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MSc Professional Accountancy
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This unique degree offers you the opportunity to use your professional accountancy qualifications as credit towards a master's. Gain the skills to stand out from the crowd and prepare yourself for a senior accountancy or finance role.
Key features
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World-class academic direction
The degree is developed and taught by leading experts at University College London's (UCL) School of Management. UCL is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, ranked eighth in the world in the 2023 QS World University rankings.
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Take your qualifications further
This degree allows you to make the most of your professional qualifications. If you’re already a member of a listed professional body, you can use your qualifications as credits towards the MSc and graduate faster.
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Study online anywhere in the world
Choose between supported online learning or enrolling at one of our Recognised Teaching Centres in your home country for face-to-face tuition support. The degree can be completed in under a year or up to five years, depending on your pace of study, so you can maintain your career momentum.
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Unparalleled resources at your fingertips
Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) gives you access to a range of engaging content, from study materials to revision guides, and forums to connect with your tutors and fellow students. You'll also use the innovative and award-winning simulation tool Icarus, developed by academics from UCL's School of Management.
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Join our global alumni network
After you graduate, you'll continue to enjoy a lifelong link to the University of London, with benefits including global alumni events and free online courses. You'll join our distinguished community of graduates around the world, which includes Nobel prize-winners and industry leaders.
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Enhance your employability skills
Alongside your studies, the University of London Careers Service will provide opportunities to support the development and strengthening of your global employability skills.
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Teaching Centre Support
Course overview
You complete two elective modules (15 credits each) and one Capstone project module (30 credits) to complete the master's.
Individual modules will be available to study on a stand-alone basis (subject to module availability).
The Programme Specification and Programme Regulations contain information and rules regarding what modules you can choose and the order in which they must be studied.
(AFM080-01)
or(AFM100-01)
or(AFM070-01)
or(AFM090-01)
or(AFM500-01)
Studying with us
You can study the MSc Professional Accountancy from anywhere in the world, at a pace that suits you. Our flexible approach to studying allows you to fit your studies around your commitments and you can decide how many modules to take.
The degree consists of three modules, and you can take up to two per session (subject to module availability). That means, depending on your time and financial situation, you can complete the MSc Professional Accountancy in six months to five years. And if you need to take a session off, you won't be charged during that session.
Each 15-credit module equates to 150 hours. Over the 10 teaching weeks, students will need to dedicate around 15 hours of study per module per week. Each 30-credit module equates to 300 hours. Over the 20 teaching weeks, students will need to dedicate around 15 hours of study per module per week. Find out further information about the programme structure, modules, and specifications above.
When you register with us, you will gain access to all resources and study materials via your Student Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), that will equip you to complete each module successfully. You will gain access to a range of essential resources, activities, videos, discussions, and support, as well as the opportunity to engage with your online tutor and fellow students.
Online Library
As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the Online Library. You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require.
Senate House Library
If you’re based in the United Kingdom, or are visiting London, make sure to visit Senate House Library. Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources.
Online tutor support
Studying our online MSc Professional Accountancy entitles you to receive tutor support and feedback. If you choose to study as a web-supported learner, you will have the opportunity to join an online tutor group and be able to engage with your fellow students. If you interested in studying with a local teaching centre, you will benefit from face-to-face tuition.
Assessment
Modules include a mix of assessments, giving you the chance to undertake formative assessments, which will help you measure your progress and summative assessments, which will count to your final marks. Assessment is through coursework, and there are no examinations.
Academics from UCL's School of Management provide the direction for the MSc, design the modules, develop the learning content, plus set and mark the assessments.
Ranked eight in the world in the 2023 QS World University Rankings, UCL is one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Programme Director
Professor Lynsie Chew leads the UCL's School of Management's Digital Education team. Lynsie has won four awards for teaching quality and her specialisms are in Accounting, Financial Management and International Financial Systems. She is co-editor/co-author of six Pearson Custom textbooks. She is also a Faculty Advisor at Harvard Medical School, and engages in international scholarly activity in numerous fields within accounting and education.
