Accounting and Finance (MSc)

How will I be taught?

Our Accounting and Finance (MSc) programme is taught through a block structure. You’ll concentrate on 1 or 2 modules at a time, allowing you to immerse yourself in a particular subject area before moving onto the next.

We believe that learning is most effective when you engage with contemporary real-world challenges and critically reflect on them using diverse tools and perspectives. You’ll learn through a blend of lectures and smaller-group tutorials, industry insights and case studies, complemented by self-directed study activities.

Our teaching is designed to develop not only your academic capability but also your professional confidence. You’ll work with other students to reflect on your existing knowledge and skills; collaborative learning enables you to gain insights into the nature of accounting and finance in a variety of contexts.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments are designed to help you build confidence and apply your knowledge in authentic contexts. You’ll encounter a mix of individual and group-based tasks, including reports, presentations, essays, video creation and exams. 

Short knowledge/skill review activities are built into each module to help you check your progress and build confidence.

All formal assessments are completed within, and at the end of each module block. This facilitates more in-depth consolidation and application of knowledge which contributes to successful performance in assessment tasks. 

How will I be supported?

Learning

Course materials will be provided on Learning Central, our Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll also have access to libraries across our campus which hold over 1.1 million printed books, supplemented by online books, journals, resources and databases. 

If English is not your first language, then our Academic English Skills for International Students team offer classes and one-to-one tutorials to support your studies including reading, writing and presentation skills.

Wellbeing

You’ll be assigned a Personal Tutor, who can support you with academic and pastoral matters in a confidential and informal manner. Additional support is available through our Student Life teams, based in the Centre for Student Life. These teams include Advice and Money, Counselling services, Health and Wellbeing, the Student Disability Service including dyslexia support, and Student Visa Support.

Careers and Employability

The Student Futures team can enhance your career prospects by offering tailored support throughout your studies. You’ll benefit from expert advice on CV writing, interview techniques, and job applications. The team can support you with internships, placements, and networking opportunities, giving you valuable real-world experience. If you are an international student, Student Futures offers tailored support to explore part-time jobs, placements, and graduate roles in the UK and globally.

Community

You’ll become a member of the Cardiff Business School community, making friends and connections that will last beyond your studies. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in programme and school level events and activities that enhance your learning and broaden your experiences. 

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you. 

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:    

• Apply accounting and finance knowledge to analyse emerging challenges and developments in global business environments.
• Critique the interrelationships between principles, theories, techniques, and practice in accounting and finance.
• Critically evaluate how evolving regulatory, digital, and ethical landscapes shape the work of accounting and finance professionals.
• Systematically comprehend the economic, environmental, and social responsibilities of accounting and finance in contemporary society.
• Critically evaluate academic and professional research for addressing real-world accounting and financial problems.

Intellectual Skills:    

• Identify and discriminate between competing sources of research and professional practice to support informed analysis.
• Review and design an appropriate research approach to investigate current accounting and finance issues.
• Evaluate the relative merits of different methods in accounting and finance, and competing forms of data and evidence. 
• Critically analyse, synthesise and discuss contrasting perspectives and their supporting evidence.
• Develop well-evidenced conclusions and recommendations for effective decision-making.

Professional Practical Skills:    

• Apply relevant knowledge of financial reporting, management accounting, and corporate finance to a range of organisational contexts.
• Make informed financial decisions based on critical analysis, strategic insight, and ethical awareness.
• Manage your professional development and respond proactively to ongoing changes in professional landscapes.
• Develop effective working relationships with peers.
• Reflect critically on your role and broader impact on business, society, and the environment.

Transferable/Key Skills:    

• Communicate clearly and confidently to diverse audiences using appropriate academic and professional formats.
• Challenge established views and assumptions based on robust evidence and critical reasoning in professional and organisational context.
• Demonstrate initiative, resilience, and flexibility as a reflective and responsible professional.
• Use digital tools and relevant technologies to solve problems.
• Respect diverse viewpoints and foster inclusive and ethical working environments.