Program Description
The Master of Science in Accounting and Finance (M.Sc. AccFin) is awarded to students on the basis of a demonstrated achievement of program outcomes. The program is delivered over two years and includes academic, discipline-specific studies delivered through practical and experiential learning. The M.Sc. AccFin program offers an integrated approach that combines core practical accounting and finance application knowledge with applied research and analytical skills which are aligned with industry demands. Many courses include a research project as part of their assessment. Upon completion of the program, graduates will clearly demonstrate independent thinking in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level. Graduates demonstrate the global functions of practical accounting and financial knowledge, and are adept in dealing with complex issues in a systematic, strategic and creative way. Students develop the knowledge skills and competencies to apply an advanced body of knowledge in multiple contexts for both professional practice and as a pathway to a doctoral degree in Accounting or Finance.
Program Duration:
2 years
Admission Requirements:
1. Bachelor degree in Business from an accredited higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Bachelor degree in an unrelated field of study from an accredited higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. In addition, bridging courses may be required.
3. Bachelor degree from an accredited higher education institution with GPA above 2.0 and below 3.0 on a 4.0 scale,with a minimum of five years’ work experience in a related field. In addition, bridging courses may be required.
2. Bachelor degree in an unrelated field of study from an accredited higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. In addition, bridging courses may be required.
3. Bachelor degree from an accredited higher education institution with GPA above 2.0 and below 3.0 on a 4.0 scale,with a minimum of five years’ work experience in a related field. In addition, bridging courses may be required.
1. The required score on the UDST English Placement Test or a passing score from another approved internationally recognized English language test, as validated by the Admissions & Registration Directorate; OR
2. A valid (within two years) IELTS Academic Test Report Form with an overall band of 6.0 with no individual band score (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) below 6.0; OR
3. A valid (within two years) TOEFL iBT score of 72 and minimum scores of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing.
2. A valid (within two years) IELTS Academic Test Report Form with an overall band of 6.0 with no individual band score (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) below 6.0; OR
3. A valid (within two years) TOEFL iBT score of 72 and minimum scores of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing.
1. Academic transcripts related to the Bachelor degree and/or post graduate diploma presented upon application, and
2. Employment certificate from current employer indicating minimum full-time employment experience in years
2. Employment certificate from current employer indicating minimum full-time employment experience in years
2025-2026 Study Plan:
| COURSE NUMBER |
COURSE TITLE | REQUISITE | HOURS/WEEK | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-req | CO-req | CR | LEC | LAB | ||
| SEMESTER 1 | ||||||
| MSAF6100 | Empirical Research Methods | - | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| MSAF6105 | Financial Management | - | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| MSAF6101 | Financial Statement Preparation & Analysis | - | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Semester 1 Total: | 9 | 9 | 0 | |||
| SEMESTER 2 | ||||||
| MSAF6205 | Advanced Corporate Finance | MSAF6101 & MSAF6105 | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| MSAF6211 | Advanced Management Accounting | - | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| MSAF6201 | International Financial Reporting | MSAF6101 | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Semester 2 Total: | 9 | 9 | 0 | |||
| Year 1 Total: | 18 | 18 | 0 | |||
| COURSE NUMBER |
COURSE TITLE | REQUISITE | HOURS/WEEK | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-req | CO-req | CR | LEC | LAB | ||
| SEMESTER 3 | ||||||
| MSAF6305 | Investments & Portfolio Management | MSAF6205 | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Elective: select 1 of 3 | ||||||
| MSAF6315 | Advanced Asset Pricing | MSAF6205 | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| MSAF6301 | Contemporary Issues in Accounting & Financial Economics | MSAF6101 & MSAF6105 | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| MSAF6325 | Derivatives & Alternative Investments | MSAF6205 | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Semester 3 Total: | 6 | 6 | 0 | |||
| SEMESTER 4 | ||||||
| MSAF6400 | Accounting & Finance Thesis | MSAF6100 | - | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| Semester 4 Total: | 6 | 2 | 0 | |||
| Year 2 Total: | 12 | 8 | 0 | |||
| Program Total | 30 | 26 | 0 | |||
Graduate Future Pathways:
Graduates of the Master of Science in Accounting and Finance (M.Sc. AccFin) program may choose to continue their post graduate studies and pursue a Doctorate degree in their area of specialization.
Graduate Career Opportunities:
The Master of Science in Accounting and Finance (M.Sc. AccFin) is an applied program with learning outcomes closely linked to the labor market. A wide range of career opportunities in the field currently exist and include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Manager
- Investment Banker
- Financial Consultant
- Investor Relations Manager
- Portfolio Manager