Accounting and Finance (Professional Practice) MSc

18 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Huddersfield

Program Overview

The Accounting and Finance (Professional Practice) MSc gives you the chance to gain advanced knowledge in accounting and finance while developing real-world professional skills. It is ideal for graduates who want to pursue a career in accounting, finance, or business, combining academic learning with practical experience through a work placement.

Curriculum structure:
During the taught stage, you will build expertise in financial reporting, management accounting, and auditing through modules such as Accounting Theory and Practice, Management Accounting and Financial Strategy, and Corporate Governance and Audit. The program also emphasizes professional development, preparing you for placement opportunities with modules like Research and Professional Skills for Finance and Financial Decision Making. This stage ensures you can apply analytical, technical, and ethical skills effectively in real professional environments.

Focus areas:
Financial reporting, management accounting, auditing, corporate governance, professional practice, financial strategy, research skills

Learning outcomes:
Develop advanced accounting and finance expertise, apply analytical and decision-making skills in professional contexts, understand ethical and corporate governance principles, and integrate theoretical knowledge with practical workplace experience

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Designed to meet the requirements of professional accounting bodies, preparing students for roles aligned with ACCA, CIMA, and CIPFA pathways

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Huddersfield has a strong employability record and close industry links, offering work placement opportunities that enhance career readiness and professional networking

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This master’s degree is designed around real-world experience, not just lectures and exams — you’ll develop practical skills that employers value from day one. The course includes a six-month professional placement where you can apply what you’ve learned in a genuine business setting, supported every step of the way by the University’s Employability and Placements team. Throughout your studies, you’ll also have access to industry-standard tools and environments, including the Trading Room with real-time financial data and professional software, giving you hands-on experience with the systems finance professionals use in practice. You’ll work on real scenarios, build teamwork and communication skills, and gain confidence by solving problems just like those you’ll encounter in your career:

In this programme you will:

Undertake a six-month work placement in a UK business to apply classroom learning in a professional finance or accounting role and build your CV before you graduate.
Use the Trading Room, equipped with live market data and professional financial software, to analyse markets and enhance your technical decision-making skills.
Engage in group projects and consultancy-style work that mirror real workplace tasks and require collaborative problem-solving.
Receive support from the Employability and Placements Office, including guidance on CVs, interviews, and professional development to help you secure placements and graduate roles.

You can explore the programme’s facilities and practical learning spaces for accounting and finance students on the University website.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme often build successful careers in accounting, finance, and business-related roles, stepping confidently into professional practice thanks to the practical experience they gain. Typical roles include Chartered Accountant, External Auditor, Tax Advisor, and Financial Analyst, giving you a strong foundation for growth in competitive job markets:

After you graduate you can expect:
• Support from the University’s Careers and Employability Service, offering one-to-one guidance on CVs, interviews, career workshops, and networking opportunities to help you secure the right role.
• Assistance from the Employability and Placements Office, helping you find and prepare for professional placements and connect with employer networks.
• Strong postgraduate outcomes, with most graduates in work or further study within 15 months and an average salary around £38,500, reflecting the value employers place on this degree.
• Professional accreditation links, including CIMA and other recognised bodies, which enhance your long-term career recognition and credibility.

Further Academic Progression:
If you wish to continue your studies, you could pursue research degrees such as a PhD in Accounting, Finance, or Management, or undertake specialised postgraduate certifications and professional exams with bodies like CIMA or ACCA, opening doors to senior consultancy, leadership, or academic roles.