Providing an intensive, academically demanding and applied programme that both critically evaluates and synthesises current academic concepts, theories and research to address key issues in AFM. Engendering in students an objective appreciation of current practice in the field of AFM, and equipping them with specialist analytical skills and knowledge to take advantage of opportunities and minimise threats within the complex real world environment. Enabling students to develop purposefully and refine their own comprehensive ‘toolbox’ of AFM techniques and encouraging them to practice the application of such tools. Facilitating students in the development of the deeper subject specific knowledge and skills in applied settings. Developing students’ problem-solving and decision-making skills and judgement in the field of AFM. Setting in place an approach to life-long learning and the acquisition of skills which will enable them to apply a structured and reflective approach to both their personal development and their contribution to society.
General Entry Criteria
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree at MNQF level 7 or Level 8 in the relevant field.
Core Modules
Fundamentals of Accounting and Finance
Financial Statement Analysis
Corporate Governance and Strategy
Corporate Financial Strategy
Strategic Management Accounting
Advanced Corporate Reporting
Research Methods – Accounting and Finance
Dissertation-Financial Management
Contemporary Issues in Accounting and Finance
Upon successful completion of this programme, participants will be able to
Knowledge and Understanding of
A range of accounting issues in their historical, socio-political, institutional, organisational, epistemic and technical contexts
An appropriate cross-section of significant accounting research writings, demonstrating an understanding of their assumptions, methodology, methods and significance
How organisations and their information systems are influenced by environmental forces such as legal systems, ethical, social, economic and technological change issues and international developments
The relationship between theory, research approach and research method
The principal traditions, methodologies and approaches of accounting research
The ethical issues in accounting and social scientific research
The principles of corporate governance and strategy, and the process underpinning good corporate governance and strategic management
The strategies in corporate finance and the corresponding risk implications
The development of the regulatory framework of financial reporting
The analysis and interpretation of financial statements and other relevant financial information to support investment and corporate finance decisions
Intellectual Skills
Present an appropriate, critical review of some aspects of the literature
Analyse complex problems relating to corporate strategy, management accounting, performance measurement, financial accounting, financial reporting, financial statement analysis, decision-making and control, corporate risk management and control, and corporate finance, and summarise relevant factors.
Apply relevant knowledge, techniques and concepts systematically and creatively to situations and problems in the field
Evaluate and provide insightful comments on current and potential future developments in the discipline
Provide analysis and realistic prescriptions of situations relating to corporate financing, investment and dividend decisions
Employ a range of accounting, reporting and financial skills and techniques that will assist organisations in shaping and meeting corporate objectives
Prescribe appropriate formats and contents of communication between organisations and a range of stakeholders
Analyse and critically appraise published financial reports, and accounting policies and strategies
Interpret and apply international financial reporting standards to various situations
Discuss and critically evaluate a range of costing and internal accounting systems
Evaluate and critically appraise performance measurement systems of an organisation
Evaluate the impact of e-business and e-commerce on organisations
Produce a plan for the audit of various organisational activities including management, accounting and information systems
Evaluate strategic options and make sound recommendations
Subject/Professional/ Practical Skills
Engage in analytical and evaluative thinking about texts, sources, arguments and interpretations, assessing their relevance to the issue in question, discriminating between opposing viewpoints and forming judgements on the basis of evidence and argument.
Create a range of valid alternative responses to situations and problems and evaluate and discriminate between them in a critical way
Engage in lateral thinking, drawing on understanding and techniques accumulated through prior learning, to provide innovative and creative perspectives on problems requiring a multi-disciplinary approach
Transferable skills and other attributes
Select from a comprehensive range of relevant primary and secondary sources, including theoretical and research-based evidence to extend knowledge and understanding.
Communicate information, ideas, arguments, concepts, and theories and develop an argument in a clearly and effectively organised essay, report or dissertation.
Undertake independent/self-directed study/learning, including time management.
Use IT and computer skills for data capture, to identify source material, and to support research.
Make discriminating use of a range of information resources in order to identify appropriate source material, compile bibliographies, inform research and enhance presentations.
Evaluate and creatively work on issues in the context of partial and uncertain information.
Work co-operatively within a group to address complex issues to tight deadlines.
Design appropriate research strategies having due regard to time constraints, methodological approaches, practical matters and ethical issues.
Deploy a range of practical research skills.