Masters Degrees (Cima)

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Professional course will allow you to progress and have considerable influence in your chosen field. Whether you aim to work in commerce, financial services, consultancy, government, the public sector or manufacturing, this course is for you.

The CIMA Professional Qualification allows you to become a chartered management accountant. You will be a professional who can shape and control the future of organisations. CIMA members are more than just accountants. On our course, you acquire a set of world class finance skills, including strategic thinking and risk and performance management skills. This is your passport to career success in a range of business and finance roles.

The University of South Wales is a CIMA Global Learning Premium Partner, the highest possible accreditation under CIMA’s quality assurance scheme for training providers. We have a fully implemented CIMA syllabus and an assessment regime, and have worked closely with CIMA to align our course.

We also work closely with the local CIMA member branch for the benefit of our students, and have hosted a number of CPD events in recent years. Tutors from the university have delivered lectures on sustainability accounting, performance management, risk management and Islamic banking and finance. In addition, we have significant experience of providing bespoke CPD to large, local organisations.

Our CIMA course is studied part-time, allowing students to combine their studies with full-time employment where they can build experience to satisfy CIMA’s practical experience requirements. For more information on CIMA, visit http://www.cimaglobal.com.

Accountancy at City Campus

At City Campus, we offer tuition for the qualifications of three of the major UK accountancy bodies (CIMA, ACCA and ICAEW) and have been successfully teaching for over 40 years. We are an ACCA Platinum Approved Learning Partner, a CIMA Premium Learning Partner and an ICAEW Partner in Learning.

What you will study

CIMA Professional Qualification

Operational level:
Paper P1 Management Accounting
Paper E1 Organisational Management
Paper F1 Financial Reporting and Taxation
Operational Level Integrated Case Study

Management level:
Paper P2 Advanced Management Accounting
Paper E2 Project and Relationship Management
Paper F2 Advanced Financial Reporting
Management Level Integrated Case Study

Strategic level:
Paper P3 Risk Management
Paper E3 Strategic Management
Paper F3 Financial Strategy
Strategic Level Integrated Case Study

At each level all three papers must be passed before students can progress to the integrated case study. The integrated case study must be passed before progression to the next level.

Learning and teaching methods

We offer flexible afternoon and evening tuition for the professional qualification. Entry is in September and March for computer based exams in February and May.

You will study each subject in a workshop format. Question practice, progress tests and revision sessions will prepare you for the exams. We offer an exceptional level of student support, including individual face-to-face feedback during the academic year.

Our team of eleven qualified accountants have significant industry and accounting practice experience, as well as experience of teaching professional accountancy qualifications. A number of the team mark professional body exams, contribute to professional journals and online professional student forums, engage in quality control work for professional bodies, and are external examiners for other universities.

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

CIMA students can progress into management consultancy and business analyst roles, as well as more traditional management accounting. Further career progression may see you moving on to finance director or chief executive roles.

You could also decide to study additional management qualifications such as the EMBA, MBA or the Professional Fast-track MSc Accounting and Finance taught at the University of South Wales.

Assessment methods

The professional qualification is assessed by computer based exams.

Each level of the qualification (operational, management, strategic) has two assessment points – a 90 minute computer based exam for each subject within that level, plus an integrated case study exam.

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The Accounting & Finance MA programme offers you the opportunity to gain the essential knowledge and skills in the area of Accounting, Finance and Financial Management through a structured and focused programme of academic studies.

The Accounting & Finance MA Programme also enables you to develop a professional accountancy career and study CIMA through the Master’s Gateway route.

The Master’s Gateway route involves sitting CIMA’s Gateway exam/ Management Case Study Exam. (The content of the MA in Accounting and Finance programme prepares you to sit this examination during the course). Once you have passed this three hour exam, you’ll be granted 12 exam exemptions from the certificate, operational and management levels and you’ll also gain the intermediary award ‘CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting’.

You can then start studying the strategic level of CIMA’s Professional Qualification and work towards completing it to gain the full Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation.

PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE

The Accounting & Finance MA Programme enables you to develop a professional accountancy career and join CIMA through the accelerated ‘gateway’ route.

The Accounting & Finance MA programme prepares and enables you to sit the external CIMA ‘Gateway Examination’. Passing the one three hour examination allows you to claim 11 exemptions from CIMA’s certificate, operational and management level papers, and you will be awarded the CIMA ‘Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting’.

You then only need to sit and pass 3 strategic level examinations, the case study, and fulfil the work based practical experience, before being eligible for full CIMA membership.

