Course Overview
Course summary
Our Finance and Accounting MSc is designed to equip you with the advanced skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary for a successful career in the business and finance sectors. This practical, fully accredited, and professionally oriented program will prepare you to become a qualified chartered accountant or a corporate services specialist. Upon completion, students will benefit from ACCA and CIMA exemptions and can utilise the Bloomberg data in our Financial Markets Suite (FMS) to analyse real-world financial scenarios.
Top reasons to study with us
- Professionally accredited by ACCA and CIMA – completion offers exemption from multiple papers
- Access to one of the largest financial databases in our state-of-the-art Bloomberg virtual trading room and one-to-one training session to access DataStream for financial data and analysis on companies
- Opportunity to undertake an internship module – one student completed an internship in a ‘Big Four’ firm and was then appointed as an auditor on graduation
- Social activities and offsite trips (including a Thames boat trip in the past) to meet module leaders, industrial practitioners and multinationals' CEOs
Course structure
This course provides a comprehensive and rigorous treatment of key areas of accounting and finance, together with a broad commercial understanding of decision making within a cost context. Content is benchmarked against the professional body curriculums and regularly updated.
Current study themes include financial and management accounting, taxation, and financial management. Through optional modules, you can choose to specialise either in accounting or finance, or choose an equally balanced programme across the two areas. You may also choose any Level 7 electives that may be of interest to you.
Semester 1
The first semester is designed to build a strong foundation of knowledge of accounting in the management of organisations. We’ll look at managerial accounting concepts and techniques, exploring of a range of contemporary issues in financial accounting and reporting, such as fair value accounting, creative accounting and ethics of profession, or environmental and social reporting.
Receiving training in Bloomberg and Excel for accounting, you'll learn to use mathematical and statistical analytical methods. Essential topics covered in the first semester include: budgetary planning and control; costing and decision-making; managerial accounting; and research methods that provide you with the necessary guidance to choose a research topic and complete a literature review for your final year project.
Semester 2
The second semester builds on financial management and corporate valuation and taxation principles and practice. Optional modules enable you to choose areas of personal or professional interest, whether it is accounting or finance such as auditing and professional ethics, financial derivatives, modern portfolio management and financial information systems.
Your studies culminate with the final Project under the guidance of a designated supervisor, an intensive piece of research – an 8,000 to 10,000-word dissertation. As a guide, previous students have considered topics as diverse as dividend policy, gender diversification on boards, stock market volatility, emerging markets finance and earnings management, among others.
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
You can choose a total of three option modules – two or three from the following list, and a third module may be chosen from anywhere within the University, subject to the course leader’s approval.
Core modules
Through the exploration of practical applications, critical appraisal, contemporary approaches and international perspectives, this module explores the role of accounting in the management of organisations, and the development and application of managerial accounting concepts and techniques.
You will be able to prepare financial statements up to consolidation with consideration of some of the main accounting standards underlying international financial reports. This module also explores the issues, principles and theories underlying current developments in financial accounting and reporting.
The focus of this module is on the UK Tax System including Personal, Corporation, Inheritance, Capital Gains and Sales taxes. The impact of International Tax Laws and Tax Avoidance will also be studied.
This module provides you with the fundamental ideas and tools for thinking about where you can source finance, how you use the finance you have raised and how you return wealth to shareholders. The emphasis is on maximising shareholder wealth through proper resource management.
This module aims to develop your knowledge and competence of the research process, and the application of research methods in the area of accounting and finance.
An 8,000–10,000-word dissertation in the area of either accounting or finance.
Option modules
You will develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts and practical skills required by finance professionals as users, evaluators, designers and managers of computer-based financial information systems.
In this module you will learn the requirements of good internal control systems and the responsibilities of the directors and external auditors in ensuring the correct recording of the financial status of the organisation.
This module offers detailed coverage and analysis of global financial markets and institutions.
This module provides you with the fundamental ideas and tools for thinking about international risk management.
This module provides the fundamental ideas and tools for thinking about traditional income securities.
This module develops your theoretical understanding of financial derivatives markets. You will price and value financial derivatives from first principles and explore how financial derivative products can be used effectively in risk and investment management applications.
Develop your understanding of contemporary portfolio theory and investment management principles in order to actively manage a range of investment funds used by professional institutional investors and the private wealth management industry.
Through this module you will cover a range of data analysis methods and concepts.
