Financial Accounting and Reporting
Postgraduate
MSc/PgDip/PgCert
Accounting and Finance
Salford Business School
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Course
One year
Two year
Next enrolment
September 2023
In a nutshell
International applicants: please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
The ability to understand and control the finances of a business are essential to an organisation’s success; good accountancy skills and financial management experience are highly sought after and provide the basis for a rewarding career.
Designed for graduates looking to start work, professionals aspiring to develop their career or those preparing to study for the exams of the professional bodies, this Accounting and Finance postgraduate degree is highly practical and future facing. The Master’s programme covers a variety of operational and functional concepts and practices as well as the technology that supports them. You will also look closely at how these aspects integrate with the management of global organisations.
The programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). When you successfully complete the course and pass the CIMA case study exam, you can claim exemptions from 11 CIMA exams (leaving 4 to complete). The programme is also accredited by EFMD, the leading international system of quality assessment, improvement and accreditation of business programmes. These accreditations are your assurance of the quality of the course.
You will study at Salford Business School, on the Peel Park campus, close to Manchester city centre. Manchester is a vibrant financial centre and, with financial headquarters nearby, you will have plenty of opportunities for industry engagement and networking.
Five good reasons to choose Salford Business School:
- Look at the real accounting and finance problems faced by business
- Benefit from exemptions from 11 CIMA professional exams (subject to successfully completing the course and passing the CIMA case study exam)
- Study in a vibrant financial centre with excellent opportunities for industry engagement and networking
- Enhance your real-world learning on the research project
- Beautiful campus just minutes from Manchester city centre
Find out more, register for one of our Open Days, explore the Salford campus on our virtual tour or learn more about our Masters courses in business, finance and law.
You will:
- Study a practically-focussed course, learning from industry experts
- Work with the appropriate tools of analysis to understand the basic mechanics of banks’ financial instruments
- Develop your knowledge and technical skills of financial reporting
- Examine the most important issues in corporate finance
- Learn advanced management accounting techniques for decision-making
- Follow your own areas of interest from a choice of optional modules
International
students accepted
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
1.
You have a degree in accounting, finance or similar and want to consolidate your knowledge and skills before entering the profession
2.
You work in accounting / finance and are looking to progress into a senior management role
3.
You are looking to expand your knowledge prior to setting out on the path of professional exams
All about the course
The course is delivered across two semesters of 13 weeks each, with semester 3 dedicated to your dissertation. In semesters 1 and 2, you will have 11 hours of teaching each week. This is made up of eight hours in class for your main modules plus two hours for Research Skills and one hour of Supporting Student Success. At present, there is a minimum of eight hours face to face teaching on campus each week; this may change for September 2023 so please check with us before making commitments.
The Research Skills class each week prepares you for the dissertation in your third semester. Supporting Student Success helps you settle into studying at University of Salford and gives you an opportunity to discuss any problems or concerns about your course.
In addition, you will also undertake independent study in your own time with online support through the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
The dissertation module accounts for the final 60 credits of your degree. This research dissertation gives you the opportunity to put your learning into practice and enhance your professional experience.
You will be allocated a supervisor who will mentor you through the dissertation.
As part of her course and in order to build her real-world skills, student Nkeiru Okeke took part in the Global Business Challenge. Read about her experience and what she learned.
Part time students study alternate modules (one module on, one module off) to complete their degree in two years.
Semester one
This module will develop your knowledge and technical skills of financial reporting to new levels. You will get the skills needed to confidently voice the language of business and clarify reports to a wide variety of stakeholders. You will learn to make strategic business reporting decisions within the corporate environment; to test concepts, theories, principles; and crucially to apply this knowledge to real life scenarios.
You will be studying in an ethical environment so will apply your professional judgment and ethical principles to ethical dilemmas and discuss the consequences of unethical behaviour. You will be encouraged to draw upon and share their diverse cultural and managerial experiences.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and seminars
- Small group learning sets will be used as the basis for problem-based learning scenarios designed to include case studies, class-based activities, research articles and web-based materials
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
Assessments:
25% Data analysis project
75% Exam
Corporate Finance
The primary goal of this module is to provide an integrated overview of the most important issues in corporate finance from the point of view of a manager of a non-financial corporation in today's competitive environment. It provides a starting point for a successful career in finance.
