MSc Accounting and Finance

Key details

MSC ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

Start Year

2023

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Master of Science

Duration (years)

On this internationally renowned research-based Master’s you will explore the potential for accounting to bring change in the world and discover how to make accounting more relevant to people and organisations.

This is a research-based Master’s so an accounting and financial background is essential. You might be coming straight from undergraduate study, or you may have worked in industry.

You’ll graduate ready to excel in academia, in research and development, or in the corporate sector where such skills are in high demand.

About

If you are an accounting graduate and you want to take your studies and career to the next level, this is the course for you.

You’ll be someone who’s interested in discovering new methods and ideologies in accounting and finance, in driving innovation, and exploring the boundaries of what’s possible.

The course is international, both in its content and its cohort, and you’ll have the chance to explore international aspects of accounting and finance.

In your dissertation module you’ll conduct your own original piece of research. This allows you to investigate an area of interest, whilst honing your research skills. Developing these skills now means you won’t just graduate with knowledge in your area, you’ll have the ability to investigate and research new areas of interest. And that means you can grow and adapt with the changing business world, now and throughout your career.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

We’ll use different methods of assessment to test different skills and knowledge. You’ll find that assessment through practical case studies and coursework will help you to improve your analytical and critical thinking as well as your communication, writing and presentation skills.

Structure

In your first semester you’ll take the compulsory modules Financial Management, International Accounting, and Responsible Business. Through these modules you’ll explore the most important theories and practices in international accounting, in investments, and in corporate finance and governance.

In your second semester you’ll add further depth and breadth to your studies by choosing two optional modules among options that include Investment and Risk Management, Management Accounting and Digital Policy for Business.

Over your first and second semesters you’ll also take the Business Research Methods module. Here you’ll learn what research is and discover different techniques for uncovering the potential of accounting. You’ll explore different qualitative and quantitative techniques, as well as different sources and resources. You’ll learn when best to use which techniques and sources, and how to combine them to create rich, multidimensional research. Understanding when to use which techniques will ensure you get the most from the tools at your disposal.

In your third and final semester you’ll complete your dissertation, under the guidance of your academic advisor. This is a fantastic opportunity to conduct your own original piece of research, exploring a question you are passionate about, and contributing to the latest thinking in the field. Your dissertation is also great preparation for PhD study, as well as being a good indication to employers of your potential.

Teaching and Learning

Over this 12-month intensive course you’ll be constantly challenged to build your knowledge and hone your skills. You’ll develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills.

You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars and practical hands-on experience. You’ll learn from distinguished lecturers, guest speakers and researchers from Norwich Business School and the wider university. You’ll also learn from your fellow students, and by doing your own independent study.

All our teaching is informed by the latest research and real-world business experience. This means that you will benefit from the most current thinking in the industry. But business is ever-changing, so you won’t just learn to understand, evaluate and utilise the leading theories of today. You’ll also develop the critical skills needed to examine and put to use any new theories and methods that come to the fore during your career.

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Assessment for Year 1

Compulsory Modules

INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING

Code NBS-7076A

Credits 20

In this course, you will study the comparative and international aspects of financial accounting and reporting, which are becoming of greater importance due to increasing globalisation. The learning objectives of this module are to develop an understanding of: - the pressures for and against harmonisation and standardisation of financial accounting and reporting - the international dimensions of financial accounting and reporting - the causes of international differences in accounting - the context of financial accounting and reporting practices of individual companies and in countries - key current financial accounting and reporting topics and controversies The study of these topics will develop your skills in analysing and interpreting financial information, as well as giving up a deeper understanding of the information provided in financial statements, from both a preparer’s standpoint and an investor’s standpoint. The discussion of research papers will also develop critical thinking.

DISSERTATION

Code NBS-7081X

Credits 60

The dissertation will offer you the opportunity to develop independent research skills on the subject of your choice. This will go much beyond the taught modules in the Master’s programme. You'll integrate the knowledge that you've acquired from the individual taught modules and take it forward. You'll be offered the necessary skill set to probe a business research problem in-depth and come out with contributions that are original in the accounting and finance literature.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Code NBS-7050A

Credits 20

This module aims to develop your critical understanding and appreciation of key finance theories as they apply to financial management decisions and to understand the implications for practical problem solving. The topics you’ll cover include Corporate Investment Policy, Financing of Corporations, Payout Policy, and M&As.This module is taken in conjunction with the module called 'Responsible Business'.

RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

Code NBS-7051A

Credits 20

This module provides you with the knowledge required to understand issues in corporate governance. Exploring corporate governance developments in different countries will enable you to understand the importance of different institutional settings, the influence of legal, regulatory and political environments, and why differences in ownership structure have arisen and how this impacts on companies. Corporate governance is examined in detail together with topical issues including directors’ remuneration, board diversity, and succession planning. You will also examine topical issues such as corporate restructuring, corporate social responsibility, and competition policy.

BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS

Code NBS-7064Y

Credits 20

You’ll examine the business research process from start to finish and gain an understanding of how to undertake research to investigate for instance organisational working context, markets, products and services. Dealing with business research questions, research design and data interpretation, both systematically and creatively, is the module’s core aim. You’ll be provided with the necessary training to pursue your MSc Dissertation. Further, you’ll have the opportunity to understand how established techniques of research are used to create knowledge in the discipline. You’ll engage in basic quantitative and qualitative data analysis during classes to enhance your understanding of the research process. The module intends to support you in your summer dissertation work with your research active supervisors towards conducting an independent research project.

Optional A Modules

(40 credits)

INVESTMENT AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Code NBS-7077B

Credits 20

In this module, you will study the advanced investment management theories, models and techniques that have been developed and used in research and by the financial industry. The module is structured in two parts. In the first part, you will deal with investment management practices. You will learn how wealth can be allocated optimally across various types of assets in order to meet different investor objectives. Emphasis will be placed on mainstream objective approaches which assume market efficiency, as well as on possible extensions (e.g. incorporating investor’s views). However, we shall also discuss arguments and evidence related to criticism of these approaches. Assets analysed will include basic traded stock and debt securities along with more complex asset classes (e.g. futures, options). In the second part of the module, you will discuss issues related to risk management. You will study the evolution of risk management and discover the lessons learned from the global financial crisis. Emphasis will be placed on the main types of financial risks which impact portfolio performance locally (e.g. market risk, credit risk) and globally (e.g. foreign exchange risk). The material taught will be aligned closely to the curriculum of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program and the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING

Code NBS-7080B

Credits 20

Studying on this module means you’ll capture key facets of current thinking and explore the main issues of management accounting research and practice. You develop and embed your knowledge of established management accounting by studying topics such as budgeting, performance management and strategic cost management, and present day management thought. Other topics include newly emerging concerns in management accounting, including network relations, environmental management accounting, and digitization. You’ll explore and discuss the basic premises, complemented by insights from modern day practice, research and thought.

DIGITAL POLICY FOR BUSINESS

Code NBS-7103B

Credits 20

As business reliance on digital platforms increases, government interventions in the digital aspects of economic activity are also rapidly evolving. These interventions fundamentally alter business opportunities and responsibilities. This module will develop your understanding of actual and potential future government regulation on the internet, including international differences, providing you with insights on what regulations are set up and why. Topics covered will include market power, personalised pricing, tax, privacy, news and consumer protection. These insights will provide value to managers of digital processes, strategy and marketing, through better understanding government constraints, and improved ability to design their companies’ digital strategies in response.

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Open Days

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Entry Requirements

Degree classification

Bachelors degree - 2.1 or equivalent

Degree subject

Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics, Management or a degree in a quantitative subject (such as Science or Engineering). NB: There is a numerical content in a range of modules on the course, students need a competent level of numeracy to complete the course

Additional entry requirements

INTO University of East Anglia

If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study one of the International Graduate Diploma programmes offered by our partner INTO UEA. These programmes guarantee progression to selected master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details please click here:

International Graduate Diploma in Business

Students for whom english is a foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

IELTS: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in only two components with 6.0 in the others)
PTE (Pearson): 64 (minimum 59 in only two components with 64 in the others)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests, including Cambridge English exams and the Trinity Integrated Skills in English are also accepted by the university. The full list of accepted tests can be found here: Accepted English Language Tests

INTO UEA also run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk

Intakes

This course is open to UK, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

September 2023 opportunities. Discover more

Norwich Business School Blog

The official blog of Norwich Business School.

READ IT HERE >

Ricardo Santana

Course academic

SEE MORE INFO >

Norwich Business School Blog

The official blog of Norwich Business School.

READ IT HERE >

We love Norwich

SEE THE VIDEO >

High quality, supportive & empowering

Academics and MSc students describe their impressions of joining the Norwich Business School international family. Produced by Studious UK

SEE THE VIDEO >

Scholarship Finder

Explore our generous range of scholarships to support your study.

FIND OUT MORE >

Will a Master's help my career?

Discover why further study can have a positive career benefit.

FIND OUT MORE >

Course Reference Number: 6884442

MSc ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE