MSc Accounting and Finance is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding of core accounting and finance principles.
The programme provides students with the opportunity to gain a clear understanding of the joint role of accounting and finance in ensuring successful operations in a range of business settings. Students can develop their understanding of the key principles and practical skills required to prepare and analyse accounts and related financial information, and learn about financial management decision-making and the methods used to raise finance for companies.
This programme is available for both a September and February start.
The course is offered with two separate pathways. Students can either complete one year of study or undertake a two-year course where one year is spent in Professional Practice to gain hands-on experience through a paid placement. Students will be responsible for sourcing their own paid placements but will be supported by dedicated employability specialists. Please note: the Professional Practice pathway is only available for a September start.
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
Decision Analysis for Managers
Corporate Finance I
Term 2 modules
Financial Accounting - Group Reporting
Current Issues in Governance and Finance
Corporate Finance II
Option
Optional modules
Bond Markets and Investment Analysis
Community Organisation, Sustainability, and Development
Comparative Human Resource Management
Global Supply Strategies
International Entrepreneurship
Investment Banking
International Macroeconomics and Finance
Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance II
Strategy Making
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 to the modules above, students are expected to undertake a compulsory element comprising Research Methods (15 credits) and Independent Study (45 credits).
Delivery methods vary between modules but will include a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, guest speakers, and case studies, allowing students the opportunity to not only learn from experts in each module but also have the time to undertake independent research and practice questions to consolidate learning.
This programme is available for both a September and February start. Optional modules may be restricted for those choosing to enrol in February due to student numbers, timetabling, and staffing constraints. Please note that February admission is only available for full-time study.
Professional Practice
This course is available with a Professional Practice pathway. This two-year version of the degree provides the opportunity to undertake a period of professional practice at the end of the first year to gain hands-on experience through a paid placement. Students will be responsible for sourcing their own paid placements but will be supported by dedicated employability specialists. Students who are accepted onto the Professional Practice programme will attend a consultation with the Placement Coordinator early in their first term to discuss timelines, processes, and requirements. For more information, contact Stephanie Schiaffonati at sschiaffonati@lincoln.ac.uk.
The Professional Practice year is not assessed. However, students will be required to present a placement project linked to their experience. Students who successfully complete their degree with a year in Professional Practice will receive the award title MSc Accounting and Finance with Professional Practice. Those who do not will receive the MSc Accounting and Finance award, or equivalent exit award.
Please note: the Professional Practice pathway is only available for a September start.
Contact Hours and Independent Study
Each module typically consists of two or three weekly teaching hours over a teaching term. Four modules are usually studied per term, equating to eight to 12 hours per week. Part-time students usually study two modules per term, equating to four to six hours of contact time per week. Hours of study can vary from term to term for both full and part-time students and can be spread throughout the week.
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 hours in an independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.
Modules
Corporate Finance 1 (Core)
Corporate Finance 2 (Core)
Current Issues in Governance and Finance (Core)
Decision Analysis for Managers (Core)
Final Project (Core)
Financial Accounting - Group Reporting (Core)
Financial Accounting - Single Entity (Core)
Research Methods and Design (Core)
Bond Markets and Investment Analysis (Option)†
Community Organisation, Sustainability and Development (Option)†
Comparative Human Resource Management (Option)†
Global Procurement and Supply Strategy (Option)†
International Entrepreneurship (Option)†
International Macroeconomics and Finance (Option)†
Investment Banking (Option)†
Lincoln Student Managed Investment Fund - Masters (Option)†
Professional Practice (Option)†
Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance II (Option)†
Strategy Making (Option)†
Sustainability Reporting and Business Ethics (Option)†
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
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 a 12,000-word dissertation.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, 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, UK students 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.
Programme-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 text books, the University provides students who enrol 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 2022-23
First or second class honours degree and grade C in GCSE Mathematics.
Please note that this course may not be suitable for students who have completed an undergraduate programme in accounting or finance within the UK.
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.
Accreditations and Memberships
MSc Accounting and Finance students will be exempted from CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accounting) papers BA1, BA2, BA3 and BA4, AIA (Association of International Accountants) Paper 1 and Paper 6 as well as ACCA F1, F2 and F3 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.
Industry Expertise
Students in 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 also hosts a series of visiting speakers each year, enabling students to hear and learn from industry experts. Previous speakers have included representatives from organisations 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
Lincoln International Business School students can expand their horizons and see international business in action by joining funded international trips to exciting overseas destinations.
LIBS 100 gives students the opportunity to enhance their global mindset, connect with our global community and partners, and learn from international experts through 100 funded field trip places each academic year.
Places are open to all students enrolled on a programme within Lincoln International Business School.
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 have roles in financial management and financial reporting.
Working in Partnership
Lincoln International Business School works with students and organisations 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.
