MSc International Accounting and Financial Management

Key details

MSC INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Start Year

2020

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Master of Science

Duration (years)

Prepare yourself for an international career in accounting and finance. Whether you've previously studied business related subjects in a non-English speaking context or you are new to the field but aspire to a career in accounting or finance, this is an ideal course for you.

On this Master’s you’ll get a great foundation in general accounting and financial management responsibilities. You’ll also have the chance to explore other essential business functions, such as managing people and organisations, strategic marketing and management, management skills and personal development. There’s no dissertation, so you’ll benefit from an extra semester of taught modules, including performance management and reporting, to ensure you develop all the essential skills and knowledge you need to excel.

You don’t need to have studied or worked in business before to thrive on this course. You just need to be excited about working with numbers, as well as developing the soft skills – such as communication, team work and presenting – that are essential for rising to the top in this competitive field.

About

To be a good accountant or financial manager you don’t just need excellent technical knowledge. You also need excellent interpersonal or soft skills. On this course you will have the opportunity to develop both to a high level, laying the foundation for a brilliant career.

You’ll learn practical, technical skills such as preparing and interpreting financial reports, analysing management performance and undertaking investment appraisals.

You’ll also discover key management theories and explore what makes a good manager. You’ll discover how to understand different management perspectives in order to make effective management decisions.

You’ll learn how to think critically and analytically, making your own decisions about which theories to apply when and how to combine different approaches. You’ll also have the chance to future-proof your career by investigating emerging financial and accounting techniques.

Meanwhile you’ll also develop the soft skills you need to rise to the top. You’ll discover how to present information meaningfully to non-specialists, how to manage people, how to work effectively in teams, and how to see issues from different perspectives and look for innovative solutions.

Accounting and financial management don’t exist in a vacuum, so you’ll also be introduced to the other key business disciplines, gaining expertise in the different business functions – a great advantage in your future career.

Throughout your studies you’ll benefit from a strong focus on launching your career. Our links with industry mean you’ll learn the theories and practices demanded by employers. We’ll also help you hone skills such as CV writing, and solo and group interview techniques. And you’ll be able to take part in our annual Employability Week. Here you’ll have a chance to hear from, and network with, people working in industry, including NBS alumni and people working at leading accountancy firms.

The course has been carefully designed to make sure you graduate with in-depth knowledge and expertise of all the key areas of accounting and financial management, including international accounting standards and financial regulation around the world. In all your modules you’ll look at issues from an international perspective. You’ll learn from academics whose work is internationally respected around the world and alongside students from all over the globe. This ensures you leave us ready to excel on the international stage, with skills that are relevant anywhere.

The course is currently accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) which reduces the number of exams you need to take later to qualify as an accountant.

Throughout the course there'll be a strong focus on employability. You will be able to hear from industry experts and NBS alumni about how they built their careers.

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Course Reference Number: 664062

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

You’ll experience a variety of assessment methods, including exams and coursework.

You will be able to submit formative and summative work for assessment, and you’ll receive feedback on your work to help you identify areas for improvement and areas of strength.

Structure

Your first semester is a great chance to explore different areas of accounting and financial management, and discover the areas you might like to focus on during the rest of your studies and future career. You’ll gain a firm foundation in both your subject and other essential business functions, such as human resources, operations and logistics, marketing, branding and business creation. You’ll do this through the compulsory modules Accounting and Financial Management, Managing People and Organisations, and Strategic Marketing Management.

This broad foundation makes you better able to work with and understand other disciplines and helps you develop your soft skills such as communication and teamwork. By gaining insights into other disciplines you are also able to build the empathy that’s essential to good management and effective communication.

Semester 2

In your second semester you’ll add depth and breadth to your studies with the modules Corporate Financial Management, International Financial Reporting, and Management Accounting.

Semester 3

Unlike other Master’s courses where your third semester is spent on independent study, on this course you’ll benefit from a third semester of taught modules. You will spend this semester consolidating your learning and further developing your critical thinking skills with modules such as Integrated Business Decisions and Performance Management and Reporting.

Most modules on MSc International Accounting and Financial Management are compulsory, helping to ensure you graduate with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in this specialist field. This ensures that upon successful completion of your modules, you will be eligible for accreditation with ACCA.

However, you’ll also have the opportunity to choose one out of three optional modules: Management Skills and Personal Development, Global Business and Advanced Investment and Risk Management.

