Staffordshire University

Course Details

Accounting for Professionals MSc

Course Description

This programme will give students a solid foundation in accounting and financial management while preparing students for ACCA qualifications. The first semester of the programme will provide an intensive study of the core disciplines of accounting and financial management. The second semester modules will closely mirror the professional level of ACCA papers. The final semester will conclude with an individual dissertation. Compulsory Modules Financial Reporting and Analysis This module contains an overview of the financial reporting and analysis and the international regulatory framework and the future direction of financial reporting. Contemporary issues such as sustainability and the need for environment and social reporting will enhance the students’ ability to relate their learning to the wider context. Management Control and Audit This module commences with an introduction to control systems within an organisational context with reference to motivation, contingency planning and ethics. Organisation resources, strategy and financial investment are discussed and applied to a case study within an overarching project. Advanced Corporate Finance Topics covered over the course of the module include: sources of finance such as equity, debt, leasing, convertibles and warrants. Cost of capital and capital structure, portfolio theory, CAPM, advanced investment appraisal techniques and applications, international investment appraisal, merger and acquisition, dividend policy and working capital management. Research Methods This module explores and critically reviews major developments and methodological discussions assigned to the developing fields and disciplines associated with business and management research. The module conveys contemporary methodological discourse and their applications to business and management research. Arguments concentrating on the key theme of establishing knowledge claims by developing core understanding of ontology, epistemology and methodology consolidate the overarching focus of the module. Business Analysis This module begins with the assessment of strategic position in the present and in the future using relevant forecasting techniques, and is primarily concerned with the impact of the external environment on the business, its internal capabilities and expectations and how the organisations positions itself under these constraints. It examines how factors such as culture, leadership and stakeholder expectations shape organisational purpose. International Corporate Reporting Against a background of dramatic changes and controversies in the financial reporting environment, this module aims to develop students’ conceptual understanding of international financial reporting issues and their knowledge of the problems and proposed solutions. Key areas covered are the regulatory environment of financial reporting; international harmonisation of accounting standards; contemporary issues in financial reporting; and social and environmental reporting. Advanced Performance Management This module covers the impact of external factors on strategic management issues, such as macroeconomic, fiscal, market and environmental impacts on performance. From appreciating the strategic context contexts of performance management and the impact of wider factors, the module examines, at an operational level, the issues relating to performance measurement systems and their design. Governance Risk and Ethics This module aims to cover a range or current corporate governance issues. This module starts by examining the whole area of governance within the organisations in the broad area context of the agency relationship. More specifically, it focuses on the role and responsibilities of senior management to organisational stakeholders. The module then explores internal review, control, and feedback to implement and support effective governance. Business Valuation and Risk Management On this module students study the economic and business environment, financial markets and institutions, the treasury function within a business, sources and management of short-term and long-term finance including Islamic financing, financing the small and Medium-size entity (SME). Dissertation The module facilitates the exploration and critical review of a substantial individual research enquiry within the field of Accounting. It allows students to demonstrate individual knowledge, skills and competency development - offering experience of producing a competent research based piece of work.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
1year

Career outcomes

A new and exciting award, designed to facilitate personal development and success for students wishing to enhance their career prospects in the area of accounting and finance. Arshad Hussain Senior Lecturer

Accounting for Professionals MSc Staffordshire University