Masters Degrees (Msc Forensic Accounting)

Why take this course?

Through the application of professional forensic accounting tools, models, techniques and knowledge, you will gain a comprehensive range of skills covering the three core areas of forensic accounting – litigation support, expert witnessing and fraud examination. You’ll learn to apply your specialised accounting skills in a range of areas including business valuation, assessment of economic damages, proceeds of crime, fraud and money laundering.

Depending on how much time you are able to commit to your study, we offer a two year or a 30 month duration, and our recommended study time per week would be around 12 and 18 hours respectively. We would strongly recommend that those students with full-time jobs or other commitments opt for the longer 30 month programme of study.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Investigate real-life case studies and learn the processes involved in compiling your own case
Participate in live web-based chat forums to discuss your work with lecturers and other students
Tap in to our Library’s vast selection of electronic resources, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection

What opportunities might it lead to?

One of the fastest growing areas of accounting, there is an increasing global demand for specialists with forensic accounting knowledge and skills. Our course therefore aims to provide a progressive, challenging and stimulating framework of study that will equip you to work in this field.

Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:

Audit and assurance
Taxation
Forensic accounting
Management accounting
Financial analysis
Treasury

Module Details

You will study a total of five units which consider a range of exciting topics such as corporate integrity and management control, fraud and forensic analysis, cybercrime and interviewing and testimony. You will learn how to investigate a case, gather evidence, prepare expert reports and provide evidence. The course then concludes with your dissertation where you’ll have the flexibility to specialise in an area of your choice such as fraud examination, litigation consulting or expert witnessing to name a few.

In the 30 month programme you will study two units in each of year one and year two, followed by the dissertation in the final year.

In the two year programme, you will study three units in year one followed by one unit and the dissertation in year two.

Here are the units you will study:

Financial Analysis and Modelling: You will gain a critical awareness of the financial environment from both an accounting and finance perspective. You will learn to understand, analyse and interpret company reports, examine the role of the regulatory framework for corporate reporting and the stock market, and explore the pricing of securities. You will also cover the key areas of decision and risk analysis, alongside the process of decision making, key statistical concepts, and selecting and using appropriate analytical software tools as aids to decision making.
Expert Witnessing and Dispute Resolution: You will be able to examine the full range of formal and informal methods for dispute resolution within common law, and civil and criminal legal systems, whilst also developing an understanding of the legal and practical protocols alongside the procedural knowledge and etiquette governing the appointment and testimony of expert witnesses. You will also develop a clear understanding of the legal basis and critical elements required to construct an expert report for submission in civil and criminal proceedings.
Financial Forensics and Investigation: You will gain an understanding of the need for an holistic approach in the investigatory models applied so that you can develop a critical, questioning and evaluative approach in assessing financial data. You will consider the primary evidential elements with a particular emphasis on gathering information from interviews and examining key issues and innovative approaches.
Financial Crime and the Law: You will focus on an appreciation and understanding of the wide variety of financial crime and how the current regulatory framework and crime control statutes have developed to deal with them. Features of corporate integrity and management control systems will additionally instil an understanding of the development and needs of corporate governance in the context of the control theories of the firm.
Dissertation: This is a 15,000-word research project that combines a review of previous research undertaken in your chosen topic with your own data collection and analysis. This provides a unique opportunity for you to demonstrate the subject knowledge you have acquired, as well as your analytical abilities and problem-solving skills which are highly regarded by potential employers. During this phase, your research will be supervised by an experienced academic with expertise in your chosen topic area.

Programme Assessment

This course is heavily student focused. You will be given resources, materials, help and guidance to complete your studies to your full ability. Using our virtual learning environment you can participate in group discussions with other students in a friendly, yet challenging online class environment. Plus real-time, text-based 'chat sessions' with lecturers will ensure you receive all the support you need throughout the course.

You are assessed in a variety of ways to reflect the individual topics, although for the Distance Learning mode of delivery there are no examinations to sit. Our approaches to learning, assessment and feedback are varied and constructive, to help you build the personal management and employability skills that are essential for a fulfilling career.

Student Destinations

This course is an ideal route into a wide range of professional careers in litigation support, expert witnessing and fraud examination. On graduating you will be qualified for a number of roles in financial regulatory authorities, law firms, accountancy practices and law enforcement agencies. We liaise closely with employers and professional bodies to ensure that all our courses are relevant to their business and recruitment needs. Our overall aim is to help you find a fulfilling and financially rewarding job once you graduate.

Roles our graduates have taken on include:

Management accountant
Financial analyst
Internal auditor
Stockbroker
Account manager

Read less

Develop the specialist accounting skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in forensic investigation and dispute resolution on this master's course. A forensic approach to accounting is often used in the workplace and this course allows you to specialise in this field. Through the two forensic accounting modules, the course gives you specialist insight into the forensic analysis of financial accounts and methods used in dispute resolution. The electronic crime module shows how new media can be exploited in financial fraud and how such actions can be traced.

You also gain an understanding of the legal issues in a forensic context. Part of your study involves increasing your knowledge of the legal framework in relation to the law of evidence and studying accounting in a legal context. The corporate governance and ethics module shows you the importance of good governance and ethics to organisations and society throughout the world, so you can apply these ideas in your future career. Your module choice allows you to tailor your study to an area of interest.

