MSc Accounting at the University of Lincoln enables students to develop the skills required to progress to senior positions in accounting. Students can learn analytical skills that are highly valued by employers in both the public and private sector, with previous graduates going on to careers in accountancy, financial management, and financial reporting.
Course content is updated regularly in line with industry practice, and students are able to develop a thorough understanding of the International Financial Reporting Standards currently used around the world. An understanding of the importance of ethics in the accounting profession is also a key element of the programme.
The modules can cover Financial Accounting (Single Entity and Group), Management Accounting (Planning and Control, Product and Service Costing, Decision Making), and Current Issues in Governance and Finance.
This is an ACCA accredited course and students can join one of the professional accounting bodies after completion.
How You Study
The taught element of the programme consists of six compulsory modules and one optional module.
Term 1 modules:
Financial Accounting - Single Entity
Management Accounting - Product and Service Costing
Management Accounting - Planning and Control
Term 2 modules:
Financial Accounting - Group Reporting
Current Issues in Governance and Finance
Management Accounting - Decision Making
Optional Module
Optional modules:
Social Entrepreneurship
International Entrepreneurship
Strategy Making
Global Supply Strategies
Sustainability Leadership
Comparative Human Resource Management
Optional modules will run if at least ten students select them. Timetabling arrangements may limit the availability of modules to some students. As the options reflect staff research interests, they may change over time.
In addition, students will undertake a compulsory independent study element comprising Research Methods (15 credits) and Independent Study (45 credits).
This programme is available for both a September and February start. Optional modules may be restricted for those choosing to enroll in February due to student numbers, timetabling, and staffing constraints. Please note that February admission is only available for full-time study.
Contact Hours and Independent Study
Weekly contact hours on this programme may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of the study. Hours of study may vary from term to term for both full and part-time students and can be spread throughout the week. Part-time students will complete the programme within two years. The programme structure for part-time study will be at the discretion of the Programme Leader.
The course will be delivered via online and face-to-face lectures, seminars, and workshops. A typical module will have a two-hour lecture and one-hour seminar/workshop per week.
Students can expect one-to-one support from their supervisors during the dissertation phase.
The postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least four to five hours in an independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.
Contact Hours
Owing to the nature of postgraduate programmes, a significant proportion of your time will be spent in independent study and research. Research students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, however, the regularity of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of the programme. For taught programmes, weekly contact hours may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of the study.
Methods of Assessment
The way you will be assessed on your course will vary depending on the subject and the type of postgraduate programme you select. A taught programme could include a written dissertation, exams, presentations, and projects. A research programme could include a thesis, oral examination, and presentation to a group of research academics. You may be expected to demonstrate how your research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding. Please see the individual course pages to find out more.
Modules
Current Issues in Governance and Finance (Core)
Final Project (Core)
Financial Accounting - Group Reporting (Core)
Financial Accounting - Single Entity (Core)
Management Accounting - Decision-Making (Core)
Management Accounting - Planning and Control (Core)
Management Accounting - Product and Service Costing (Core)
Research Methods and Design (Core)
Comparative Human Resource Management (Option)†
Global Procurement and Supply Strategy (Option)†
International Entrepreneurship (Option)†
Lincoln Student Managed Investment Fund - Masters (Option)†
Strategy Making (Option)†
Sustainability Reporting and Business Ethics (Option)†
How You Are Assessed
The programme utilises a range of assessments including project work, group presentation, assignment, objective test, and examination. Students are also expected to write a research proposal and 12,000-word dissertation.
Scholarships
There are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, you can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study.
Course-Specific Additional Costs
For each course, you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required, depending on your course.
With regards to textbooks, the University provides students who enroll with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
Entry Requirements 2021-22
First or higher second class honours degree and grade C in GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent qualification from your home country).
Please note that this course may not be suitable for students who have completed an undergraduate programme in accounting or finance within the UK.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Exemptions
MSc Accounting students will be exempted from CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accounting) papers BA1, BA2, BA3 and BA4 plus P1, AIA (Association of International Accountants) Paper 1, Paper 3 and Paper 6 as well as ACCA F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 and F7 papers.
Student Managed Investment Fund
Lincoln International Business School offers the Student Managed Investment Fund (LSMIF), which is an investment fund created, operated, and maintained by students within the school, with everything running within the real-world environment of finance.
Students will be managing real money with the objective of positive returns whilst managing risk. Industry veteran and long-time lecturer Hao Quach will help support the students throughout, with many years of experience in all aspects of investment banking and 20 years teaching in multiple countries, Hao will use his experience to ensure the stability of the fund and provide guidance. Read more about the Student Managed Investment Fund.
Industry Expertise
Students on this programme can benefit from working alongside an experienced team of staff consisting of academically and professionally qualified lecturers with relevant industrial experience and wide-ranging research interests.
The School hosts a series of visiting speakers each year, enabling students to hear and learn from industry experts. Previous speakers have included representatives from organizations such as Deloitte, Santander, HSBC, Innocent, The Institute of Internal Auditors, and Sir David Tweedie (ex-Chairman of the IASB).
100 Funded Field Trip Places
As part of your global education at the Lincoln International Business School, we are offering students the opportunity to undertake funded international trips to exciting overseas destinations. Postgraduate students have the opportunity to travel to destinations in the UK, Europe, the USA, and the United Arab Emirates.
These field trips combine academic study with first-hand experiences of language, culture, and industry, allowing you to put theory into practice. We've designed themes specifically for postgraduate students that align with learning areas such as Industry (4.0), Financial Services, and Visitor Economy.
Career and Personal Development
This course provides the opportunity to develop analytical skills which can be highly valued by employers in the public and private sectors. Graduates have gone on to careers as accountants and roles in financial management and financial reporting.
Working in Partnership
Lincoln International Business School works with students and organizations to enhance the contribution of business to society. For students, that means developing their business skills and knowledge to improve their career readiness.
The University of Lincoln is a member of AACSB, a global nonprofit association connecting educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders.
