Professional Accounting MSc

Study level: Postgraduate
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Develop your technical and professional accounting ability by building quantitative and qualitative skills to work strategically within the ever-changing business environment.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

Coventry University London (City of London)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time
18 months Extended Professional Practice

Course code

LONT062, LONT063 (with Professional Practice)

Start date

September 2023
January 2024

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Contact us

The information on this page is for 2022-23 entry and should be used as guidance for 2023-24 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

Develop your technical and professional accounting ability by building quantitative and qualitative skills to work strategically within the ever-changing business environment.

Our Professional Accounting MSc focuses not just upon technical issues of accounting, but also upon the ways in which the current managerial paradigms might most effectively be re-thought and new patterns of thinking implemented.

  • Study a curriculum which is aligned to major accounting bodies, such as ACCA and CIMA.
  • Utilise industry-standard accounting software in your learning experience.
  • Gain an understanding of the importance of accountancy and the accounting profession in an international context.
  • Apply to study our MSc Professional Accounting with Extended Professional Practice, an 18-month option aimed at individuals who are looking to attain a deeper understanding of business in a very practical way.
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Global ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

  • ACCA and CIMA accredited1
    A fast-paced and highly practical ACCA and CIMA accredited master’s degree programme. Ideal for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of accounting in the global context. For more information, see the Accreditation section of the Overview tab.
  • Industry-standard technology4
    Utilise industry-based software, such as SAP (Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing)4. You’ll also learn how to use Bloomberg terminals and S&P Capital IQ4 – which are routinely used in major organisations around the world. You also have the opportunity to undertake our Bloomberg Market Concept (BMC) course for free2.
  • London location
    Where better to study accounting than in the heart of London’s financial district? You will be studying on the doorstep of the finance and asset management industries where you will have many opportunities for access to current market participants, placements/employment and continuing personal development with financial employers.
  • Industry insight
    You’ll be taught by highly qualified industry-experienced academics with sound finance knowledge who are qualified academically and professionally (staff are subject to change). You’ll also have the opportunity to attend tailored talks by experts from academia, the City of London and the real world of finance and investment2.
  • Real-world experience
    This course offers internship opportunities2 in different aspects of finance with reputable companies in industries attractive to students and with whom the university has existing relationships. You may decide to apply for our Professional Accounting MSc course with Extended Professional Practice. This is an 18-month option and is aimed at individuals who are looking to attain a deeper understanding of business in a very practical way. You are expected to spend twenty-two weeks at one (or more) work setting(s) and will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice. Find out more about our Extended Professional Practice study option. 

Accreditation, Professional Recognition and Exemptions

ACCA logo

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

This course is currently accredited by ACCA for the 2022/23 intake. On successful completion of the course, students will be eligible for exemption from all but the professional level papers of the ACCA. Students will need to register with the ACCA and apply for the relevant exemptions. ACCA charge fees separately for registration and student membership. To find out more, please visit the ACCA website.

CIMA logo

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

This course is currently accredited by CIMA for the 2022/23 intake. Successful completion of the course entitles students to exemptions from 11 papers of CIMA. CIMA does not charge for exemption applications. CIMA charge fees separately for registration and student membership. Please see the CIMA website for more details.

Immerse yourself in Coventry University London’s global community and emerge as a talented, career-ready graduate with an international outlook.

What you'll study

Your main study themes are:

  • Technology
    You’ll learn how technology underpins and supports the work of the accountant, using industry-standard applications throughout your studies for research, analysis, planning and presenting.
  • Decision-making
    You’ll develop a deep appreciation of how the accounting role gathers and analyses information to help make supremely well-informed decisions, both within the financial realm and in support of other functions within the business, including at the most strategic levels.
  • Internationalisation
    All aspects of this course are taught with a global perspective, covering essential topics such as international accounting standards but also looking at global issues and strengthening your skills in cross-cultural working.
  • Professionalism
    The course will seek to develop in you a deep appreciation of professional ethics and the standards of behaviour expected among members of the accounting profession and business leaders.
This course aims to offer hands-on experience in professional accounting. It is an intensive course that focuses on issues of accounting rather than placing accounting in a broader context. You’ll study a set of core accounting modules. You’ll also have an array of options for your final major project, ranging from a dissertation to real consultancy or an internship2.