The financial analysis module gives you the ability to understand and utilise financial and other information in connection with identifying manipulation of financial statements. The innovation in the digital enterprise module prepares you for a role in leading and enabling change in contemporary organisations through the use of strategic information systems and modern digital technologies. The financial regulations and supervision module gives you an insight into the legal framework and working practices around accounting in financial institutions and markets.

You also do a dissertation, an extended piece of research, which you design and carry out under the direction of an academic tutor.
You gain transferable skills relevant to the current national and international business world, in areas including problem solving, communication and information technology. The team delivering the course has strong links with the Associationof Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants(CIMA) and Association of CorporateTreasurers (ACT).

For more information, see the website: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/find-a-course/msc-forensic-accounting

Professional body membership

Your student membership fees for Association of Certified Fraud Examiners for your year of study are paid by the University allowing you to have full access to their member resources to help you complete your specialist modules.

Professional recognition

We are a member of the Anti-Fraud Education Partnership with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Course structure

Full time – typically 1 year
Part-time – typically 2 years
Starts September.

Core modules
-Forensic accounting
-The expert witness in criminal litigation
-Methods of enquiry: research and consultancy in finance
-Forensic accounting applications
-Electronic crime
-Corporate governance and ethics
-Research methods
-Dissertation

Optional modules
One from:
-Financial analysis
-Financial regulation and supervision
-Innovation in the digital enterprise

Assessment: assignments, examinations, dissertation

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Why take this course?

Through the application of professional forensic accounting tools, models, techniques and knowledge, you will gain a comprehensive range of skills covering the three core areas of forensic accounting – litigation support, expert witnessing and fraud examination. You’ll learn to apply your specialised accounting skills in a range of areas including business valuation, assessment of economic damages, proceeds of crime, fraud and money laundering.

This programme is taught full-time over one year, part-time over three years, and is also available through a Distance Learning option.

We are a member of the Anti-Fraud Education Partnership with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, which enables us to have access to up-to-date teaching resources.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Investigate real-life case studies and learn the processes involved in compiling your own case
Receive guided support and mentoring from staff through formal meetings and via our use of social media
Tap in to our Library’s vast selection of electronic resources, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection

What opportunities might ti lead to?

One of the fastest growing areas of accounting, there is an increasing global demand for specialists with forensic accounting knowledge and skills. Our course therefore aims to provide a progressive, challenging and stimulating framework of study that will equip you to work in this field.

Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:

Audit and assurance
Taxation
Forensic accounting
Management accounting
Financial analysis
Treasury

Module Details

You will study a total of five units which consider a range of exciting topics such as corporate integrity and management control, fraud and forensic analysis, cybercrime and interviewing and testimony. You will learn how to investigate a case, gather evidence, prepare expert reports and provide evidence. The course then concludes with your dissertation where you’ll have the flexibility to specialise in an area of your choice such as fraud examination, litigation consulting or expert witnessing to name a few.

Here are the units you will study:

Financial Analysis and Modelling: You will gain a critical awareness of the financial environment from both an accounting and finance perspective. You will learn to understand, analyse and interpret company reports, examine the role of the regulatory framework for corporate reporting and the stock market, and explore the pricing of securities. You will also cover the key areas of decision and risk analysis, alongside the process of decision making, key statistical concepts, and selecting and using appropriate analytical software tools as aids to decision making.

Expert Witnessing and Dispute Resolution: This unit enables you to examine the full range of formal and informal methods for dispute resolution within common law, and civil and criminal legal systems, whilst also developing an understanding of the legal and practical protocols alongside the procedural knowledge and etiquette governing the appointment and testimony of expert witnesses. You will also develop a clear understanding of the legal basis and critical elements required to construct an expert report for submission in civil and criminal proceedings.

Financial Forensics and Investigation: On this unit you will develop an understanding of the need for an holistic approach in the investigatory models applied so that you can develop a critical, questioning and evaluative approach in assessing financial data. You will consider the primary evidential elements with a particular emphasis on gathering information from interviews and examining key issues and innovative approaches.

Financial Crime and the Law: You will focus on an appreciation and understanding of the wide variety of financial crime and how the current regulatory framework and crime control statutes have developed to deal with them. Through examining features of corporate integrity and management control systems you will gain an understanding of the development and needs of corporate governance in the context of the control theories of the firm.

Dissertation: This is a 15,000-word research project that combines a review of previous research undertaken in your chosen topic with your own data collection and analysis. This provides a unique opportunity for you to demonstrate the subject knowledge you have acquired, as well as your analytical abilities and problem-solving skills which are highly regarded by potential employers. During this phase, your research will be supervised by an experienced academic with expertise in your chosen topic area.

Programme Details

We use a combination of teaching methods from lectures, seminars and tutorials to student presentations and activity-based case studies. We are committed to best practice in learning and encourage group participation promoting discussion and debate in a friendly yet, challenging class environment.

You are assessed in a variety of ways to reflect the individual topics. Our approaches to learning, assessment and feedback are varied and constructive, to help you build the personal management and employability skills that are essential for a fulfilling career.

Student Destinations

This course is an ideal route into a wide range of professional careers in litigation support, expert witnessing and fraud examination. On graduating you will be qualified for a number of roles in financial regulatory authorities, law firms, accountancy practices and law enforcement agencies. We liaise closely with employers and professional bodies to ensure that all our courses are relevant to their business and recruitment needs. Our overall aim is to help you find a fulfilling and financially rewarding job once you graduate.

