About the Course
This two-year Master’s provides you with a comprehensive knowledge of the key areas of accounting and finance, and prepares you for a career in management where an accounting, finance and data analytics focus is required.
The course blends accounting and business finance theory to solve operational problems faced by managers. Your studies bring the underpinning theory and practice together, applying both to complex, real-world situations where vital financial decisions are made.
Areas of study may include financial markets; portfolio management; financial reporting and analysis; management accounting and financial planning; strategic management; and performance achievement planning. The Data Analytics units develop your awareness of emerging technologies and developments, and areas of study may include big data; programming; and the importance of analytics in decision making. The knowledge you gain will enable you to synthesis complex information and data to produce meaningful solutions for your organisation.
Every taught unit on this course is delivered in a six-week block, with six entry points through the year, allowing you to start at a time that suits you.
Why choose this course?
- Access a range of financial databases (such as FAME, Refinitiv Datastream and Eikon) and statistical software (EViews, STATA and SPSS), gaining technical knowledge and skills in trading and data analysis
- Study in formal lectures, seminars and tutorials but also in small groups that involve the in-depth discussion of case studies; simulation exercises; preparation for assessments; and work on presentations
- Be able to synthesis information from different sources, and use different approaches and perspectives to solve complex problems and implement solutions
- Benefit from teaching that offers an international financial context, focusing on the relevance of accounting regulations across a complex, globalised economy
Unit Information - What will I learn?
Units
- Business Dissertation (MAR042-6) Compulsory
- Computer Networks And Security (CIS109-6) Compulsory
- Data Modelling, Management And Governance (CIS108-6) Compulsory
- Developing Independent Research (CIS132-6) Compulsory
- Financial Markets And Portfolio Management (AAF040-6) Compulsory
- Financial Reporting And Analysis (AAF042-6) Compulsory
- Management Accounting And Financial Planning (AAF043-6) Compulsory
- Performance Achievement Planning (BSS072-6) Compulsory
- Personal Professional Development (BSS074-6) Compulsory
- Strategic Management (BSS050-6) Compulsory
How will I be assessed?
The assessment strategy for this course is designed in a way that will contribute to student development and will help them achieve their goals and enhance their employability. An essential element of this process is that feedback will be provided in due time so it is integrated in the learning process. When group work is required, the marks given will be individual following the University of Bedfordshire's regulatory scheme. The different kinds of assessment are listed below and in some cases they will be used in combination, making sure however that there are no hidden tasks. In addition to the assessment strategies followed in each Unit, student knowledge and skills will be also formatively assessed through problem solving sessions or case study discussions, in order to ensure that development of their comprehension of the underlying concepts is appropriate to the level of studies and continuously supports the overall student achievement. A full list of how each Unit will be assessed is presented in the previous section. Please refer to the relevant section of this form regarding Academic Integrity. The intensive character of this Course's delivery as it is outlined in its Teaching and Learning philosophy is consistent with the needs of today's world for graduates who accumulate knowledge fast and are able to express the outcome of this process in a way that is meaningful and comprehensive. After induction, a week of intensive direct contact time followed by students own contribution through individual learning, will take them to the first assessment point. The process will repeat and at the end of the six-week block, the final assessment will be due. This will be a demanding but very rewarding experience. As mentioned above, the MSc Accounting and Business Finance is designed to develop a number of transferable skills which along with the knowledge and understanding of the relevant theories and concepts will provide our graduates with all those abilities required for a successful career. The different methods used to assess student performance are designed to evaluate the following: Research and literature review skills, data handling, application, numeracy, computer literacy, ability to contextualize and evaluate, presentation skills and professionalism, and collaboration. The Course's Assessment Strategy includes: Written Examination or Class Test: Questions in these exams always promote critical thinking and help gradually develop student ability to apply, analyse, synthesize and evaluate. Individual Written Report, Essays or portfolios: The ability to perform literature informed research, to review and evaluate the relevant sources and to use an appropriate methodology in order to analyze, and evaluate the relevant concepts is being assessed. At the same time, student academic integrity is developed. Students will produce personal skills audits Case Study Examination: Students will apply their knowledge in the context of specific cases. Oral Presentation: A number of transferable skills will be developed Reflective Report: Own work and that of peers will be evaluated Artifacts: in computing the production of applied computing and information technology practical outcomes Dissertation / Professional Placement / Internship / Live Project: Regardless of which masters capstone experience students opt for, they will have to produce an individual, independent piece of work. They will be asked to identify the research question or problem under investigation, review the relevant literature, develop a sound methodology in order to explore the problem, proceed with the analysis, discuss their findings and make recommendations. It is the capstone of this course and builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in all Units. It will be one of the most challenging but yet enjoyable and rewarding experiences they will encounter.
How will this course improve my career prospects?
As a graduate of this course, you will have the skills to take up career opportunities across a variety of business areas including assurance and audit; financial accounting; taxation; corporate finance; corporate insolvency and recovery. You will be able to work as a financial analyst; finance manager; corporate treasurer; credit controller, to mention just a few of the potential roles.
This course also provides an excellent pathway for further academic study at either MPhil and PhD level.

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