Accounting and Finance - MSc
This course has recently been updated. Please download the course specification for the up to date information. Looking to study a postgraduate accounting and finance course in Birmingham? Our MSc Accounting and Finance degree is accredited by Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)....
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Information about the arrangements the University has put in place for the 2021/22 academic year in response to Covid-19 and the emerging variants can be found here.
Should the impact of Covid-19 continue in subsequent years of your course, any additional and/or alternative arrangements put in place by the University in response will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
- Level Postgraduate Taught
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre
- Award MSc
- Start date September 2021, January 2022
- Fees View course fees
- School Birmingham City Business School
- Faculty Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences
Course overview
This course has recently been updated. Please download the course specification for the up to date information.
Looking to study a postgraduate accounting and finance course in Birmingham? Our MSc Accounting and Finance degree is accredited by Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
Taught by professionally qualified academics with a wealth of industrial and professional experience, this CIMA accredited Master's course focuses on the practical application of accountancy in the real world and theoretical aspects of related research with a clear objective of preparing you for a career in accountancy, finance or management. You can maximise your CIMA exemptions by choosing particular modules, and get prepared for the remaining final (external) CIMA exam(s) at the end of the course.
The international focus of the course is derived through a variety of means including the study of international accounting standards, student body, the teaching team and the use of international teaching materials.
Professional Placement option
For our MSc Accounting and Finance degree, you will have the opportunity to take the Professional Placement version of the course, which is offered as an alternative to the standard version of the course.
This will allow you to complete a credit bearing, 20 week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability and transferable skills. The placement experience will allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market.
You will be responsible for finding and securing your own placement. The University, however, will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study, with support from our Careers+ team as well as advice and guidance from your School.
Please note that placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process, therefore the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the ‘with Professional Placement’ course.
For full details, please click here.
Why Choose Us?
- Our accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) helps boost your postgraduate qualification even more, giving you professional qualifications employers would be hard pressed to ignore.
- Our accreditation allows us to offer an extensive list of CIMA exemptions, including all Management and Strategic level CIMA papers (excluding the case studies). We automatically offer tuition for the Final Strategic Case Study upon completion of your MSc (in November / December).
- We also boast close links with CIMA, who offer our students reduced registration and exam fees, as well as full access to their support content, which includes webinars and online support.
- The course offers a high level of flexibility in terms of your module choices.
- Maximise your CIMA exemptions by choosing particular modules, and take only two external CIMA exams at the end of the course. Preparation for this (final case study) exam is included in the course.
- If you are seeking to become a qualified accountant, you can take our ACCA course first (available full or part-time) and then only take the final 60 credit dissertation module to gain the full MSc Accounting and Finance degree. Our status as a Platinum Approved Learning Partner reflects the quality of our course provision and teaching.
- If you are already a qualified ACCA or CCAB accountant, you need only take the final 60 credit dissertation module to gain the full MSc degree.
- The University is an active research centre, and the latest Research Excellence Framework 2014 report found that we’ve doubled the amount of staff producing internationally recognised research.
- The course offers a recognised and respected programme of study around one of the business world’s key functions.
- You will be able to work on exciting projects for real-life clients through our Business Advice Centre, giving you exposure to the challenges and issues faced by businesses as well as the chance to develop successful solutions. Opportunities are available with local, regional, national and even global businesses such as BMW.
- The Centre also offers expert support for your own entrepreneurial ideas, so you can start planning your own start-up or take your existing business to the next level. Following graduation, you will have the opportunity to apply for STEAMhouse Business Incubator membership.
Find out more
Entry Requirements
You will need to demonstrate academic ability and technical capability in accounting and finance to be able to study on this programme. Consequently the entry requirements for the programme are as follows:
| Essential requirements (UK Students) | |
|---|---|
| A first or second class degree in Accountancy, Accounting and Finance or business related area with significant accounting related content from a UK institution or international equivalent. | |
| or | |
| ACCA Papers F1-9 / CIMA Operational and Management Levels (or equivalent). | |
| or | |
| A full professional accountancy qualification (APEL may be available). | |
| or | |
| A pre-Master’s programme approved by Birmingham City University. | |
| or | |
| Level 6 ATHE Extended Diploma with a Finance pathway (120 credits). |
Additional information for EU/International students
| Essential requirements | |
|---|---|
| Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. | |
| English language requirements 2020/21 | |
| IELTS |
If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
| Other accepted qualifications | Visit our English language page |
Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 Year
- £11,000 per year
- Full Time
- 18 Months (Professional Placement)
- £12,100 per year
Award: MSc
Starting: Jan 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 Year
- £11,000 per year
- Full Time
- 18 Months (Professional Placement)
- £12,100 per year
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 Year
- £13,200 per year
- Full Time
- 18 Months (Professional Placement)
- £14,520 per year
Award: MSc
Starting: Jan 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 Year
- £13,200 per year
- Full Time
- 18 Months (Professional Placement)
- £14,520 per year
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Top-Up to a Full MSc Degree
If you hold an ACCA, CCAB or CIMA qualification you may be eligible to be accredited 120 level 7 credits based on your previous learning. This means that you would be awarded this MSc Accounting and Finance qualification by successfully completing only the final 60 credit dissertation, via our MSc Accounting and Finance (Masters Stage) course.
