Accounting and Financial Management MSc

Postgraduate

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Understanding the global business environment is becoming increasingly complex. Explore how finance and business work together and how you can manage them both.

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Up to 2 years, with professional experience

Course code

FBLT041

Start date

January 2025

How to apply

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Course overview

This course is designed for those seeking a higher level of education combined with the opportunity to gain a solid foundation in functional accounting and contemporary finance topics. You will have the chance to: 

Improve on your existing capabilities and understanding of the business world and explore how financial markets operate.
Use real-life case studies to gain an insight into the financial strategies of successful businesses.
Apply for a ‘professional experience’ opportunity², designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 11th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

The course aims to equip you with a broad and diverse knowledge of the financial theories, management techniques, analytical tools, quantitative and research skills required in an increasingly complex and global business environment.

The modules available offer you the chance to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how global businesses use financial information for decision-making, performance evaluation and financial reporting purposes. You will also have the chance to explore the external forces that can affect financial performance, and be introduced to relevant accounting concepts and International Financial Reporting Standards. 

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute for the 2024-25 intake. Upon successful completion of this module (achieving a pass grade), you will be eligible for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost.

Chartered Insurance Institute

You will undertake an Economics Module that has a close syllabus match to CII’s (530) Economics and business unit and the assessment is of an equivalent standard. Upon successful completion of this module, you will gain the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Recognition of Prior Learning.

Memberships

European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the European Foundation for Management Development, a global membership organisation dedicated to management development, covering over 900 members across 91 countries.

Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS)

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, which has a membership of over 120 business schools and higher education providers, and supports its members in maintaining world-class standards of teaching and research.

What you'll study

This course is underpinned by practice-led learning designed to provide an overview of accounting and finance as it is actually applied in the world of business. You will have the chance to explore how financial markets operate and the financial strategies used by successful businesses. You’ll be drawing on real-life case studies of companies and their financial accounts and have the opportunity to put learned theory into practice, all set in the context of financial issues from around the world. 

Modules

Business Strategy – 15 credits

Financial Statement Analysis – 15 credits

This module is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the content and purpose of a company’s annual report and published financial statements. The module also considers the accounting treatment of intangible non-current assets, the problems in attaching monetary values to these and how this impacts the usefulness of published financial statements. 

Compulsory

Corporate Finance – 15 credits

The aim of the module is to examine and critique key corporate finance issues, including financial management, risk and return, corporate financing and asset pricing, capital structure and pay-out policy. The module will take an international perspective and explore both theoretical models and empirical evidence.  

Compulsory

Quantitative Methods – 15 credits

The purpose of this module is to teach you to use an extensive range of statistical and mathematical techniques necessary to effectively analyse problems within the field of accounting. This module also aims to create the necessary mathematical foundations for the undertaking of the dissertation at the last stage of the MSc programme.

Compulsory

Auditing and Assurance – 15 credits

Advanced Management Accounting – 15 credits

This module gives you an understanding of the various ways in which management accounting can be of use to managers. It provides you with the ability to make good business decisions based on a sound understanding of financial models, whilst at the same time giving you the ability to critically evaluate the limitations of those models.

Compulsory

Governance, Accountability and Ethics – 15 credits

The aim of this module is to provide you with a framework to examine the key issues in corporate governance. These include underlying corporate governance theory and associated reporting and regulation, the role of monitors and issues of independence and ethics. It will also develop your ability to critically appraise relevant academic literature and current issues, then integrate and synthesise topics in order to participate in current debates and suggest potential insights for development.

Compulsory

Financial Risk Management – 15 credits

Professional Development Module: Entrepreneurial Practice – 10 credits

This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people in a strategic and entrepreneurial way whatever the Master’s degree of specialisation they elect to follow. 

The module enables students to reflect critically on their personal learning and development needs and how they work with others, from an ethical and professional standpoint to encourage their continuing professional development. 

Compulsory

Dissertation/Consultancy Project – 50 credits

With professional experience option

The professional experience opportunity²enables you the opportunity to apply for optional professional experience in semester 1, which, upon successfully securing an opportunity, will extend the duration of your master’s to either 16, 20 or 24 months. The professional experience provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability. 