Many of our Accounting and Finance staff have extensive industry experience through working in the private and public sectors and third sector organisations. Our academics have also gained advanced qualifications at some of the leading academic institutions in the world and are committed to delivering academic learning of the highest quality, helping you to stretch your mind and fulfil your university ambitions.

INDUSTRY LINKS

This is a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Gateway Exam focused programme to enable students to gain CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting whilst studying for the MA in Accounting and Finance.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

Assessment by means of examinations, coursework and practical assignments.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The Accounting & Finance MA programme offers you the opportunity to gain the essential knowledge and skills in the area of Accounting, Finance and Financial Management through a structured and focused programme of academic studies. The MA in Accounting & Finance is linked to and approved by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

We seek to enable our graduates to gain a competitive edge in pursuing managerial, management consultancy and professional careers in accounting and finance and to make an outstanding contribution to the performance of their employing organisations.

The Programme builds on our reputation for providing employer-relevant postgraduate education in business and management and finance and addresses the development of those key skills that are sought by employers throughout the world.

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Choosing the University of South Wales to study the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Certificate will allow you to progress far and have considerable influence in your chosen field. Whether that be commerce, financial services, consultancy, government, the public sector or manufacturing.

The CIMA Certificate allows entry to the CIMA Professional Qualification. On completing all examinations of the professional qualification and gaining a minimum of three years relevant practical experience, you will become a chartered management accountant. You will be a professional who can shape and control the future of organisations.

CIMA members are more than just accountants. You acquire a set of world class finance skills, including strategic thinking and risk and performance management skills. These will be your passport to career success in a range of business and finance roles.

The University of South Wales is a CIMA Global Learning Premium Partner, the highest possible accreditation under CIMA’s quality assurance scheme for training providers. The course is studied part-time allowing students to study whilst in employment.

Accountancy at City Campus

At City Campus, we offer tuition for the qualifications of three of the major UK accountancy bodies (CIMA, ACCA and ICAEW) and have been successfully teaching for over 40 years. We are an ACCA Platinum Approved Learning Partner, a CIMA Premium Learning Partner and an ICAEW Partner in Learning.

What you will study

CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting:
- Paper C01 – Fundamentals of Management Accounting
- Paper C02 – Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
- Paper C03 – Fundamentals of Business Mathematics
- Paper C04 – Fundamentals of Business Economics
- Paper C05 – Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law

All Certificate papers must be passed before students can progress to the professional qualification.

Learning and teaching methods

Students will attend workshops which will contain lecture, tutorial and question practice elements.

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

CIMA students can progress into management consultancy and business analyst roles, as well as more traditional management accounting. You could also choose to undertake additional management qualifications, such as the EMBA, MBA or the Professional Fast-track MSc Accounting and Finance taught at the University of South Wales.

Assessment methods

The certificate papers are assessed via a computer based assessment.

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The MRes in Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA) has been established by leading international researchers and clinicians within the Universities of Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle as part of our MRC/Arthritis Research UK funded Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA) initiative (http://www.cimauk.org). CIMA researchers investigate why our bones, joints, ligaments and muscles function less well as we age, and how age related decline of the musculoskeletal tissues and age related clinical disorders (such as osteoporosis and arthritis) can be ameliorated or prevented.

Why is the CIMA MRes unique?

The programme provides you with access to state-of-the-art resources and facilities from across the three CIMA partner sites (Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle), with teaching and supervision delivered by leading researchers and clinical practitioners. As a CIMA student, you will be allied with the wider cohort of CIMA researchers, and participate in regular CIMA scientific meetings and events.

The CIMA MRes Programme

The first semester (60 credits) comprises taught modules which will ground you in current approaches and techniques to study the integrated musculoskeletal system as a whole and the effects ageing has on this system. These modules are delivered by e-learning, including live interactions with tutors and peers, online lectures and presentations and discussion forums. You will supplement the online component via self-directed learning. During the second semester, you will undertake a research module which will provide you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge to a project under the expertise of supervisors based across the CIMA consortium. You will receive multidisciplinary skills training specific to your individual training needs, and have the opportunity to undertake an exchange visit at another CIMA site (e.g. to learn a particular research technique in another laboratory).

Modules

Muscle in the Integrated Musculoskeletal System (20 credits)
Biology of Ageing (20 credits)
Biology and Assessment of Skeletal Health (10 credits)
Principles of Nutrition: Relevance to Ageing(10 credits)
Research Project and Skills Training (120 credits)

Why study the CIMA MRes in Musculoskeletal Ageing?

The CIMA MRes will provide you with the ability to:

• Show evidence of a systematic and comprehensive understanding of, and ability to critically appraise, core principles, current literature, techniques and paradigms within integrated musculoskeletal ageing research.
• Collect, analyse and critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative research data.
• Plan, manage and carry out a research project in a rigorous scientific manner within a prescribed time-frame.
• Show evidence of a range of skills, including scientific writing, oral presentation, time management, study/ experimental design, and professional development.

