Accountancy students can place themselves at the forefront of ground-breaking change by studying for the world’s first integrated master’s programme with the University of London at the same time as taking their professional qualification with ACCA.
Taking both qualifications at the same time has been made possible through an innovative partnership between ACCA and the University of London. The MSc in Professional Accountancy is the only integrated master’s programme with an accountancy body at a professional level.
The design of the MSc in Professional Accountancy has been customised with pathways for ACCA students, affiliates and members, providing them with a unique opportunity for career advancement.
Professional Accountancy
MSc
Gain a University of London master’s degree and your ACCA professional qualification at the same time. This is the only master’s degree with ACCA recognition. Available anywhere in the world, it prepares you for senior roles and helps you to stand out from the crowd.Modes of studyOnline | Teaching centreProgramme duration6 months – 5 yearsApplication deadlines7 June 2021; 10 December 2021Academic direction fromUniversity College LondonMake an enquiry(Opens in new window)Register your interestDownload a prospectusApply now(Opens in new window)
Building on the success of the programme and taking into consideration student feedback and external reviews, a new version of the programme will be available to register on from April 2022, with applications opening in December 2021.
As a result of the upcoming new programme, the current version of this programme has been served notice. You can find full details of the new MSc Professional Accountancy, which has a new structure, revised academic content and assessment methods here – MSc Professional Accountancy.
The final opportunity to register as a new student on the existing programme is January 2022. Students who register on this version of the programme must complete their programme and will not be able to transfer their registration to the new programme.
Local teaching support
You can receive local support from a local teaching centre, use the dropdown to find your nearest centre.RegionSelect a locationHong KongIrelandMalaysiaNigeriaPakistanRussiaSingaporeUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomNigeria
The New Synergy Specialist (TNSS)
This programme covers strategic financial issues that are important for financial officers, managers, managers and analysts involved with finance-related activities. Gain an understanding of key issues and applied methodologies relating to strategic management accounting and evaluating risk.
Programme details
Programme structure, modules and specification
MSc: ACCA Members and Affiliates have to complete two modules.
Key dates
| July 2021 intake | |
|---|---|
| Application open | 22 March 2021 |
| Application deadline | 7 June 2021 |
| Registration deadline | 21 June 2021 |
| December 2021 intake | |
|---|---|
| Application open | 28 September 2021 |
| Application deadline | 10 December 2021 |
| Registration deadline | 14 December 2021 |
How you study
You can study this online programme from anywhere in the world. The flexible approach to learning enables you to fit your studies around your commitments whilst providing the academic rigour and structure of an on-campus programme.
Modules are offered over four 22-week study sessions each academic year. You choose which sessions to enter and how many modules to take in each session.
Assessment deadlines are outlined clearly in advance of the session.
You can study up to two modules at any one time. You will also receive comprehensive learning materials and support from online tutors.
Study materials
We provide you with all of the resources and study materials you need to complete the course successfully, including the essential reading for each module. You can access these through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) on a range of devices.
Our online learning resources typically include multimedia content, activities and exercises (e.g. multiple choice quizzes, reflective exercises and self-assessment questions), as well as facilities for you to interact with your tutor and fellow students. You’ll also receive access to two short introductory modules that help you get the most from your studies.
Online support
When you register, we will give you access to your Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources:
- On the VLE you can access links to electronic copies of study materials, resources including audio-visual, and forums to discuss course material and work collaboratively with others.
- The Online Library(Opens in new window) provides access to over 100 million academic electronic items comprising E-books, E-journals, conference proceedings, etc. In addition, students can request items which are not held in the library via the library’s Inter-Library loans service with the British Library.
- Senate House Library provides free reference access for all registered distance and flexible learning students.
- Access to academic support and feedback from London-based support teams. Tutors introduce the modules, respond to queries, monitor discussions and provide guidance on assessments.
If you register for support at one of our recognised teaching centres you can attend lectures and benefit from, and receive tutor support.
