Program Overview

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MSc Accounting

Overview

This MSc programme is equally suitable for students with or without an undergraduate degree in accounting, and we have students from a variety of backgrounds on the programme. We have a 100% overall student satisfaction score for our MSc in Accounting (PTES, 2023).

This degree will provide a strong foundation for your accounting career. It covers the core accounting topics of financial reporting, performance management, and financial management, as well as topics such as the accounting profession, accounting in the public sector, and corporate governance.

It will be attractive to individuals with good financial knowledge, analytical skills, attention to detail, business understanding, and problem-solving. Graduates will be in a strong position to continue their careers in professional practice, private firms, or in the public sector. The programme also provides a foundation for students wishing to pursue further academic study in accounting.

Although this programme is not designed to maximise exemptions from professional exams, students who successfully complete the programme can apply for exemptions from four ACCA papers (Business & Technology, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Corporate and Business Law), and/or gain direct entry to the Management Case Study level of CIMA’s professional qualification.

Mode of Study

• Full-time

Duration

• 1 year

Start Date

• January and September

Course Details

This course will equip you with theoretical and practical knowledge of accounting in a variety of contexts. In the financial reporting and analysis module, you will examine the conceptual framework for financial reporting as well as the regulatory environment for reporting, and some practical problems in implementing accounting standards, as well as the analysis of financial reports.

The financial management module introduces you to the sources of finance, financial decision making, and a variety of techniques including project appraisals and the management of risk. Our module on strategic performance management introduces you to the concepts of cost accounting and the application of the balanced scorecard approach in business.

Our module on Accounting as a Profession will provide guidance on the practical role of the accountant and on accounting ethics. You will also study public sector accounting and learn the key differences in applying accounting practice to this important sector of the economy. Our module on Corporate Governance will further develop your communication skills in writing, and discussion in a simulated boardroom setting.

You will also complete a research methods module, followed by a dissertation, which will enable you further to develop your skills in analysing qualitative and quantitative information, as well as in the development of research questions and the presentation of the results of academic research.

Modules

• Accounting as a Profession (ACC11121)
• Corporate Governance (ACC11124)
• Dissertation (TBS11130)
• Financial Management (ACC11118)
• Financial Reporting and Analysis (ACC11123)
• Public Sector Accounting (ACC11127)
• Research Methods (SOE11131)
• Research Skills (TBS11109)
• Skills for Success (TBS11108)
• Strategic Performance Management (ACC11125)

Entry Requirements

• The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above.
• We look for applicants to have a background in any discipline in order to be eligible for the programme.
• We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient professional work experience within the industry.

English Language

• If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

International Students

• We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Fees & Funding

• The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.
• Tuition fees for 2024/25:
  • Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £8,715
  • Overseas and EU: £18,800

Careers

• By studying accounting at Edinburgh Napier University, you will have the knowledge, understanding, and skills to further develop your career.
• This could be through employment with a professional accounting firm, other commercial organisation, or the public sector.
• You will also be able to complete your professional accountancy training and become a fully qualified accountant.
• Alternatively, you will be eligible to apply for progression to doctoral-level study in accounting, corporate governance, or financial management at the University or to seek entry to doctoral-level study at another higher education institution.
• Professional accountants often work for accounting firms, providing a range of accountancy services to other businesses, such as tax advice or statutory audits.
• Accountants also work within finance departments of other commercial organisations, providing expertise in management or financial accounting, including tasks such as budgeting and strategic financial planning.
• An MSc in Accounting equips you with strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills, making you versatile and adaptable in various financial roles.
• Experienced and highly qualified accountants can also be found in a variety of business leadership positions.
• Daily tasks and responsibilities in typical accounting roles include:
  • Financial reporting
  • Advisory support
  • Audit preparation
  • Tax planning and compliance
  • Budgeting and forecasting