Whether you have a background in basic science, are a medical student or clinician, as a CIMA MRes graduate you will be highly equipped to embark on further research in musculoskeletal ageing at doctoral level, and be well placed to choose from a wide range of career options within clinical practice, academia, or within the commercial/ industrial sector.

Bursary competition for September 2015 entry

CIMA is currently offering a number of competitive bursaries for outstanding applicants (individual awards of up to £3000) towards the MRes in Musculoskeletal Ageing. Successful candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:

Essential
A minimum grade (or expected grade) of 2.1 in a degree in a related subject.
Enthusiasm and motivation to contribute to research in the area of Musculoskeletal Ageing

Desirable
Practical laboratory experience (especially if related to the area of Musculoskeletal Ageing).
Presentation or conference attendance experience (especially if in the area of Musculoskeletal Ageing)


To apply, you must submit an application to the University to apply for the MRes programme, and fill in an additional bursary application form available under the fees tab https://www.liv.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/musculoskeletal-ageing-mres/fees/

The closing date for bursary applications is Monday 31st August 2015, until all bursaries have been awarded.

Interviews will be held.

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Developed in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), this programme prepares you for a successful career in finance and accounting, working at home or overseas in various business environments.

About the programme

This MSc provides an opportunity to gain relevant contextual and subject specialist knowledge through a structured programme of academic studies. It adds value to your first business or accounting related degree by giving you an integrated and critically aware understanding of your specialism.

Your learning

The course focuses on delivering the conceptual understanding and practical skills involved in accounting and finance with an understanding of how accounting operates. It will enable you to develop a professional accountancy career and join CIMA through the accelerated ‘gateway’ route. The course prepares you to sit the external CIMA ‘Gateway Examination’. Passing this three-hour case study examination allows you to claim 12 exemptions from CIMA’s certificate, operational and management level papers, and you will be awarded the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting.

You will then only need to sit and pass three strategic level examinations, the associated case study, and fulfil the work-based practical experience, before being eligible for full CIMA membership and recognition as a
professional Management Accountant.

The modules undertaken at Postgraduate Diploma stage are:
• Strategic Financial Accounting
• Strategic Financial Management
• Strategic Management Accounting
• Capital Resources
• The Professional Accountant and Governance

plus one option from:
• Advanced Financial Accounting
• Advanced Management Accounting
• Global Finance

MSc

To attain the MSc, you must complete an MSc dissertation (60 credits), an individual piece of relevant research.

Our Careers Adviser says

Graduates can explore a rich diversity of career options in finance and accounting management posts in industry and commerce. Our graduates’ careers include finance director, finance business partner, management consultant, operations director, management accountant and corporate finance manager.

Professional recognition

Students may wish to fully complete their professional accreditation with CIMA as the primary aim of this programme is to obtain professional exemptions. Other progression routes include a research career or further management qualifications such as an MBA or DBA.

Facilities

We have invested in new facilities at our Lanarkshire Campus. There are new teaching rooms and a postgraduate student learning space which ensures our environment supports your learning. The use of technology (such as virtual learning environments, mobile applications, smart boards, etc.) at all campuses will add to your experience. Library and study spaces have also been upgraded and are regularly reviewed.

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We offer two distance learning, online courses that builds on your CIMA qualifications, the MSc Strategic Business Management and also a BA (Hons) Sustainable Performance Management.

This course gives you the opportunity to top-up your existing CIMA qualification to a degree level. The programme has been specifically designed to allow students to explore an area of their own interest and develop their commercial insight to become successful finance and business professionals.

This is a one-year, online course which has been designed to enable CIMA qualified professionals to continue with their busy lifestyle while gaining a further academic qualification.

Students are given access to a comprehensive online system in which they have access to taught learning material, interactive features and access to further reading through Manchester Met's online library system. Alongside this, students are given continual one-to-one online support through email communication and Skype video calling from expert academic tutors to ensure they achieve their full potential.

Please Note: You must be a registered CIMA member and hold current associate or fellow membership status to apply for this course.

Features and benefits of the course

-This programme draws on the unique global partnership between CIMA and Manchester Metropolitan University to give CIMA students the opportunity to gain an Honours degree.
-The convenience of part-time online study gives flexibility and the ability to maintain other commitments.
-Sophisticated online learning materials for your courses.
-Learning examples and tutor feedback to help hone your skills.
-Dedicated support from specialist academic tutors and online access to MMU’s extensive library and research material.
-For more information about this course, please see http://mmubs-cimamsc.course-source.co.uk/home

About the Course

The course consists of two units: Academic and Professional Development and a Dissertation. Tuition is delivered through an interactive student portal with sophisticated online learning materials, dedicated one-to-one online support from academic supervisors and access to the University’s digital business library. There are also plenty of opportunities for you to communicate online with fellow students.

