Master of Accounting and Finance

Core modules
Financial Accounting and Reporting

This module covers a range of financial accounting concepts and provides a challenging and interesting introduction to the theory and practice of financial accounting. The module is designed to help you construct and interpret financial statements and to develop a theoretical and analytical grasp on financial accounting issues.

Management Accounting

Using a range of case studies this module will look at traditional and innovative ways of measuring and managing costs and recent developments in performance planning, measurement and management. Key techniques in cost and management accounting as well as context appropriate practices will be taught.

Contemporary Issues in Financial Reporting

This module aims to equip students with knowledge and understanding of financial reporting from an international context. The module is designed to inspire you to evaluate the effects of financial reporting treatments on published financial statements of international organisations, as well as derive and communicate meaning in order to make or influence economic decisions.

Strategic Management Accounting

Strategic Management Accounting (SMA) is a controversial subject and as such is treated practically and theoretically to reflect the state of the art.  Critical assessment of SMA concepts and tools is undertaken in the light of the latest research and using practical contexts to allow you to appreciate the potential pitfalls of this high level concept.

Sustainability Accounting and Accountability

This module examines a range of theories and practical methods that underpin sustainability accounting and accountability studies and applications. We go beyond the traditional accounting model to explore and challenge new ways of thinking, using real-world data. This allows you to acquire conceptual and practical experiences within the growing field of sustainability accounting and accountability.

Business Finance

This module teaches you the key principles and challenges of financial management decisions.  Develop an understanding of the characteristics influencing factors and the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of financing.  You'll also apply mathematical techniques to support a range of business decisions such as the valuation of shares and the evaluation of investment opportunities.

Financial Analysis

This module will focus on providing you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to analyse published financial statements. It will develop your ability to critically assess the current stock market valuation of major public companies and make impartial financial recommendations.

Ethics in Academic Practice

This module provides an introduction to the Academic Offence framework. By completing the resources you will understand the key principles underpinning the submission of academic assignments. These principles can then be applied to the rest of the modules studied at the university.

The Aston Global Advantage

The Aston Global Advantage is our professional development programme that runs throughout all MSc programmes at Aston Business School. Focusing on professional development and employability, this integrated module gives you the opportunity to identify, develop and apply the key transferrable skills you will gain throughout the year. 

Business Project or Dissertation 

The business project/dissertation is a chance for you to carry out an original piece of work applying material that you have learnt in the taught element of your degree. Specific requirements will be explained relating to different degree programmes but in summary you must demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of your chosen area of specialism.

Optional Modules:
Note: Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Current Issues in Global Audit and Assurance

Data Mining and Web Analytics

Corporate Governance, Regulation and Compliance

International Business Finance

International Business Strategy

Research Design Practice and Ethics*

*This module must be selected if Dissertation is selected in core module and is only applicable to Dissertation option.