Teaching and Learning

You will benefit from research-led and industry-focused teaching, studying with highly qualified academics and researchers, as well as practitioners.

You’ll learn through a mix of lectures, workshops, and independent study. You’ll learn to scrutinise articles by academics and practitioners and to analyse case studies. There is no dissertation module on this Master’s, which means you’ll benefit from a greater number of taught modules.

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Assessment for Year 1

You’ll experience a variety of assessment methods, including exams and coursework.

You will be able to submit formative and summative work for assessment, and you’ll receive feedback on your work to help you identify areas for improvement and areas of strength.

Compulsory Modules

MANAGING PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS

Code NBS-7024A

Credits 20

The purpose of this module is to provide you with an overview of people management – including topics from both Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management - and permit you to explore the question of; if people are your business, why is managing people in an organisational context so difficult? In the module, you will learn about the process and development of the so-called ‘soft’ management competencies as well as hard management. You will focus on the development of these skills in order to increase productivity and performance as well as develop and manage people in different business contexts. You will begin with an overview of different organisational behaviours and how these can be managed within the organisation. You will learn key frameworks from organisational behaviour and human resource management and how these concepts that for instance can include leadership, team working, motivation and diversity can be applied to business scenarios. You will realise both soft and hard aspects of management in managing individual people as well as acquiring knowledge about key HRM function and the role of line managers in managing staff. On successfully completing this module you will have gained experience of discussing differing key organisational and HRM concepts and how they can apply in different settings resulting in different outcomes. You will have gained a sensitivity to the diversity of people and organisations. You will be able to analyse organisational contexts and how people are managed to understand how you yourself would like as an individual to be managed and how this knowledge can be applied to others in a variety of different business settings.

STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT

Code NBS-7025A

Credits 20

The main objective of this module is to equip you with an in-depth understanding of the strategic marketing planning process. You will be able to apply marketing principles in a strategic context and develop both a theoretical and practical knowledge of strategic marketing. A key feature is that you’ll consider approaches to strategic marketing from an international perspective.

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING

Code NBS-7043B

Credits 20

We live in an increasingly connected and globalised world. How companies report their financial performance and position in today’s economic environment? If you want to understand international accounting and how businesses communicate their profit or their loss, their assets, liabilities and equity to a wide range of users, then this module is for you. Throughout the module you will discover the techniques of financial reporting and the interesting debates that surrounds them. You will gain a firm grounding in the study of international accounting standards which have begun to dominate financial reporting networks throughout the world. The module includes an examination of current professional reporting requirements for single companies and groups of companies. You will begin with an overview of the regulatory framework for international financial reporting and of the efforts towards international harmonisation. You will then explore the stimulating debate of measurement and valuation in the financial accounting process. You will continue with the equally interesting issue of recognition of assets and liabilities in financial statements and conclude with the fascinating part of analysing financial statements. At the end of this module you will be able to present quantitative financial reporting data, to reflect critically on current financial reporting debates and to analyse quantitative and qualitative financial reporting data. These valuable skills will give you an advantage in your future business career.

MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING

Code NBS-7044B

Credits 20

This module is concerned with the design and functioning of accounting information for decision-making, control and performance management in various organisations from a theoretical, applied and strategic context. It aims to encourage students to: (1) Appreciate the contribution and value of management accountants and their various inputs into the strategic planning process; (2) Interpret and evaluate financial and non-financial management accounting information and to be able to comprehend the managerial implications arising; (3) Understand the difficulties, limitations and problems associated with using management accounting information; and (4) Be able to apply management accounting techniques in a manner that is transferable into employment (work situations).

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING

Code NBS-7046X

Credits 20

The aim of this module is to develop a solid understanding of modern finance theory and practice with an emphasis on critical issues in financial markets and investments. It will also equip students with the state-of-the art tools, methodologies and ideas needed in analysing key accounting and financial data in order to support investment decisions.

INTEGRATED BUSINESS DECISIONS

Code NBS-7034X

Credits 20

This is a module with a twist - building on core skills such as team-working, marketing, accounting and strategy, you’ll apply your knowledge and work in teams to win different ‘games’ – the military has previously used such games to teach strategy and tactics. Updated to reflect the international business environment, you’ll be using each game as a way to embed your knowledge and see if your team emerges as the winner!

