Programme summary for MSc International Accounting and Finance

This is a specialist academic programme that aims to develop a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of international accounting and finance, and to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to analyse complex situations that occur in financial decision-making.

Accounting and finance are essential functions within organisations and there is a need to develop your skills and competencies to meet the demand for well qualified specialists with the right mix of knowledge, skills and innovation needed to operate effectively within those functions in the modern dynamic and complex business environment.

About the programme

Why International Accounting and Finance?

As the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are being increasingly adopted, studying international accounting is becoming more attractive and relevant for those willing to pursue a career in this domain. The programme is suitable for you if you would like to establish a career that requires good understanding of the implications of international accounting and finance issues for financial decision making within business organisations.

Programme structure

The programme comprises four taught modules and a dissertation. All taught modules are compulsory and they comprise: Financial Reporting and Analysis, Corporate Finance, Issues in International Accounting and International Finance. The dissertation module is an advanced piece of research in a specific area, enabling you to apply knowledge and skills gained on the programme. You are encouraged to select a topic that can be used in your future career. Delivery is by a combination of lectures, seminars/workshops and analytical/practical skills-based sessions.

Other points to consider

You can choose to start the programme in either September or February on a full -time or part-time basis.
Guest speakers are a feature of the programme. They tackle current and emerging issues, such as the recent financial crisis and Islamic banking.
You use state-of-the-art econometrics software, databases and other career-relevant financial technology.

Career opportunities

This is a highly career-oriented programme, preparing you for a variety of high-earning roles within multinational corporations. This qualification should become an established passport to either starting a career or lead to promotion opportunities. On completion of your MSc you will also be able to pursue research at doctoral level.

For more information see International Accounting and Finance MSc Programme Specification.

Support

The programme aims to provide consistent and continuing support for students through staff involved in teaching, administration and programme management. Dedicated support is also available from staff experienced in the enhancement of numeracy skills and English language available through our Skillzone http://www.uel.ac.uk/skillzone/.

Our support mechanisms include:

A dedicated personal tutor
Accessible and supportive module tutors
Business School Student Centre with dedicated administrative staff
Induction process that will prepare you for academic study on the programme
Extensive learning resources that are accessible both on and off campus
Comprehensive programme materials and handouts
A dedicated supervisor for the applied dissertation/project
Self-study areas in our state-of-the-art libraries and IT centres

Progression and Completion

Progression and completion rates are kept under review and appropriate action is taken when a problem is identified.

Admission

For admission to the programme, applicants normally need to have either:

An undergraduate honours degree from a recognised/accredited university with a minimum 2.2 classification or equivalent, in disciplines like Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Studies, or related discipline which demonstrates an appropriate level of numeracy. If you do not have this but have relevant work experience (in the accounting/finance area), then consideration will be given on a case by case basis providing you can evidence this. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes
Pass in a recognised Pre-Masters or Masters Qualifying Programme

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.0 or equivalent is required (with a minimum of 6.0 in Writing and Speaking and 5.5 in Reading and Listening). English language support (pre and in-sessional classes) is available through UEL Skillzone, which is free to all of our students. (visit http://www.uel.ac.uk/skillzone/ for more information).

You can apply to enter stages of the programme and may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes. Therefore, you must be able to demonstrate and evidence that you have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which you are seeking exemption. For more information on AEL visit http://www.uel.ac.uk/apel/.