There are no set lecture times and you can work through the units at your own pace.

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The Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA) MRes is a research-based course with a taught component that is equivalent to an MSc. It provides a springboard into a career that involves a working knowledge of scientific research.

The course is designed for students with a BSc in the life sciences or another science discipline. It is also for intercalating and qualified MBBS or BDS students. You can study the course as a stand-alone qualification or as an entry route onto a PhD or MD.

The taught component of the course includes musculoskeletal ageing specific content. This content is delivered as a series of e-learning modules provided by Newcastle University and also the CIMA partner universities of Liverpool and Sheffield. You will also receive training in general research principles and in professional and key skills.

You will also receive:
-Training in general research principles
-Training in professional and key skills
-Peer mentoring from current CIMA PhD students

Your research project is a major element of the course. Your project involves 24 weeks of research in an area of musculoskeletal ageing. Supervision is by expert academic researchers in your field of interest. You will also do a placement at either Liverpool University or Sheffield University. These universities are our academic partners in the Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA) course

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The MSc in Strategic Accounting is a 1 year top up course for individuals who have completed all their CIMA examinations.

Applicants who have completed all their CIMA exams are given exemptions and can complete their MSc in one year.

See the website https://www.rgu.ac.uk/business-management-and-accounting/study-options/distance-and-flexible-learning/strategic-accounting-with-cima

Course Modules

•Research Methods
•Business Environment
•Dissertation

Format

Study through our Campus Moodle virtual learning environment (VLE) provides full open access to tutors and other class members. Students have the benefit of being part of a group of learners with the invaluable opportunity to participate in active, group-related learning within a supportive online community setting. The interactive online campus provides students with lectures and course materials and these include:

•Virtual tutorials
•Live chat
•Discussion forums - student and tutor led
•Up-to-date web technology for delivery methods
•User friendly material

Once you have received an offer for the course, applicants are offered the chance to log into Campus Moodle for more information and to interact with staff and other applicants.

Careers

The MSc Strategic Accounting equips graduates with a real competitive advantage.

The profession is a highly regarded one, both in the UK and overseas - and both awards are very well known within the Industry. Opportunities for future careers exist within local, national and international companies in the areas of management accounting and financial accounting and also in commercial roles requiring financial analysis skills.

The University supports career development and offers online and offline advice, services and resources through the Careers Advisory Service.

How to apply

To find out how to apply, use the following link: http://www.rgu.ac.uk/applyonline

Funding

For information on funding, including loans, scholarships and Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) please click the following link: http://www.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/finance-and-scholarships/financial-support/uk-students/postgraduate-students/postgraduate-students/

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We designed this course for international students who are CIMA passed finalists or qualified accountants. It is a fast track route that enables you to convert your CIMA qualification to a UK masters degree in nine months.

Strategic financial management integrates the financial management function into business strategy and every other part of an organisations operation.

Applying strategic financial management knowledge and skills improves an organisations effectiveness and efficiency. In today’s highly competitive business environment, both private and government organisations are increasingly putting more emphasis in this area to achieve their objectives.

The course emphasises business awareness, proactive and logical thinking, research and critical analysis to help managers make sound strategic financial decisions on a global scale.

A distinctive course feature is its focus on present-day national and global developments in business strategy, management, accounting and finance.

By studying updated literature, worldwide events, case studies and companies’ financial accounts, you learn how real organisations operate and the strategies and decisions they implement.

You complete in-depth research into various industries when producing presentations, coursework, assessments and dissertations. This real world focus provides immediate value to your present or potential employers.

Helping an organisation compete more successfully through better strategy and financial management can be a rewarding career, in the UK or internationally.

The team delivering the course has strong links with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT).

Course structure

Full-time – nine months

Starts January

Typical modules may include

Core modules

• Methods of enquiry
• Research methods
• Dissertation

Options

• Corporate finance
• Corporate governance and ethics
• Strategic management accounting for performance enhancement
• Mergers and acquisitions

Assessment

• Assignments
• Examinations
• Dissertation

Employability

Organisations can only sustain and develop their competitiveness by acquiring and effectively using resources.

Successfully completing this course, equips you with financial management knowledge and skills sought by organisations worldwide.

The range of career opportunities includes • finance manager • financial controller • business strategist • financial analyst • strategic accountant • consultant • strategy or financial journalist • researcher • educator.

