MSc Accounting and Finance

Program Overview

The MSc Accounting and Finance program provides specialized knowledge in accounting and finance for individuals with existing backgrounds in these fields. It offers a blend of theoretical and practical learning, including a dissertation or applied business project, and prepares graduates for diverse careers in the industry, including roles such as accountant, financial controller, and financial analyst.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc Accounting and Finance program is designed for individuals with a general finance or accounting background who seek to specialize in these fields. The program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of contemporary national and global developments in accounting and finance systems, regulations, and practices. It emphasizes the development of transferable intellectual and professional skills relevant to the current national and international business world. The program also incorporates "real-world learning" to equip students with immediate value for their current or potential employers.

Outline:

The program is delivered face-to-face over three semesters, with teaching scheduled based on the course length and academic calendar. The curriculum includes a mix of lectures, seminars, coursework, problem-solving exercises, individual and group research projects, reports, presentations, workshops, and self-directed learning.

Modules:

Final Year (Compulsory Modules):

• Corporate Finance: This module covers the principles and practices of corporate finance, including capital budgeting, valuation, and risk management.
• Corporate Governance and Ethics: This module explores the principles of corporate governance and ethical decision-making in the context of accounting and finance.
• Dissertation or Applied Business Project: Students undertake a significant research project or applied business project, allowing them to delve deeper into a specific area of interest.
• Financial Analysis: This module focuses on the techniques and tools used to analyze financial statements and make informed investment decisions.
• Forensic Accounting: This module introduces students to the principles and practices of forensic accounting, including fraud detection and investigation.
• International Corporate Reporting: This module explores the international standards and practices of corporate reporting, including the preparation and analysis of financial statements.
• Strategic Management Accounting for Performance Enhancement: This module focuses on the role of management accounting in supporting strategic decision-making and performance improvement.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary across modules and may include:

• Practical assessments (40% for Statistics and Data Modelling)

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Coursework
• Problem-solving exercises
• Individual and group research projects
• Reports
• Presentations
• Workshops
• Self-directed learning
The teaching faculty includes experienced academics and industry professionals with strong connections to professional accountancy bodies.

Careers:

The MSc Accounting and Finance program prepares graduates for a range of careers in the accounting and finance industry, including:

• Accountant
• Financial Controller
• Finance or Accounting Manager
• Consultant
• Financial Journalist
• Researcher or Educator
• PhD Study
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Consultant
Previous graduates have secured positions at reputable organizations such as:
• HSBC
• Chinatrust Commercial Bank
• KPMG

Other:

• The program is accredited by ACCA, granting exemptions from certain ACCA examinations.
• Sheffield Business School is accredited by AACSB, placing it among the top 6% of business schools globally.
• The program offers networking opportunities with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Students have access to Bloomberg software, FAME, and Microsoft Office Specialist Software.
• The program is subject to periodic review and enhancement to ensure ongoing compliance with professional, statutory, and regulatory body standards.