Accounting (with optional Placement/Project year) MSc

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Postgraduate Accounting MSc students working in a modern classroom, taking notes and using laptops during an advanced accounting seminar

Our MSc Accounting course supports the development of your professional career in business, accounting and financial management. This course is aligned to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) professional examinations.

You will be welcomed by highly experienced academics and will have the opportunity to create a network of like-minded peers. Successful completion of the course will enhance your understanding of financial management and reporting, performance management, risk and corporate governance.

Students will develop an understanding of a range of research methods and analytical techniques through an introduction to research methods.

The final project module develops your critical and investigative skills to help you meet your professional interests and career goals. This may take the form of a dissertation, a work-based case study or a new business development proposal.

The location of Chester Business School provides a unique opportunity to add value to this course by providing expert masterclasses from local, top-ranking companies such as Bank of America, M&S Bank, Airbus, Bentley Motors.

There is an option to choose a Project/Placement year for this course, at an additional cost.

Why You'll Love It

Learn from industry and professional guest speakers

Chester Business School provides a unique opportunity to add value to your learning experience by providing expert masterclasses from local, top-ranking companies such as Bank of America, M&S Bank, Airbus, Bentley Motors.

Students attending a conference

Strategic and business orientated perspective embedded within all modules

The course not only provides you with an insight into project, people, innovation, supply and performance management, building upon your own experience or prior learning, but it focuses on strategic management of these key aspects of engineering management.

Two students using a laptop

High calibre, experienced and friendly lecturers

Lecturers and professors delivering this course possess a combination of excellent academic and research credentials backed by management experience in a range of sectors. Thus, they relate theory and practice using effective learning styles, and always in a friendly and supportive manner.

A group of students in a lecture

What You'll Study

The MSc comprises two 30-credit modules, three 20-credit modules, and one 60-credit management research project or case study in context or new business development.

If you choose a placement or project year, the Research Dissertation module will be replaced by a placement or project module.

Core Modules

This module seeks to equip students to be able to make strategic business reporting decisions. Set within the corporate reporting environment students will be able to apply concepts, theories and principles to real life scenarios. 

it will covers topics but not limited to: 

  • Financial reporting framework
  • Reporting financial performance 
  • Group financial statements
  • Performance measurement
  • Accounting regulation

The module will enable students to explore and develop a critical understanding of the theoretical techniques, concepts and methods employed in financial management and organisational change.

At the end of the module, students will be able to:

1. Employ investment appraisal techniques to evaluate and analyse capital investment projects.
2. Deploy appropriate Risk management theory and techniques to evaluate and analyse performance management.
3. Master critical awareness of applying the financing and dividend decision.
4. Critically evaluate strategic acquisition and business valuation choices.

The indicative contents of the module are as follows.

  • Financing decision and Investment appraisal
  • Risk Management
  • Dividend decision
  • Business valuation
  • Corporate failure

This module develops students' research skills via studying various research methodologies and methods including how to collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data in accounting and finance. 

Indictive contents include:-

  • Developing the research idea (case study, business development proposal and dissertation)
  • Theory, literature and hypotheses 
  • Research ethics in accounting and finance
  • Data collection, sources, measurements, cleaning, summary (descriptive statistics)
  • Big Data (4Vs - Volume, Velocity, Veracity and Variety)
  • Inferential statistics (predictive analytics)
  • Quantitative and qualitative research approaches
  • Software - Power BI, SPSS, AMOS, Advanced Ms Excel, Stata, NVivo and others
  • Specific techniques for case study, business development proposal and dissertation. 

This module develops students' awareness and understanding of corporate governance frameworks in accounting and finance. It also covers the nature of financial and non-financial risks and the key components of risk management systems as well as the analysis and application of corporate governance principles in relation to risk management.

Indictive contents are as follows:-

  • The development and the changing nature of corporate governance regulations
  • Corporate governance theories.
  • Challenges in corporate governance.
  • Corporate governance standards, best practice and recommendations.
  • Corporate governance in private and public organisations.
  • Internal control systems.
  • Enterprise risk.
  • Strategic risk.
  • Cyber risk.
  • Reputational risk.
  • Economic and credit risk
  • Interest rate and currency risk.

