Course overview
The MSc in Strategic Accounting combines preparation for ACCA Membership with the development of essential skills for accounting in a global context with consideration to the findings of the research paper ‘Professional Accountants – the future: Drivers of Change and Future Skills’ (ACCA 2016).
Not only will you study modules that are 100% aligned to the ACCA syllabus there will be an opportunity for you to develop highly valued skills in the areas of Cyber Security and Data Analytics. This programme, therefore, helps prepare you both to become a professional accountant and to prepare you for the future challenges and opportunities that the profession will face.
The ACCA predict that the landscape in which accountants work will be impacted by ‘drivers’ – of regulation and governance, digital technology, expectation and globalisation – and that accountants who are able to integrate their technical and leadership competencies with these drivers will be highly valued by organisations worldwide.
In the final stage of this programme, you will choose to either complete a Dissertation, investigating an accounting issue of your choice, or a Strategic Business Project, where you work on a project relevant to the financial services sector in a work-based context. Completing the Strategic Business Project will cover part of ACCA’s 36-month Practical Experience Requirement.
The programme will develop a high level of accounting, leadership, business and professional skills, which are required for success in a career as a Chartered Certified Accountant. It will also ensure that students obtain a deeper understanding of the contemporary challenges and issues faced by accounting and business professionals.
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2020/21. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons
Response to Covid-19
Our focus is on providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for our students. We have taken every measure, in line with Government guidance, to ensure continued access to learning.
As part of our response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we plan to deliver this course combining face-to-face, on-campus learning, with online learning activities, continuing to follow Government guidance and social distancing measures as required. As restrictions ease, face-to-face opportunities will be increased as appropriate and it is safe for us to do so. Our plans are based on public health advice and robust risk assessments and will be regularly reviewed and updated in that context.
Campus locations
Study method
- In-class
- Blended
- Online
Locations
- England
- London
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Duration study load
- 18 months
- Full time
Entry requirements
- A 2:2 (second class) honours degree, or equivalent, in Accounting and passed or gained exemption from all papers in the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills modules of the ACCA qualification
English language requirements:
- IELTS 6.0 with no component less than 5.5.
Assessment
Assessments are based on coursework, in-class tests and presentations.
ACCA
The ACCA’s strategic professional papers are embedded into the structure of the MSc.
The teaching and learning in the ACCA related modules (Strategic Business Reporting, Strategic Business Leader, Advanced Performance Management, Advanced Audit and Assurance, Advanced Taxation and Advanced Financial Management) will prepare you to take the ACCA exams in these papers.
During lectures, you will be taught the relevant knowledge for each of these subject areas and papers. In seminars, you will practice a wide range of exam-style questions of increasing complexity through a combination of tutor-led and self-led exercises to create a portfolio of evidence of your understanding and application of the subject area.
Students will be required to pay separately for the ACCA student membership, exemptions and external examination fees.
By completing this programme, you will achieve an MSc in Strategic Accounting and complete all of the Strategic Professional ACCA exams. However, please note you will need to sit the ACCA exams outside of the MSc Strategic Accounting to obtain the ACCA accreditation.
If you have an Accounting undergraduate degree you may already have exemptions to the ACCA Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills papers required to study this programme. Please see our entry requirements for more guidance.
Delivery
You will be taught using a variety of teaching methods across the modules including lectures, seminars, case studies, computer simulations and group learning activities based on real-life data, totalling around 15 hours per week.
In addition to your time in class, you will be expected to engage in approximately 30 hours of self-study time per week.
You will have access to Blackboard, our online learning environment, where you can access module resources and reading lists that will assist your preparation for classes and self-study.
Subjects
You will choose 2 from the ‘Advanced’ series of modules and 1 of either Data Analytics or Cyber Security.
This module aims to develop students’ range of professional skills that are required by effective leaders within organisations. Students will learn how to evaluate an organisation’s strategic position in whichever market it operates in, whilst investigating how to use IT and data analytics to analyse factors affecting an organisation or identify any opportunities.
Students will also explore best-in-class strategies in addressing disruptive technologies in the management of change and project management.
This module aims to discuss, apply and evaluate the concepts, principles and practices that underpin the preparation and interpretation of corporate reports in various contexts including the ethical assessment of management’s stewardship and the information needs of a diverse group of stakeholders.
The module will provide students with an understanding of the research process when conducting applied research within the accounting and finance profession.
It underlines the role that applied research can play in helping to define and ultimately resolve key strategic business issues.
This will involve consideration of the development of appropriate research questions, undertaking a literature review, identification and justification of an appropriate research methodology, data collection and analysis, reporting findings in an effective manner.
The module will develop students’ appreciation of strategic management accounting in the context of organisational strategy, business planning and development.
Through case studies, practical examples and academic journal articles, the module will enable students to critically appraise and apply advanced practices and theories of the discipline.
This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive study of the main areas of taxation. It investigates further the UK tax system and specifically stamps taxes whilst equipping students with the ability to identify and evaluate the impact of relevant taxes on various situations.
The module also develops’ students ability to communicate with potential clients, HM Revenue and Customs as well as other tax professionals in the appropriate manner. Finally, this module enhances students’ ability in providing advice on tax liabilities by the use of standard tax planning measures.
This module provides students with an in-depth understanding of audit and assurance services. It combines audit and assurance concepts with their application to professional practice. It also highlights the responsibilities and ethical dilemmas faced by auditors and assurance providers.
About Ulster University London and Birmingham branch campuses
In light of Covid-19, start dates may vary and these courses may initially be delivered online until a point where normal campus teaching can be resumed. For more information on intakes and delivery, please contact us.
Ulster University has strong links with industry and professional bodies to ensure that the University’s courses meet market needs and that graduates are fully equipped for successful, rewarding careers.
In addition to its 4 campuses in Northern Ireland, the University has a further 2 branch campuses in London and Birmingham. These branch campuses are run in partnership with QA Higher Education offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in professional and modern study facilities.
The courses at the branch campuses are validated by Ulster University and taught by QA Higher Education staff.
