Accounting and Finance (MSc)

How will I be taught?

An active learning approach is embedded in the MSc Accounting and Finance.  We believe that effective learning is founded on two things – your involvement in diverse experiences, and the way you make sense of those experiences, both individually and with others.

Consequently, each block of learning includes a variety of activities which can include case studies, videos, company visits, and industry speakers, all designed to introduce new ideas and develop your understanding.

We will help you to enhance the technical and critical skills that you were introduced to during your first degree, to develop your profile as a leading professional.  We will also support you to work with other students to reflect on your existing knowledge and skills.  Sharing your understanding with others is also important and the collaborative learning will enable you to build new insights into the nature of accounting and finance in a variety of contexts.  You will be encouraged to work collaboratively in diverse teams to consider a range of alternative understandings and practices.

Trying out new learning is important too.  You will integrate and apply new understandings, together with new technical and critical skills, in practical tasks embedded in each learning block, and in formal coursework and examination activities. 

How will I be assessed?

The block programme structure provides plenty of opportunities for you to reflect on your learning and development informally.  Short knowledge/skill review activities are built into each module to help you check your progress and improve your approach to learning. This will build your confidence and enhance your approach to formal assessment tasks.

A variety of formal assessment tasks provide the opportunity to explore concepts and models in creative and practical ways.  These include presentations, reports, and exams.  You will work individually and as part of a team, just as you would in the workplace.

All formal assessments are completed within each module.  This enables more in-depth consolidation and application required for successful performance in assessment tasks based on the complex functional level work undertaken by professionals. It also reflects realistic workplace timescales for the completion of tasks.

How will I be supported?

We provide a range of support to keep your studies on track, focussing on your learning, well-being and career.  We recognise that some of you will be transitioning to a different country and different approach to learning, and of course all of you will all be taking a step up in meeting the expectations of postgraduate study.

To enhance your learning, we provide easy access to all course materials using Learning Central, a virtual learning environment. A variety of hard and electronic copies of books, journals and databases are available in libraries across campus.  The development of key academic skills and clarification of assessment expectation are embedded in your programme.  Additional English Language classes are available during term time for students wanting to enhance their spoken and written communication.

Each module is carefully designed to help you explore new concepts and practice in a supportive environment.  This includes opportunities for you to try out your new knowledge in a variety of tasks where you will gain informal individual and all-class feedback.  This will help you identify strengths and areas for development, in anticipation of formal assessment.  We also try to include a formal assessment early in the programme to help you manage your level of achievement as soon as possible. The Programme Director is keen to provide extra support to anyone who needs a helping hand and sign-posting you to sources of additional University support regarding academic content, academic skills and pastoral care, where required.  Each student also has a Personal Tutor. This member of academic staff will maintain an overview of your learning and educational experiences.  If you are experiencing difficulties, your Personal Tutor will be there to listen and where possible provide professional guidance or direct you to the appropriate source of support.

To help you make the most of your time with us, the Postgraduate Student Hub is the first point of call for all your queries about the programme, personal tutoring, your student record, student case queries and the collection of marked assignments. The School’s Student Cases Team provides guidance and support to individuals on Extenuating Circumstances, Interruption of Study, Extensions, Unfair Practice, Appeals, Complaints, Specific Provision.

To enhance your wellbeing, we have a dedicated Student Support Officer, and her dog ‘Winnie’ can provide impartial, non-judgemental and confidential support to students on a wide range of personal, financial and academic matters (e.g., Housing/Accommodation, Student Finance, Immigration, Personal & Course Issues). You can also take advantage of the University’s confidential and free Counselling Service to help you examine issues that may be preventing you for from maximising your full potential. The University also has a Disability and Dyslexia Service providing confidential advice and support is provided for students who are disabled or who have a specific learning difficulty (e.g., dyslexia) or long-term medical condition.

To enhance your career options, we have dedicated Career and Employability Consultants who have developed a package of support for job applications, interviews and job opportunities. Our Placements team also offer advice on available work placements, internships, work experience and opportunities to enhance your CV and broaden your horizons.

When undertaking the dissertation/project you are expected to meet regularly with your supervisor to review progress and discuss any questions. Your supervisor will be able to provide feedback on your research plan and drafts of your work as you progress.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will be able to do as a result of your study at Cardiff University. They will help you to understand what is expected of you. 

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme can be found below:

Knowledge & Understanding:    

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

• Draw on discipline-based knowledge to analyse contemporary challenges in accounting and finance.
• Postulate the linkages between principles, theory, techniques and practice of accounting and finance.
• Critically evaluate the relevance of modern theoretical concepts in the context of the ever-changing business environment.
• Critically evaluate accounting and finance research and professional practice for addressing real-world business scenarios

Intellectual Skills:    

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

• Find and discriminate between competing sources of research and professional practice.
• Evaluate alternative sources of data and evidence.
• Analyse methods for generating management information.
• Critically analyse and synthesise contrasting perspectives and their supporting evidence.
• Generate and communicate well-evidenced conclusions and recommendations for effective decision-making.

Professional Practical Skills:    

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

• Apply relevant knowledge of the financial reporting and management accounting functions within a range of organisational contexts.
• Propose evidence-based financial solutions.
• Apply technical accounting and finance skills in an organisational context through personal research and practical work.
• Manage personal development within a range of professional landscapes.
• Develop effective working relationships with peers, clients and other professionals.
• Reflect on your role within and impact on society.

Transferable/Key Skills:    

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

• Communicate to diverse audiences through a range of media.
• Challenge assumptions based on robust evidence.
• Appreciate diversity and different views.
• Work independently.
• Engage others to work collaboratively.
• Use technology to solve problems.