entities including groups. Study integrated reporting and analysis of financial statements under ISA and IFRS.

30 credits

Strategic Management Accounting

Explore strategic management accounting tools and decision-making theory. Understand management accounting's role in strategic management and its integration into decision-making processes. Apply techniques in multinational organisations, SMEs, non-profit and governmental organisations.

30 credits

Corporate Finance and Performance Management

Cover leadership, management, project management, investment, financing, and dividend policy decisions. Study firms' financial management, long-term investment, and working capital management. Learn capital budgeting techniques and sources of finance.

30 credits

Dissertation

Independent research project on a topic relevant to the program. Design and execute research, present findings as a dissertation. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and skills required to organise and conduct academic research.

60 credits

Optional Modules

International Finance and Risk Management

Understand strategic financing, investment, and risk management in global context. Study financial management of multinational enterprises, global money and capital markets, exchange rate risk management, and financial derivatives for risk management.

15 credits

Monetary Policy and Financial Markets

Study money, monetary policy, and financial markets in globalized world. Learn techniques for monetary policy decisions, money creation process, general equilibrium theory, inflation, portfolio theory, and central bank independence.

15 credits

Learning Outcomes

Prepare financial statements for single entities and groups per ISA and IFRS

Implement corporate governance codes and mechanisms for transparency

Apply strategic management accounting techniques in decision-making

Understand financial management, investment, and financing decisions

Conduct independent academic research in accounting and finance

Analyze and interpret financial statements for internal and external purposes

Apply capital budgeting techniques and understand dividend policies

Evaluate international financial systems and globalisation effects

Assess monetary policy impact on businesses and economic agents

Use financial derivatives for risk management in multinational contexts

Course Benefits

CIMA accreditation - up to 11 exemptions from CIMA examinations

Intensive one-year program for rapid career advancement

Focus on International Accounting and Reporting standards (IFRS)

Strong emphasis on corporate governance and strategic management

Flexible study schedule - lectures 3 days per week

Multiple intake dates for professional flexibility

Optional modules allow specialization in international finance or monetary policy

Significant independent research component through dissertation

Preparation for senior roles in global finance industry

Professional body membership and accreditations enhance employment prospects

Career Opportunities

Financial Controller

Corporate Finance Manager

Management Accountant

Financial Analyst

Investment Manager

Risk Manager

Audit Manager

Treasury Manager

Financial Consultant

Compliance Officer

Portfolio Manager

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Progression Routes

  • CIMA Qualification (up to 11 exemptions from examinations)
  • PhD in Accounting and Finance
  • Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
  • Professional certifications in finance and risk management
  • Executive education programs in finance

Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements

  • At least a 2:2 honours degree equivalent to UK Honours Degree
  • Degree in accounting, finance, banking or a related discipline

Tuition and Fees

Current Pricing (until July 2025)
Annual Tuition:£16,500 per year

Deposit

Varies - Deposit requirements to be confirmed upon offer

Scholarships

Scholarships are available

Scholarships can cover up to Varies of the tuition fees.

Accreditation

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

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Tuition Fee£16,500 per year
Study ModeOn-Campus
Next IntakeFebruary, June, October
Duration1 Year
Additional Information