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We designed this course for international students who are CIMA passed finalists or qualified accountants. It is a fast track route that enables you to convert your CIMA qualification to a UK masters degree in nine months.

The course is delivered in Sheffield and at the Aventis School of Management, Singapore.

Strategic financial management integrates the financial management function into business strategy and every other part of an organisations operation.

Applying strategic financial management knowledge and skills improves an organisations effectiveness and efficiency. In today’s highly competitive business environment, both private and government organisations are increasingly putting more emphasis in this area to achieve their objectives.

The course emphasises business awareness, proactive and logical thinking, research and critical analysis to help managers make sound strategic financial decisions on a global scale.

A distinctive course feature is its focus on present-day national and global developments in business strategy, management, accounting and finance.

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About the course

Finance and Accounting MSc with professional placement is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) as part of the CIMA Masters Gateway. Students enrolled on this degree can apply to obtain 12 of the 17 foundation modules of the CIMA Professional Qualification.

The Finance and Accounting MSc programme includes topics such as the theory of finance, company valuation, the assessment of corporate risk, international accounting standards, corporate governance and financial statement analysis. The professional placement option allows students to apply what you learn.

Designed for students interested in a career in business and consulting, accountancy firms, financial institutions and government, this course also provides a thorough preparation for academic research in finance and accounting.

It is also appropriate for those with professional qualifications in accounting who wish to obtain a deeper understanding of financial accountancy.

Aims

You will develop a sound knowledge of both accounting standards and corporate governance, as well as their role in the operation of financial markets.

You will be provided with a solid platform of specific subject knowledge alongside a set of highly valuable and transferable employability skills for a successful career in the financial sector.

Course Content

The MSc consists of both compulsory and optional modules, a typical selection can be found below. Modules can vary from year to year, but these offer a good idea of what we teach.

The full-time course comprises of four equally weighted modules in each of the first two terms, with three being compulsory and one optional.

The dissertation carries one third of the marks for the course and is undertaken after the taught modules have been completed.

The part-time option is designed with two modules in each of the four terms. The compulsory modules give an excellent coverage of the core material in finance designed in a way that is applicable to accounting.

The Finance and Accounting programme includes topics such as the theory of finance, company valuation, the assessment of corporate risk, international accounting standards, corporate governance and financial statement analysis.

All students will also be offered research training to prepare them for undertaking independent research and writing a dissertation in an accounting and/or finance related topic.

All students take a one-week introductory course in mathematics and statistics.

Compulsory Modules

Financial Theory
Financial Reporting in Capital Markets
Quantitative Methods for Finance and Economics
International Accounting Standards and Policy
Company Valuation
Investment Valuation Models
Dissertation

Optional Modules

International Finance
Derivative Securities
Business Finance Workshop
Global Financial Markets

Special Features

Finance and Accounting MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) as part of the CIMA Masters Gateway. Students enrolled on this degree can apply to obtain 12 of the 17 foundation modules of the CIMA Professional Qualification.

Students enrolled on the degree can sit the CIMA Masters Gateway in advance of completing their MSc (after the exam components are completed). Upon successful completion of both, students would achieve dual awards (MSc Finance and Accounting AND CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting).

This Master's course in Finance and Accounting allows specialisation through the appropriate programme along designated pathways in Financial Reporting, International Accounting Standards, or Financial Management. It combines quantitative methods, financial theory and technical accounting, in order to provide a solid platform for a successful career in the financial sector.

The course is one of four specialist Master's programmes developed by leading experts in the Economics and Finance Department at Brunel University London. As a student here you will be part of a long standing and thriving environment for research and study with many advantages and benefits such as:

Outstanding academic expertise and research-led teaching
95% of our academics are nationally and internationally recognised for their work in economics and econometrics in the latest Research Assessment Exercise (2008).
As a result, you will benefit from up-to-the-minute research-led teaching by academic staff who regularly publish in international peer-reviewed journals, have an impact on international regulatory design and obtain significant research grants.

Professional training facilities
You will have access to a variety of professional databases used in business and the finance industry which include Datastream, Bloomberg, Bank Scope, Osiris, Reuters 3000 Xtra and Thomson One Banker.
We hold regular training sessions and external visits with Bloomberg, which will enhance your research and expose you to real-world factors that will be important in future finance related employment.

Scholarships
Brunel offers a number of scholarships for UK, EU and international students.
Excellent links with leading organisations
We have excellent links with business and the finance industry, which will help you to network with organisations and get ahead in your career.

Industry talks, guest lectures and research seminars
A number of industry talks with professionals from the private sector who will be invited to teach part of the programme and will provide you with further practical experience.
There is a wide range of events on offer, such as guest lectures and research seminars to keep you up-to-date on the latest developments and will help build your contacts.