Professional accreditation
The course has been accredited by both the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Graduates of the Finance and Accounting MSc may qualify for up to 9 exemptions from ACCA’s 14 examinations. They also have the opportunity to go through CIMA’s Gateway Route which grants 11 exemptions from CIMA’s 16 examinations on successful completion of a Gateway exam.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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Open evenings
Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
You’ll be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of core accounting and finance principles, developing the advanced numerical and analytical skills to succeed in this rapidly changing and complex environment. Your exposure and manipulation of real financial data in the Financial Markets Suite provides excellent preparation for professional practice. You'll also graduate with a range of interpersonal, leadership, digital and critical thinking skills that employers want.
On graduation, you can expect to pursue a range of career opportunities in financial accounting, management accounting, finance, and public administration and other roles in finance and accounting. Past graduates of this course have gone on to work as accountants, management consultants, audit managers, business analysts, senior financial analysts and in asset-based finance, among other professions.
With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
Careers support
Postgraduate students have access to the University’s Careers and Employability Service for up to three years after graduation.
Kickstart your career
Learn how to use social media in your job hunt or LinkedIn to kickstart your career.
Develop your CQ
Develop your cultural intelligence – or ‘CQ’ – studying alongside students and staff representing more than 100 nationalities.
Industry links
We have excellent industry links with some of the top firms in accounting and finance. Our course was designed with input from a range of industry professionals with expertise in financial accounting and financial regulation. To retain the currency and relevance of our course, we receive ongoing feedback from the Business School’s Departmental Employability Board, whose members include representatives from Vanguard, JPMorgan and Global Structured Finance – and we're looking forward to getting more alumni on board too.
Staff who currently teach on this course have extensive professional experience that includes financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, banking, risk management, and others.
Graduate employers
As well as setting up their own business and going on to work for a range of SMEs and multinationals, such as Kimberly-Clark, graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- Allfunds Bank S.A.
- Amazon
- Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company
- Deloitte
- Financial Conduct Authority
- London Stock Exchange
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Raiffeisen Bank International AG (Luxembourg)
- Royal Bank of Scotland Business
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leader
Dr Kumari Juddoo
Senior Lecturer
Kumari joined Westminster Business School in 2015, though her academic career first began as a senior lecturer at the University of Mauritius over two decades ago, where she obtained both her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and completed her PhD in Taxation under split site mode (supervisor at the University of Bath). She is a fellow member of the Chartered and Certified Accountants (FCCA).
She moved to the UK in 2010 to take on a teaching role at Oxford Brookes University and gained an MSc in Fiscal studies at the University of Bath. She now teaches a wide range of accounting-related modules such as corporate financial accounting, corporate governance, and ethics, but her speciality is taxation. Her research interest ranges from indirect taxation (Value Added tax) to direct taxation (individual income tax).
Carpe Diem – Seize The Day
Course Team
- Dr Sudha Mathew - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Petar Sudar - Principal Lecturer
- Neeta Shah - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Obby Phiri - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Stefan Van Dellen - Senior Lecturer in Finance
- Dr Sheeja Sivaprasad - Principal Lecturer in Finance
- Neeta Shah - Senior Lecturer
- Jenny Clarke - Lecturer
- Yunxu Chen - Lecturer
- Charles Agyeman - Lecturer
Teaching and assessment
Your learning experience is designed to provide both a practical and theoretical understanding of the structure, function and management of international finance.
To assist the learning experience, we provide reading lists, lecture and seminar materials in advance via Blackboard, our virtual learning environment. Lectures are recorded using specialist software and similar tools, so you can refer back to topics of interest at your leisure.
How you’ll be taught
Through a variety of teaching methods – from lectures and seminars to case-study analysis, project work and pop quizzes – we aim to bring study to life by incorporating real-world experience. When studying financial modelling, for example, in weekly computer labs, you will apply the econometric and time series theory you learn, including regression analysis and volatility modelling, using real data such as housing prices or stock returns.
We use case studies and real data in many of our modules. For example, in financial statement analysis and valuation, you'll compare the business strategies of two multinational firms applying financial statement analysis techniques to actual corporate governance data.
You’ll be encouraged to keep up-to-date with market trends and regularly review current events using trade publications such as the Financial Times and the live news streams available in the FMS. Where possible, we also take you to visit and learn first-hand from various financial institutions and businesses. Our students were recently treated to a guided tour of the new Bloomberg Headquarters in London.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to gain valuable insight from current practitioners, which in the past has included guest lectures about current topics in finance and opportunities in the entrepreneurial finance landscape.
