Basma Akbar came to Cass Business School from Kuwait to study on the MSc in Banking and International Finance. In this video she tells us why she loved studying in London and learning from renowned professors.
Overview
Who is it for?
If you are an ambitious, curious and hard-working graduate, driven to excel and succeed in the area of finance or accounting, this is the right course for you.
The International Accounting and Finance MSc is a highly practical course so you’ll need to possess sound quantitative skills.
This is a master's course for graduates that are keen to acquire both the leading techniques in finance and analytical understanding of accounting in measuring economic activities in a business.
You will be able to tailor your course with elective modules to pursue selected fields in depth and address your individual career choice.
You can choose modules that will enable you to focus at greater depth on finance, or that will provide you with knowledge you will need to prepare for professional accounting qualifications.
"Along with the formal accounting and finance knowledge, the International Accounting and Finance course will give you insights into industry trends and current changes. As part of the curricula, you can study towards the IFRS Certificate which will enhance your career prospects and expertise. Cass offers many opportunities beyond the course from events and conferences to clubs and societies and careers advice."
Objectives
This is a one-year, full-time, expertly structured programme that will provide you with the real-world finance and accounting expertise that leads to a wide range of rewarding international roles.
The emphasis of the International Accounting and Finance programme is to enable you to critically assess the implications of financial figures for a multitude of finance related topics.
During the course you will develop a deep understanding of the use of finance and accounting tools in the context of global capital markets.
The postgraduate programme is designed to equip you with skills for using both finance theory and analysis together with accounting numbers in investment decisions and corporate assessment.
For example, you will learn how to think in financial terms and develop the methods that will help you weigh financial risks when valuing underlying real assets, evaluating a strategy, and drawing conclusion about the business using financial figures, you will acquire analytical skills for making informed assessments on key financial decision, you will develop deep understanding of the fundamental issues behind international capital flows, their accounting treatment and bearings on business decisions.
This is a demanding and highly rewarding course and after leaving it you will be well-prepared for a broad range of financial careers.
MSc International Accounting and Finance graduates find careers in investment and corporate banks, accountancy and audit firms, ratings firms, private equity, financial data providers, venture capital, and finance departments in major corporations.
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Structure
What will I learn
On the International Accounting and Finance master’s course, you will:
- Acquire a comprehensive grasp of the principles and applications of finance and accounting
- Develop your range of technical and conceptual skills
- Gain broad experience of quantitative techniques
- Develop your understanding of a wide range of financial issues across all industry sectors
- Network with your peers and senior accounting and finance industry professionals in the City of London
- Gain a highly valuable international, multicultural perspective
- Acquire a flexible qualification suitable for a wide range of roles in accounting and global finance.
Induction weeks
All of our MSc courses start with two compulsory induction weeks which include relevant refresher courses, an introduction to the careers services and the annual careers fair.
Term 1
Core modules:
Applied Empirical Accounting
The module teaches how to apply econometric techniques in the empirical analysis and modelling of equity and fixed income markets. You will learn key tools and methods in applying these techniques for analysis and development of quantitative strategies for forecasting, pricing and risk management.
Finance 1: Corporate Finance and Valuation
The modules teaches core theoretical principles and equips students with practical finance tools. You will learn how to value companies using data from Bloomberg and popular valuation methods employed by investment banks and corporate finance departments.
Financial Reporting
The module equips students with critical understanding of the principles and practices of accounting, characteristics and limitations of accounting data. You will learn how to prepare and interpret financial statements, to apply and comment on accounting policies and to use accounting information to assess financial performance of the business.
Research Methods for Finance Professionals
Strong research is a key element of development strategy for companies and institutions, large and small.
This module aims to provide a grounding in financial research, particularly financial modelling and information gathering which you will be able to use to support your learning on the rest of your course.
Strategic Cost Management
The module teaches how to efficiently use the information on businesses’ products, services, processes, organizational units, suppliers, and customers. You will learn concepts, models, and systems that provide this data for the development, use and control of cost information for decision-making and performance measurement in competitive business environments.
Term 2
Core modules:
Accounting Information and Capital Markets
The module teaches tools and techniques used by financial analysts, corporate managers, accountants and investment bankers to assess the fundamental value of traded securities in global markets. You will become experts in the theory and practice of equity valuation and will gain a critical perspective when valuing companies based on financial statements.
Finance 2: Advanced Corporate Finance
The module provides an in-depth analysis of the theory and international practice of capital structure decisions, dividend and cash policy, valuation, and mergers and acquisitions. You will learn how to incorporate real factors in the valuation of companies. Tax reforms, bankruptcy laws, and employment protection regulation have an impact on both business valuation and capital structure decisions.
Financial Statement Analysis
This module leverages many materials from bulge bracket and boutique investment banks to showcase how various techniques covered in the module are used by professionals from the Wall Street, providing you with hands-on experience in analysing and interpreting financial information disclosed by firms listed on major stock exchanges.
International Financial Management
In this module students will learn about the risks that financial managers face when trading internationally in the global marketplace. You will acquire knowledge on dynamic tools that will allow them to manage and deal with these risks.
Term 3
You may choose from the five options in your final term.
- Option 1: Students can take five specialist elective modules (5 x 10 credits)
- Option 2: Students can opt to write a 10,000-word Business Research Project (40 credits) and take one specialist elective module (1 x 10 credits)
- Option 3: Students can opt to write a 3,000-5,000 word Applied Research Project (20 credits) and take three specialist elective modules (3 x 10 credits)
- Option 4: Students can opt to take
International Financial Reporting Standards
(30 credits) and two specialist electives (2 x 10 credits)The module provides an applied professional qualification that complements the academic program in International Accounting and Finance. You will acquire knowledge and skills to apply complex international financial reporting standards in companies operating globally.
- Option 5: Students can opt to take
International Financial Reporting Standards
(30 credits) and write 3,000-5,000 word Applied Research Project (20 credits).PrThe module provides an applied professional qualification that complements the academic program in International Accounting and Finance. You will acquire knowledge and skills to apply complex international financial reporting standards in companies operating globally.
Projects
Business Research Project
It is important for aspiring professionals to demonstrate, on an individual basis, their ability to apply concepts and techniques they have learned in an in-depth study of a topic of their choice and to organise their findings in a report, all conducted within a given time limit.
Business Research Project will train you to undertake individual research and provide you with an opportunity to specialise in a contemporary business or finance topic related to your future career aspirations.
You are required to submit a project of approximately 10,000 words on any subject area covered in the rest of the programme.
Typical projects can involve any of the following: extracting data from electronic databases or by hand; statistical analysis of large or small populations; interviews; case studies of an industry or a sector or of a business / finance issue in a particular country setting.
Applied Research Project
The aim of this module is to enable you to demonstrate how to integrate your learning in core and elective modules and then apply this to the formulation and completion of an applied research project. You will be required to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that you have acquired throughout your MSc study.
You will undertake a short piece of applied research on a question of academic and/or practical relevance.
Guidelines will be provided in order to help you identify the research question. Based on your chosen topic, you must write a report of around 3,000–5,000 words that summarises and critically evaluates your method and your findings.
Electives planned to run in 2020
- Advanced Company Valuation
- Fintech – Financial Services in Digital Age
- Introduction to Python
- Investment Banking in Corporate Finance
- Private Equity Investment.
Interntional electives
- Global Real Estate Markets Dubai (taught in Dubai, UAE)
- Investment Strategy (taught in New York, USA)
- Project Finance and Infrastructure Investment (taught in Madrid, Spain)
See the MSc in International Accounting and Finance programme specification.
Assessment methods
Assessment
We review all our courses regularly to keep them up-to-date on issues of both theory and practice.
To satisfy the requirements of the degree course students must complete:
- eight core courses (15 credits each)
and either
- five electives (10 credits each)
- three electives (10 credits each) and an Applied Research Project (20 credits)
- one elective (10 credits) and a Business Research Project (40 credits)
- one super elective on IFRS (30 credits) and two electives (10 credits each)
- one super elective on IFRS (30 credits) and an Applied Research Project (20 credits)
Assessment of modules on the MSc in International Accounting & Finance, in most cases, is by means of coursework and unseen examination. Coursework may consist of standard essays, individual and group presentations, group reports, classwork, unseen tests and problem sets. Please note that any group work may include an element of peer assessment.
Term dates
Term dates 2021/22
TBC
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available from July and can be accessed from our timetabling pages. These pages also provide timetables for the current academic year, though this information should be viewed as indicative and details may vary from year to year.
Please note that all academic timetables are subject to change.
Teaching staff
Course Director
Senior Lecturer in Accounting & Finance
The teaching staff on the MSc in International Accounting & Finance have many years of practical experience working in the financial services sector and are also active researchers in their fields
This knowledge and experience inform the highly interactive lectures that make up the MSc in International Accounting & Finance.
Module Leaders include:
Application
How to apply
We only accept online applications.
Apply for MSc International Accounting and Finance
Documents required for decision-making
- Transcript/interim transcript
- Current module list if still studying
- CV
- Personal statement - this should be 500-600 words in length and answer the following:
- Why have you selected this course? What are your motivating factors?
- What are your areas of interest within the course?
- What contributions do you feel you can make to the course?
- How do you see the course affecting your career plans?