Modules

  • This module aims to provide you with the overview of global financial systems and core concepts, frameworks, tools and applications. These include making you aware of the scope and nature of the international financial management function, understanding the different sources of capital, cost of capital and its possible return as well as the related risk.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop your critical knowledge and skills in the application of management accounting techniques to qualitative and quantitative information for planning and control, decision making and performance evaluation.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of the module is to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for an executive manager/director, chartered accountant, chartered secretary or any of similar status, to understand and supervise the execution of these professional responsibilities related to financial reporting and how it is analysed.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to apply relevant knowledge and skills and to exercise professional judgement in providing relevant information and advice to individuals and businesses on the impact of the major taxes on financial decisions and situations.

    Compulsory

  • The module builds on and requires knowledge and understanding of financial accounting and reporting and analysis or equivalent. This module will explain the critical role and importance of the external audit function to society.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of the module is to enable you to gain knowledge and practice the use of accounting software, such as SAP HANA: and how these can be used in the real world in the streamlining and automating finance, control, and asset management systems.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to broaden and deepen your critical knowledge, skills and professional values in preparation for real life business settings and environments.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to prepare you for success in your final-term project and in future finance, accounting and business-related research projects. You will evaluate what makes a successful research project, with particular emphasis on how to conduct both qualitative and quantitative data.

    Compulsory

  • Choose one of the following:

    Dissertation (60 credits)
    The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a substantive piece of independent research, integrating research skills development and extending your knowledge and experience to a specialist area. The Dissertation topic may arise from the literature relating to the course of study. Alternatively, it may relate to current/past work experience. You may be able to use the research topic that was developed in other modules and can be further developed through discussion with the Dissertation Supervisor. The topic selected will need to be appropriate to the course of study, logistically feasible, adequately resourced and will adequately address ethics, safety and any required permissions.

    Internship and Consulting Project2 (60 credits)
    The postgraduate internship and consulting project offers you a unique opportunity for practical, meaningful and hands-on work experience, to learn how to work collaboratively with others and obtain a better perspective of careers within the field of Accounting, Finance and Economics. The aim of this module is to develop work-related knowledge, skills and capabilities necessary to pursue further career-related opportunities related to your subject area. The internship and consulting project should allow you to put into practice, in a professional environment, the skills and knowledge gained throughout your postgraduate studies. This module should also enhance your own understanding of your working practice, time management, and develop your critical and self-reflective awareness through reflecting on your own learning and personal development in a strategic, analytical and autonomous way. Academic supervisors will guide you through the process, and you will have meetings to review progress and provide a space for critical reflection and feedback. You will work independently, whilst being clearly provided with support through every stage of your journey, including through directed formative submissions. Altogether, you will be able to develop a meaningful project, demonstrating and applying skills attained during the course of your studies at Coventry University London.

    Simulation Project (60 credits)
    The Simulation module is an action-based learning module, in which you have the opportunity to act as a professional in the field of accounting, finance and economics in a simulated business environment, making business decisions and seeing the results (real time) in a highly competitive environment over several rounds of simulation representing business years. The Simulation module creates a platform that provides you with the real experience on your learning journey by introducing you to an environment where you actively engage in deep learning through anticipating outcomes and observing the effects of the decisions and business choices you make. The module helps you to learn, to reflect and refine your knowledge by actively engaging in group business review facilitated by your supervisor. This review process helps to reinforce learning derived from application of theoretical framework/models /concepts explored in earlier terms.