Tutor support
All students receive tutor support and feedback while studying this programme. Tutors introduce the modules, respond to queries, monitor discussions and provide guidance on assessments.
- Web-supported learning: if you register for a module as a web-supported learner, you join an online tutor group. If you register in this way, you pay the web supported learner fee.
- Institution-supported learning: if you enrol for a module with a local teaching centre, you receive face-to-face tuition. We work with several teaching centres in a number of countries and will recruit more to support the programme.
Student Support
We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a Recognised Teaching Centre.
You will have access to support through:
- The Student Advice Centre – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
- TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.
- Student Relationship Managers – a team of Student Relationship Managers (SRMs) are here to support and advise you throughout your studies. They aim to ensure that you are fully up-to-date with important and useful information about how best to complete your studies.
Time commitment
Study at your own pace, either part-time or full-time. Once you begin a module it is generally expected that you will complete it in the six-month session. Each module presents about 150 hours of study. Over a 22-week session, a 15 credit module will typically require five to seven hours of work/effort per week, and a 30 credit module will typically require ten to 15 hours of work/effort per week. Modules will run at least twice a year, depending on demand.
Assessment
Each module includes a mix of assessments. During your study period you will undertake formative assessments, which help you to measure your progress but do not count towards your grade, and summative assessments Summative assessments do count towards the final grade. These include a mid-session coursework submission and an unseen written examination (or final project) at the end of the session.
Written examinations are held twice a year. You can defer sitting an exam once (subject to a fee) but you cannot defer the submission of coursework.
When will your marks be recognised?
If you sit an exam in December, you can expect to see this reflected on your ACCA transcript in April. In you sit an exam in June, it should be updated by October.
Entry requirements
What qualifications do you need?
MSc: you must be a current ACCA Member or Affiliate.
Over five years?
If your last ACCA pass was over five years ago, you’ll need to demonstrate that your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record meets ACCA policy, including an up-to-date CPD declaration.
You’ll also need to complete a certified online preparation course. It takes about 3-5 hours a week over four weeks (although you can complete it faster). There is a fee of US$49 to take the test and receive the certificate.
Sign up for ‘Issues for the Finance Professional'(Opens in new window)
English Language requirements
You meet the language requirement if you meet one of the following:
- You have passed the English version of the nine ACCA Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills papers (or gained exemption by completing an English-language undergraduate degree approved by ACCA).
- You have passed the English version of either of the Strategic Professional Essentials (SBL or SBR), or equivalent.
- You are a current ACCA Member or Affiliate.
Alternatively, you’ll need one of the following from the past three years:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in the written test.
- TOEFL iBT: 92 overall, with 22+ in reading and writing and 20+ in speaking and listening.
- Pearson Test (Academic): 59 overall, with 59+ in reading and writing and 54+ in speaking and listening.
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English.
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (grade C or above).
Computer requirements
We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly.
More about computer requirements.
Fees
The fee you pay depends on three factors:
- Whether you choose web-supported or Recognised Teaching Centre supported learning.
- Whether you live in a developing (Band A) or developed (Band B) nation. See the list of Band A and B countries [PDF]
Because you complete the degree with as few as two modules, both options are very competitively priced compared to other academic degrees.
Important: the table below does not include fees payable to a third party, such as tuition costs payable to a Recognised Teaching Centre or fees charged by your local examination centre, or local VAT, Goods or Services Tax (GST) or sales tax. Please see below for further information about additional costs you may be required to pay.