During your studies, you will examine a range of topics including corporate organisation and governance; risk and return; corporate restructuring; and mergers and acquisitions. Your learning will be based on corporate financial management strategies in an international world.
You will be encouraged to draw upon and share your own cultural and managerial experiences.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and seminars
- Small group learning sets will be used as the basis for problem-based learning scenarios designed to include case studies, class-based activities, research articles and web-based materials
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
Assessments:
25% Group case study report
75% Exam
Semester two
Management Accounting
The module will equip you with advanced management accounting techniques for decision-making, planning, control and performance measurements. The concept of costs is discussed and how different costing systems can be used for different purposes with implications on decision-making, calculating full-production cost, price setting and budgeting. You will also look at account and control for inventory based on different methods. The importance of performance measurement and how this can be implemented is discussed. This module also equips you with capital investment appraisal methods with particular focus on environmental implications.
Teaching:
- Lectures to introduce methods and techniques
- Seminars to develop and extend learning
- Student-led discussion of study material and solutions to exercises and case studies
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
Assessments:
25% Technical case study
75% Exam
Optional modules: choose two from:
Corporate Governance and Ethics
The global financial crisis that started in 2007 increased the urgency of the search for a better ethical framework and governance for business. An increase in the range, significance and impact of corporate social and environmental initiatives in recent years suggests the growing materiality of a more ethically informed approach. There are increasing indications of large corporations taking their ethics and corporate governance responsibilities more seriously, and of these issues becoming more critical in the business agenda.
This module will thus give you the opportunity to explore issues in corporate governance and ethics and the important role of the board of directors in improving governance and in embedding a more ethical approach in organisations.
Teaching:
- Lectures to communicate key knowledge of corporate governance concepts
- Seminars to explore and apply this knowledge to real corporate governance contexts.
- Case studies, practical exercises, ethics vignettes and guest speakers and/ or study visits
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
Assessments:
100% Individual essay
FinTech
This module looks at the latest developments in the area of Financial Technology. It starts by discussing the nature of blockchains and the innovation in financial services that are likely to take place in the coming years. It then examines the importance of modern cryptography and explores cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoins and how they are mined. This module makes use of real-world examples of how FinTech is already having an impact on the way the financial services are affected. Finally, it looks at examples of how different countries have reacted to the use of cryptocurrencies through government press releases.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and seminars
- Small group learning sets will be used as the basis for problem-based learning scenarios designed to include case studies, class-based activities, research articles and web-based materials
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
Assessments:
100% Individual report
International Finance
The module will enable you to devise ways of protecting a business from international risk. This will firstly include an understanding of the importance of exchange rates in assessing international interest and inflation rates and their effect on international trade; secondly, the role of derivative instruments and their application to hedging strategies to insure against excessive price volatility including the use of options, futures and swaps; thirdly, international risk reduction through structuring a business, invoicing policy and cash management. Finally, the module examines macro issues including crises, country risk analysis, theories of international trade and the balance of payments.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and seminars
- Small group learning sets will be used as the basis for problem-based learning scenarios designed to include case studies, class-based activities, research articles and web-based materials
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
Assessments:
100% Data analysis report
Banking and Financial Regulation
Banks play a major part in funding companies and by extension in economic development. Their increasing importance has led to regulation on an international level that affects all banking operations both large and small throughout the world. These major developments over the last 20 years make banking a fundamental part of understanding finance and the nature of the regulatory regime. You will have the opportunity to evaluate the performance of a bank as well as to analyse loan data and assess loan products. This allows you to appreciate the problems of lending, issues that are fundamental to all businesses.