    Optional

  • Postgraduate Professional Practice 1 (0 credits)
    This is a compulsory module on MSc courses with Extended Professional Practice. This non-credit bearing module, together with Postgraduate Professional Practice 2 will provide students on Extended Professional Practice MSc courses with a substantive professional experience. This will take the form of either an internship with a host organisation2, or a campus-based professional experience. This experience will support the development of your personal and professional skills, such as communication, team-working, self-management, project management and critical reflection to enhance your future employability. You will be expected to augment your previous learning and experiences in order to develop your knowledge and skills of professional practice in your chosen subject area. This module will also provide you with the necessary experience and focus on completing the project report for Postgraduate Professional Practice Project.

    Postgraduate Professional Practice 2 (0 credits)
    This is a compulsory module on MSc courses with Extended Professional Practice. This non-credit bearing module is a continuation of Postgraduate Professional Practice 1, providing students on an Extended Professional Practice MSc courses with a substantive professional experience. This will take the form of either a continuation of the internship with a host organisation2, or the campus-based professional experience. This module aims to provide you with further professional experiences, building on knowledge and skills, previously gained, consolidating and refining your personal and professional skills, theory and practice and further enhance your future employability. You will be expected to augment your previous learning and experiences in order to develop additional knowledge and skills of professional practice in your chosen subject area. As with the Postgraduate Professional Practice 1, this module will also provide you with the necessary experience and focus on completing the project report for Postgraduate Professional Practice Project.

    Postgraduate Professional Practice Project AFE (60 credits)
    This is a compulsory module on MSc courses with Extended Professional Practice. This module aims to integrate theory and practice either through undertaking an Extended Professional Practice or campus-based project in an area relevant to the subject being studied. This will have involved you working on an organisational issue either within a host organisation2 or on campus addressing a project brief, as part of the Postgraduate Professional Practice modules 1 and 2.

    Optional

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

Although your studies will be underpinned by solid academic theory, this course has been designed to provide every opportunity to apply what you’ve learned to real business contexts.

  • Teaching methods may include live classes, textbooks, workshops, debates, case studies, consultancy projects, simulations and online collaborations.
  • Use the industry-standard technologies of the Bloomberg trading desk to research and analyse market information and to execute simulated trades4.
  • Make the most of free self-learning resources such as Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) - a library of e-learning courses. To earn the BMC Certificate, you must complete all online learning resources covering financial markets and familiarise yourself with over 100 Bloomberg terminal functions (around 8 hours).
  • Take part in our High Flyers programme, to help you develop the personal and professional skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world, through a suite of extra curricula, non-course specific workshops.

This course can be offered on a 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 contact registry.london@coventry.ac.uk for more information about studying this course part-time.

Teaching contact hours

You will typically receive around 12 hours of contact teaching per week. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials. In addition, you will be expected to undertake around 24 hours of self-directed studying and revising in your own time each week, which may include, for example, guided study using hand-outs, online activities.

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.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Group projects and debates
  • Presentations
  • Business reports
  • The use of Excel and its many data analysis tools and integration interfaces

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.

International experience opportunities

This course takes a globalised approach to the curriculum, placing your learning in the context of international challenges, opportunities and regulatory frameworks. It will prepare you for working globally, whether overseas, or for a multi-national, or for a firm which trades internationally. You will have the opportunity for an international field trip2, and you could also arrange to do either a consultancy project or an internship2 (as part of your final major project) overseas.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed.

More than just a degree

I wanted to study here because London is the financial hub of the world. I want to do ACCA examinations, and by doing this course, out of 13 exams, I get exemption on nine papers. The lecturers are really friendly and I really like the curriculum and the fact that I am able to study with people from diverse backgrounds as well.

Eshita Chaturvedi, MSc Professional Accounting student, quoted in 2022
Eshita sat on the floor smiling, against a green background

Entry requirements

An honours undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2) in an accounting related discipline such as Accounting, Finance or Economics or a recognised equivalent degree in which the candidates demonstrate strong quantitative skills and a strong background in accounting and finance.

OR

Accounting or finance work experience in private, public or third sectors (a minimum of two years would be desirable) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

OR

Relevant professional qualifications.

