MSc in Accounting and Finance

Our Accounting and Finance MSc provides you with an advanced understanding of financial management and the practical expertise to apply this in the real world. You will explore theories and cutting-edge finance techniques in the context of global business and develop the necessary skills and knowledge in line with financial reporting and international accounting standards.

Cranfield School of Management consistently performs well in international business rankings. We are top 10 in the UK and 34th in Europe in the Financial Times European Business School 2021 Rankings.

Why this course?

• Cranfield School of Management consistently performs well in international business rankings. We are top 10 in the UK and 34th in Europe in the Financial Times European Business School 2021 Rankings.
• This course will prepare you for the world of employment as well as career development opportunities in accounting and finance.
• You will learn to apply a range of advanced accounting skills to the practice of financial reporting from a global perspective.
• You will gain an in-depth understanding of finance function practice and the changing external context in which it operates.
• You will have an opportunity to undertake academically rigorous independent research and enhance your ability to communicate ideas, arguments, and research findings effectively in written form.
• You will be taught by faculty with experience in the real world of finance and accounting, as well as have the opportunity to listen to guest speakers.
• You will have the opportunity to study within a truly international environment, with students and academics coming from over 50 countries.

Informed by Industry

An external advisory panel informs the design and development of the course, and comprises senior finance practitioners, reinforcing its relevance to the modern financial world. Our faculty is also supported by a team of international visiting industry speakers and professors who bring the latest thinking and best practice into the classroom.

Who is it for?

• Graduates with a desire to develop a career in accounting and finance such as financial controller, accounting manager, business consultant and finance experts.
• Professionals who may be considering a career change or new graduates looking to advance their skills in accounting and finance.

The course comprises 11 core modules and two elective modules (choice out of four). This enables you to tailor the programme of study to suit your personal career plan.

Throughout the course, you will have access to a highly effective infrastructure including Bloomberg live financial news and data terminal, BOARDEX, Capital IQ, CRSP, Datastream, EIKON, EBSCO, FACTIVA, FAME, Financial Times, ORBIS Bank Focus, ProQuest, Science Direct, SDC Platinum and Thomson One resources. You will use real-world, international case studies to support your learning. The culmination of the learning process is your opportunity to undertake research for your individual thesis.

Course delivery

Taught modules 60%, dissertation 40%

Dissertation

You will undertake research for your individual thesis, enabling you to apply the knowledge and skills you have learnt during the course. This provides the opportunity to work in an original way.

Course Modules

Compulsory modules

All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.

• Corporate Finance
• Financial Data Analysis
• Financial Accounting
• International Financial Markets and Ethics
• Strategic Management
• Global Business Environment
• Business Valuation
• Small Business Finance
• International Finance Reporting
• Strategic Management Accounting
• Research Methods

Elective modules

A selection of modules from the following list need to be taken as part of this course.

• Private Equity
• Mergers, Acquisitions, and Restructuring
• International Public Finance and Taxation
• International Finance

Modules

Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff. As a result, they may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.

To give you a taster, we have listed above the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only and may be subject to change for your year of entry.

Teaching team

The programme is taught by faculty experts who have extensive industry experience and who regularly work with major global financial services organisations, multinationals, and government agencies around the world. The Course Director for this course is Professor Yacine Belghitar.

The Careers and Employability Service offers a comprehensive service to help you develop a set of career management skills that will remain with you throughout your career.

During your course, you will receive support and guidance to help you plan an effective strategy for your personal and professional development, whether you are looking to secure your first accounting and finance role or want to take your career to the next level.

Cranfield graduates are highly valued in the job market and aim for careers in investment banking, financial services or the financial function of a diverse range of global corporations.

Our finance graduates have secured jobs with organisations including PricewaterhouseCoopers, Barclays Investment Bank, Bloomberg, Bank Indonesia, Lloyds Banking Group, Credit Agricole, Diageo, Ernst & Young, Thomson Reuters, Toyota, UBS and Morgan Stanley. Their roles have included Data Analyst, Financial Planner, Consultant, Private Equity Analyst and Financial Risk Manager.