Deputy Programme Director
Professor Alan Parkinson is Professor of Financial Education at UCL and School Deputy Director and leads the Finance, Accounting and Economics Teaching Team. With extensive experience of curriculum planning and design, he also works regularly with international companies on a consulting basis, and on Executive Education programmes. He is Visiting Professor at Ecole des Ponts in Paris, and a Faculty Adviser at Harvard Medical School.
Key dates
| Applications open | |
|---|---|
| Applications close | |
| Registration deadline | |
| Programme starts | October 2024 |
| Applications open | |
|---|---|
| Applications close | |
| Registration deadline | |
| Programme starts | April 2025 |
Admissions
What qualifications do you need?
To satisfy the entrance requirements to register for the MSc or individual modules, you must have fulfilled the membership requirements of a listed professional accountancy body.
Accepted qualifications for MSc Professional Accountancy
The MSc Professional Accountancy is available to those who are a member of a professional accountancy body as listed below. You can use your qualifications as credit towards the MSc, allowing you to obtain a master's degree by studying just 60 credits.
Listed professional accountancy bodies and applicant status
When you register for the MSc Professional Accountancy, the qualifications from the following professional accountancy bodies will be accepted.
To qualify to register for the MSc you must have:
- passed a professional accountancy body qualification from the list of accepted qualifications, and
- either, have been awarded in the past five years,
- or, if the qualification was awarded more than five years ago, be able to provide proof that they are in good standing with their professional body. (Retired or non-practicing members would meet the entrance requirements, but must be able to provide proof that they are in good standing with their professional body.)
| Professional accountancy body | Applicant status |
|---|---|
| Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) | Full member (ACCA, FCCA). Affiliates must have passed all examinations |
| American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) | Full member only (CPA, CGMA) |
| ASEAN CPA | Full member only (ASEAN CPA) |
| Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) | Full member only (CA ANZ) |
| Chartered Accountants Ireland | Full member only (ACA or FCA) |
| Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) | Full member only |
| Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) | Full member (ACMA, FCMA, CGMA). Applicants must have passed all examinations. |
| Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) | Full member (CPFA, CIPFA - PQ). Applicants must have passed all examinations. |
| Chartered Professional Accountants Canada (CPA Canada) | Full member only (CPA) |
| Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants | Full member only |
| CPA Australia | Full member [Certified Practicing Accountant - CPA and Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA)]. If you are Associate (ASA) you must have passed all CPA examinations. |
| CPA Ireland (formerly Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland) | Full member only (CPA Ireland) |
| Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) | Full member only (CPA or FCPA) |
| Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) | Full member (ACA and FCA) Applicants - must have passed all examinations. |
| Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland (ICAS) | Full member (CA) Applicants - must have passed all examinations. |
| Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria | Full member only |
| Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ) | Full member only (CA[Z]) |
| Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants | Full member only (CA Singapore) |
| The Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants | Full member only (CPA M) |
| South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) | Full member only Chartered Accountant South Africa CA(SA) |
| The Institute of Chartered Accountants India (ICAI) | Full member only (CA, FCA) |
English Language requirements
You will meet the English language requirement if you have one of the following:
- passed the English versions of your professional accountancy body qualifications (from the agreed list) in the past five years, or
- are a current member of any agreed professional accountancy body where the exams are conducted in English.
Applicants who do not meet either of the above will be considered, on an individual basis at the point of application. This standard must be met before you register for the MSc.
Or you have one of the following English language tests from the past three years:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in the written test
- TOEFL iBT: 92 overall, with 22+ in reading and writing and 20+ in speaking and listening
- Pearson Test (Academic): 59 overall, with 59+ in reading and writing and 54+ in speaking and listening
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (grade C or above).
Computer requirements
For this programme, you will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection and a web browser as set out in the Programme Specification.
For the Capstone Project, you will need one of the following supported platforms:
- Mobile platforms of iOS, Android and Windows 10 support
- iOS support OS version 8+
- Android support API level 19+ Version 4.4 - 4.4.4
- Windows 10 UWP version
- Icarus (Professional Accountancy) App (latest version)
- Other specialised software may be made available by the University if required.
