MSc in Finance

18 Months On Campus Masters Program

American University of Sharjah

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) at American University of Sharjah prepares you with advanced analytical and quantitative skills needed for strategic finance careers in a global environment. You’ll gain deep expertise in corporate finance, investment analysis, risk management and financial modelling, making this degree ideal for aspiring finance professionals, analysts, or future PhD researchers in finance.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 (Full-time, ~18 months)

In the first stage, you’ll build core financial foundations with courses like Advanced Financial Statements Analysis, Advanced Corporate Finance, Applied Econometric Methods, and Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management, equipping you to evaluate financial performance, strategise investment decisions and apply quantitative methods.

You then advance into specialised areas with concentration courses such as Advanced Asset Valuation, Pricing and Hedging of Financial Derivatives, and Financial Markets and Institutions to deepen your understanding of financial markets, valuations and instruments.

Finally, depending on your choice of thesis or non-thesis option, you’ll either complete a substantial Master’s Thesis involving independent research or take additional electives such as Risk Management, International Financial Management, Islamic Finance, or Private Equity and Venture Capital — giving you flexibility to tailor your expertise.

Focus areas (in a string):

Corporate finance, financial modelling, investment analysis, applied econometrics, valuations, risk management, derivatives pricing, financial markets and institutions, international finance, Islamic finance.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop advanced quantitative finance skills, analyse financial data for strategic decision-making, apply research tools in finance, evaluate investment and risk strategies, and communicate complex financial reasoning clearly to stakeholders.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The MSF is offered through AUS’s School of Business Administration, which is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education — Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and also recognised by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (USA). These accreditations ensure that your qualification meets rigorous international quality standards.

Reputation (employability & rankings):

American University of Sharjah is consistently ranked among the top private universities in the UAE and regionally respected for its business programmes. AUS’s global standing — including ranking within the QS World University Rankings — strengthens your degree’s credibility with employers in finance, consulting, banking, and investment sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Master of Science in Finance (MSF) at American University of Sharjah, experiential learning is carefully designed to reflect real-world accounting and auditing practice in international business environments. Students gain hands-on exposure through applied coursework, professional software use, case-based learning, and close interaction with faculty who have strong academic and professional backgrounds—ensuring theory is consistently linked to practice:

This applied learning is delivered through:

Case-based and problem-driven coursework: Core courses such as Advanced Financial Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Statement Analysis use real corporate cases and regulatory scenarios, enabling students to apply IFRS and international auditing standards to realistic business problems.
Professional accounting and analytics tools: Students work extensively with spreadsheets, accounting information systems, and financial analysis tools commonly used in professional accounting, audit, and consulting environments.
Group projects and presentations: Many modules include team-based projects, simulating professional accounting engagements and developing collaboration, communication, and client-facing skills essential in audit firms and corporate finance teams.
Elective specialisation projects: Advanced electives such as Forensic Accounting and Internal Auditing involve applied assignments focused on fraud detection, internal controls, and risk assessment in real organisational contexts.
Industry-informed teaching: Courses are delivered within AUS’s School of Business Administration, where curriculum content is closely aligned with professional accounting practice and international certification requirements (e.g., CPA, ACCA).
Library and digital research resources: Full access to the AUS Library provides specialised accounting, auditing, and finance databases, professional standards, and academic journals that support coursework and applied research.
Graduate learning facilities: Students benefit from modern classrooms, seminar rooms, and digital learning platforms on AUS’s Sharjah campus, designed specifically to support postgraduate professional education.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Science in Finance (MSF) at American University of Sharjah progress into highly responsible and well-paid professional roles across audit firms, corporations, and public-sector organisations. Typical career outcomes include Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst, and Internal Auditor, with many graduates advancing quickly into supervisory and managerial positions thanks to the programme’s technical depth and international recognition:

Career progression and graduate opportunities include:

University employability support: AUS provides strong postgraduate career support through its Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs and Career Services, including employer networking, recruitment events, CV/interview coaching, and access to internships and graduate roles across the UAE and GCC.
Strong employment demand & salaries: Accounting and auditing professionals are consistently in demand in the UAE and Middle East, particularly within Big Four firms, multinational companies, banks, and government entities, offering competitive starting salaries and rapid progression with experience and certification.
Industry connections: AUS’s School of Business Administration maintains close links with professional services firms, corporate employers, and financial institutions, supporting graduate recruitment and industry-relevant learning.
Professional certification pathways: The MSA is well aligned with global certifications such as CPA, ACCA, CMA, and CIA, supporting exemptions or accelerated progress toward professional qualification (subject to individual body rules).
Long-term qualification value: With AACSB accreditation and dual recognition by the UAE Ministry of Education (CAA) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (USA), the degree carries strong international credibility and long-term career value.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni commonly secure roles in audit and assurance, corporate accounting, financial reporting, internal audit, and consulting, with many progressing into senior finance and leadership roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSA, graduates may progress to doctoral study (PhD) in Accounting or Business, or pursue executive education and advanced professional certifications. The programme’s analytical focus and applied coursework also support long-term careers in academia, consultancy, and senior financial management.