Roles our graduates have taken on include:

Financial analyst
Internal auditor
Stockbroker
Account manager

Read less

Why take this course?

Through the application of professional forensic accounting tools, models, techniques and knowledge, you will gain a comprehensive range of skills covering the three core areas of forensic accounting – litigation support, expert witnessing and fraud examination. You’ll learn to apply your specialised accounting skills in a range of areas including business valuation, assessment of economic damages, proceeds of crime, fraud and money laundering.

Depending on how much time you are able to commit to your study, we offer a two year or a 30 month duration, and our recommended study time per week would be around 12 and 18 hours respectively. We would strongly recommend that those students with full-time jobs or other commitments opt for the longer 30 month programme of study.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Investigate real-life case studies and learn the processes involved in compiling your own case
Participate in live web-based chat forums to discuss your work with lecturers and other students
Tap in to our Library’s vast selection of electronic resources, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection

What opportunities might it lead to?

One of the fastest growing areas of accounting, there is an increasing global demand for specialists with forensic accounting knowledge and skills. Our course therefore aims to provide a progressive, challenging and stimulating framework of study that will equip you to work in this field.

Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:

Audit and assurance
Taxation
Forensic accounting
Management accounting
Financial analysis
Treasury

Module Details

You will study a total of five units which consider a range of exciting topics such as corporate integrity and management control, fraud and forensic analysis, cybercrime and interviewing and testimony. You will learn how to investigate a case, gather evidence, prepare expert reports and provide evidence. The course then concludes with your dissertation where you’ll have the flexibility to specialise in an area of your choice such as fraud examination, litigation consulting or expert witnessing to name a few.

In the 30 month programme you will study two units in each of year one and year two, followed by the dissertation in the final year.

In the two year programme, you will study three units in year one followed by one unit and the dissertation in year two.

Here are the units you will study:

Financial Analysis and Modelling: You will gain a critical awareness of the financial environment from both an accounting and finance perspective. You will learn to understand, analyse and interpret company reports, examine the role of the regulatory framework for corporate reporting and the stock market, and explore the pricing of securities. You will also cover the key areas of decision and risk analysis, alongside the process of decision making, key statistical concepts, and selecting and using appropriate analytical software tools as aids to decision making.
Expert Witnessing and Dispute Resolution: You will be able to examine the full range of formal and informal methods for dispute resolution within common law, and civil and criminal legal systems, whilst also developing an understanding of the legal and practical protocols alongside the procedural knowledge and etiquette governing the appointment and testimony of expert witnesses. You will also develop a clear understanding of the legal basis and critical elements required to construct an expert report for submission in civil and criminal proceedings.
Financial Forensics and Investigation: You will gain an understanding of the need for an holistic approach in the investigatory models applied so that you can develop a critical, questioning and evaluative approach in assessing financial data. You will consider the primary evidential elements with a particular emphasis on gathering information from interviews and examining key issues and innovative approaches.
Financial Crime and the Law: You will focus on an appreciation and understanding of the wide variety of financial crime and how the current regulatory framework and crime control statutes have developed to deal with them. Features of corporate integrity and management control systems will additionally instil an understanding of the development and needs of corporate governance in the context of the control theories of the firm.
Dissertation: This is a 15,000-word research project that combines a review of previous research undertaken in your chosen topic with your own data collection and analysis. This provides a unique opportunity for you to demonstrate the subject knowledge you have acquired, as well as your analytical abilities and problem-solving skills which are highly regarded by potential employers. During this phase, your research will be supervised by an experienced academic with expertise in your chosen topic area.

Programme Assessment

This course is heavily student focused. You will be given resources, materials, help and guidance to complete your studies to your full ability. Using our virtual learning environment you can participate in group discussions with other students in a friendly, yet challenging online class environment. Plus real-time, text-based 'chat sessions' with lecturers will ensure you receive all the support you need throughout the course.

You are assessed in a variety of ways to reflect the individual topics, although for the Distance Learning mode of delivery there are no examinations to sit. Our approaches to learning, assessment and feedback are varied and constructive, to help you build the personal management and employability skills that are essential for a fulfilling career.

Student Destinations

This course is an ideal route into a wide range of professional careers in litigation support, expert witnessing and fraud examination. On graduating you will be qualified for a number of roles in financial regulatory authorities, law firms, accountancy practices and law enforcement agencies. We liaise closely with employers and professional bodies to ensure that all our courses are relevant to their business and recruitment needs. Our overall aim is to help you find a fulfilling and financially rewarding job once you graduate.

Roles our graduates have taken on include:

Management accountant
Financial analyst
Internal auditor
Stockbroker
Account manager

Read less

Forensic accounting and the related discipline of forensic audit are fast-developing areas in the commercial world. The major professional accounting firms now have departments offering forensic accounting and audit services, and the demand for expertise in this area is growing exponentially.

There is a need for people with specialist skills who can undertake fraud investigations, valuations, assist in dispute resolution, prepare expert reports, and conduct fraud and forensic analysis.