Teaching

The modules on the Finance and Accounting Master's programme incorporate a diverse range of teaching methods which reflect the module learning outcomes and the demands of the subject material. Effective learning is achieved through a combination of lectures, seminars, directed independent study, workshops, oral presentations, and varied assessment patterns.

Use of appropriate IT resources is expected (e.g. electronic resources to access data, and relevant software programmes used in research methods). Dissertation research will give you the opportunity to integrate your knowledge of important themes, frameworks and research findings in finance and accounting obtained via lectures, seminars, and workshops.

Students who successfully complete a professional placement will be invited to attend a tutorial day to give a presentation about their experience. An optional reflective journal during the placement may assist in preparation for the presentation and dissertation.

Assessment

All modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and final examinations. Students who successfully complete the taught part of the course can proceed to the dissertation stage. Students are expected to work on their dissertation in the summer and to submit the final draft in mid-September. Students who follow the Professional Practice pathway will complete their placement during the summer and work on their dissertation afterwards, submitting in January.

Professional Placement

All students who enrol on the full-time Finance and Accounting MSc will have the opportunity to complete a placement. A placement can significantly improve your employability and expose you to real-world situations in the Banking and Finance industry, and importantly, allow you to network with industry professionals.

Students completing the work placement option will have a competitive edge in pursuing careers as high-level analysts, economists and managers in financial institutions, governments, financial regulators, business companies and central banks, as well as international organisations.

The placement option is available to full-time applicants and will last for 12-15 weeks during the summer of your course. Placements will begin at the earliest in the last week of May and will finish by September. Some employers may also provide a salary.

For students who complete the placement, their dissertation will be completed after the placement has finished. Students who do not find a placement will do their dissertation throughout the summer and submit in September.

For more information regarding the professional placement please visit the website

http://www.brunel.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/Finance-and-Accounting-MSc

Graduate School workshops

In addition to the college's events and training sessions, you will have the opportunity to undertake workshops and skills training provided by the university’s Graduate School

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The MSc International Finance and Management programme provides you with a detailed understanding of modern business principles, techniques and contextual conditions, paying particular attention to international finance.

You will receive an introduction to contemporary business and management issues, as well as gaining an informed understanding of environmental and historical influences on business and management practice. This programme will enhance your ability to interpret data, compile reports of key findings and make recommendations to meet the needs of an organisation.

Ideal for graduates with a degree in a business, economics or finance/accounting related discipline (minimum good UK honours degree 2:2), this programme has been designed for those seeking to develop a financial management career in either the public or private sector.

You will study topics relating to international finance processes and there will be an emphasis on assessing performance management, risk and management accounting. You will have the opportunity to engage with current business issues through specialist input and the completion of independent study.

During your studies, you may have the opportunity to participate in:
-Industry visits to real companies
-Short term internships with local employers
-Live business projects for real clients

Features and benefits of the course

-You will be taught in the internationally recognised multi-award-winning Business School on All Saints Campus.
-Teaching staff on this programme are highly experienced practitioners and active researchers in their fields. Read more about the staff from the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics.
-All graduates from the MSc International Finance and Management course will be eligible to sit the CIMA Gateway paper which will fast track them to the CIMA Strategic Level. The route requires you to sit a single three hour exam in either May or November each year. It assesses your knowledge of the material covered in the management level of the CIMA Professional Qualification. Once you have passed, you will be awarded the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting and be granted exemptions from all certificate, operational and management level exams in the CIMA Professional Qualification. Then by sitting three strategic level papers and TOPCIMA (and relevant work experience) it will lead to students becoming CIMA qualified accountants.
-As a student of the AFE Department, you will have complementary access to Bloomberg, the leading global platform used by the world’s leading banks, corporations and government agencies for news, data, analytics and research.
-Use of the University's online learning portal (Moodle) to provide additional learning materials, links to library materials or other web sites of interest, communication and an aid to discussions.

Postgraduate Internship Programme

Employers look favourably on candidates who can demonstrate relevant and practical work experience. All full-time Masters students at the Business School have the opportunity to undertake an optional, short-term internship with a real business in order to develop relevant experience relating to their studies.

The Postgraduate Internship Programme is an optional unit which allows you to gain up to twelve weeks of work experience in a business environment; putting your studies into practical application, at the same time as gaining practice credits, which are recorded on your degree qualification transcript. Internships can be part-time or full-time but must fit around your scheduled classes. A dedicated team are on hand to guide you through this process.

