Masters degrees in Accounting focus on the management of money for individuals, businesses and other organisations. They provide advanced practical training as well as a grounding in the accountancy theory. Some courses may also cross over into related areas such as Economics and Actuarial Science.
Qualifications in this subject-area can be taught or research-focussed, with some specialised MBA programs also available. An undergraduate degree in mathematics, economics or a related discipline may sometimes be required.
Whether you are preparing for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam,* exploring other accounting-related certifications, or seeking to begin or move ahead in a career in accounting, pursuing your master’s in accounting can help you advance in the field.
Walden University’s online master’s in accounting explores advanced accounting principles to help improve your analytic and financial decision-making and prepare you to address today’s accounting challenges. Designed to help you stay current in a rapidly changing profession, the master of science in accounting program covers subjects relevant to the field, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, recent regulatory decisions by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and other emerging topics and trends.
Receive a graduate-level certificate after successfully completing the first four courses in the program, giving you a valuable credential while you work toward completing your online MS in Accounting.
Walden’s online Master's in Accounting is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Among other benefits, ACBSP accreditation provides:
Graduates of the online MS in Accounting program will be prepared to:
*Most states require individuals to complete 150 semester (225 quarter) hours in certain subject areas in order to be eligible to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and/or obtain a CPA license. Walden’s accounting programs can help graduates progress toward meeting those requirements. The BS in Accounting offers 120 quarter (80 semester) credit hours that include upper-level courses in topics such as financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting. TheMS in Accounting and the MS in Accounting and Management offer 30 semester (45 quarter) credit hours, while the MBA Accounting for Managers specialization offers nine semester (13.5 quarter) credit hours. These programs include graduate courses in topics such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, and legal and ethical accounting practices. This will require students to complete additional coursework to meet state requirements.
In each state, there are specific policies that must be followed when an individual is seeking to become a licensed accountant. Some states will not allow individuals who complete the Walden accounting programs to sit for the CPA licensing exams due to state-specific issues such as professional accreditation or face-to-face instruction. For information on the educational requirements for your state, refer to the state’s Board of Accountancy or related agency.
Walden enrollment advisors can provide guidance about accountant licensure; however, it remains the responsibility of the individual enrolling in the program to read, understand, and comply with the licensure requirements in the state where he or she wishes to practice.
Walden University can make no representation, warranty, guarantee, or commitment that successful completion of a Walden program, or coursework for credit within a program, will make a graduate eligible to sit for a licensure exam or to obtain state licensure.
Walden’s MS in Accounting offers a foundation from which to pursue career options in such areas as:
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 9 papers of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) exams. The Westminster Business School is an ACCA Gold approved learning partner and is the only UK institution to offer this 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 11 of the 16 CIMA examinations.
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.
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
You can choose a total of three option modules – two or three from the following list, and a third module may be chosen from anywhere within the University, subject to the course leader’s approval.
Core modules
Option modules
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 9 papers of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) examinations during this degree.
The Business Experience Team also offers full-time overseas postgraduate (MA, MSc, MBA) students the opportunity to take part in our WBS Mentoring Programme. We will match students with a senior professional (mentor) from their field of expertise to give them an exact insight into British working practices and policies. Experienced professionals in any business field share their career experiences and knowledge with students who may wish to venture down a similar path in the near future. Our mentors come from a wide range of backgrounds, including Marketing, General Management, Finance and Entrepreneurship. In addition, our mentors typically offer 3 hours of their time over a 3 month period to the mentee (student). In addition, to one-to-one meetings, students are encouraged to keep in touch with their mentor over email and telephone.
This MSc Accounting and Finance programme combines advanced studies in accounting with finance. It has been developed as a collaboration between Henley’s Business Informatics Systems and Accounting (BISA) area and the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) Centre. It is best suited for students who are accounting graduates.
This programme is suited to anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of accounting and finance, and who wants to enter a career in financial markets or advisory/financial services; either as an analyst, as a professional accountant, or as a preparation for further research at PhD level. The programme curriculum will provide a blend of theoretical-, research- and practice-led content. This will enable students to develop deeper conceptual and theoretically informed perspectives of accounting and financial practices with acknowledgment of the role of information systems in those processes.
Compulsory modules
and either / or
Optional modules
Students choosing MMM049 must choose two spring term optional modules to the value of 40 credits.