Additionally, you will be required to evaluate the principles of good corporate governance and the integrity of management, and understand the role of computer forensic techniques in an investigatory and legal context.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/491-msc-forensic-audit-and-accounting

What you will study

On this course you will study 180 credits from the following modules:

- Corporate Governance (20 credits)
Learn about the systems by which companies are directed and controlled, and their implication for fraud prevention and abuses of power.

- Forensic Audit and Accounting (20 credits)
You will be introduced to the principles of forensic audit and accounting, including theoretical concepts allied to investigation and analysis.

- Research Methods for Finance and Accounting (20 credits)
Gain an appreciation of the academic research process and the underlying elements and principles, developing the skills to critically evaluate and conduct postgraduate research.

- Dissertation (60 credits)
Undertake a significant piece of research into an appropriate area of study.

You will study 60 credits from the following option modules:

- Computer Forensics and Crime Investigation (20 credits)
Learn about the techniques and practices of computer forensics, applied to practical problems encountered by forensic accounting investigators.

- Audit and Assurance in a Global Environment (20 credits)
Gain an appreciation of the knowledge, skills and professional judgement needed in a variety of audit and assurance engagements.

- Expert Witnesses and Dispute Resolution (20 credits)
Gain an understanding of the role of an expert, including dispute resolution methods, legal and procedural requirements for experts in pre-trial and court situations.

- Contemporary Issues (20 credits)
Consider contemporary theories and developments in accounting and auditing thought and practice, including forensic accounting.

Learning and teaching methods

The course is delivered full-time through a combination of lectures, tutorials, computer workshops, case study analysis and discussion groups. You will be exposed to real-life situations and given the skills and opportunities to find practical solutions. You will have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art computer forensic and data analysis software.

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

Employment opportunities are numerous, from specialist firms of forensic accountants to specialist departments within accountancy firms. There are many opportunities in the public and regulatory sectors, as well as employment prospects in commercial organisations, as part of investigatory, internal audit, and compliance departments. Recent graduates from this course are employed in the forensic accounting department of a ‘Big Four’ accountancy firm, and as a Fraud Investigator for a national public sector auditor.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods include examinations and coursework-based assignments.

Facilities

Specialist IT facilities are used where appropriate including audit and computer forensic software.

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This course will provide you with an advanced understanding of the theoretical and applied issues in forensic psychology. Our scientist-practitioner approach equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in forensic psychology practice.

The MSc in Forensic Psychology offers comprehensive professional training in forensic psychology. You will gain an in-depth experience of offending and victim pathways, as well as the investigative process. Through the use of a structured framework, you will also study theory and conduct research relating to forensic psychology practice. The course has two different routes:

Forensic Psychology, MSc (Accredited)
This route is fully accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), thereby accounting for Stage 1 of the Qualification in Forensic Psychology. Students enrolling on this route must have a first degree in psychology providing Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the BPS. We will attempt to provide you with a placement within local forensic units (ie HM Prison Service, NHS, Police, or the Forensic Interview Laboratory within the School of Psychology), however, this is not always guaranteed for all students.

Forensic Psychology, MSc (Non-accredited)
This route is not accredited by the BPS and therefore does not fulfil Stage 1 of the BPS qualification in Forensic Psychology. If a student on this non-accredited route wanted to progress onto Stage 2 of the Qualification in Forensic Psychology in the future, they would need to go back and complete the necessary conversion programme to give them the requisite GBC with the BPS.

This route is aimed primarily at those students who do not possess a first degree in psychology providing GBC with the BPS, but whose degree covers research methods and statistics relevant to psychology (eg a joint or combined honours degree which includes psychology, or an international psychology degree that does not confer GBC with the BPS). Other qualifications/experience may be acceptable and will be considered by the Programme Director (eg mental health specialists, police officers, prison officers).

No placements will be provided on this route (with the exception of the Forensic Interview Laboratory within the School of Psychology - space permitting). You are, however, free to gain access to your own placement.

Northumbria Police are proud to support this course and to be working in collaboration with the School of Psychology at Newcastle University.

You will develop your understanding of forensic psychology in a multi-disciplinary and professional context. We promote collaborative teaching and research through our strong links with UK forensic psychology practitioners, including Her Majesty's Prison Service, the National Health Service (NHS) and Police.

You will gain demonstrable, advanced knowledge and critical understanding in:
-Theories and professional issues of forensic psychology
-The breadth and depth of forensic psychology
-The role of psychology within the legal system (civil and criminal)
-The National Offender Management system
-Legislation under which forensic psychologists work
-Investigative psychology and forensic interviewing
-Investigative process from pre-trial/conviction to through/after-care and restorative justice
-Legal, ethical and contextual issues in the evaluation of research and practice
-Debating and using evidence from appropriate literature
-Legal processes

You will also gain professional skills in:
-Writing parole board and analytical reports
-Developing forensic case formulations
-Independent learning
-Project planning
-Problem solving
-Time management
-Teamwork
-Reflection

Your specialist skills and knowledge will be developed through a combination of:
-Written reports
-Reflective journals
-Interview guides
-Oral presentations

Facilities

The School of Psychology provides high quality facilities to all our students, researchers and staff. We are located in the Ridley Building where you will have access to a postgraduate resources room with networked computers and printer.

Accreditation

This course has been accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). The accreditation shows that the course meets the standards set by the BPS.

