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12 Months On Campus Masters Program
University of Abertay DundeeThe MSc Accounting and Finance (CIMA Gateway) at Abertay University is designed for students who want a strong academic grounding in accounting and finance while accelerating their progress toward a professional qualification with CIMA. It suits ambitious graduates aiming for careers in management accounting, financial analysis, and strategic business roles, combining theory with practical, decision-focused learning.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 (Master’s Level Study)
Throughout the programme, students develop advanced knowledge of accounting and finance through core modules such as Advanced Financial Reporting and Analysis, which focuses on interpreting complex financial statements in an international business environment. Advanced Management Accounting for Decision Making builds skills in budgeting, performance measurement, and strategic planning, while Case Studies in Management Accounting allows students to apply theory to real organisational challenges using practical business scenarios.
Research and Independent Study
Students are also trained in analytical and academic research skills through Research Methods for Accounting and Finance, preparing them for independent investigation. The Accounting and Finance Dissertation enables students to explore a topic linked to professional or industry interests, demonstrating critical thinking, problem-solving, and advanced financial insight.
Focus Areas
Management accounting, financial reporting, strategic decision making, corporate finance, research and analytical skills, professional business communication
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to critically analyse financial information, apply advanced accounting techniques to support business strategy, evaluate complex financial problems, and conduct independent research relevant to professional practice.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This programme is aligned with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants qualification framework, offering significant exam exemptions and allowing direct progression to the Management Level Case Study, fast-tracking the route to full CIMA membership.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Abertay University is recognised for its strong focus on employability and professional relevance, with business-focused teaching that supports graduates in securing roles across finance, accounting, and management functions.
At Abertay University, the MSc Accounting and Finance (CIMA Gateway) is designed to help students develop practical, career-ready skills alongside strong academic knowledge. Learning is highly applied, with a strong emphasis on real business challenges, teamwork, and professional decision-making, ensuring students understand how accounting and finance operate in real organisations. Students also benefit from regular interaction with industry professionals and tailored career support, helping them build confidence and professional awareness throughout the programme, which leads into hands-on learning opportunities such as:
Case-based learning linked to professional practice: Teaching is built around real-world business scenarios, allowing students to apply accounting and finance theory to practical management and financial decision-making situations.
Group projects and collaborative assessments: Students work in teams on presentations and applied tasks, reflecting the collaborative nature of modern finance and accounting roles.
Professional engagement and guest speakers: The programme incorporates insights from finance and accounting professionals, helping students understand current industry expectations and professional standards.
Independent research through the dissertation: Students complete a substantial research project focused on an accounting or finance topic aligned with their career interests, developing analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
Specialist library and digital learning resources: The Bernard King Library provides access to academic journals, financial databases, digital resources, and dedicated study spaces to support coursework and research.
Careers and employability support: Abertay’s Careers Service offers personalised guidance, employability workshops, CV support, and access to internship and graduate opportunities throughout the course.
Graduates of the MSc Accounting and Finance (CIMA Gateway) at Abertay University progress into careers where strategic financial insight and professional credibility are highly valued. Typical roles include management accountant, financial analyst, finance business partner, and finance manager or controller, reflecting the programme’s strong focus on decision-making and business performance. Because the course is aligned with a professional qualification pathway, it gives graduates a clear advantage when moving into competitive finance roles:
Targeted employability support from Abertay: Students benefit from dedicated Careers Service support, including one-to-one career guidance, CV and application feedback, interview preparation, and access to employer events designed specifically to support postgraduate career progression.
Strong graduate outcomes: Abertay University consistently reports a high proportion of graduates moving into employment or further study shortly after graduation, supported by its practical, professionally focused teaching approach.
Professional and industry alignment: The programme is designed in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, ensuring learning is directly aligned with employer expectations and current professional standards.
Long-term accreditation value: Graduates can gain significant exemptions from CIMA professional examinations and progress directly to higher levels of the qualification, accelerating the journey toward full Chartered Management Accountant status.
Clear employment pathways: Alumni commonly move into roles across accounting, finance, consultancy, auditing, and business analysis in private organisations, public sector bodies, and multinational companies.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, students can continue their professional development by completing the remaining CIMA qualification levels, leading to full chartered status. Others may choose to progress into specialist postgraduate study or research-based routes in areas such as corporate finance, financial management, or strategic business analysis, depending on their long-term career goals.
An undergraduate accounting degree (2:2 or better). Students who have an ordinary degree and are CIMA accredited to ‘Operational Level’ or above are also eligible for entry. A desire to focus on management accounting and progress towards a professional qualification with CIMA. overall score 6.0 (with no component less than 5.5)IELTS 6.0 (with no component less than 5.5) or TOEFL 78 (individual components: Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17)India: Applicants need a recognised bachelor’s degree with 55–70% (or 5.5–6.9 GPA on a 10-point scale) depending on whether independent research was included, with flexibility for professional degrees or relevant industry experience if subject requirements are not met.USA: Applicants must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7.China: Applicants must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 70%.Management accountantfinance business partnerfinancial analystfinancial controllerfinance managerbusiness analystroles in consultingroles in internal auditroles in risk managementcorporate finance specialiststrategic finance advisersustainability accountantresearch analyst in accounting and financeprofessional accountant progressing toward CIMA chartered status
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