Optional Modules

This module involves an independent study and a research project in accordance with established research principles involving the completion of the following elements:

  • Introduction to Accounting and Finance research
  • Critical review of literature for an Accounting and Finance research project
  • Evaluation of appropriate data collection methods
  • Data analysis techniques for various research strategies
  • Resource and risk planning in research
  • Undertaking Accounting and Finance research

The module is your independent final project, similar to a dissertation.

In this module, you'll take the lead in creating a comprehensive business proposal. You will begin by researching the legal requirements necessary to start a business and then move on to developing its strategic direction, including defining its mission, vision, and identifying valuable market opportunities.

You are expected to incorporate financial details, exploring funding options and developing financial forecasts. Your project also involves conducting a thorough stakeholder analysis, honing your networking skills, and pitching your business idea to potential investors through the report.

This module places a strong emphasis on ethical and sustainable business practices, challenging you to incorporate these critical elements into your proposal. Through this project, you will demonstrate your ability to synthesise and apply your learning to develop a well-rounded, strategically sound business proposal based on rigorous research and comprehensive analysis. This is your opportunity to showcase your entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking in a real-world context.

This module provides opportunities for students to solve business case studies (including live cases) and justify the solutions that have been put forward from an available pool of different solutions and scenarios. 

Indicative contents:-

  • Introduction to Case Study Analysis – mini, macro, and integrated business case study
  • A modelled approach to case study analysis for decision making
  • Assessing the challenges within the live case study
  • Problem Identification & Analysis
  • Assumption setting and strategic business planning related to case study
  • Objectives, strategies, action plans, by function to time scales
  • Application of key quantitative and qualitative techniques
  • Monitoring, review & control planning for performance
  • How to write a case study report
  • Pitfalls of case study analysis

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Core Modules

This module seeks to equip students to be able to make strategic business reporting decisions. Set within the corporate reporting environment students will be able to apply concepts, theories and principles to real life scenarios. 

it will covers topics but not limited to: 

  • Financial reporting framework
  • Reporting financial performance 
  • Group financial statements
  • Performance measurement
  • Accounting regulation

The module will enable students to explore and develop a critical understanding of the theoretical techniques, concepts and methods employed in financial management and organisational change.

At the end of the module, students will be able to:

1. Employ investment appraisal techniques to evaluate and analyse capital investment projects.
2. Deploy appropriate Risk management theory and techniques to evaluate and analyse performance management.
3. Master critical awareness of applying the financing and dividend decision.
4. Critically evaluate strategic acquisition and business valuation choices.

The indicative contents of the module are as follows.

  • Financing decision and Investment appraisal
  • Risk Management
  • Dividend decision
  • Business valuation
  • Corporate failure

Module description not available.

This module develops students' awareness and understanding of corporate governance frameworks in accounting and finance. It also covers the nature of financial and non-financial risks and the key components of risk management systems as well as the analysis and application of corporate governance principles in relation to risk management.

Indictive contents are as follows:-

  • The development and the changing nature of corporate governance regulations
  • Corporate governance theories.
  • Challenges in corporate governance.
  • Corporate governance standards, best practice and recommendations.
  • Corporate governance in private and public organisations.
  • Internal control systems.
  • Enterprise risk.
  • Strategic risk.
  • Cyber risk.
  • Reputational risk.
  • Economic and credit risk
  • Interest rate and currency risk.

This module forms part of the 2 year pathway along with a preparation module - WB7102 Advance Professional Practice. The preparation module forms part of year 1 study and is completed before this module commences.

Students studying the 2 year full time course will not undertake a traditional dissertation module this module replaces that option instead, this module is completed in Year 2, starting at the beginning of year 2, for a minimum of 30 weeks over 3 terms on a full time basis with the exception of university scheduled vacations which equates to a minimum of 1000 work based project hours. 

This module forms part of the 2 year pathway along with a preparation module - WB7102 Advance Professional Practice. The preparation module forms part of year 1 study and is completed before this module commences.

Students studying the 2 year full time course will not undertake a traditional dissertation module this Project module replaces that option instead, this module is completed in Year 2, starting at the beginning of year 2, for a minimum of 30 weeks over 3 terms on a full time basis with the exception of university scheduled vacations which equates to a minimum of 1000 work based project hours.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Switch combined course content

Optional 2-Year Master's To Suit Your Needs

Choosing a Professional Placement MSc is a win-win for your career, giving you the chance to get real experience, apply your cutting-edge skills in the workplace and stand out to future employers.