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The course meets the growing demand for masters level professionals in finance and accounting. It is suitable if you:
-Are from a general finance background and wish to gain specialist knowledge in accounting and finance.
-Have an accounting background and would like to extend and update your knowledge and skills.

A distinctive feature of this course is its focus on present-day national and global developments in systems, regulations and general practices of accounting and finance. By studying updated literature, international accounting standards, worldwide events, case studies and companies’ financial accounts, you learn how real organisations operate and the accounting and financial strategies and decisions they implement.

You complete in-depth research into various industries when producing presentations, coursework, assessments and the dissertation. This real world focus provides immediate value to your present or potential employers. Helping an organisation compete more successfully through better accounting and financial management and systems can be a rewarding career, in the UK or internationally.

After successfully completing the course, you are able to:
-Apply and adapt techniques to improve and extend specialist knowledge in accounting and finance.
-Apply relevant frameworks, models and techniques of financial decision making to planning, performance measurement, and risk management.
-Solve problems and develop and carry out accounting and financial strategies for different types of organisations.
-Apply international accounting standards to corporate reporting and appropriate models to auditing.
-Demonstrate analytical and research skills informed by the latest developments in accounting and finance.
-Use models and techniques for collecting, processing, validating, interpreting and presenting information.

You also gain transferable intellectual and professional skills relevant to the current national and international business world, and problem solving, communication and information technology skills.

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).

For more information, see the website: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/find-a-course/msc-accounting-and-finance

ACCA fast track route

International students who are ACCA passed finalists or qualified accountants can convert their ACCA qualifications to a UK masters on our MSc Accounting and Finance – ACCA Fast Track Route.

Professional recognition

ACCA has granted the following exemptions from their examinations to students graduating from this course:
-F1 accountant in business.
-F2 management accounting.
-F3 financial accounting.
-F4 corporate and business law.

Course structure

Full time – 1 year.
September start – typically 12 months.
January start – typically 15 months but it can be completed in 12 months.

Semester One – Postgraduate Certificate
-Forensic accounting
-International auditing and assurance
-International corporate reporting
-Methods of enquiry

Semester Two – Postgraduate Diploma
-Corporate finance
-Consultancy project 1
-Strategic management accounting for performance enhancement
-Options: one from advanced portfolio management; corporate governance and ethics; financial analysis; innovation in the digital enterprise; understanding markets; international treasury management*.

*Successful completion of the international treasury management module gives you an additional professional qualification awarded by the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT). If you choose this module there is an ACT registration fee of £500 in addition to your course fees, you will be invoiced separately for this.

Semester Three - MSc
-Research methods
-Dissertation

Assessment: assignments, examinations, dissertation.

Other admission requirements

Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 with 5.5 in all skills, is the standard for non-native speakers of English. If your English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English qualification. If you do not meet the above criteria you can apply for the Graduate Diploma in Business and English. After passing this diploma we automatically offer you a place on one of our business or finance related masters degrees.

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About the course

This course will enhance your accounting, finance or business-related skills and develop your career prospects in forensic accounting roles with organisations worldwide. It is designed to further students’ undergraduate business studies. While you will become familiar with all the following areas of forensic accounting, you will develop a deeper, specialist knowledge in one.
•Specialise in forensic accounting
This course enhances specialist knowledge and expertise for accountants, auditors and allied professionals and caters to professional practitioners seeking theoretical depth
•You may progress on to PhD level
You will develop research skills that will enable you to move on to study at a PhD level
•Participate in contests
We actively seek and partner in innovative learning experiences, for example, the ‘White-Collar Hacking Contest’ run by the Technical University of Munich
•Boost your earning potential
Business and Law postgraduates command an average starting salary of £44,186 (Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, 2013/14)
•Gain practical experience in a variety of areas in Forensic Accounting by studying the new Digital Forensics Principles and Practice module

Teaching and assessment

Modules include formal lectures, tutorials, workshops, and interactive sessions.

Course modules

This is a course for graduates seeking to enhance their financial knowledge and skills, and develop their career prospects in accounting and financial roles with organisations worldwide.
Typical modules include:
*Fraud Examination and Investigation
*Internal Control and Audit
*Cybercrime
*Investment Valuation
*Financial Crime and Law
*Investment Fraud
*Risk Management
*Corporate Governance
*Research Methods
*Dissertation

Industry links and professional accreditation

De Montfort University is an ACCA Approved Learning Partner with Gold status and accredited by CIMA.

Graduate careers

The Department of Accounting and Finance has a strong work-related bias, offering professional, postgraduate and undergraduate courses. You will develop an advanced understanding of accounting and finance issues for the private and public sectors, both nationally and internationally, enhancing your career prospects with key financial skills sought after by many organisations.

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Our MSc in Accounting will give you the skills and knowledge you need for many mid to senior-level roles in finance and accounting – and a range of broader, transferable skills that are valued by employers in many sectors.

All businesses need people with advanced knowledge of accounting and finance. Our Masters programme will encourage you to reflect on the theories behind current accounting practice, and give you a broad range of skills in management accounting, international accounting and financial management, as well as related areas such as strategy, risk and governance.

You’ll be taught by tutors who are experienced practitioners with strong links to the accountancy profession, including authors, examiners and markers for international professional bodies. Throughout your studies, you’ll have close contact with expert practitioners, analysts and consultants who’ll give you invaluable insights into current industry practice. We’ll also encourage you to pursue a professional qualification.

