Master’s in Finance and Accounting are designed to give students the advanced knowledge, skills and practicaleducation necessary to focus on finance and accouting careers.

Finance

  • Applicants: With finance being one of the largest sectors in the world economy, this stream of Master’s has the widest variety of professional courses. Those looking to delve into the world of financial analysis, corporate finance, investment management and commercial finance should be considering this core sector of Master's programmes. Most people pursuing graduate degrees in finance already have an undergraduate degree in a related field or have an equivalent background through their work experience. Those wishing to switch careers may need to take some introductory classes before pursuing an advanced degree.
  • Course content: Graduate programmes in finance combine a challenging range of subjects, which are designed to help students understand financial forces in today's modern business climate and contribute meaningfully to companies by helping them make wise financial choices. Core topics of the programme include the analysis of global asset allocation and international fund management, investment banking and venture financing, the analysis of trading systems and the ensuing market microstructure, as well as the design and operation of insurance and pension systems.
  • Career options: Jobs in finance are often highly paid and a career in finance requires strong analytical skills and even more initiative. According to a survey conducted in 2007, finance job holders in London are the highest paid within the UK. Professionals in finance become specialised in the following sectors/roles: commercial banking, corporate finance, financial analysts and personal financial advisers, insurance, investment banking, loan officers & counsellors, money management, real estate, financial analysis, business consulting, taxation, risk management, funds management, stock-broking, merchant banking, investment banking, underwriting, and insurance services.

Accounting

  • Applicants: Master’s programmes in Accounting have been designed for seasoned accountants and those aspiring to enter the field. The MSA prepares you for today's complex and competitive business environment and acts as a prerequisite for entry into public accounting. A Bachelor's degree is the minimum prerequisite for most careers in the accounting industry. The industry is growing and is expected to continue to grow as laws and policies change and as more companies have their finances closely inspected.
  • Course content: The main job of an accountant or auditor is to make sure that businesses maximise production, pay taxes correctly, and keep public records. Accountants review, draft, and authenticate documents containing financial information for clients. In addition, accountants are finding it increasingly valuable to possess associated knowledge in areas such as information technology, law, budget analysis and investment planning. Students considering a career in accounting, or wanting to study accounting, should obviously have a solid background in mathematics. They should also have good business acumen, an ability to pay attention to detail and a desire to work in an environment in which they will be challenged more than they may have imagined. Accounting forms an important function of any company as it relates to many aspects such as listing of shares, analysing budgets or forecasting company finances. Accounting courses equip students with the skills they need to prepare taxes, budgets, business and retirement plans, and investment portfolios. Other accounting courses may include corporate tax, advanced financial accounting theory, strategic management, and auditing principles and procedures. These courses are usually taken by people with prior experience in the field and are popular among accounting professionals wanting to upgrade their skills and be abreast of the latest technology and processes.
  • Career options: Graduates with a Master’s degree in business accounting may become public accountants, management accountants, internal auditors, controllers, taxation specialists, chief financial officers and more.

For an overview of some of the most popular Masters programmes, click here