Students choosing ACM001 must choose one spring term module to the value of 20 credits.
Students choosing ACM001 must choose one summer term module to the value of 20 credits.
Students will enhance their employability in their related first-degree disciplines or in any general business management roles. The programme will also enhance career opportunities in more specialised accounting and finance fields. As the programme offers an international perspective, career prospects are likely to be international. In addition, the programme will serve as a good basis for further academic development in accounting- and finance-related disciplines.
This programme is granted exemptions from four Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) professional exams: BA1 - BA4.
The Master of Accounting program at Bond University program gives those with undergraduate credentials in fields other than accounting an opportunity to gain a professional accounting qualification. The program offers a firm academic grounding and hands-on appreciation of the industry with a focus on communications and leadership so you are job ready at graduation. This program is professionally accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CAANZ), Chartered Institute of Management Accounting (CIMA) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Any completed relatable undergraduate program will also gain you up to 40 credit points towards the Master of Accounting program.
You will also have the opportunity to gain a Bloomberg certification during your degree and unlock your potential for more job opportunities in the global market.
Our internationally recognised programs offer a unique professional and personal development experience where you’ll be part of a small, exclusive cohort of students being mentored by world-renowned corporate leaders and academics; working on real-life projects relevant to your business and building a network of global contacts.
The Master of Accounting (MAcc) program is a specialist program for people interested in pursuing a professional accounting qualification. This course incorporates the traditional Master of Accounting program and is designed to provide an opportunity for students with undergraduate training in other fields to gain a professional accounting qualification. The course covers introductory as well as advanced units in financial and management accounting, economics, finance, tax and business law, security appraisal and valuation and auditing. The MAcc offers a firm academic grounding in the accounting discipline and offers a hands-on appreciation of the accounting industry. The program is a powerful amalgam of foundational accounting skills, decision-making, leadership and financial literacy. The course is designed to help develop a student's ability to advise businesses on financial issues. The classes combine theoretical knowledge in accounting with practical insights delivered through case studies, guest lectures and work integrated learning. Team building is encouraged through group projects and communication skills are enhanced through class presentations.
Accounting and financial literacy skills are needed by every business in the world. It is a globally recognised profession with a broad range of roles, often leading to careers in senior management. Master of Accounting graduates are eligible for employment in professional accounting practices (public accounting or chartered accountants), corporations, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations. The degree is also useful to managers who are exposed to accounting on a day-to-day basis.
It is recommended that you become an affiliate of a professional body such as CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CAANZ). These groups provide valuable opportunities to network with other professionals in the industry.
Master of Accounting students must complete the following twelve subjects:
The programme aims to provide students with a thorough postgraduate education in the field of international management, with a specialism in accounting and its international aspects.
The MSc Accounting and International Management programme is distinctive in its international flavour, with a strong emphasis on the international business themes necessary for analysing the dynamic global business challenges of the 21st century.It offers a critical understanding of current management theories and global accounting practices. The programme covers issues relating to international strategic management, managing people and organisations, global financial reporting, corporate governance, ethics and the fundamentals of marketing.
Module descriptions are correct for modules taught in the academic year 2017/18. Optional module listings are indicative, and may be subject to change.
Compulsory modules
Either/Or:
Dissertation/Project:
Optional Modules
Students choosing the dissertation must choose ONE optional module from the list below. Students choosing the Management or Accounting project must choose TWO optional modules. Students choosing MMM054 cannot choose MMM027 and vice versa.
Exams, applied project and individual and group assignments
The MSc Accounting and International Management programme is distinctive in its international flavour, with a strong emphasis on the international business themes necessary for analysing the dynamic global business challenges of the 21st century.It offers a critical understanding of current management theories and global accounting practices. The programme covers issues relating to international strategic management, managing people and organisations, global financial reporting, corporate governance, ethics and the fundamentals of marketing.
Graduates from this programme will enhance their employability in a range of careers related to their first-degree discipline or in a general international management as well as more specialized accounting roles.
This programme is granted exemption from four of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) professional exams: BA1 to BA4.
