MSc Strategic Professional Accounting and Finance

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Oxford Brookes University

Program Overview

The MSc Strategic Professional Accounting and Finance at Oxford Brookes University is designed for ambitious students who want to move beyond technical accounting and step confidently into strategic, leadership-focused roles. It’s particularly well suited to those with prior accounting knowledge or ACCA progress who want a master’s degree that strengthens professional judgement, business insight, and career readiness.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 – Strategic foundations and professional capability
In the first stage of the programme, you’ll strengthen your strategic accounting expertise through modules such as Advanced Audit and Assurance, where you explore real-world audit challenges, and Advanced Performance Management, which focuses on applying management accounting techniques at a strategic level. Alongside this, Professional and Personal Skills and Strategic Business Leader help you develop leadership, ethical awareness, and decision-making skills expected of senior finance professionals.

Year 2 – Specialisation and applied learning
As you progress, Strategic Business Reporting deepens your ability to interpret and communicate complex corporate reports for different stakeholders. You’ll also choose from specialist options such as Investment and Asset Management or The Practice of Data Analysis, allowing you to shape the course around your career interests and build expertise in areas valued by employers.

Final project and professional experience
The course concludes with an Accounting and Finance Project, where you apply your knowledge to an independent research or consultancy-style study. You may also choose an Enterprise Work Placement, giving you valuable workplace experience and helping you graduate with both academic and practical confidence.

Focus areas:

Strategic accounting, audit and assurance, performance management, business leadership, corporate reporting, finance strategy, investment management, data analysis, professional skills development

Learning outcomes:

Develop advanced strategic and technical accounting knowledge, build leadership and professional judgement skills, prepare for ACCA Strategic Professional exams, apply finance theory to real business problems, and demonstrate independent research capability

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The programme is closely aligned with ACCA Strategic Professional papers, supporting students who are progressing toward ACCA qualification and senior professional roles.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Oxford Brookes University is internationally recognised in global university rankings, with strong employability outcomes and a long-standing reputation for business and accounting education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the MSc Strategic Professional Accounting and Finance at Oxford Brookes University, you won’t just learn concepts — you’ll actively practise them in ways that reflect how finance and accounting professionals work in the real world. Teaching is designed to be interactive and applied, helping you build confidence in analysis, decision-making, teamwork, and professional communication. Throughout the course, you’ll also benefit from specialist facilities, digital tools, and structured opportunities that bring theory to life and prepare you for senior-level roles.

This practical approach is delivered through a combination of real tools, collaborative learning, and professional exposure:

Access to the Bloomberg Trading Suite, allowing you to work with live financial market data and develop practical skills in investment analysis and financial decision-making
Case-study-based teaching and interactive workshops where you analyse real business scenarios and apply strategic accounting and finance concepts
Group projects and assessed presentations built into modules, helping you develop teamwork, leadership, and professional communication skills
An optional International Business in Practice study trip, offering exposure to global business environments and direct engagement with organisations and industry professionals
The option to complete an Enterprise Work Placement as part of a sandwich-mode route, giving you valuable hands-on work experience and insight into professional finance roles
Dedicated careers and employability support, including guidance on CV development, interview preparation, and building a strong professional profile
Full access to Oxford Brookes University’s modern libraries, digital learning platforms, and study spaces that support research, independent learning, and group collaboration

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MSc Strategic Professional Accounting and Finance programme are well prepared to take on meaningful roles across accounting, finance, and business leadership. Typical career paths include becoming an accountant, auditor, financial analyst, or tax specialist, where you’ll apply strategic thinking and professional expertise in real-world business environments. The programme equips you with both technical knowledge and professional confidence, helping you progress quickly in your chosen field:

Dedicated careers support: Oxford Brookes’ Careers team provides personalised guidance on career planning, CV development, interview preparation, and networking with potential employers. Support continues for several years after graduation, giving you an ongoing advantage as you launch your career. Students also benefit from careers fairs, workshops, and access to industry contacts.
Strong employment outcomes: Graduates in accounting and related areas from Oxford Brookes enjoy high employability, with most securing work or further study shortly after completing their degree. Starting salaries for accounting graduates generally range from around £26,000 to £36,000 or more after a few years in the profession, reflecting strong demand for skilled finance professionals.
Industry partnerships and exposure: The course includes engagement with leading firms and professionals through guest lectures, workshops, and networking events, helping you understand current business practice and build professional connections.
Accreditation and long-term value: The programme aligns with four ACCA Strategic Professional papers, preparing you for ACCA exams and supporting your path toward ACCA membership — a globally recognised chartered accountancy qualification that enhances career prospects.
Graduation outcomes: Many graduates secure positions with prestigious organisations in the UK and internationally, demonstrating the value of the course and the confidence employers place in Oxford Brookes accounting and finance alumni.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this master’s, you could continue your studies or professional qualifications. Many graduates pursue ACCA membership or other chartered finance credentials such as CIMA or ICAEW, taking advantage of exemptions provided by the degree. Others may choose postgraduate research like an MPhil or PhD in accounting, finance, or business strategy, particularly if they are interested in academic careers or high-level consultancy roles.