Accounting

Entry requirements

The equivalent of a UK first or upper second class honours degree. Check the full list of equivalent qualifications

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Our innovative MSc Accounting programme sits within Durham’s portfolio of Masters programmes. A one-year full-time programme, it provides an opportunity for you to develop an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of accounting as well as the critical thinking skills so valued by employers. The MSc in Accounting covers key accounting topics including financial statements and their preparation and analysis, the practical limitations of financial reporting, contemporary and evolving practice in financial and non-financial accounting and reporting, management information for decision-making, and the practice and concepts of auditing.

This is an ideal programme to choose if you’re looking to pursue a career in accountancy. The programme is intended for graduates in any subject or discipline; no previous study in accounting is necessary. Accounting undergraduate students, or students who have completed a professional accounting qualification may find some content of this programme overlaps with their prior learning.

Core and elective modules

To achieve your qualification you will need to successfully complete six core modules, two elective modules and a dissertation or research project.

You will study the below core modules:

• Auditing and Assurance Services
• Corporate Governance
• Financial Accounting and Reporting
• Financial Planning and Control
• Modern Accounting Research
• Research Methods in Accounting

You will then choose two electives from a range. Elective modules are drawn from Accounting, Management, Marketing and Islamic Finance disciplines, subject to availability.

Dissertation/Business Project

In the third term, you will carry out an original research project. This may be an independent piece of work or alternatively you may decide to develop a more applied project with an appropriate organisation. Supervised by a faculty member with relevant experience, you will investigate in greater detail a subject that you have already studied as part of your programme.

This is an opportunity for you to develop your business insight and present your analysis and ideas in a scholarly and professional manner.

Adding to your experience

As part of your programme, you may have the opportunity to enjoy presentations by leading academics and practitioners within your chosen area of interest. Past speakers have included representatives of major global multinationals, global professional bodies and leading scholars, combining critical and progressive thinking with practical insights.

Accreditation

This programme carries exemptions from the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants).

ACCA Exemptions

• F1 Accountant in Business
• F2 Management Accounting
• F3 Financial Accounting
• F4 Corporate and Business Law

CIMA Exemptions

• BA1 Fundamentals of Business Economics
• BA2 Fundamentals of Management Accounting
• BA3 Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
• BA4 Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law
• P1 Management Accounting
• F1 Financial Reporting and Taxation

In addition, graduates of MSc Accounting who also have an undergraduate degree majoring in accounting, or those who are part-qualified accountants can join CIMA via the Master’s gateway route. This route will allow graduates of MSc Accounting to take the CIMA Master’s gateway assessment following which, if successful, CIMA will grant 11 exemptions from CIMA’s certificate, operational and management level exams.

Information for international students

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Fees and funding

For further information see the course listing.