In the following graph you'll find examples of how study time has been distributed in the past (data from the academic year 2023/24). Changes to division of study time may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
We use a wide range of techniques, including time-constrained exams, individual and team-based coursework and presentations.
We try to make assessments as practical and relevant as possible, incorporating the type of work required by future employers, for example writing strategic reports or collecting, analysing and presenting financial data.
In the following graph you'll find an indication of what you can expect (data from the academic year 2023/24). Changes to assessment weights may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions. Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Why study this course?
Outstanding facilities
State-of-the-art, Bloomberg-powered Financial Markets Suite (FMS) featuring industry-leading technology and software
Combine theory and practice
Link theory to global practice through real-life case studies, guest lectures, field trips and insight from one of the world’s largest financial databases
Professional software
Free access to professional software including Bloomberg, DataStream, Fame, Factiva, EViews, MATLAB, NVivo, SPSS, Sage, Statista, and LinkedIn Learning
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Relevant degree disciplines include business studies, economics, geography, management, and operations research. However, students with qualifications in other disciplines such as engineering, environmental sciences, the humanities and languages are also encouraged to apply. Alternative professional qualifications, with at least three years' relevant professional experience, will also be considered.
If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one reference.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Relevant degree disciplines include business studies, economics, geography, management, and operations research. However, students with qualifications in other disciplines such as engineering, environmental sciences, the humanities and languages are also encouraged to apply. Alternative professional qualifications, with at least three years' relevant professional experience, will also be considered.
If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one reference.
More information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
What our students say
Gleon Koci
Finance and Accounting MSc - 2024
With world-class facilities, dynamic multiculturalism, and a commitment to students' holistic growth, Westminster offers more than just a degree – it provides a unique environment for personal and professional transformation.
Obu Madhubala
Finance and Accounting MSc - 2024
Studying in London has been an enriching and transformative experience for me as an international student. While it brought forth numerous challenges, each hurdle presented an opportunity for growth and adaptation.
Student work
CIMA Prize-Winner Excellence Award 2021
Students on this course have the opportunity to work towards a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) professional qualification. In 2021, one of our students was named CIMA’s Top Student of the Year, having achieved excellent results during the Management Case Study in August 2020. This accomplishment also earned the University of Westminster the CIMA Prize-Winner Excellence Award 2021, recognising the university as a partner institution that trains top-performing CIMA students.
Financial reporting and analysis
Students apply financial statement analysis and valuation techniques to real-world data, comparing the business strategies of two multinational firms. They also analyse the tax policies of companies and schemes used by multinationals to avoid paying a fair share of their profit to the UK Government.
Business case study
Using data from Bloomberg, you'll conduct an in-depth case study of a business of your choice, for example, the relationship of a listed firm's financial performance with its sustainable business practices. Students have also used Bloomberg to collect real companies’ data for their coursework and final year project.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £14,500 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £19,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Bloomberg Suite
Our purpose-built Financial Markets Suite uses the Bloomberg platform to provide a state-of-the-art teaching and research resource.
You'll get firsthand exposure to the technology used by leading investment banks across the world – from the City of London to New York's Wall Street and Tokyo's Citibanks.
Read more about our Bloomberg Suite.
Westminster Business School blog
Read our blog and get an insight into life and studies at Westminster Business School.
Learn new skills
Develop sought-after skills
Develop the strong analytical and statistical skills needed in the world of finance and banking
Boost your digital literacy
Enhance your digital literacy, learning how to collect and use data from Bloomberg, DataStream and Fame
Improve your problem-solving skills
Improve your problem-solving skills to better understand and tackle issues facing the global financial markets
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Facilities
The Learning Platform
Lecture theatres
Library
Bloomberg Financial Market Suite
Digital Marketing Lab
Meeting spaces
Cafe
Course Location
Our Marylebone Campus has benefited from a multi-million-pound refurbishment resulting in new workshops, digital studios and development of the Marylebone Library. The campus is home to Westminster Business School and our award-winning Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Westminster Business School
Based in the heart of London's political, media and financial services, Westminster Business School has excellent industry links and a strong commitment to social enterprise.
Our courses are accredited by professional bodies including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Our practical teaching relates learning to the real world, and we develop graduates who are ready to respond to contemporary business challenges.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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