MSc Accounting and Finance

Course Overview

AU MSc Accounting and Finance has been created for graduates and professionals looking for a different style of degree study. Breaking away from the traditional, this course is an innovative exploration into real-world business, enriched by the inclusion of contemporary debate and trends in accounting and finance. This degree is also ideal for graduates and professionals from other business areas who would like to add accounting and finance knowledge to their skill set or advance their future career prospects by adding this highly respected master’s qualification to their CVs.

To support your employability and career progression in today’s fintech sector, this accounting and finance master’s will greatly develop your accounting and financial management skills by leveraging digital analysis and data handling. On the course, you’ll source, examine, and analyse live data sets from real-world business cases using industry-standard tools and then apply contemporary accounting and finance principles – developing your own solutions to the strategic challenges posed.

The course also explores new technologies such as the industry 4.0 business environment, blockchain, fintech services, and distributed ledgers, helping you refine your skill set and set yourself up for careers in a wide selection of accounting and finance roles. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to evaluate the impact that accounting and finance have on strategic planning, preparing you to contribute to large strategic projects such as mergers and acquisitions, pricing, capital expenditure, and investment.

If you have previous accountancy qualifications from the ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW, AU master’s in finance and accounting is available with up to six possible module exemptions. This gives you a fast-track route to a Master of Science qualification with considerably reduced tuition fees.

Entry requirements

At Arden University applications are consider on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree – Arden team is more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility

Standard entry criteria

To be eligible for AU MSc Accounting and Finance degree, you should usually have: 

A completed undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree or degree apprenticeship in a business-related field, although other degree subjects may be considered eligible (with some prior subject knowledge of accounting and finance).

For holders of professional qualifications:

You are also invited to apply if you hold any of the following professional qualifications: completed ACCA F1-F9 papers; CIMA Certificate, Operational and Management Level Papers; Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) Fellowship; ICAEW Certificate and Professional Level Papers; AAT Full membership; other full membership of relevant professional qualifications such as CIM, CMI.

Non-standard entry criteria

AU welcome applications from applicants who can demonstrate appropriate work experience. In such cases, at least 5 years of work experience is required for consideration, ideally within a business-related discipline (not limited to accounting and finance). Membership in a professional body is also desirable, but not essential.

Course fee

International Fee	Fee
Fee per year:	£10550

Uk Fee	Fee
Total fee:	£9500

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

English language requirements

For students whose first language is not English, IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element) or TOEFL iBT 80 or a recognised equivalent qualification is required.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (AU recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

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Course details and modules

You will study six core modules, which provide you with strategic and contemporary knowledge of accounting and finance practise. Each module has been designed to help you better understand and implement accounting in business strategy and to develop and support your entrepreneurial outlook.

The final Financial Management Project gives you an opportunity to learn more about innovative technology in accounting and finance, such as blockchain, fintech, cloud computing, and distributed ledgers. By studying the latest technologies, you’ll gain skills and knowledge that are essential for a successful career in today’s accounting and finance sector.

How do Arden University assess students?

AU assess students using diverse methods that go beyond traditional exams, especially in postgraduate certificate programs. Instead of exams, these programs employ practical, real-world assessments tailored to meet individual needs and help students develop transferable skills for their future careers. These assessments may include:

Essays: Developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
Consultancy Reports: Addressing real-world challenges with professional insights.
Recorded Presentations: Enhancing communication and presentation abilities.
Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
E-Portfolios: Showcasing personal and academic achievements through organized digital collections.
Visual Research: Combining creativity and analytical skills to present research visually.

This approach ensures that students gain valuable, hands-on experience relevant to their career goals.

Modules

Managing Within a Competitive Environment
Analysing Business and Financial Performance
Analysing Financial Statements
Accountability, Governance and Assurance
Global Issues in Taxation and Fiscal policy
Managing Strategic Finance and Risk
Financial Management Project

Career prospects

AU MSc Accounting and Finance will help you apply a strategic focus to problem solving and decision-making. Throughout the course you’ll be encouraged think creatively, supported by the inclusion of contemporary debate around trends in accounting and finance that permeates your course modules. This means you’ll graduate with the confidence to address workplace issues in innovative ways.

What can I do after Arden University?

Your MSc Accounting and Finance qualification will give you access to a range of careers within finance and accounting. Here are just a few of the roles graduates may want to explore further:

Asset Manager
Inventory Management
Business Planner
Business Manager
Technology Analyst
Data Analyst
Financial Analyst
Blockchain Designer
Careers in Fintech

The course will also give you the skills and knowledge required to become a fully qualified member of a recognised finance and accounting professional body after graduation.

What will I gain from this degree?

The MSc Accounting and Finance gives you a broad understanding of contemporary accounting and finance principles and issues. Importantly, the course examines how to act with integrity within the industry, through having an awareness of current ethics and themes with corporate social responsibility. Whilst studying this course, you will also:

Critically apply accounting and finance theories and principles in strategic and operational business environments
Develop skills in data analysis, diagnostics, and research
Evaluate relevant accounting and finance theory and practice
Evaluate new developments in accounting and finance theory and practice
Evaluate the challenges presented by new developments in accounting and finance theory and practice

Online learning

How does it work?

Studying your MSc Accounting and Finance with Arden gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.

AU online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. ilearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to AU Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

ilearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate AU study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy.

Studying online with Arden University doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with likeminded students who you can meet with through Arden Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. Arden have even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning.