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University College London - UCL

speciality: Accounting & Finance

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What is an Accounting & Finance degree?

An Accounting & Finance degree focuses on the management of monetary resources available to an organization. Such a degree is aimed at students who want to pursue careers in investment analysis, management, banking, auditing, consulting and financial management. It teaches students how to assess the assets and liabilities of an organization financially and manage the financial risk of their activity.

Accounting & Finance covers the core areas of financial accounting, management accounting and finance but also includes other aspects of the business activity, such as financial management and control, corporate finance, company accounts, investment and business law. Optional module options provided by different universities around the world often allow students to specialize in a particular area such as auditing, taxation, etc.

Benefits of an Accounting & Finance degree

The completion of an Accounting & Finance degree comes along with numerous benefits. Students develop strong analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, which are highly demanded by employers in both the private and the public sector and result in graduates often finding employment in large multinational organizations that offer professional services such as PwC, KPMG and Deloitte. On top of that, established companies around the world offer excellent and well-structured graduate schemes, which help Accounting & Finance graduates to kick-start their careers.

Accounting & Finance degrees are mostly practically oriented. They allow students to put the knowledge and skills they acquire on a daily basis to practice through simulated and real-life business accounts management and work placement opportunities.

Most Accounting & Finance degrees are professionally accredited by professional bodies, such as ACCA, AIA, CIMA, ICAEW and CIPFA, which provides students with the opportunity to become chartered accountants. Students gain professional qualifications in accountancy, which eliminates the need for additional certifications after graduation.

Due to the nature of the Accounting & Finance Degree, which complements business-related subjects, students often have the opportunity to complete a joint honours degree.

Accounting & Finance Degree Structure

An Accounting & Finance degree’s duration varies depending on the country and degree level. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting & Finance can be completed in three years. However, universities also offer students the option to take a sandwich course, which allows them to undertake a year-long placement between their second and third year, which extends the course to four years. Four years is the regular time of completion of this degree in other countries, such as the United States.

The first year of a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting & Finance introduces the core principles of accounting and finance, including financial accounting, management accounting and finance as well as economics and business law. The second year’s focus is usually on managerial and business economics, financial control, corporate finance and company accounts, but optional modules might enable students to pursue their interests in other aspects of Accounting & Finance such as auditing or strategic business analysis. At this point, students studying at Higher Education Institutions in the UK could choose to take an industry placement in order to apply the theoretical concepts and the acquired knowledge to practice in the professional environment. The next stage of this degree is dedicated to further-developing students’ knowledge of financial and management accounting. Optional modules might enable students to specialize in a particular area of their choice such as auditing or taxation in some countries like the UK.

Masters’ degrees in Accounting & Finance usually take between 12 and 18 months to complete depending on the country that students choose for their studies. 

Research-based degrees, such as MPhil and PhD, can take anywhere between 1 and 7 years depending on the country and type of degree. MPhil degrees in Accounting & Finance in the UK usually take 12 months if it is studied full-time and 24 months for part-time studies. PhD degrees in the UK, on the other hand, take about 36 months to complete if studying full-time and 72 months for a part-time program. In the US, students may be required to dedicate between 4 and 7 years on their degree.

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  • Accounting
    Miles
    Don't run to do Accounting at UCL yet

    Introduction:
    The Accounting Master’s Program at University College London (UCL) is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of accounting. This detailed review will delve into various aspects of the program, including its curriculum, faculty, facilities, extracurricular offerings, student experience, alumni network, and career services.

    Curriculum:
    The curriculum of the Accounting Master’s Program at UCL provides a comprehensive overview of accounting principles, financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and management accounting. Core courses cover the fundamental concepts and practices of accounting, offering students a solid grounding in the subject. However, some students have expressed a desire for more specialized and advanced topics, such as forensic accounting, sustainability reporting, and international accounting standards. Incorporating these areas into the program would better align it with current industry trends and prepare graduates for a broader range of career opportunities.

    Faculty:
    The faculty members at UCL’s Accounting Master’s Program are distinguished individuals with extensive experience and qualifications in the accounting field. Many professors have notable research contributions and industry connections, enriching the academic experience for students. However, some students have reported that the teaching approach lacks sufficient engagement and practical application of accounting concepts. Encouraging faculty to incorporate more real-world examples, case studies, and interactive teaching methods could enhance the overall learning experience.

    Facilities:
    UCL offers a modern and well-maintained campus with adequate facilities to support the academic needs of accounting students. The main library provides access to a wide range of accounting-related literature and resources. However, some students have pointed out that the collection could be expanded to include more up-to-date materials and resources related to emerging accounting practices and technologies. Additionally, during peak study hours, finding available study spaces can be challenging, impacting the quality of the learning environment.

    Extracurricular Offerings:
    UCL provides a variety of extracurricular activities and student societies; however, the Accounting Master’s Program lacks dedicated accounting-focused societies or clubs. This absence may limit opportunities for networking, industry exposure, and exploring career paths in accounting. To enhance the extracurricular experience, UCL could establish specialized accounting societies and foster connections with professional accounting organizations to provide students with greater access to the industry.

    Student Experience:
    The student experience at UCL’s Accounting Master’s Program is a mixed bag. Some students appreciate the multicultural environment and the opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. However, others have reported feeling a lack of community and insufficient academic and administrative support. Addressing these concerns would contribute to a more positive and fulfilling student experience. Establishing more frequent feedback mechanisms and maintaining an open line of communication between faculty, administration, and students would be beneficial.

    Alumni Network and Career Services:
    UCL boasts a strong and active alumni network, which has proven valuable to many graduates of the Accounting Master’s Program. The alumni network facilitates professional connections, job placements, and mentorship opportunities. UCL’s career services department provides some assistance with job placements and internships. However, students have expressed a desire for more personalized career guidance and tailored support to match individual career aspirations and preferences.

    Conclusion:
    The Accounting Master’s Program at University College London (UCL) offers a solid academic foundation in accounting, covering essential concepts and practices. While the faculty is distinguished, improvements in teaching engagement and practical application of accounting concepts could enhance the learning experience. The program’s curriculum could be updated to include more specialized and contemporary topics to align with industry demands. Establishing dedicated accounting societies and fostering connections with professional organizations would enrich extracurricular opportunities for students. Addressing student concerns and providing more personalized career services would further enhance the overall program experience. Despite these areas of improvement, UCL’s Accounting Master’s Program remains a reputable option for students seeking advanced studies in accounting and preparing for a rewarding career in the field.

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    Programme: Accounting
    Degree: Master's
    Graduation: 2023
    Delivery Type: Blended
    Campus: London
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