With the exception of the application fee, the Programme Fees below refer to the January and July 2022 sessions only and are effective from 22 June 2021.
| Application fee | 2021-2022 |
|---|---|
| Application fee (non-refundable) | £107 |
| The application fee (non-refundable) is payable when you make your application for the MSc. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer inviting you to register. The application fee is separate to other fees listed. Offer ValidityAll offers for this programme are valid for the session in which you apply. If you do not complete registration for the given session then on request we will reissue your offer for the following three subsequent sessions. If you would like your offer reissued then you should contact us(Opens in new window). After the subsequent third session the offer has expired, meaning if you would like to then complete registration you would need to submit a new application. | |
| MSc indicative totals* | 2021-2022 |
| Band A countries (web-supported) | £3367 |
| Band B countries (web-supported) | £3857 |
| Band A countries (Recognised Teaching Centre supported) | £3107 |
| Band B countries (Recognised Teaching Centre supported) | £3607 |
| Pay per module | 2021-2022 |
| Web-supported learners: | |
| Band A module fee | £1630 |
| Band B module fee | £1875 |
| Recognised Teaching Centre supported learners | |
| Band A module fee | £1500 |
| Band B module fee | £1750 |
| Module continuation fee – Band A and B countries (if you do not complete in the six-month session) | £750 |
| *The indicative totals given represent the amount you would expect to pay if you were to complete the MSc degree in the minimum period of time (six months, subject to module availability), without resits, and with a year-on-year increase of 5%. These totals do not reflect the cost of any additional tuition support you may choose to take, applications for Recognition of Prior Learning or the fee levied by your local examination centre. |
Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool.
Fees are subject to annual review. These include study materials and entry into assessments.
The higher ‘web-supported student’ fee includes support from a University of London online tutor. If you opt for ‘Recognised Teaching Centre supported’ learning, you pay a smaller fee to the University and a separate fee to a local teaching centre for face-to-face tuition. Contact your local teaching centre directly for information about fees.
The module continuation fee is the cost per module if you defer an examination or need to retake assessments. It includes all study materials, entry into assessments, and online tutor support.
Additional Costs
You will also need to budget for:
- Tuition: as described, teaching institutions charge for face-to-face tuition if you choose to take modules with institution-supported learning.
- Preparatory Costs: if your most recent ACCA pass was over five years ago, you’ll need to complete an online preparation course ($49).
Some fees are non-refundable. Please see the refund and compensation policy for further details.
Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.
Further information on Sales Tax.
Career opportunities
Our MSc Professional Accountancy enables you to combine your professional qualifications with a world-class academic degree that will prepare you for the next step in your career.
Providing global access to a prestigious master’s qualification as part of ACCA’s professional qualification will offer our students and members the opportunity to enhance their employability even further.
Alan Hatfield, Executive Director – Strategy and Development, ACCA
Continuing Professional Development
One hour of learning equates to one CPD unit. Your studies could easily provide your full 40 units for one year. You can even carry forward 21 units to the next year.
What do employers think of our graduates?
In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching institution.
Academic leadership
Assessments and academic direction are provided by the School of Management at University College London (UCL). UCL is ranked seventh in the world by QS World University Rankings 2018.
We provide the learning content for the modules you study, drawing upon our knowledge, expertise and experience. It looks at practical challenges, identifying and applying ideas and models as responses and solutions.
Alan Parkinson, Deputy Director (Education), UCL School of Management.
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
ACCA is the world’s leading body for professional accountants, with over 170,000 members and 436,000 students in 180 countries. It holds joint membership of other international accountancy bodies and its qualifications are recognised by key regulatory and education authorities around the world.
Programme Director
Lynsie Chew is Senior Teaching Fellow in Accounting in the UCL School of Management. She specialises in Accounting, Financial Management and International Financial Systems, and is co-editor/co-author of three Pearson Custom textbooks. She engages in international scholarly activity in numerous fields within accounting and education.
Funding your study
Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there may be additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.
The Masters in Professional Accountancy does not meet the UK Postgraduate Loans course eligibility criteria and is not listed on the Student Loans Company Course Management Service.
Can I get sponsored?
If you’re employed, your employer may be willing to cover part/all of the programme fees if you can make a compelling case as to how this programme will boost your contribution to the workplace.
Download our template and complete your business case to present to your employer.
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