This is charged at £3,300 for Home/EU students and £4,000 for International students. For more information and to find out if you are eligible to apply, please contact our Admissions team.
Course in Depth
Modules
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
20 credits
This module primarily focusses upon how businesses operate within the long term and how they can be effectively managed and controlled. Content will build upon basic management accounting and costing techniques with which you will already be familiar from prior studies, taking a more strategic viewpoint and developing a critical appreciation for the subject area.
20 credits
This multi-faceted module requires you to explore the concept of managing strategic change through the use of a range of project management and leadership techniques. The module adopts a theory-led approach which considers both the hard and soft skills required by a project manager when managing organisational change.
Initially the topic of project management will be presented within a global environmental context, prior to integrating and focussing industry recognised project management techniques within an organisational setting. The theoretical and practical approach of this module illustrates the complexity that students can expect to find within a work-place setting. In order to help students unpick this uncertainty, theories around notions of change, systems thinking, leadership, relationship management and stakeholder theory will be explored.
Systems for Accountants 20 credits
20 credits
The purpose of the Strategic Management Project is to require you to investigate a significant business or management issue and to make recommendations for improvements in practice. It provides the opportunity for a progressively higher level of understanding, critical awareness, application and practice in relation to issues in strategic management. At the same time it requires the integration of concepts, models and techniques associated with strategic decision making in organisations.
20 credits
The module assumes that students have the basic knowledge of risk management concepts. It is design to review the risk management process and risk governance in organisations. It will provide the skills to identify and evaluate company’s or portfolio’s exposures to financial and non-financial risk factors in the business environment.
Numerical skills in the calculation and evaluation of value-at-risk (VaR) and other credit risks of investment positions or financial derivatives such as forward contracts, swaps and options. The module will also provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills of risk budgeting, the use of risk-adjusted return on capital, the use of credit derivatives in managing credit risk, Sharpe ratio and other methods of managing market risk.
20 credits
This module focuses upon the formulation and implementation of financial strategy to support the overall strategy of organisations. In addition to evaluating the financing requirements of differing organisations, you will consider the relative merits and drawbacks of alternative financing solutions and value investment opportunities for corporate entities including mergers and acquisitions.
60 credits
This module will immerse you in the business world developing your competencies in core accounting and finance skills, business acumen, leadership and people skills. You’ll recognise the need for all of these competencies at this strategic level.
The course and its pathways are aligned with the CIMA.
Alignment ensures our course remains fresh and relevant, while also providing valuable industry insight.
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
CIMA is the largest professional body of management accountants in the world. We offer the most relevant accounting qualification for a career in business; something our 229,000 students and members in 176 countries are proud to be a part of.
Management accountants aren’t number crunchers – they are quite the opposite. You’ll find them in all types of organisations, in top positions, analysing trends and behaviours to make informed business decisions.
Every top 100 global brand employs CIMA students and members. They know the CIMA qualification equips people with the skills and knowledge they need to be truly successful in business. CIMA has the power to enhance your degree and improve your earning potential.
CIMA is the natural progression for people with finance and business degrees. If students have a degree in a relevant subject, they could be entitled to exam exemptions.
Find out more about the University to CIMA route.
CIMA's Grad Club
CIMA’s Grad Club is open to all UK students from any degree discipline and free to join. Grad club members will be the first to know about the latest graduate jobs and employer events and will also get exclusive access to industry updates, salary surveys, interview tips and more.
CIMA's My Jobs
CIMA works with a huge range of employers who will sponsor graduates to study the CIMA Professional Qualification. You can find the latest job vacancies on CIMA MY JOBS.
