Online MSc in Accounting and Finance (Top-up)

Program Overview

The Online MSc in Accounting and Finance (Top-up) is a one-year program designed for students with relevant qualifications who want to advance their financial careers. It allows students to jump directly into the thesis stage, completing their master's degree quicker than the traditional route. The program is delivered through a virtual learning environment, providing students with flexibility to study at their own pace. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the accounting and finance industry, including financial analyst, accountant, auditor, and CFO.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Online MSc in Accounting and Finance (Top-up) is a one-year program designed for students with relevant qualifications who want to fast-track their path to becoming successful financial advisors. The program allows students to jump straight into the thesis stage, enabling them to complete their master's degree quicker than the traditional route. The program blends guided and independent learning, allowing students to work closely with academic staff to build a course that reflects their career goals. Students will graduate with the skills needed to work in new and exciting areas of finance, including blockchain finance, fintech analysis, and more. The program is delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE), allowing students to study at their convenience and continue working while they complete their master's degree.

Outline:

The program offers two study routes:

• Full Master's Degree: A full 180-credit level 7 qualification for students with a level 6 BA or BSc qualification in a relevant subject (accounting, finance, business management, etc.).
• 60-credit Top-up Master's Degree: For students with a related level 7 diploma or accreditation, allowing them to move straight into the thesis stage (Consultancy Project Report module).

Modules:

The full master's degree includes seven modules:

• Investment Analysis (20 credits): This module provides a comprehensive understanding of investment analysis techniques, including valuation methods, risk management, and portfolio optimization.
• Corporate Reporting (20 credits): This module focuses on the principles and practices of corporate reporting, including financial statement analysis, accounting standards, and corporate governance.
• Global Finance and Strategy (20 credits): This module explores the global financial landscape, including international financial markets, currency exchange, and cross-border investment strategies.
• Strategic Financial Management (20 credits): This module examines the role of finance in strategic decision-making, including financial planning, capital budgeting, and risk management.
• Strategic Audit (20 credits): This module focuses on the process of conducting a strategic audit, including identifying key risks and opportunities, evaluating financial performance, and developing recommendations for improvement.
• Business Research Methods (20 credits): This module provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct research in a business context, including data analysis, research design, and report writing.
• Consultancy Project Report (60 credits): This module is the thesis stage of the program, where students develop skills in critical analysis and research, applying their understanding of advanced accountancy practices and financial theories to real scenarios.

Assessment:

The assessment methods for each module may vary but typically include a combination of:

• Presentations: Oral presentations that allow students to demonstrate their communication skills and their ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Case Studies: Case studies that require students to analyze real-world business scenarios and develop solutions based on their knowledge and skills.

Teaching:

The program is delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE), providing students with access to:

• Lectures: Pre-recorded lectures that cover the core concepts and principles of each module.
• Seminars: Online seminars that provide students with the opportunity to interact with faculty and fellow students, discuss key topics, and ask questions.
• One-to-one Tutor Meetings: Individual meetings with faculty members to discuss progress, receive feedback, and address any specific questions or concerns.

Careers:

The Online MSc in Accounting and Finance (Top-up) prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in the accounting and finance industry, including:

• Financial Analyst: Analyze financial data, prepare reports, and provide recommendations to management.
• Accountant: Prepare financial statements, manage accounts payable and receivable, and ensure compliance with accounting regulations.
• Auditor: Review financial records, identify potential risks and fraud, and provide assurance on the accuracy of financial statements.
• Forensic Accountant: Investigate financial crimes, such as fraud and money laundering, and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
• CFO: Oversee the financial operations of a company, including budgeting, forecasting, and investment decisions.

Other:

The program is offered in part-time study mode, allowing students to fit their studies around work and home duties. Students with a level 7 diploma in accounting and finance from OTHM can join the top-up branch of the MSc in Accounting and Finance, requiring them to study only a single module to graduate. Students with level 6 or equivalent qualifications can join the postgraduate diploma in accounting and finance, which can be studied on a module-by-module basis. After completing the diploma, students can then move on to the Consultancy Project Report to finish their master's degree.