Careful monitoring of applications to ensure that applicants are suited to the course takes place. Where necessary, applicants are interviewed (remotely if applicable), especially those who do not appear to meet standard admissions criteria. Where deemed appropriate, a written exercise is administered to establish suitability.

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

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


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

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.

Specific requirements

An honours undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2) in an accounting related discipline such as Accounting, Finance or Economics or a recognised equivalent degree in which the candidates demonstrate strong quantitative skills and a strong background in accounting and finance.

OR

Accounting or finance work experience in private, public or third sectors (a minimum of two years would be desirable) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

OR

Relevant professional qualifications.

Careful monitoring of applications to ensure that applicants are suited to the course takes place. Where necessary, applicants are interviewed (remotely if applicable), especially those who do not appear to meet standard admissions criteria. Where deemed appropriate, a written exercise is administered to establish suitability.

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.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 Tuition fees

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £15,400 | £21,250 (extended prof. practice) Not available
International £20,050 | £21,250 (extended prof. practice) per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.

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

  • 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 government's 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 MSc Professional Accounting students have access to a wide range of facilities4 to help you become proficient with some of the leading technology in the financial industry, and prepare for the world of work. Take a virtual tour of our campus to explore all of the facilities available to you.

bloomberg terminal keyboard

Bloomberg Trading Floor

Our Trading Floor has been created to reflect the environment where traders work on the London Stock Exchange. It contains Bloomberg Terminals, which provide access to real-time global financial data, which students learn how to use through teaching and simulated projects.

female delivering a presentation holding a laptop

Standard & Poor Market Intelligence Suite (S&P) 

The S&P Suite contains some of the same software used by Wall Street. Its databases and tools can help you track performance, identify investment ideas, and keep up with industry news and insights.

recruitment session two ladies and one man

The Talent Team

Need employability support? Our dedicated Talent Team are on hand to help. They can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate level jobs and offer skills development workshops. They also organise networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts.

Careers and opportunities

Our MSc Professional Accounting and MSc Professional Accounting with Extended Professional Practice course aims to equip graduates with a set of highly employable behaviours, attitudes and competencies (technical skills: quantitative, analytical, regulatory and soft skills: problem-solving, creativity, communication, team-working, agile) which are in high demand among employers and are indispensable qualities within the financial industry, not only in the UK but worldwide.

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate appropriate management and financial accounting techniques to produce information useful to managers for planning, controlling and for making economic decisions, showing critical awareness of the limitations of these techniques.
  • Critically evaluate the contextual forces on the accounting profession, such as legal, tax, audit and regulatory systems; ethical, economic, environmental, social and technological changes; international developments and corporate governance.
  • Discuss, analyse and evaluate the uses and limitations of a range of research methods/techniques, both qualitative and quantitative, and understand their strengths and weaknesses for providing information and evaluating options in an organisational environment.
  • Manipulate the relevant accounting software and information technologies for application in business and management within an international knowledge-based economy.
  • Examine and articulate the knowledge of several of the major contexts within which accounting operates (both outside and within organisations), based on a critical evaluation of related theoretical and conceptual frameworks and of empirical evidence as to its effects.
  • Communicate knowledge and understanding of, and appropriate ability to use and critically evaluate, current and major alternative technical languages and practices of accounting, together with appropriate ability to apply them.
  • Work collaboratively to apply cross-cultural perspective on the operational and strategic position of organisations and critically examine policies and strategies that managers may adopt to help organisations adapt in increasingly complex internal and external environments in a global context.

Typical career routes for graduates from this course could include (but not limited to): Chief Financial Officer, Financial Accountant, Chief Executive Officer, Management Accountant, Investment and Credit Analysts, Risk Management, Financial Analysts, Corporate Financiers, working for international financial and government institutions and academia, including further PhD study.

Global business connections

Our strong global business connections provide students with access to real-life work experience, so you can put your skills into practice and make connections in the world of work.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, 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 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 COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the 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 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

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. 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.

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