In today’s fast paced, dynamic and highly competitive business arena, organisations require innovative, resourceful and ambitious professionals to get the job done. Arguably the best way to demonstrate these capabilities and set yourself apart from other business professionals is to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Bond's MBA is ranked #1 in Australia by students* and the cohorts are culturally and professionally diverse with over 20 nationalities represented to provide a cross-cultural experience while you study, and a rich global network post-graduation. In combination with the Master of Accounting, you will receive the tools required to understand the drivers of success and can greatly enhance the accounting decisions made by upper management through the information they generate and interpret. The program offers both a firm academic grounding and a hands-on appreciation of the industry, so you are ready to use your new skills from day one. *2015 Australian Financial Review Boss MBA Rankings - Student Satisfaction.
The Master of Accounting (MAcc) program is a specialist program for people interested in pursuing a professional accounting qualification. This course incorporates the traditional Master of Accounting program and is designed to provide an opportunity for students with undergraduate training in other fields to gain a professional accounting qualification. The course covers introductory as well as advanced units in financial and management accounting, economics, finance, tax and business law, security appraisal and valuation and auditing. The MAcc offers a firm academic grounding in the accounting discipline and offers a hands-on appreciation of the accounting industry. The program is a powerful amalgam of foundational accounting skills, decision-making, leadership and financial literacy. The course is designed to help develop a student's ability to advise businesses on financial issues. The classes combine theoretical knowledge in accounting with practical insights delivered through case studies, guest lectures and work integrated learning. Team building is encouraged through group projects and communication skills are enhanced through class presentations. The Bond MBA is a generalist management program. Designed to blend industry-relevant research with practical applications and challenges, the intended learning outcomes are centred on the three pillars of leadership, global business and entrepreneurship, developing graduates who can think critically and strategically in this context. The program is designed to provide graduates with the core underlying technical skills that inform effective decision making, framed around the development of the interpersonal, cross cultural and communication skills that are required to lead in the implementation of these decisions.
Accounting and financial literacy skills are needed by every business in the world. It is a globally recognised profession with a broad range of roles, often leading to careers in senior management. Master of Accounting graduates are eligible for employment in professional accounting practices (public accounting or chartered accountants), corporations, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations. The degree is also useful to managers who are exposed to accounting on a day-to-day basis.
It is recommended that you become an affiliate of a professional body such as CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CAANZ). These groups provide valuable opportunities to network with other professionals in the industry.
Master of Accounting/Master of Business Administration students must complete the following nineteen subjects:
The programme aims to provide a thorough postgraduate education in accounting and financial management for graduates who wish to understand how businesses use financial information for decision-making purposes.
The programme provides an analytical and integrated study of accounting and financial management, combining a conceptual and theoretical approach with an emphasis on application to the relevant developments from the current international practice. It will cover issues related to international strategic management, management decision-making and performance evaluation, business finance, global financial reporting as well as ethics and corporate governance. Students will learn to evaluate alternative theories and methodologies and to make judgments on their applicability to complex practical scenarios.
Compulsory modules
Dissertation/project
Optional modules
Students choosing MMM049 must choose one optional modules to the value of 20 credits. For students choosing MMM090 Dissertation, a project to dissertation form must be completed and no optional modules are available.
Exams, applied project and individual and group assignments
Students will enhance their employability in their related first-degree disciplines or in any general business management roles. The programme will also enhance career opportunities in more specialised accounting and finance fields. As the programme offers an international perspective, career prospects are likely to be international. In addition, the programme will serve as a good basis for further academic development in accounting- and finance-related disciplines.
Graduates from this programme will enhance their employability in a range of careers related to their first-degree discipline or in a general business as well as more specialised accounting and finance roles.
This programme is granted exemptions from four Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) professional exams: BA1 - BA4.
The MSc Professional Accounting Programme at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China will equip students with advanced accounting skills, technical proficiency, and leadership traits sought by leading public accounting firms. The programme at UNNC will provide students with the experience of solving complex problems in unconventional settings to prepare them to make an immediate impact in public accounting.
Nottingham University Business School, Accounting firm BDO立信 and ICAEW come together to provide the MSc Professional Accounting Programme at UNNC. This programme has been designed to prepare students to develop into professional accountants and will benefit students by providing:
Applicants for this MSc must have demonstrated a basic knowledge in accounting either through the completion of Financial Accounting and Financial Reporting courses, or through passing the ICAEW examination in Accounting.
The MSc Professional Accounting programme is a full-time, postgraduate degree studied over two years, including the opportunity to undertake a block of paid and assessed internship (placement) with a large international accounting firm.