Lord Ashcroft International Business School is one of the largest business schools in the east of England. Our students benefit from state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities, study areas, campus libraries with online databases containing professional journals, plus our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) through which you can access study resources and help.

See the website http://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/accounting

Careers

We think you’ll benefit from gaining a professional qualification alongside relevant, work-related experience. Your MSc in Accounting will help you to develop a lucrative career in a wide range of settings and roles, such as internal and independent audit roles, financial accounting, management accounting, or taxation.

Modules & assessment

Core modules:
Research Methods for Business Management
Financial Management
International Accounting
International Tax Theory and Policy
Postgraduate Major Project

Optional modules:
Strategic Management Accounting
Forensic Accounting (Forensic Analysis and Investigation)
Non-Commercial Governance

Assessment

We’ll asses your work both individually and as part of a group. Assessment methods include:
- feedback in class on topics of current interest, and from textual material, research papers and articles
- evidence of critical reflection in assignments, reports and projects
- formal written and oral presentations
- exams.

Assessment is designed to maximise your employability by encouraging you to develop skills in areas such as teamwork, communication, presentation and working under time pressure.

- This is a 1 year programme
Alongside your core modules you will pick a number of optional modules. Please note that modules are subject to change and availability.

Your faculty

The Lord Ashcroft International Business School is one of the largest business schools in the East of England, with nearly 100 full-time teaching staff and approximately 6,000 students from more than 100 countries.

Our striking and award-winning business school building in Chelmsford, as well as new buildings in Cambridge, offer the most advanced learning technologies. We’re well-recognised for our centres of excellence by students, employers and professional bodies alike.

What makes us stand out is that our courses don't just give you sound academic knowledge – they’re at the cutting edge of current business practice and highly relevant to employers. This is owing to the close links we have with the business community and the partnerships we've developed with a wide variety of businesses and public service organisations.

We're interested in people who are confident, ambitious and ready to take the challenge of making a difference in the world of business. If that's you, we'd love to hear from you.

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With the growing complexity of the business environment and the rising number of business related investigations, forensic accounting professionals are increasingly asked to assist in the investigation of financial and business related issues.

Northumbria’s Forensic Accounting MSc is for graduates seeking to enhance their financial investigation knowledge and skills. It aims to enable you to gain the technical and intellectual skills which will equip you to take full advantage of career opportunities as they arise.

Learning experience

You will be trained to look beyond the numbers and deal with the business realities of situations. The ability to analyse, interpret, summarise and present complex financial and business related issues are prominent features of the course.

You will be taught by academics who are specialists (with professional bodies’ accreditation) and who have advanced degrees and extensive scholarly publications in fraud, anti-money laundering, financial crimes and in legal procedures and evidence.

At Northumbria, we consider assessment to be a learning experience in itself. Assessments are designed not just to test your learning and skills development, but to provide more opportunities for the achievement of your learning goals through a varied range of assessment approaches that are primarily driven by individual assignments, but also include personal development planning, group and peer assessments, portfolios and reflective reports.

Module Overview
AF7000 - Forensic Accounting (Core, 20 Credits)
AF7001 - Fraud Examination (Core, 20 Credits)
AF7002 - Fraudulent Statement and Forensic Data Analysis (Core, 20 Credits)
AF7003 - Anti-Money Laundering, Bribery and Corruption (Core, 20 Credits)
NX0422 - Dissertation Preparation and Research Methods (Core, 0 Credits)
NX0472 - Developing Global Management Competencies I (Core, 20 Credits)
NX0473 - Developing Global Management Competencies II (Core, 20 Credits)
NX0475 - Academic and Professional Development (Core, 0 Credits)

Learning environment

As a full-time student, you will be supported though an interactive approach to sessions that will draw upon the directed learning undertaken and your own experiences. Throughout, the emphasis will be on high levels of participation, both individually and within small groups or teams. You can therefore expect the reflective-practitioner approach to learning that will be embedded in all sessions and to engage with activities that will help you apply theory to ‘real-life’ situations.

Research rich learning

Our academics undertake practice relevant research in a range of applied subject areas, enabling us to interpret developments in what is a very fast changing subject field. You are encouraged to undertake enquiry based learning, where you will be co-creators of your own knowledge and learning and also develop research, enquiry and team working skills.

Give your career an edge

You will receive a wealth of employment support as part of your Masters study. Core to this is the two-part module Developing Global Management Competencies. This module seeks to prepare you to be highly employable, enabling you to demonstrate your ability to make an immediate impact on any organisation you join after graduation. You will also be supported by industry facing activity including short-term internships and placement opportunities where possible.

Your future

Successful completion of the course will enable you to differentiate yourself in a sector that has become increasingly competitive. You can expect to gain employment in many areas including, public practice or insurance companies, banks, police forces and government agencies.

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The aim of this course is to provide you with the advanced level skills and knowledge required by personnel in Accounting, Finance, and Corporate Financial Industry sectors.

You will gain valuable insight into accounting processes, both from in-business and external reporting perspectives. You will also learn about the relevance of accountancy to company valuation, and gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of financial management.