Please note that the optional professional experience modules incur an additional tuition fee, for which 1 semester of professional experience is £1,333.33, for 2 semesters of professional experience is £2666.67, and for 3 semesters of professional experience is £4,000.

Professional experience may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Professional experience opportunities are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of our Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Find out more about the professional experience option.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching methods include:

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Presentations
Group projects
Workshops

This course can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time .

Teaching contact hours

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the taught semesters.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake around 12 hours of self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessments

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

Reports
Tests
Exams
Practical coursework
Presentations as part of individual assignments or group work elements.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Applicants should hold an honours degree 2:2 or above in a relevant academic discipline, such as business, finance, accounting or economics.

Or should hold a suitable graduate level (Level 6 equivalent) professional qualification including ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, CFA, ICAEW and ICAS.

Applications from candidates with relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international pre-master's. Upon successful completion our International Pre-Master's - Business will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this postgraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

Applicants should hold a suitable graduate level (Level 6 equivalent) professional qualification including ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, CFA, ICAEW and ICAS.

Or a honours degree 2:2 or above in a relevant academic discipline, such as business, finance, accounting or economics.

Applications from candidates with relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.

English language requirements

IELTS:  6.5  overall (with at least  5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£15,400 \| £19,400 (with prof. experience)	Request fee information
EU	£15,400 \| £19,400 (with prof. experience) per year with EU Support Bursary £20,050 \| £24,050 (with prof. experience) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£20,050 \| £24,050 (with prof. experience)	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities⁴.

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The Trading Floor

The Trading Floor is an invaluable facility that allows you to get hands-on with industry-standard software. Featuring contemporary dual-screen Bloomberg terminals, the facility adds a dynamic practical element to your course.

Talent Team

Employability is at the forefront of all our accounting and finance courses. Our dedicated Talent Team are also on hand to help. They can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate level jobs and offer skills development workshops, and also organise networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts.

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sigma Centre

The sigma Centre is housed in our Lanchester Library and offers maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions and bookable appointments. It is the ideal place to help you navigate any issues you might have while studying an accounting and finance degree.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion, you will be able to:

Demonstrate critical thinking on the accounting and financial management conceptual, theoretical frameworks and assumptions behind them.
Exercise sound judgments in the selection of different methods and approaches available to deal with complex accounting and financial management problems in modern business world.
Develop logical and coherent arguments.
Demonstrate diagnostic and decision-making skills in dealing with accounting and financial management problems.
Work out the implications of emerging accounting and finance issues and debates.
Use advanced mathematical and statistical techniques for financial and investment analysis.
Select, retrieve and analyse relevant data and information from finance-related databases to solve practical problems, such as ratio analysis.
Design and conduct research in accounting and financial management using appropriate methodologies to advance knowledge in these areas.

This course is designed to prepare you for all types of personal and professional financial management and could be a catalyst to future careers in financial services as professional accountants, financial analysts and financial consultants.

It provides the opportunity to confirm your passion for this field before committing to study more intensive professional accounting and finance qualifications.

You could also benefit from a wide range of desirable professional skills including, team working, critical evaluation, problem-solving, action planning and organising, written and oral communication, questioning and listening.

You will have the opportunity to further develop your transferable skills in areas such as, achievement orientation, initiative and creativity, decisiveness, adaptability and flexibility.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates have chosen to pursue further postgraduate study and gone on to work for companies in the banking sector such as China CITIC Bank and in aviation, with Xin Xiang Aviation Industry Group. 

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Managing your money

Managing your money can help you make the most of university life. Discover our top tips for budgeting and the support available to Coventry University students.

Learn how to be smart with your money

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Careers support

Our in-house professional careers support service is on hand to help you build your skills to become a career-ready graduate. From mock interviews to employer networking events, they provide dedicated support to help you achieve your career ambitions.

Careers and employability services

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.

Full-time applications

Part-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.