The structure of the MSc Professional Accounting programme is modular, with individual modules each having a weighting of 20 credits. One credit represents 10 hours of student work, meaning that a 20 credit module represents 200 hours of study including formal teaching, independent study, revision, and the preparation of assessments. For teaching purposes the academic year is divided into two semesters (Autumn and Spring) that consists of 12 weeks of teaching, respectively, followed by periods of revision and examination assessment. A degree requires the successful completion of 240 credits, 60 of which are taken at each semester.
Students spend a minimum of 9 weeks of internship (placement) each year with a large international accounting firm as an integral part of the programme (subject to assessment for Fitness to Practice). Students must attend and pass the assessments for both the Accounting Internship and Accounting Project modules to be awarded the MSc Professional Accounting.
More information is available on key facts about the delivery of the programme.
Students will be given the opportunity for two internship placement at BDO offices located in Ningbo.
As of 2016, BDO has member firms in 154 countries, employs around 64,000 partners and staff in over 1,400 offices, and is the fifth largest professional services network globally and in China.
Students must complete 240 credits in total.
Year one modules
Year two modules
This degree offers opportunities in a variety of careers in Accountancy, Auditing, Business Development, Financial Advice, Investment Management, Marketing, Mergers and Acquisitions, Procurement, Research, Risk Assurance, and Tax Consultancy.
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Accounting and Finance at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
This Accounting and Finance MSc programme has been designed around the ACCA accreditation system.
- A full conversion programme that may be completed in a single year
- Does not require accounting, finance or any quantitative study to be completed at undergraduate level
- All modules on the Accounting and Finance programme are taught by our world-class faculty who have a breadth of industrial and academic knowledge
- Swansea is joint 1st in Wales for international ranked research (REF 2014)
- Access to the School of Management investment and trading simulation room to support in-depth understanding of finance in practice
- 93% of Swansea students in employment six months after graduating
- High contact time – our modules come with a lecture (in class sizes capped at approximately 150 students) and seminar/tutorial (in class sizes capped at 30) every single week
- Fully refurbished facilities – we have invested half a million pounds in a recent refurbishment to our student facilities
- Scholarships available for outstanding students
- Swansea is 1st in Wales for world-leading impact - 60% at 4-star level (REF 2014)
The MSc Accounting and Finance is designed specifically to enhance employment prospects by offering students the opportunity to acquire an advanced and in-depth understanding of key accounting and finance topics (without any requirement of having previously studied accounting or finance).
Modules on the MSc in Accounting and Finance typically include:
• Principles of Finance
• Financial Accounting
• Financial Modelling
• International Financial Markets
• Management Accounting
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Quantitative Financial Analysis
• Principles of Law for Accounting and Finance
The MSc Accounting and Finance has been awarded the following ACCA exemptions:
F1 - Accountant in Business
F2 - Management Accounting
F3 - Financial Accounting
F4 - Corporate and Business Law
F5 - Performance Management
F7 - Financial Reporting
F9 - Financial Management
This means that graduates of our MSc Accounting and Finance will be exempt from six out of nine of the ACCA ‘Fundamentals’ examinations. Students graduating from the Accounting and Finance programme can now leave Swansea as part-qualified accountants and just have to sit the remaining six.
We have an excellent track record of placing our graduates including those from the Accounting and Finance programme with major multinational companies and our graduate employment rate is 92%.
From the moment you arrive at the School of Management as a student on the MSc in Accounting and Finance programme we will work with you to help you build your skills and experience to enhance your career prospects. During your time with us you’ll have the chance to:
- Undertake a work placement or internship through the Swansea Paid Internship Network (SPIN) or ‘Week of Work’ initiative
- Work and network with employers from a range of national and multi-national companies through our visiting speaker programme
- In conjunction with the International Development Office, undertake an Internship in India, with a company such as GE, Thomson Reuters, 3M, Private Equity or Kanvic Consulting
- Boost your skills and meet employers during our biannual Employability Week
- Complete the Swansea Employability Award
- Participate in one of our student challenges and competitions, such as the Branding Challenge, and CIM student competition ‘The Pitch’
Accounting and Finance students will be based in a state-of-the-art building and will benefit from the applied research, innovation and employment opportunities offered by this exceptional working environment on the Bay Campus.
