| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The University of Brighton's Finance and Accounting MSc program equips students with in-depth knowledge and skills in finance and accounting. The program offers a thorough understanding of financial theory and practice, research methods, and financial markets. Students can specialize in one of five areas, including Finance and Banking, Finance and Investment, and Finance and Risk Management. The program features a blend of taught sessions, guided independent study, and a final dissertation, work placement project, or live brief.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The University of Brighton's Finance and Accounting MSc program is a one- or two-year postgraduate program designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge and skills in relevant areas. The program's objectives include:
- Providing students with a thorough understanding of financial theory and practice, research methods, financial markets, financial accounting, and management accounting.
- Training students to advise on financial accounting standards, solve complex business problems, and address present issues in financial theory and practice.
- Offering an optional placement year in the industry for full-time students seeking to enhance their work experience.
This program is part of the broader Finance MSc program at the university, with all students undertaking a common foundation in finance during the first semester. Following this initial stage, students can specialize in one of five areas:
- Finance and Banking MSc
- Finance and Investment MSc
- Finance and Risk Management MSc
- Economics and Finance MSc
Outline:
Program Content:
The Finance and Accounting MSc program is structured into three phases:
Phase 1:
Introduction to core subjects like economics, financial theory, and research methods.
Phase 2:
Specialization in subjects focusing on finance and accounting, including international investment, contemporary accounting issues, and money and banking.
Phase 3:
Completion of a dissertation, work placement project, or live brief. This phase enables students to integrate their accumulated knowledge, conduct research, and develop expertise in a specific field within finance and accounting.
Program Structure:
Each module in the program involves a blend of taught sessions and guided independent study.
Course Schedule:
- Semester 1:
- Economics of Financial Markets
- Financial Theory and Practice
- Research Methods for Finance and Economics
- Semester 2:
- Contemporary Issues in Accounting
- The Economics of Money, Interest Rates, Banking and Financial Institutions
- International Investment and Trading
- Summer:
- Final Project – Dissertation, Work Placement Project, or Live Brief (Submitted in October with awards granted in December)
Individual Modules:
Economics of Financial Markets:
An exploration of financial markets, including their structure, operation, and role in the economy.
Financial Theory and Practice:
A comprehensive examination of financial theory and its application to real-world situations.
Research Methods for Finance and Economics:
An introduction to the methodologies and techniques employed in financial and economic research.
Contemporary Issues in Accounting:
A critical analysis of contemporary accounting issues, considering their impact and ongoing developments.
The Economics of Money, Interest Rates, Banking and Financial Institutions:
An in-depth examination of the relationship between monetary policy, interest rates, and financial institutions.
International Investment and Trading:
An exploration of the functioning of international investment markets and contemporary trading practices.
Assessment:
Assessment methods in the Finance and Accounting MSc program vary depending on the individual module. Common assessment approaches include:
- Examinations: Closed-book tests designed to evaluate comprehension and knowledge retention.
- Coursework: Essays, projects, and presentations demonstrating analytical skills and application of theoretical concepts.
- Dissertation/Project: For the final phase, students complete a dissertation, work placement project, or live brief, allowing them to demonstrate research skills, analysis, and critical thinking abilities within their chosen area of specialization. Assessment criteria are based on established academic standards, evaluating students' understanding, critical analysis, communication skills, and overall mastery of the subject.
Teaching:
The teaching team on the Finance and Accounting MSc program comprises experienced professionals with expertise in their respective areas. The program utilizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment. Teaching methods are varied and include lectures, seminars, case studies, group work, and individual tutorials. In addition, the program offers access to the cutting-edge Bloomberg trading room, providing students with valuable hands-on experience analyzing real-time financial data and making strategic decisions. This room is powered by the globally renowned Bloomberg TerminalⓇ, offering access to comprehensive datasets, news, and sophisticated analytics tools.
Careers:
The Finance and Accounting MSc program prepares graduates for a wide range of professional opportunities in finance and accounting. Potential career paths include:
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Advisor
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Investment Manager
- Quantitative Analyst Career prospects are further enhanced through the university's dedicated Careers Service, offering support in areas such as CV and cover letter review, mock interviews, and guidance on establishing a business. The Careers Service also assists students with placement opportunities and acts as referees upon request.
Other:
AACSB Accreditation:
The University of Brighton's AACSB accreditation places it among the top business schools globally. This accreditation ensures that the program meets the highest standards in terms of curriculum, teaching quality, and preparation for the professional world.
Student Trading Society:
The program encourages students to interact and collaborate through the active Student Investment and Trading Society. This society organizes social and networking events, hosts talks by industry professionals, and facilitates trading competitions against other universities.
Fees:
The program fees for the 2023-2024 academic year are as follows:
- UK (full-time): £12,150
- International (full-time): £15,900
- Placement year:
- Home: £1,500
- International: £2,280
UK (full-time) 12,150 GBP International (full-time)15,900 GBP Placement year Home 1,500 GBP International 2,280 GBP