Documents which may follow at a later date
- English language test result if applicable
- GMAT result if applicable
- Confirmation of professional qualification examinations/exemptions/passes, if applicable
- Two references
- For a successful application to receive an unconditional status all documents must be verified, so an original or certified copy of the degree transcript must be uploaded to the application form or e-mailed to the relevant Admissions Officer upon request
We cannot comment on individual eligibility before you apply and we can only process your application once it is fully complete, with all requested information received.
Individual Appointments
Unfortunately, as a result of the evolving situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we can only offer online appointments to discuss your application. To book one, please get in touch with the relevant Admission Officer
Please note these are subject to availability.
Terms and conditions
Students applying to study at Cass Business School are subject to City, University of London's terms and conditions.
Entry requirements
- A UK upper second class degree or above, or the equivalent from an overseas institution.
- Some level of previous study or evidence of skills in finance or quantitative methods is essential.
- Work experience is not a requirement of this course
GMAT
- Highly recommended
- A well-balanced score in the range of 600-800 will significantly strengthen your application
English language requirements
If you have been studying in the UK for the last three years it is unlikely that you will have to take the test.
If you have studied a 2+2 degree with just two years in the UK you will be required to provide IELTS results and possibly to resit the tests to meet our requirements.
IELTS
- The required IELTS level is an average of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in the writing section and no less than 6.0 in any other section.
Fees
Fees in each subsequent year of study for continuing students (where applicable) will be subject to an annual increase of 2%. We will confirm any change to the annual tuition fee for continuing students in writing prior to commencing each subsequent year of study (where applicable).
Deposit: £2,000 (usually paid within 1 month of receiving offer and non-refundable unless conditions of offer are not met)
First installment: Half fees less deposit (payable during on-line registration which should be completed at least 5 days before the start of the induction period)
Second installment: Half fees (paid in January following start of course)
Career pathways
As Cass is located close to the City of London, you will be perfectly placed to exploit the opportunities created by the degree. Our dedicated careers team will work with you to identify and achieve your career goals by providing you one-to-one support, as well as regular skills workshops and employer and alumni networking opportunities.
Our graduates embark on fulfilling careers in finance and accounting across the finance, professional services, and corporate world at companies including Ernst & Young, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, and KPMG.
Class of 2019 profile
Recent graduates of the MSc in the International Accounting and Finance programme have secured positions in companies including:
- Analyst, Baker Tilly
- Brand Manager, Proctor and Gamble
- Finance Assistant, Amazon
- Associate, EY
- Commercial Trainee, Colgate-Palmolive
- Analyst, Deutsche Bank
- Graduate Trainee, KPMG
Where they are working now
- UK - 27%
- Europe Other - 7%
- Asia - 60%
Industry post-master's
"Although my studies were focused on Accounting & Finance related modules, in the third semester I had the opportunity to take different modules that enabled me to confidently choose my career path."
Alumni stories
Hear from our alumni. Discover the real experiences of learning at Cass and how Cass helped to boost our graduates' careers.
Read Katarina’s storyCourse information and statistics
Accreditation
Successfully obtaining the MSc allows exemption from the exams of CIMA, ACCA and ICAEW.
See accreditation details
CIMA
CIMA is the world’s leading, and largest, professional body of management accountants.
Students successfully completing the MSc in International Accounting and Finance will be awarded exemptions from the following modules:
- BA3: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
- F2: Advanced Financial Reporting
- F3: Financial Strategy
MSc International Accounting and Finance graduates will be able to join CIMA through an accelerated route– the CIMA Master’s gateway assessment.
ACCA
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants.
Students successfully completing the MSc in International Accounting and Finance will be awarded exemptions from the following modules:
- Accountant in Business
- Management Accounting
- Financial Accounting
- Corporate Law
- Financial Reporting
The MSc International Accounting and Finance programme is also eligible for the Accelerate scheme programme.
ICAEW
MSc International Accounting and Finance is a programme partner with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW). Students successfully completing the MSc in International Accounting and Finance will be awarded credits for prior learning (exemptions) in the following subjects for the ICAEW chartered accountancy qualification, the ACA :
- Accounting
- Financial Management
CFA programme partner
The CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, recognises the rigour and the relevance of the MSc International Accounting and Finance and has awarded this course partner status. CFA Programme Partner status is awarded to a select number of universities around the world whose degree courses incorporate at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge. The CFA Program is the essential qualification for those wishing to pursue a career in the finance sector and the CFA Institute recognises the MSc in International Accounting and Finance as strong preparation for their professional exams.
Cass students on CFA partner courses have the option of taking some additional preparatory classes for the CFA exams. They also have access to CFA study materials (including an online Level 1 sample exam) and complimentary access to Financial Newsbrief, a daily investment brief by the CFA. In addition, there is the opportunity to take part in the CFA Global Investment Research Challenge.
Each year a number of CFA scholarships are available to Cass students, offering financial assistance with the CFA exam registration fees.
