MSc Accounting and Finance

Year 1

(Award available for year: Master of Science)

Learning outcomes

Our students will be able to:

i. Analyse financial and non-financial information to provide a professional insight into the operations of a complex business for the purpose of decision analysis, performance measurement and management control (PA 1)
ii. Accumulate, record and summarise financial transactions and apply current technical standards, language and practices of accounting to prepare financial statements in a variety of commercial contexts (PA 1 )
iii. Apply high-level numerical and statistical skills to manipulate and interrogate financial and other numerical data, using current communication and information technology (PA 1)
iv. Identify relevant information and define solutions to complex and unpredictable commercial situations, using financial and non-financial data (PA 2.)
v. Demonstrate advanced independent research skills and analytical abilities in the field of accounting and finance, (PA 3.)
vi. Identify, summarise and critically evaluate key theories and relevant empirical research evidence in accounting and finance (PA 1, 3.)
vii. Understand the importance and relevance of ethical issues as they relate to corporate performance and organisational excellence (PA 4.)
viii. Competently analyse, conceptualise and appraise financial reporting, financial accounting and financial regulations in a global context (PA 5.)
ix. Structure and communicate quantitative information, ideas, analysis, argument and commentary in the form of academic essays and professional quality business reports and presentations (PA 6.)
x. Confidently operate as a group member in a professional context (PA 6.)

Transferable (key) skills

Transferable (Key) Skills

Graduates of this programme will be able to evidence learning of the following transferable skills and attributes as defined in the programme aims and programme learning outcomes:
- The ability to contribute as a citizen in a global business environment through awareness and understanding of international perspectives (LO viii) and ethical considerations (LO vii)
- Enhanced employability skills and attributes in:
Critical thinking and analysis (LO v, vi)
Numeracy and quantitative skills, including data analysis and interpretation (LO i, ii,iii)
Effective problem solving and decision making (LO i, iv)
Effective use of communication and information technology (LO ii, iii)
Written and oral communication skills (LO ix)
Undertaking independent research (LO v)

Assessment

Achievement for the Masters will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the programme and will involve the achievement of the students in:

- demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex specialist area;
- drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study;
- evaluating received opinion;
- making sound judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data.