Employability
You will have the opportunity to go on relevant trips such as visiting the Bank of England and the London Stock Exchange. In the past, students have also visited established companies, such as Sadler’s Ales.
You’ll also gain valuable experience through our Employability Challenge Weeks, as well as our Leadership Challenge programme. Both give you the chance to apply your skills to innovative and exciting projects, industry talks and workshops. You’ll also receive guidance on how to complete application forms and how to write effective CVs
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
CIMA is the largest professional body of management accountants in the world. We offer the most relevant accounting qualification for a career in business; something our 229,000 students and members in 176 countries are proud to be a part of.
Management accountants aren’t number crunchers – they are quite the opposite. You’ll find them in all types of organisations, in top positions, analysing trends and behaviours to make informed business decisions.
Every top 100 global brand employs CIMA students and members. They know the CIMA qualification equips people with the skills and knowledge they need to be truly successful in business. CIMA has the power to enhance your degree and improve your earning potential.
CIMA is the natural progression for people with finance and business degrees. If students have a degree in a relevant subject, they could be entitled to exam exemptions.
Find out more about the University to CIMA route.
CIMA's Grad Club
CIMA’s Grad Club is open to all UK students from any degree discipline and free to join. Grad club members will be the first to know about the latest graduate jobs and employer events and will also get exclusive access to industry updates, salary surveys, interview tips and more.
CIMA's My Jobs
CIMA works with a huge range of employers who will sponsor graduates to study the CIMA Professional Qualification. You can find the latest job vacancies on CIMA MY JOBS.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Business Advice Centre
The Business Advice Centre (BAC) is the Business School's hub that offers a range of support services to you throughout each stage of your student learning experience.
We have a range of support solutions for students as well as opportunities to enhance your employability and entrepreneurial qualities.
Whether you are considering starting your business, connecting with real companies or enhancing your graduate opportunities, the Business Advice Centre can help you.
Find out moreInternational Students
Welcome to the Birmingham City Business School, home to students from over 70 countries all around the world!
Birmingham City Business School is one of the UK’s largest, most established and most respected business schools. Our programmes are practice based and many have an international focus, which means your course will be entirely relevant to today’s business world. Almost all of our courses, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, are open to international students.
We also have links with universities across the world, including Europe, the USA, China, India and Malaysia.
International ServicesOur international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Facilities and Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.
The Curzon Building
This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law, Business and English students.
The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.
The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.
The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.
The Curzon Building also features:
- An impressive new library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
- Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
- A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
- Brand new, accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
- Shared facilities with the wider campus including the recently opened Parkside Building and Millennium Point
Our staff
Becky Bate
Senior Lecturer in Management Accounting
Becky Bates has a lot of experience in industry as an ACCA qualified accountant. She taught a variety of qualifications, including CIMA, ACCA, AAT and ICAEW in the private sector before coming to Birmingham City University in 2013.
More about BeckyCathy Sibley
Senior Teaching Fellow
Cathy Sibley trained with M&S Financial Services before joining Kaplan as a senior lecturer. Prior to joining Birmingham City University, she became freelance in 2006, teaching, writing, marking and examining financial and corporate reporting for all professional qualifications (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW and AAT).
More about CathyHelen Brain
Senior Teaching Fellow
Helen Brain is a CIPFA qualified accountant. She worked extensively on audit and assurance engagements with local government, NHS and further education clients during her career in accounting practice. She joined Birmingham City Business School in 2016 and teaches on a range of accounting and finance courses.
More about HelenKarampritt Kaila
Senior Lecturer
Karampritt Kaila is a Qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA) who trained with Deloitte in corporate tax. Karampritt teaches and marks ACA, ACCA and CIMA as well as undergraduate courses.
More about KaramprittMartin Beaver
Senior Lecturer
Martin has worked in the utility industry for over 25 years, where he worked in all aspects of Information Systems, from strategy through to operational running.
More about MartinSteve Harris
Senior Lecturer Business Operations and Strategy
Steve Harris has previously worked for Lafarge as both a design draughtsman and quality controller in their manufacturing plant, and then went on to work as an aircraft engineering manager within the Royal Air Force. His research interests currently include business sustainable enterprise and leadership identity.
More about SteveVijay Kumar Ramachandran
Senior Lecturer
Vijay Ramachandran has vast professional practice experience dealing with different types of business sectors and entities including small medium enterprises, charities, trusts, mainstream sporting organisations, public and private schools, synagogues and medium-sized enterprises.
More about Vijay Kumar