Master of Science (MSc) International Accounting & Finance

Overview

Technological innovation has created a wave of disruptive activity that will change the shape of the global economic and financial system over the next decade. Digitisation and ever-increasing volumes of data has led to a demand for graduates (employees) from programmes specifically tailored to the skills required for a changing and increasingly competitive and globalised business landscape. In order to meet this demand, this industry-aligned, strategically-focused and highly-applied programme focuses on accounting, quantification of data, treasury functions and corporate finance. It is designed to appeal to graduates seeking to gain exposure to data-driven financial decision-making roles.

The MSc in International Accounting and Finance is a one year full-time or two years part-time programme. This broad programme with an integrated delivery from end‐to‐end covering a range of skills applicable to a wide range of accounting and finance functions. The programme aims to develop learners’ knowledge of the theory and practice necessary for them to secure employment and perform in a variety of areas in a broad range of companies.

The programme focuses on practical skills in core areas such as the role of capital markets, quantitative financial modelling, treasury risk management, international financial reporting, and advanced financial management. Its aim is to create a critical understanding of core accounting, financial, and quantitative principles whilst also enhancing the practical technical skills of the learners.

Aims and Objectives

The specific programme aims and objectives are as follows:

• Enable learners to develop in-depth knowledge and analytical skills in current and evolving disciplines of international finance and accounting.
• Provide learners with a systematic knowledge of the organisational and regulatory context of international accounting and finance.
• Facilitate the learners’ development and application of skills and attributes that are complementary and relevant to the contemporary workplace.
• Identify and develop autonomous learning skills for the learner.
• Develop in the learner a contextual understanding of evolving financial and economic trends and technologies.
• Enable the learner to identify, develop and apply detailed analytical, creative, problem solving and research skills.
• Provide the learner with a comprehensive platform for career development, innovation and further study.

Overall, the programme aims to create in learners, a critical understanding of international accountancy and finance issues, developing learners’ understanding of the demands of the changing environment through up-to-date and in-depth knowledge of the core and subfields of international accountancy and finance whilst also providing valuable and necessary practical skills in this field.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for the Master of Science in International Accounting & Finance are:

• A Level 8 primary undergraduate honours degree with a minimum Second-Class Second Division classification (2.2) from a recognised third level institution in a cognate area who wish to specialise in the field of accountancy and finance. Cognate subjects include general business, accountancy and finance related degree, or
• A Level 8 primary undergraduate honours degree with a minimum Second-Class Second Division classification (2.2) from a recognised third level institution in a non-cognate area but holds 3-5 years professional experience in a related field and who require a qualification in this area in order to progress professionally, or
• An equivalent professional qualification such as ACCA or CIMA.
• For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE or DBS English Assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.
• Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification at a 2.2 award level and who have at least 3 years’ work experience may also be considered through the college’s normal RPL procedures. Relevant professional experience may be taken into account and individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis through DBS RPL procedures.

Course Content

The Master of Science (MSc) International Accounting & Finance has the following content:

• • Principles of Financial Markets
  • Quantitative Financial Modelling
  • International Financial Reporting
  • Corporate Governance & Ethics
  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Treasury and Risk Management
  • Advanced International Financial Reporting
  • Strategic Performance Management
  • Research Methods
  • Dissertation/Applied Research Project

Assessment Methods

The programme teaching and learning strategy is designed to allow the learner to progress through the theoretical and practical concepts in an orderly and logical fashion. The assessment strategy is planned to ensure practical application of the core principles of the module and facilitates feedback, which underpins the overall learning experience.

The overall assessment strategy of the programme is a mixture of practical individual and/or group – project bases – continuous assessment, and where appropriate a final examination.

The programme emphasises the development and evolution of the skills and attributes relevant to the contemporary workplace, and the programme’s assessment strategy reflects this clear objective.

Structure

The programme contains a wide range of formative and summative assessments including individual and group work, projects, presentations, case studies and examinations. Learners will synthesise their postgraduate studies with experiential learning gaining critical analysis and self-reflection skills to embrace lifelong learning to progress professionally or undertake further studies and/or research. Through the dissertation or applied research project, learners can develop independent research and problem-solving skills reflective of their expansion of financial management competencies and contribute to their chosen field of enquiry which will be valuable in a variety of contexts in the workplace.

• Full-time

For full-time students, the taught component consists of 10 modules: Successful completion of the taught component stage allows you to move on to the dissertation stage.

• Part-time

For part-time students, delivery of the programme is structured over 4 taught semesters. During each semester, students are typically required to attend lectures on two evenings per week and occasional weekend workshops.

Career Opportunities

Employers have given the following job titles by way of example:

• Accountant
• Financial Analyst
• Portfolio Manager
• Business Analyst
• Business Intelligence
• Consultants
• Private Equity Analyst (VC)
• Fintech Entrepreneur and/or Innovator

From an employer’s perspective, irrespective of the so-called ‘hard skills,’ negotiation, conflict resolution, teamwork and communication are essential to work within the industry. In discussions with industry agility, motivation and teamwork have been highlighted repeatedly as key skills. These are important in all industries, but are seen as particularly important in a relatively young, fast changing environment such as an agile business environment.

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €8,700 full-time, €5,390 p.a. part-time. This covers the cost of tuition, registration and examinations.

Visit Us

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about DBS and learn more about the Master of Science (MSc) in International Accounting & Finance. As well as experiencing our outstanding facilities, you’ll have the opportunity to receive personalised advice from academics from your subject area, meet current postgraduate students and also have your questions answered on general subjects such as entry requirements, student support and the admissions process.