In the first year you will have help from the University to find a placement, whilst developing your expertise. You will then spend your second year out in industry on placement, getting the chance to work with industry professionals and grow your network of industry contacts. Bringing the latest business school insights to industry, you will get to make a difference to the workplace and make lasting links with your employer.

Students need to find and secure their own placement, supported by the University. A preparation module will also help you to get ready for your placement.

Please note, this course is available as a one-year master degree course, or as a Two-Year Master's Course with a Professional Placement or Project. Please carefully consider your options when applying for our one year or Two-year routes as successful international applicants will not be able to change between courses after a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) letter has been issued or after arriving in the UK.

How You'll Learn

Delivery will be blended between classroom and online provision

Assessment will be 100% coursework

This course is designed around in-person study

There may be some online learning activities

An aerial photograph of Exton Park with the text 'How we teach at the University of Chester'

How we teach at the University of Chester

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

The course is purposefully designed for those who are looking to pursue a career in management in the engineering sector.  This includes those with a technical background finding themselves in, or seeking, more senior management posts, and for engineering and project managers who would benefit from a broader range of skills.

The evidence from our alumni is our graduates accelerate their career progression on completion of the course. They are successful in improving their prospects and landing good quality management posts directly after completion of the course and senior positions after one or two further iterations in the jobs market.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

LatestNews

All Accounting and Finance News

Results

Chester Business School students given expert advice in insightful Bank of America trip

May 1, 2026
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MSc FinTech and Business Analytics course team receives Google Cloud Education Credits to support teaching and learning

February 26, 2026
Fin Tech image

Chester Business School academic named a Distinguished Educator

July 21, 2025
Prof Kelvin Leong.

Chester Business School named Business School of the Year at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2024.

THE 2024 Business School of the Year

Entry Requirements

Honours Degree

The normal entry requirements for students is an Honours Degree in Accounting, Business and Finance related degree with a 2:2 or above.

Extra Requirements

Or the applicant should be Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) registered and have completed or be exempt from the ACCA Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills level examinations.

Prior Work/ Voluntary Experience

Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered for entry onto the programme, each application will be considered on its own merit.

Interview

All applicants will complete a standard application form and may be invited to attend an informal interview where feasible to do so.

Students from outside the UK are expected to hold qualifications broadly equivalent to UK standards - a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study.

To help you interpret these equivalents, please select your country/region of residence. This will provide details on equivalent entry requirements, as well as information about local representatives, events, and key contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and assess all applications on an individual basis. Relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration where appropriate.

For more information on English entry requirements, including accepted qualifications, please visit International Entry Requirements.

IELTS

6.5 (Min 5.5 in each sub-skill)

Honours Degree

The normal entry requirements for students is an Honours Degree in Accounting, Business and Finance related degree with a 2:2 or above.

Extra Requirements

Or the applicant should be Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) registered and have completed or be exempt from the ACCA Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills level examinations.

Prior Work/ Voluntary Experience

Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered for entry onto the programme, each application will be considered on its own merit.

Interview

All applicants will complete a standard application form and may be invited to attend an informal interview where feasible to do so.

Fees and Funding

£9,090 for a full-time course (2026/27)

The tuition fees for home students studying courses in 2026/27 are £9,090 per year.

The professional placement/project year will cost an additional £2,750, due at the start of the second year of the course.

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses are available to view on our Postgraduate Fees page. Here you will also find information about part-time fees and project/placement year fees.

£15,500 (2026/27)

The tuition fees for international students studying courses in 2026/27 are £15,500 per year.

For courses where a placement or project year is undertaken there will be an additional charge of £2,750 for the placement/project year (due at the start of the second year of the course).

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

For more information about International fees for Postgraduate study, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Beyond The Classroom

There are opportunities to engage in and attend events presented by outside speakers, both academics and practitioners.

There are also occasional ‘cultural’ events in the School and across the University, giving you the opportunity to learn more about and to mix with fellow students.

Who You'll Learn From

Dr Muhammad Sanusi

Senior Lecturer
Dr Muhammad Sanusi

Michael Smith

Senior Lecturer
Michael Smith

Dr Brian Gibbs

Deputy Head of Division
Brian Gibbs profile photo

Dr David Acquaye

Head of Division
Dr David Acquaye

Dr Ahmed Kholeif

Senior Lecturer
Dr Ahmed Kholeif

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