You will look at the macro banking environment, study bank regulation and analysis, consider how bank management helps you to manage risk and learn about current issues in banking such as money laundering and internet banking.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and seminars
- Student activities and discussions
- Guided personal study supported by additional reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
Assessments:
100% Group report based on a case study
Semester three - choose one of:
Dissertation
This module aims to enable you to evaluate research methodologies, develop critiques, interpret knowledge and, where appropriate, propose new hypotheses. To develop in your qualities and transferable skills required for employment or further research e.g. initiative, conceptual, and analytical thinking competencies, as well independence and interpersonal awareness in complex and unfamiliar situations. This module will cover both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
In the first two trimesters, you will attend weekly classes to develop your qualitative and quantitative research skills. In the final trimester, you will undertake research on a topic of your choice using the skills and knowledge learned during the programme. You will be supported by a subject specialist.
Assessments:
Final dissertation - 12,000-15,000 words
Placement
The Placement is your opportunity to consolidate your learning by engaging with key theories and concepts associated with your programme of study to produce written work that demonstrates your depth of knowledge and originality in approach and content
In the first two trimesters, you will attend weekly classes to develop your qualitative and quantitative research skills. In the final trimester, you will complete a six-month paid placement with a client on a project relevant to the programme of study. At the end of the placement, you will submit a reflective report on the application of your skills within the placement.
Final dissertation - 10,000-12,000 words
Internship
The Internship is your opportunity to consolidate your learning by engaging with key theories and concepts associated with your programme of study to produce written work that demonstrates your depth of knowledge and originality in approach and content
In the first two trimesters, you will attend weekly classes to develop your qualitative and quantitative research skills. In the final trimester, you will complete a three-month internship (paid or unpaid) with a client on a project relevant to your programme of study. At the end of the internship, you will submit a reflective report on the application of your skills within the internship.
Final dissertation - 10,000-12,000 words
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Why Choose Salford Business School?
Salford Business School aims to foster the next generation of leaders and create a new vision of innovative and entrepreneurial leadership. We are integrated into the local business community as a hub for knowledge creation and exchange.
This means that our teaching is highly practical and your learning is informed by our industry partners. We are proud that our industry collaborations and partnerships benefit students, businesses and the community.
Our goal is to prepare you for a fulfilling life and professional career. Along the way, you’ll learn to be curious, adaptable and confident, ready to meet the digital, ethical and sustainability challenges of the 21st century.
Is Business a Science or an Art?
At Salford Business School, our postgraduate degree award is the Masters of Science (MSc) to reflect our approach to business knowledge. We believe that business decisions should be data-driven and evidence-based – even when the outputs are innovative and creative.
Where will I learn?
Salford Business School is located at the heart of the University’s beautiful Peel Park campus and just minutes from Manchester city centre. Teaching facilities include Lady Hale and Chapman buildings, which offer stylish modern spaces with lecture theatres equipped with the very latest technology and large screen displays. Throughout campus, there is a choice of individual study areas, communal learning and breakout spaces, plus a selection of food outlets.
The University library isn’t just for reading books. The ‘library in the park’ is a fresh, modern learning space with PC suites, Mac computers, bookable working rooms and café. It's open 24/7 everyday of the year (except Christmas Day!) so you can study when it suits you. It'll be an important place for you; in 2020, 100% of students asked agreed that the library resources have supported their learning (University of Salford analysis of unpublished NSS 2020 data).
You will have access to a range of study skills sessions to help you get ready for postgraduate learning and be successful in your studies and in your work. These include academic writing, research and digital skills.
A dedicated Business School Employability team will help you with work placements and work skills. You can access our professional, on-campus employability services at any time – even after you graduate. We can help you to create the perfect CV and LinkedIn page, as well as practice interview techniques and offer career advice.
Interested in starting your own business? Launch@ Salford is the incubation centre for business start ups providing a reception area, hot desk office space, private meeting rooms – and a networking lounge where you can grab a coffee and make those business connections.
The library in the park
Having undergone a £6.2 million refurbishment, Clifford Whitworth Library is a truly modern learning space with PC suites, group study rooms, silent study areas, access to specialist publications and much more. Based at the centre of the Peel Park campus, the library is open 24/7, all year round. In addition to Clifford Whitworth Library, there are several study spaces on campus.