Key benefits:

• Excellent career potential and the opportunity to take a Business Innovation Project, enhancing your practical skills and experience
• Choose to take a one to three-month Assessed Internship with an employer, supported by Salford Business School
• A programme that equips you with the necessary theory and skills to work successfully in professional accountancy services and corporate sectors

Visit the website: http://www.salford.ac.uk/pgt-courses/accounting-and-finance

Course detail

On completion of the course you will be able to take advantage of opportunities in either managerial or consulting roles in the corporate sector and finance industries.

You will be equipped with the advanced level skills and understanding necessary to effectively and efficiently perform tasks relevant to the corporations or organisations involved with accounting and finance.

You will be able to work effectively in teams and independently, to evaluate critically, think creatively and communicate effectively with respect to issues in different areas of accounting and finance; and to recognise good practice in the analysis, planning and management of accounting policies and corporate financial strategies.

You also develop an advanced level of understanding of research methods and their application to a wide range of accounting reporting, accounting policies and corporate financial decisions.

Suitable for

This programme is ideally designed for graduates with an academic background in the following subjects: Financial and management accounting; economics; finance; management, or business studies. Alternatively, sufficient and suitable work experience will also be considered.

Format and assessment

The course is delivered in four blocks of three-day intensive study periods, followed by independent study and online support through the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard. Each module is taken and assessed over a six week block.

Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials using a wide range of learning activities.

Over the duration of your course a range of assessment techniques will be used. Types of assessment include; essays, assignments, exams, multiple choice tests, online tests, group reports, and portfolio work. The weighting between exams and coursework varies between modules and years, but exams still play a major role.

Career potential

Many of our graduates go on to join leading accountancy firms, banking and finance industries, both small and large corporate sector businesses, and the academic community.

This programme is the perfect springboard to employment in the just some of the following sectors:
• Assurance and audit
• Management consultancy
• Financial accounting
• Forensic accounting
• Taxation
• Corporate finance
• Corporate insolvency and recovery

How to apply: http://www.salford.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying

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About the MSc programme

Drawing on the resources of the Department of Law and Department of Accounting, this is an interdisciplinary programme aimed at qualified lawyers, accountants and also other suitably qualified individuals. It comprises four elements: a core compulsory course, a Law course, and one Accounting course (the choice of each depending upon your specialist background) and a further option in a relevant field.

Teaching for the compulsory course and law courses will be primarily through seminars. Teaching in the accounting courses will normally be by a combination of lectures and classes or seminars. The compulsory course is examined by an interdisciplinary long essay and a two-hour examination. The other courses are examined mainly by examination but you should check requirements for individual courses.

You will benefit from being members of a small core group of around thirty students while at the same participating in the LLM student community and in the graduate student community associated with the Accounting Department.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates go on to careers in a number of roles such as: senior associates, in-house counsel, lawyers working for regulators, traders, banking analysts, regulatory accountants, auditors, consultants and forensic accountants.

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This popular Masters degree will kick-start your professional career, delivering advanced modules in key areas of accounting and finance. It is ideal if you have an academic background in either accounting or finance, or both.

During the course you will cover fundamental topics such as corporate finance and financial analysis, as well as the option to specialise your knowledge with optional modules including international business finance, forensic accounting and corporate governance.

You will learn from academics who are experts in their field, with extensive teaching, research and consultancy experience of international standing. Throughout the course you have the opportunity to apply your learning to practical examples and simulations, giving you the chance to test your knowledge in genuine business scenarios. You will work with graduates from a range of countries and backgrounds for a challenging, rewarding and rounded learning experience.

Careers

Career opportunities for graduates of this Masters are vast. You will be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of core accounting and finance principles, and the numerical and analytical skills to succeed in this rapidly changing complex environment.

Previous graduates have gone on to work as management accountants, management consultants, audit managers, finance managers, equity managers and credit risk officers.

Apply now

The deadline for International applications is 31 March 2017.
The deadline for UK/EU applications is 30 June 2017.
For further guidance on how to apply, visit: http://business.leeds.ac.uk/masters/how-to-apply/

Online events

You can logon from anywhere to join one of these one hour events, which will include:

- Introduction to Leeds University Business School and Masters study
- Advice from one of our Professional Development Tutors, with examples of the career skills you can build and the major companies we work with
- Guidance on how to apply for postgraduate study from our admissions team
- Opportunity to ask your questions

The dates for our next online events are below:

- TBC

Open events

Our Masters Open Days are an opportunity to visit in person, learn more about our Masters degrees and meet our staff. Activities include:

- Presentations, talks and Q&A with academic directors
- Business School tour
- Speak to admissions, academic teaching teams and current Masters students

Our next Masters Open Day:

- TBC

Please visit our website for further information and to book your place: http://business.leeds.ac.uk/masters/meet-us-at-an-event/

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MSc Law and Finance is a new and innovative programme that will enable you to develop knowledge and skills in relation to the law, economics and finance governing international business and finance both in the UK, Europe and at a global level.

As well as exploring contemporary issues in financial law and finance and their impact on international business, you will acquire interdisciplinary expertise and develop the techniques required to conduct research in these extremely important, topical and cutting edge areas.

This interdisciplinary course has core and optional modules in law and finance offered by experts in the School of Law and Leeds University Business School. These have been carefully chosen to provide students with a sound understanding of the key issues in law and finance.

