Accounting, Finance & Analytics

Course Structure

The programme offers the opportunity to pursue appropriately advanced studies in accounting, finance and analytics, equipping students for careers in financial institutions, management consulting, and industry or the public sector.



In the first semester, students take the following four modules:

International Financial Accounting and Reporting

Contemporary Research Methods and Analysis

Corporate Finance

Business Technologies and Analytics



In the second semester, students take additional four modules:

Management Accounting for Decision Makers

Accounting for Sustainability

Advanced Business Technologies and Analytics

Money and Banking OR International Finance (Choose one)



In the third semester, students choose either a traditional Dissertation or Audit, Ethics and Capstone Project.



The modules included in the programme aim to develop capacities of critical thinking, logical reasoning and the ability to communicate, orally and in writing, on topics in accounting and finance.



The contents provided during the programme will also be useful to those who wish to pursue PhD studies in accounting and finance.

Semester 1 (60 CATS)

International Financial Accounting and Reporting

Focusing upon International Accounting Standards (IASs) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), this module combines accounting theory with its practical application. The module enables students to evaluate and apply the principal conceptual issues in financial accounting and to develop their practical application of core international financial accounting and reporting concepts.



Contemporary Research Methods and Analysis

This module aims to deepen students’ understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies applicable across accounting and finance. It focuses on integrating contemporary research methods with core statistical concepts and appropriate software, preparing students to undertake independent research and advanced professional roles.



Corporate Finance

The aim of the module is to provide a theoretical and practical understanding of core financial issues in a corporate setting. Students will be equipped with knowledge to critically evaluate pay-out policies, financing decisions, investment appraisal processes, and risk-management techniques.



Business Technologies and Analytics

This module provides students with an understanding of technologies affecting contemporary business from the view of the accounting/finance professional. The module combines understanding with practical application of profession-relevant technologies such as Excel and PowerBI to business scenarios. Employers and industry representatives will deliver software masterclasses.



Semester 2 (60 CATS)

Management Accounting for Decision Makers

The objective of this module is to develop extended knowledge and understanding of management accounting theories and techniques in order to help management in planning, decision-making and performance control in different business contexts. This module hosts Business Games where students interact with employers in real-life decision-making scenarios.



Accounting for Sustainability

Sustainability accounting plays a key role in helping businesses to contribute to the promotion of sustainable development in our society. This module draws on accounting research, case studies and current real issues faced by businesses and the public sector to provide students with a deeper understanding of the role that accounting plays in contributing to the achievement of sustainable development. The module will be delivered by academic staff supported by guest lecturers from practice to understand complex areas.



Advanced Business Technologies and Analytics

The aim of this module is to equip students with advanced practical knowledge of data analysis alongside conceptual understanding of emerging and disruptive technologies. This module gives students additional tools to analyse data beyond traditional analytics packages. These skills will prepare students to take on roles that require strategic data analysis in the context of accounting and finance. Employers and industry representatives will deliver guest lectures on emerging technologies.



Plus choose ONE from:

International Finance

This module details the complications and unique characteristics of finance that crosses a border. It covers subjects such as foreign exchange trading, exchange rate systems, and the real economic effects of capital flows.



Money and Banking

This module examines the theory of money and banking. The module content considers the main banking and monetary institutions and monetary policy.



Semester 3 (60 CATS)

Route 1 – Dissertation



The aim of the dissertation is to provide students with the skills needed for conducting theoretical and/or empirical research in accounting and finance.



OR



Route 2 – Audit, Ethics and Capstone Project



This route combines taught classes with additional professional exemptions and a final capstone project.



Auditing and Accountability (25%)

The aim of this element is to provide a theoretical and practical understanding of contemporary auditing and accountability issues in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, including principles and techniques of auditing. Students will learn about the importance of concepts like compliance, internal control and management of risk in a globalising environment.



Ethics and Governance (25%)

The aim of this element is to provide an overall understanding of the complex and dynamic relationships between business corporations, their stakeholders (shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers etc.) and the society in which they operate. Students will learn about ethics and governance, the legal framework, governance of corporate risk, corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.



Successful completion of both audit and ethics elements above (with a minimum 50% score) is needed for exemption from Audit and Assurance (AA) from ACCA.



Capstone Project (50%)

This element requires data analysis plus delivery of a professional-quality report and presentation, including visualisations, to a professional audience (comprised of employer representatives). In this element, students will apply advanced analytics tools to real-world accounting and financial data, demonstrating mastery in transforming complex accounting and finance information into strategic business insights and communicating these to professional audience.

Graduate

A 2.2 Honours degree (with minimum 55%) in Accounting and/or Finance or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University,



or



A 2.2 Honours degree (with minimum 55%) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Economics or Mathematics with a minimum of two relevant subjects from the core accounting subject list (as shown below) at a pass mark or international equivalent,



or



A 2.2 Honours degree (with minimum 55%) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Business, Commerce, Management, Law, or any other discipline with a minimum of five relevant subjects (as shown below) at a pass mark or international equivalent. At least two of these five must be from the core accounting subjects.



List of accepted subjects

• Core accounting subjects: Financial Accounting/Financial Reporting, Management/Cost Accounting, Finance/Financial Management, Auditing.

• Other relevant subjects: Investment Analysis, Investment Management, Micro Economics, Macro Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 15th August 2025 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: international applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure a place on this course.

1 year full-time.

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

Introduction

This Masters programme provides the basis for both profession- and research-orientated careers, as well as skills and knowledge required to progress into management careers in the accounting and financial services. It opens a wide range of career opportunities in banking, accounting and auditing, government, corporate finance, investment analysis and academia.



For further opportunities to enhance your studies and career prospects please see the school website.

https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/



Employment after the Course

Graduate prospects from the MSc Accounting, Finance and Analytics are promising. Queen’s is ranked third in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Accounting and Finance (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024). Graduates from this programme’s predecessor (MSc Accounting and Finance) have secured roles with employers such as Bank of China, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Allstate, and many others. Typical graduate roles include chartered and certified accountants, consultants, auditors and finance professionals.

https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/