Our library staff will support you with the extra study skills you need to succeed at postgraduate level whether you are moving straight on from undergraduate study or returning to education after a break.
Programme Leader
Marijeta Sadiku holds both a BSc (Hons) and MSc in Accounting and Finance as well as a PGCE in education. A member of AAT, she is ACCA exam-qualified and has been an assistant examiner for the ACCA for more than 10 years. With more than 20 years' experience in teaching finance and accountancy courses, Marijeta has also for 6 years, alongside her teaching career, provided accounting services and financial management advice to small businesses and charities in practice. She has previously set up and led a curriculum design and development of professional accounting courses that incorporate self-study workbooks and online resources. Marijeta’s teaching portfolio covers the areas of taxation, financial accounting, financial and corporate reporting.
Getting here
University of Salford is easy to get to with Salford Crescent train station right in the centre of our main campus. Whether by bus, rail, bike, car or plane, Peel Park campus is easily accessed from all over Greater Manchester, Lancashire and beyond. For international students, Manchester airport is a short ride away and offers regular flights from London and many international airports.
Get more information about your options for commuting.
What about after uni?
This is an advanced degree in accounting and finance and can lead you to a wide range of career opportunities and roles, such as finance director, new business development manager, treasury manager, financial controller and financial planning manager. It also provides a thorough preparation for academic research in finance and corporate finance.
On successfully finishing this programme, you will be equipped with the skills and understanding necessary to effectively and efficiently perform tasks in a managerial or consulting role. As well as your academic learning, you will develop your ability to work well in teams and independently, to evaluate critically, think creatively and communicate effectively with respect to issues in the industry; and to recognise good practice in the analysis, planning and management of international banking and finance products and services. You'll also develop an advanced level of understanding of research methods and their application to a wide range of real-world problems.
Career Links
The University of Salford grew out of the institutes of the late 19th century that provided a talented, technically proficient and professional workforce to support the UK’s rapidly growing industries. In the 21st century, this still holds strong. Whilst industry has changed significantly, the need for industry-focused education is equally relevant today.
We teach the skills that employers need and as a result, our graduates enjoy excellent international career prospects.
The curriculum across our postgraduate courses balances academic teaching and professional experience. Our industry partners give us their input into the curriculum so that the teaching reflects industry’s current and future needs and you develop the skills that employers want. The Industry Collaboration Project, which forms the final third of your study, is designed to give you real-world experience so you can apply the theory you have learned.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
This programme is designed for graduates with an academic background in accounting, finance or economics. Alternatively, sufficient and suitable work experience within accounting or finance will also be considered.
The course is designed for those aspiring to work within accounting and finance and exposes you to a variety of operational and functional concepts and practices. This supports you to gain a greater appreciation of the operational, functional and global aspects of accounting and finance.
The MSc is the only route available for international students. Find out more about the dedicated support for international applicants.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English, so as an applicant you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6 with no element below 5.5.
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
A minimum 2:2 honours degree or equivalent in accounting, finance or similar.
A wide range of professional qualifications are also accepted either in partial or complete fulfilment of entry requirements.
Where a student has gained a recognised honours degree but does not meet the normal entry qualification requirement, they may still be considered for entry if they can demonstrate relevant work experience of a minimum two years duration post study and acceptable level of responsibility.
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2023/24 | £8,550per year |
| Full-time international | 2023/24 | £15,750per year |
| Part-time | 2023/24 | £1,425 per 30 credit module |
| Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,550per year |
| Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,560per year |
| Part-time | 2024/25 | £1,425 per 30 credit module |
Fees for PgDip (4 x 30 credit modules) and PgCert (2 x 30 credit modules) are based on the fee shown above for part-time per 30 credit module.
Additional costs
For more information please see our funding section.
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.
All set? Let's apply
Still have some questions? Contact us:
By email (UK applicants): enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By email (international applicants): international@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0) 161 295 4545