International Professional Accounting (ACCA) - MSc

This module focuses on a range of professional and technical skills that a senior manager would be expected to possess in advising or directing an organisation. You will develop new professional skills and explore new areas that are vital in the role of a ‘strategic business leader’ such as leadership qualities, ethics and corporate governance. You will also consider analysing an organisation’s strategic position, identifying and evaluating these strategic options bearing in mind the organisation’s risk management processes. You will also explore the area of information technology and data analytics and how the organisation applies security controls over its systems, especially with the ever increasing threat of cyber-attacks. Other areas that a leader needs to be competent in, is the control of the whole organisation, to ensure that the organisation is compliant within current governance guidelines and the achievement of its objectives. Also you will consider the implications of enabling success by driving innovation and how the organisation can manage its change to achieve performance excellence. 

This module focuses upon the role of a senior financial executive, and the decisions involved relating to strategic business reporting decisions of an organisation. This will build on your existing knowledge and skills relating to financial reporting linking accounting issues to relevant concepts in practical situations. The module will require the exercise of professional and ethical judgement. 

This module will lay the foundations for robust ethical assessment and a critical understanding of corporate governance.  A group presentation with 50% weighting is the first assessment of the module.  It will give the opportunity to forge a group working dynamic to synthesise an ethical approach to the scenario supplied that can be justified and supported by a critical apparatus based on extant research and scholarly works. 

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.   As part of a patchwork of assessments within the module you’ll be working on a case study which will require a significant element of independent research. You’ll also need to prepare business appropriate communications which whilst varying from year to year will usually include a presentation, letters, memos and briefing documents.  

This module will develop your existing knowledge of taxation and extend your ability to apply that knowledge to the issues commonly encountered by individuals and businesses. On successful completion you will have the ability to interpret and analyse the information provided and communicate the outcomes in an appropriate manner, such as professional advice to individuals and businesses on the impact of the major taxes on financial decisions and situations.  

This module is closely aligned with the syllabus of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The aim is consistent with ACCA’s Advanced Audit & Assurance, which is to analyse, evaluate and conclude on the assurance engagement, and other audit and assurance issues in the context of best practice and current developments.