Compulsory modules:

Corporate Law
International Law of Credit and Security
Postgraduate Legal Research Skills
Quantitative Methods
Accounting for Managers
Corporate Finance
Dissertation in either Law or Business

Optional modules:

• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Central Issues in Arbitration
• Conflict of Laws in Business Transactions
• Corporate Finance and Securities Law
• Corporate Governance (MSc only)
• Corporate Law
• Environmental Law – International Permit-Based Control of Pollution
• Financial Reporting and Regulation (MSc only)
• Forensic Accounting and Finance (MSc only)
• Insolvency Law
• International Banking Law: Capital Markets and Loans
• International Banking Law: The Regulatory Framework
• International Competition Law
• International Corporate Governance
• International Corporate Rescue
• International Economic Law
• International Law of Credit and Security
• International Sales Law
• International Trade Finance Law
• The International Law of Foreign Investment
• Trade Marks, Geographical Indications, Designs and Trade Secrets
• World Trade Organisation Law.

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Designed for aspiring finance professionals who want to gain specialist knowledge, this course will equip you with the skills required for seeking employment in the increasingly complex and demanding financial services sector.

You will explore the theories and current practice in the finance industry from both a national and international perspective. The course blends theory with practice to provide you with the applied vocational skills that potential employers require.

You'll study in the heart of Leeds, which is the largest hub of financial services in the UK outside London. Leeds is home to many leading financial organisations and large professional services firms. You'll be taught by a range of highly experienced tutors with industrial, professional and academic knowledge.

We include a strong international dimension in the course content and attract students from as far and wide as China, India, Pakistan and Vietnam.

Faculty of Business & Law website (https://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/fbl/)
Request a call back (http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/study/postgraduate.htm)

January entrants please note: in order to complete 12 months of academic study delivered in University term time, the total length of your programme will be 18 months to include recognised University vacation periods.

- Research Excellence Framework 2014: twice as many of our staff - 220 - were entered into the research assessment for 2014 compared to the number entered in 2008.

Visit the website http://courses.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/finance_msc

Mature Applicants

Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.

If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website (http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/recognition-of-prior-learning.htm).

Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.

Careers

This course has a proven track record of graduates gaining employment in the financial services sector, such as banking or insurance. Others have entered into their family business, taking on a variety of management level roles. A small number have remained in the education sector to study a PhD and have entered into the teaching profession.

- Financial Analyst
- Financial Advisor
- Director of Finance
- Chief Financial Officer

Careers advice:
The dedicated Jobs and Careers team offers expert advice and a host of resources to help you choose and gain employment. Whether you're in your first or final year, you can speak to members of staff from our Careers Office who can offer you advice from writing a CV to searching for jobs.

Visit our careers site - https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/employability/jobs-careers-support.htm

Course Benefits

Our MSc Finance is delivered in the heart of Leeds, which is the largest hub of financial services in the UK outside London and which is home to many leading financial organisations and large professional services firms.

The course is delivered by a range of highly experienced tutors with industrial, professional and academic experience. The course emphasises blending theory with practice and thus provides students with the applied vocational skills that potential employers require. It is international both in terms of content and the student mix which provides a multicultural learning environment.

At Leeds Business School we're dedicated to supporting your professional development - that's why we offer a guest lecture programme. Past speakers include the CEO of the London Stock Exchange, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, past Chair and President of the Academy of Marketing, Chief Executive of the British Bankers Association, the Chief Economist of Yorkshire Bank and the Editor of Cosmopolitan. To see our full programme and to register for a lecture click here (http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/guestspeakers).

Core Modules

Corporate Finance
Evaluate the fundamental concepts and theories of modern finance, identifying how these can be effectively applied in both national and multinational organisations.

Financial Decision Analysis
Cover topics on decision theory (decision trees and tables), linear programming, regression, time series, portfolio optimisation, discounted cash flow and finance.

Financial Economics
Gain a comprehensive economic analysis of the operation, efficiency and dependencies between financial markets and their associated institutions. You will also assess the impact upon the world economy of any failure of the financial sector.

Managing Financial Resources
Gain a critical understanding of contemporary accounting and financing principles which support business decision-making and financial resourcing in both the private and public sectors.

Understanding the Economy
Develop knowledge and a critical understanding of the workings of a major economy which is subject to a constantly changing global environment, de-regulated financial systems, modern mass communication and international monetary flows.

Dissertation
You will carry out an in-depth research project in a subject area that is appropriate to the course and of particular interest to you.

Option Modules

Forensic Accounting
Discover the need for and role of corporate governance in the business environment, the role of IT in forensic accounting and fraud detection and the types and incidences of fraud.

Investment Fund Management
You will identify, understand, evaluate and compare types of investment for the private investor, including tools, methods and strategies.

Management of International Finance
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the economics of the operation and organisation of national and international financial systems.

"We are proud of the success of our national and international graduates."
- Professor Christopher Prince
Dean and Pro Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Business and Law

Facilities

- Library
Our libraries are two of the only university libraries in the UK open 24/7 every day of the year. However you like to study, the libraries have got you covered with group study, silent study, extensive e-learning resources and PC suites.

- The Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl has impressive teaching spaces, auditoriums, conference facilities and an outstanding local reputation as a business hub. The Rose Bowl puts our students at the centre of a dynamic business community.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

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