About the Course

Our postgraduate programmes aim to combine academic knowledge from leading research in the area with the professional skills that employers are seeking.
Our research in business and law brings together a number of synergistic research centres and knowledge clusters and our doctoral school of PhD researchers who work with teaching staff on the design of the programme.

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This course will equip you with the latest knowledge and skill set needed for a successful career within the accounting and finance sector. Our graduates go on to work at companies including KPMG, Deloitte and RBS to name a few.

This programme has been designed to enhance the specialist knowledge and skills of graduates who have already undertaken substantial accounting and finance studies at undergraduate degree level. Alternatively, if you have successfully achieved all of the ACCA Fundamental level papers you are eligible to apply.

The programme covers a number of core themes including International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), corporate reporting, corporate governance and risk management. Professional ethics, alongside the application of tools and models of finance theory to complex strategic corporate finance transactions are central to the programme. In addition, you will develop knowledge in implementing strategy in the context of both the external environment and internal business capabilities, and be able to evaluate performance implications of a given strategy.

You will have the opportunity to engage with current business issues through specialist input and the completion of independent study. Your dissertation will normally take the form of an empirical piece of research.

Features and benefits of the course

-You will be taught in the internationally recognised multi-award-winning Business School on All Saints Campus.
-Teaching staff on this programme are highly experienced practitioners and active researchers in their fields.
-As a student of the AFE Department, you will have complementary access to Bloomberg, the leading global platform used by the world’s leading banks, corporations and government agencies for news, data, analytics and research.
-The Business School is the only public sector ACCA platinum approved learning partner in the North of England.
-Read our economics blog at http://eomics.mmu.ac.uk/
-There are opportunities to focus your assignments on your employment goals.
-You will have extensive access to real world data and academic journals.
-This programme has an advanced standing route for mature students who have relevant professional qualifications or who have previously studied for a postgraduate certificate or diploma. Through advanced standing, we can give you academic credit for your current qualifications. Typically, this would be membership of the ACCA. Consequently, you only need to study selected units and can achieve an MSc in a shorter time frame. The tuition fees for this route are also lower because you only pay for the units you need to take rather than having to study all the units for the MSc.
-You have the opportunity to join the Accounting, Finance and Economics (AFE) Student Society. The Society organises a variety of events for students including employer fairs, guest speakers and various networking opportunities.
-All graduates from the MSc Accounting and Finance course will be eligible to sit the CIMA Gateway paper, which will fast track them to the CIMA Strategic Level. The route requires you to sit a single three hour exam in either May or November each year. It assesses your knowledge of the material covered in the management level of the CIMA Professional Qualification. Once you have passed, you will be awarded the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting and be granted exemptions from all certificate, operational and management level exams in the CIMA Professional Qualification. Then by sitting three strategic level papers and TOPCIMA (and relevant work experience) it will lead to students becoming CIMA qualified accountants.

Postgraduate internship programme

Employers look favourably on candidates who can demonstrate relevant and practical work experience. All Masters students at the Business School are encouraged to undertake an optional, short-term internship with a real business in order to develop relevant experience relating to their studies.

The Postgraduate Internship Programme is an optional unit which allows you to gain up to fourteen weeks of work experience in a business environment; putting your studies into practical application, at the same time as gaining practice credits, which are recorded on your degree qualification transcript.

A dedicated Placement and Project Coordinator will guide you through this process, by sourcing and advertising suitable roles throughout the year, offering 1-2-1 application advice, and supporting you to make speculative applications to source your own Internships.

Internships can be part-time or full-time but must fit around your scheduled classes.

About the Course

Our postgraduate programmes aim to combine academic knowledge from leading research in the area with the professional skills that employers are seeking.

Our research in business and law brings together a number of synergistic research centres and knowledge clusters and our doctoral school of PhD researchers, who work with teaching staff on the design of the programme.

During your studies, you may have the opportunity to participate in:
-Industry visits to real companies
-Short term internships with local employers
-Live business projects for real clients
-A live consultancy project for your final dissertation

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We designed this course for the personal and professional development of graduates who want to work in accounting, strategy, finance and management fields.

It is also suitable for other professionals wishing to fill the role of financial management in a private or government organisation.

Strategic financial management integrates the financial management function into business strategy and every other part of an organisations operation.

Applying strategic financial management knowledge and skills improves an organisations effectiveness and efficiency. In today’s highly competitive business environment, both private and government organisations are increasingly putting more emphasis in this area to achieve their objectives.

The course emphasises business awareness, proactive and logical thinking, research and critical analysis to help managers make sound strategic financial decisions on a global scale.

A distinctive course feature is its focus on present-day national and global developments in business strategy, management, accounting and finance.