Fees, funding and payment
The fees you pay depend on whether you live in a developing (Band A) or developed (Band B) nation - see Countries and Regions list [PDF].
The fees below relate to new students registering for the 2024-2025 sessions.
On average, fees are subject to a five per cent year-on-year increase.
Students who registered earlier can view their fees on the Course Fees page.
Important: the table below does not include fees payable to a third party, such as tuition costs payable to a Recognised Teaching Centre or fees charged by your local examination centre, or local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or sales tax.
| MSc full programme fee (web supported)* | 2024-2025 |
|---|---|
| Band A countries | £3737 |
| Band B countries | £5060 |
| MSc indicative totals for Teaching Centres** | |
| Band A Teaching Centre | £2489 |
| Band B Teaching Centre | £3372 |
| Module fees | |
| Web-supported learners: | |
| Band A 15 credit module | £934 |
| Band A 30 credit project module | £1869 |
| Band B 15 credit module | £1265 |
| Band B 30 credit project module | £2530 |
| Teaching Centre supported learners: | |
| Band A 15 credit module | £622 |
| Band A 30 credit module | £1245 |
| Band B 15 credit module | £843 |
| Band B 30 credit module | £1686 |
How fees work
* If you wish to pay all the module fees for the MSc Professional Accountancy at once, you can pay the full MSc programme fee. This fee does not include the module fee when repeating a module and fees payable to a University of London Recognised Teaching Centre, if applicable. If you choose to pay the full programme fee, you will automatically receive web-supported learning for all of the modules but you can also select to study any of the modules at an institution; however, you will also need to pay the requisite tuition fee to the institution for this support. By paying in full at the beginning of your programme, you avoid any annual fee increases to module fees.
With pay per module, you pay for each module as you register for it. The ‘web-supported learning’ fee includes support from a University of London online tutor.
**The indicative totals given for teaching centre supported fees represent the amount you would expect to pay if you were to complete the MSc degree in the minimum period of time (six months, subject to module availability), without resits, and paying per module. These totals do not reflect the cost of any additional tuition support you may choose to take.
Your fees include study materials and entry into assessments.
Some fees are non-refundable. Please see the refund and compensation policy for further details.
Additional Costs
You will also need to budget for:
- Textbooks (could extend to around £300 per year)
- Tuition costs if you study at a Recognised Teaching Centre.
Sales Tax
Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.
Further information on Sales Tax.
Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees. (If in doubt, please check with them before making a payment.)
Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there may be additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.
Masters in Professional Accountancy does not meet the UK Postgraduate Loans course eligibility criteria and is not listed on the Student Loans Company Course Management Service.
Can I get sponsored?
If you're employed, your employer may be willing to cover part or all of the programme fees if you can make a compelling case as to how this programme will boost your contribution to the workplace. Full details and a template available for students regarding sponsoring.
More details about sponsoring plus info to complete your business case to present to your employer.
You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including an online payment facility via the Student Portal and Western Union Quick Pay.
Career opportunities
Our MSc Professional Accountancy is targeted at career minded finance professionals who wish to complement their professional skills with master’s level understanding and skills applied to accountancy and finance subject areas.
Enhancing your professional profile is an ever-present need in our ever-changing world. Building upon your professional qualification with a master's degree from a prestigious global institution such as UoL is now possible - offering a fast-track opportunity gateway to future possibilities.
What do employers think of our graduates?
In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching institution.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Some professional accountancy bodies may recognise MSc learning hours as equivalent to CPD units. Please check with your professional body on specific CPD equivalency conversion.
You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.
What our students say
“This degree will help me to take on new challenges, advance my career, and build my professional credibility.”
Anael Bodwell
Seychelles
“Online learning gave me access to courses not available locally, allowing me to explore new topics and pursue my interests.”
Moiz Ali Khan
UAE
“The University of London has a great reputation... once I graduate, the qualification will make allow me to work anywhere in the world.”
Zechariah Dossi
Malawi
Apply now
Thank you for your interest in studying with us. Applications are currently closed for this course. Check the key dates section when applications open or register your interest.
Register your interest
