Professional Accounting MSc
Study level: Postgraduate
A fast-paced and highly practical master’s degree course that will deepen your understanding of modern accounting in an ever-changing global business environment.
Year of entry
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
2 years part-time (with professional experience)
Course code
LONT062
LONT063 (with Professional Practice)
Start date
September 2023
January 2024
Course overview
Our MSc Professional Accounting course 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 looking to attain a deeper understanding of business in a very practical way2.

Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunities
Teaching excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
Employability
Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeedWhy 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 Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP)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 could also 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 employers2. - Industry insight
You’ll be taught by highly qualified industry-experienced academics with vast accounting and finance knowledge who are qualified academically and professionally (staff are subject to change). You can also 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 MSc Professional Accounting course with Extended Professional Practice. This is an 18-month option aimed at individuals looking to attain a deeper understanding of business in a very practical way. You are expected to spend 22 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
This course has been accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
This course is currently accredited by ACCA for the 2023/24 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.

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
This course is currently accredited by CIMA for the 2023/24 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 develop your knowledge around how technology underpins and supports the work of an accountant, using industry-standard applications throughout your studies for research, analysis, planning and presenting. - Decision-making
You'll aim to develop a deep appreciation of how the accounting role gathers and analyses information to help you make well-informed decisions, within the financial realm and in support of other functions within the business. - Internationalisation
All aspects of this course are taught with a global perspective, covering essential topics such as international accounting standards. It also focuses on global issues with the aim to strengthen your skills in cross-cultural working. - Professionalism
The course aims to help you develop a deep appreciation of professional ethics and the standards of behaviour expected among members of the accounting profession and business leaders.
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 (Subject to availability), 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. While 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.
In response to COVID-19, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/24 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with government and public health guidance. Whether on campus or online, staff and student safety remain our key priorities.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods may include:
- Formal examinations
- Phase tests
- Essays
- Group work
- Presentations
- Reports
- Projects
- Coursework
- Exams
- Individual Assignments
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 guaranteed2.
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.

Entry requirements
Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.
Fees and funding
2023/24 tuition fees.
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | £15,400 | £21,250 (extended prof. practice) | Request fee information |
EU | £15,400 | £21,250 (extended prof. practice) per year with EU support bursary** £20,050 | £21,250 (extended prof. practice) per year without EU support bursary** |
Not available |
International | £20,050 | £21,250 (extended prof. practice) | Not available |
The following are additional costs not included in the 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)
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.
*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.
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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 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 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.

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.

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 courses aim 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 in the UK and worldwide.
On successful completion of this course, you would 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.
- Use 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
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UK students
To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University London, you can apply online.
For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form.
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International students
Students applying to start in September should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for an postgraduate degree view our International hub.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team.
Complete our contact form.
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Disclaimers
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 UK (home), 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. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. 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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