- Level: Postgraduate Taught
- Starting: September 2021
- Study mode: Full Time
- Location: City Centre
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. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year 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.
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
Open Days
Attending one of our Virtual Open Days is a great way to find out more about the courses we offer and get answers to any questions you might have. Our next postgraduate Virtual Open Day is taking place on Wednesday 28 April.
Book now
This course is open to International students
Why Take a Postgraduate Placement?
We explore how you can get a head start on your career with a postgraduate placement.
Course Accreditations
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
| Typical Offers (UK Students) | ||
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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. |
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OR ACCA Papers F1-9 / CIMA Operational and Management Levels (or equivalent). |
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OR A full professional accountancy qualification (APEL may be available). |
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OR A pre-Master’s programme approved by Birmingham City University |
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OR Level 6 ATHE Extended Diploma with a Finance pathway (120 credits) |
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Additional information for EU/International students
| Essential | ||
|---|---|---|
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Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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| English language requirements 2020/21 | ||
| IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands 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. |
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| Other accepted qualifications | Visit our English language page | |
International Students
Don't meet our entry requirements? You could apply for courses at our International College.
- 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: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 Year
- £13,200 per year
- Full Time
- 18 Months (Professional Placement)
- £14,600 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. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
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.
Additional costs
While there are no additional costs associated with purchasing text books, there may be other costs to you. If you are joining the course which has a professional body accreditation you may be required to pay membership or examination costs. For details of these costs, please click on the link below.
Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £50 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials. All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
Find additional costs for your course
Accommodation and living costs
The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.
Financial Support
We offer further information on possible postgraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.
Did you know that you will soon be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £1,222 for some courses and options?
Modules
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
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.
Further Study
Upon completion of your MSc, you could then continue your studies by undertaking a PhD.
Campus Tours - Postgraduate
Didn't make it to an Open Day? You still have the opportunity to come and see what our postgraduate courses have to offer. If you would like to enquire about campus tour availability, just drop us an email.
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.
What our graduates say
"The staff at the university have always been very supportive and encouraging. They were always ready to give time up for students to ensure they received the best support whether this was study related or not."
Sadia Shakil, MSc Accounting and Finance graduate
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.
Our 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.
Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)
As a postgraduate course, you won't need to attend our International College.
If you are looking for an undergraduate course at Birmingham City University International College, click here.
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
"The MSc Accounting and Finance course is excellent preparation for life as a professional accountant."
Martin Beaver, Course Leader
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.
Cathy 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).
Helen 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.
Karampritt 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.
Martin 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.
Steve 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.
Vijay 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.