By studying updated literature, worldwide events, case studies and companies’ financial accounts, you learn how real organisations operate and the strategies and decisions they implement.

You complete in-depth research into various industries when producing presentations, coursework, assessments and dissertations. This real world focus provides immediate value to your present or potential employers.

Helping an organisation compete more successfully through better strategy and financial management can be a rewarding career, in the UK or internationally.

The team delivering the course has strong links with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT).

CIMA fast track route

International students who are CIMA passed finalists or qualified accountants can convert their CIMA qualifications to a UK masters on our MSc Financial Management – CIMA Fast Track Route.

Professional recognition

Successfully completing the international treasury management module gives you an additional professional qualification awarded by the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT).

Course structure

Full-time

September start – typically 12 months

January start – typically 15 months but it can be completed in 12 months

Typical modules may include

Semester one - Postgraduate certificate

• Finance
• Methods of enquiry
• Understanding markets
• Financial risk management

Semester two - postgraduate diploma

• Corporate finance
• corporate governance and ethics
• Strategic management accounting for performance enhancement
• Mergers and acquisitions

Semester three - MSc

• Research methods 
• Dissertation

Assessment

• Assignments
• Examinations
• Dissertation

Employability

Organisations can only sustain and develop their competitiveness by acquiring and effectively using resources.

Successfully completing this course, equips you with financial management knowledge and skills sought by organisations worldwide.

The range of career opportunities includes • finance manager • financial controller • business strategist • financial analyst • strategic accountant • consultant • strategy or financial journalist • researcher • educator.

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This course has been designed to develop the knowledge, skills, research interests and career prospects of those who work, or wish to work, in finance, treasury management or accountancy. It’s especially useful if you’re a graduate with little or no accounting experience, as it offers the opportunity to study modules which will cover this shortfall.

If you are a graduate member of a UK accountancy body, or an overseas equivalent, you may claim up to four exemptions from this Masters by applying for Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning. This would enable you to complete the taught part of the course in one semester.

The course provides exemptions from 7 of the papers of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) exams. The Westminster Business School is an ACCA Gold approved learning partner and one of the few UK institutions where you can qualify for so many ACCA exemptions on completion of a one-year course. Furthermore, graduates of the course have the chance to enter the the Gateway route of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). On successful completion of the Gateway examination, students will gain exemptions from 12 of the 17 CIMA examinations.

Course content

As a postgraduate finance student you will have access to the Financial Markets Suite, which uses the Bloomberg computer system to monitor real-time financial market movements and trends. It’s a resource available to very few UK universities, and one which provides a modern and progressive teaching environment combining finance theory with practice.

A highlight for many students are the social events organised throughout the course which provide an opportunity for networking with fellow students and alumni. Students on this course also benefit from free access to part of the material on the course reading list.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Core modules
-Financial Accounting Policy and Practice
-International Risk Management
-Managerial Accounting
-Modern Finance
-Project
-Research Methods in Finance and Accounting
-Taxation Principles and Practice

Option modules - You can choose a total of three options modules. Choose two or three from the following list; a third may be chosen from anywhere within the University, subject to the course leader’s approval.
-Corporate Governance and Business Ethics
-Data Analysis
-Financial Derivatives
-Financial Information Systems
-Financial Markets and Institutions
-Fixed Income Analysis and Trading
-International Financial Reporting
-Modern Portfolio Management

Accredited internship

All students on our full-time business Masters courses can apply to undertake the PG/MBA Internship Programme Reflective Practitioner Module. This is an 8 week unpaid accredited internship, which can be taken in addition to option modules and will help students to gain invaluable work experience. The internships, which are with London-based organisations, take place during the summer period. To apply, students must submit a completed application form and a copy of their updated CV to the Business Experience Team; the team then shortlist from the applications and conduct group meetings with the applicants.

Ultimately it is up to our internship employers to decide whether they would like to interview the candidate(s) and offer him/her an internship. We have received very positive feedback from both postgraduate students and employers and expect that the internship programme will continue to remain popular amongst our students.

Careers

As a Finance and Accounting MSc graduate, you can look forward to excellent career prospects in finance, banking, treasury management or accountancy, as well as general management and other senior finance-based positions. A number of our graduates have gone on to work for the "Big 4" accountancy firms.

Your exposure to the Financial Markets Suite simulated financial trading facility will mean you will be equipped in both the theory and practice of international finance.

Graduates of the course can apply to various professional accountancy bodies, which give exemptions on the basis of electives you have studied. The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) allow graduates to go through a "Gateway" route. Successful completion of the Gateway exam grants 12 exemptions from CIMA's 17 examinations. You also have the opportunity to gain exemption from 7 papers of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) examinations during this degree.

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