Accounting and Finance MSc

Core Modules

• International Financial Markets and Investment

  In this module, you'll cover both theoretical and practical areas of international financial markets, with a special focus on investment analysis and portfolio management. There is an international approach and you'll study the subject from an international perspective, alongside students of diverse backgrounds and learning from academics with international reputations. You'll learn modern finance and investment theory alongside practical skills and knowledge of the finance and investment industry, with a strong focus on employability and activities designed to develop your transferable skills. You will be able to work with your peers and module tutors in the University's Bloomberg trading room to develop analytical and trading skills and as teams conduct financial investment analysis and make investment decisions in international financial markets. You will be guided to carry out independent research and critically evaluate key theoretical concepts and practical applications in finance and investment.

• International Accounting

  The word International in International Accounting can be defined at three different levels. The first level is the supranational accounting, which denotes standards, guidelines and rules of accounting, auditing and taxation issued by supranational organisations (United Nations, International Federation of Accountants). At the second level, the company level, international accounting can be viewed in terms of the standards, guidelines and practices that company follows related to its international business activities and foreign investments. These would include standards for accounting denominated in foreign currency and techniques for evaluating the performance of foreign operations. At the third and broadest level, international accounting can be viewed as the study of the standards, guidelines and rules of accounting that exist within each country and comparison of these rules with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) set by International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The learning outcomes for this module will be assessed at the end of the module in the form of a written, case study based assignment and a written exam. One of the main focuses for the design of this module has been the further development of relevant professional skills.

• Applied Corporate Finance and Financial Strategy

  This module will give you a conceptual and analytical framework for looking at organisations operating in capital, financial and operational markets, with a focus on applied corporate finance and financial strategy in international and global considerations, both quantitative and qualitative. We'll begin by considering the availability of financial information that may be relevant to decision making and how this fits with that needed for the informed decision. This is further developed to the type of decision and differing requirements, leading to a more bespoke deliverable information set that meets the context of the decision. You'll gain an appreciation of core themes prevalent throughout corporate finance and financial strategy. Strategic financial decision making areas covered include raising finance (both short and long term), efficient allocation and utilisation of financial resources (including investment decisions), international operations and investment, financial risk management using various hedging strategies, financial strategies from start-up to growth and maturity, mergers and restricting, etc. You'll develop knowledge and skills required in accounting and finance, business analysis and banking related professions in this module or start your own business through practical tasks involving developing financial strategies, conducting a financial analysis, managing foreign currency risks and conduct acquisition analysis, among others using professional database such as Bloomberg and Osiris, etc.

• Tax and Audit

  Using real life, recent case studies to support your course work, you'll look at both the theoretical and practical elements of tax, and provide detailed tax advice or tax planning to resolve such problems. Tax and Audit is very practical subject and you will be able to participate in professional events organised by the professional accounting bodies such as the ACCA and AIA, as well as taking part in guest lectures from practising tax experts. The audit element of this module looks at the nature, purpose and scope of assurance engagements, including the statutory audit, its regulatory environment, and introduces professional ethics relating to audit and assurance. The importance of auditing theory underpinning practice is also emphasised. Internal audit will be covered, including the scope of internal audit as well as the differences between internal audit and external audit. The module then covers a range of areas relating to an audit of financial statements. These include planning and risk assessment, evaluating internal controls, audit evidence, and a review of the financial statements. The final stage deals with reporting, including statutory audit reports, management reports, internal audit report and an evaluation of current issues facing auditing profession.

• Postgraduate Major Project

  This major project module allows you to engage in a substantial individual primary and/or secondary research project focussed on a topic relevant to your business degree and specialist subject area under the supervision and guidance of a member of academic staff. Supervisors will discuss with you the contemporary research problems and issues based on your research and practice, and you will conduct literature reviews, evaluate and critically appraise a range of information, investigate and adopt suitable theoretical frameworks, research methodologies and methods, and process and analyse data to produce a coherent and justified solution to the problem(s) identified. Throughout the module your supervisor will support you in terms of content and skills development so that you can work semi-autonomously on your individual research project. This is achieved through regular supervisory meetings throughout the year, which will allow for individual discussion of the tasks that will have to be completed in order to develop the project smoothly.