Accounting and Finance students will have access to high-tech teaching and research spaces, that together with collaborative working and practice areas will ensue the School is able to deliver its commitment to offer an engaging and innovative student experience.
Study for our specialist MSc Accounting course and boost your career prospects by developing an advanced knowledge of accounting theory and practice, and prepare for a leading role in the accountancy profession.
The course will help you develop an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of accounting as well as your critical thinking. You will be introduced to different aspects of accounting research, and provided guidance in conducting the research.
Our specialist MSc Accounting course will boost your career prospects by developing an advanced knowledge of accounting theory and practice, and prepare for a leading role in the accountancy profession.
CFA training
We have teamed up with Kaplan Schweser to facilitate student preparation for the CFA exams.
Trading BootCamp Week
Together with Amplify Trading , a global financial trading and training firm, we offer a week long Trading BootCamp for MSc Accounting, MSc Accounting and Finance, MSc Finance and MSc Quantitative Finance course students.
The Finance Zone
Worshipful Company of International Bankers Affiliation
Our accounting and finance division courses are affiliated with the Worshipful Company of International Bankers (WCIB). Every year the best dissertation out of the following four courses will receive the WCIB Prize worth £300.
The winner will also enter the competition for the prestigious WCIB Lombard Prize .
Assessment is by taught examinations, coursework, assignments, group assessment and presentations and finally by a 60 credit dissertation.
During the course you will be taking 180 credits in all. The eight taught modules during semester one and two total 120 credits and consists of both compulsory and optional taught units which can be viewed in the list below.
Over the summer period, you will carry out your Research Dissertation, worth 60 credits. Examples of recent accounting and finance dissertation project topics include:
Masters scholarships for Accounting and Finance programmes for UK/EU students
We are delighted to be able to offer five scholarships available across the four Accounting and Finance programmes with a value of £10,000 towards the cost of the tuition fee. The scholarships will be awarded in line with our scholarship deadlines so early application is advisable. Find out more>>.
This course will help to enhance your abilities, skills and knowledge. It will prepare your for a career with top firms in the accountancy profession. In addition, if you have overseas professional accounting qualifications, successful completion of the course can boost your career.
As well as advanced study of accounting and finance, MSc Accounting and Finance will enable you to explore related areas such as audit, corporate governance and taxation. This combination will prepare you for a wide range of roles in accountancy and beyond.
MSc Accounting and Finance is one of Southampton Business School's most popular degrees. It offers a blend of modules that will deepen your knowledge of finance and accounting but also enable you to explore related areas such as international corporate governance, audit and corporate social responsibility.
Unlike many other accounting and finance masters courses, MSc Accounting and Finance also includes a module on international taxation, adding an extra dimension to your studies. This combination will open the door to a wide range of roles when you graduate – you may choose to go into accounting but you’ll have plenty of other career options too.
Our modules are directly informed by our academics’ research expertise and professional experience, and guest speakers from leading accounting, insurance and finance firms will further enrich your learning.
In semester one you’ll take a number of compulsory modules, covering equity markets, management accounting and financial accounting. You’ll also choose one optional module that will allow you to look at an area of interest in more depth.
Unusually for a masters course of this type, the options include an International Accounting and Taxation module. This explores the importance of a country’s social, economic, legal and political environment in determining the nature of its tax regulations, the challenges of harmonising accounting practices, and the impact of tax issues on company behaviours. Other options cover topics such as financial reporting and markets, accounting and society and international corporate governance.
In semester two you’ll take your management accounting and financial accounting studies to a more advanced level. You’ll also study corporate finance and take a module on research in accounting and finance. This will prepare you to undertake independent study for your dissertation.
You’ll graduate from MSc Accounting and Finance with skills and knowledge that will be attractive to a wide range of employers. You may choose to work in accounting, audit, internal control, financial analysis, consultancy or insurance, or become a financial advisor or financial analyst. Or you could become a trainee chartered accountant and take further professional accounting qualifications. The course is also excellent preparation for research at PhD level in an accounting, finance or a related field.
Our graduates have gone on to work for the following organisations, in roles including auditor, trainee chartered accountant, financial analyst, management consultant, insurance underwriter and financial controller:
Ranked in the Top 30 Business Schools globally and No. 1 Business School in Ireland
One of the UK’s top providers of management, marketing, economic, accounting and finance courses