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Code NBS-7026A

Credits 20

Do you want to be fluent in business? Accounting is the language of business and financial management is critical to the survival of businesses. If you want to become knowledgeable in two of the core areas in business such as accounting and financial management, then this module is for you. Throughout the module you will discover why accounting is considered a management information system and why managing the financial aspects of the business will contribute to business success. This is a semester long introductory module and no previous study of accounting or finance is required. The module will be divided in two parts: in the first part you will study accounting and in the second part of the module you will study financial management. In this module, individual study coupled with a series of lectures and seminars will give you a very good overview of the accounting and finance methods and concepts. In accounting you will learn how to read and interpret financial statements, you will acknowledge the importance of understanding and managing costs and the importance of liquidity. In financial management you will learn how investment appraisal and valuation works as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using different forms of equity and debt. All the knowledge gained by taking this module will put you at an advantage in any business meeting, benefiting your future career.

CORPORATE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Code NBS-7045B

Credits 20

In this module you will explore the principles of corporate finance. The most important topics of this module are the following: goals and governance of the corporation, stakeholders and impact on corporate objectives, valuing bonds and common stocks, risk and cost of capital, corporate performance, agency problems and executive compensation packages, payout policy, capital structure, valuation, debt financing, mergers, corporate restructuring and corporate control around the world.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Code NBS-7031X

Credits 20

This module is designed to give you a solid set of management skills through which your learning from across all modules develops into a coherent whole. The focus will be on developing management skills recognised as important for securing meaningful employment in the global marketplace appropriate to the Master’s level of qualification. This is an applied vision and skill development module, focusing on the development of the new skill sets for managers of the 21st century. It is designed as a learning environment and a management trainee program that focuses on the development of knowledge and skills for global leaders. A core belief underlying our approach, demonstrated in interactive sessions, stems from the Chinese proverb, “Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.” A variety of methods will be used to simulate a real-world business environment such as collaborative learning, lectures, management training videos, presentations, films, discussions, role-plays, and workshops. This module is one of the few management courses in the UK that builds on unique features, such as individual customization, creative skill development, project based learning, and positive change. We will have intensive brainstorming sessions, problem based learning plus facilitated and self-directed action learning to help you and your colleagues develop and apply management skills for your career in the 21st century. In today’s global, rapidly changing knowledge-based economy, learning and experimenting with management skills and personal development is one of the smartest investments you can make for your career.

GLOBAL BUSINESS

Code NBS-7088X

Credits 20

This module provides students within a comprehensive understanding of Global Business. We examine the essentials of Global Business, including – the environment, strategy, organisation and management. A central feature of the module is the emphasis on real-world scenarios and problems associated with Global Business. Teaching methods includes - case studies, in-class activities and the use of learning technologies. An example of the latter is the game-based learning platform Kahoot! Students will be encouraged to critically analyse the Global Business Environment and entry strategies in Global Business. Managing Global Business across different business functions together with the opportunities and challenges faced by management will be considered.

ADVANCED INVESTMENT AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Code NBS-7106X

Credits 20

This module aims to build a comprehensive understanding of the advanced investment and risk management theories and practices within the global economy and financial markets. It will cover the main elements in the process of investment management and risk management, including asset allocation, modern portfolio theory, portfolio performance evaluation, risk identification & measurement, and use of financial derivatives for hedging risk. Emphasis will be placed on investment decision-making under uncertainty and the main financial risks that impact real-world investment performance internationally. Teaching will be based on in-class interactive activities, real world example and the use of Excel-built financial models and the online poll platform. The material taught is aligned with the curriculums of Financial Risk Manager (FRM), the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.

Entry Requirements

Degree classification

2.2 or equivalent

Degree subject

All subjects* (excluding UK degrees in a business-related subject, for which our Academic & Professional Courses are more suitable) *Degrees in dance, drama, music, sport, art, and art and design will be considered on a case by case basis and are reviewed closely for their academic content

Additional entry requirements

Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution in the UK or overseas in disciplines other than business or management. Applicants from overseas may hold a non-UK degree in any discipline.

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 masters 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: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in all components)
PTE (Pearson): 58 (minimum 42 in all components)

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

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering Pre-sessional courses online from June to September 2020. Further details can be found on our Online Pre-Sessional English webpage.

Intakes

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

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Course Reference Number: 664062

MSc INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT