MSc Accountancy and Financial Management (Top-Up)
Fast-track your executive finance career with an accredited British Master of Science degree awarded directly by the University of Greater Manchester. Fully aligned with the final year of the ACCA Strategic Professional syllabus, carrying 90 UK Level 7 credits, delivered via scheduled live lectures with comprehensive virtual study support.
About University of Greater Manchester
The University of Greater Manchester, based in Bolton, United Kingdom, is an esteemed British institution dedicated to delivering excellence in education. With a rich history spanning over 190 years, the university is renowned for rigorous academics, innovative teaching methods, and an emphasis on practical skills development.
Distance Delivered via WINC Platform
WINC Platform is the approved transnational distance delivery partner for the University of Greater Manchester. WINC platform provides an advanced digital learning ecosystem:
Designed for Leaders in Finance & Corporate Governance
The MSc Accountancy and Financial Management Top-Up programme is designed to advance your career in business, accounting, and financial management roles. The curriculum is closely aligned with the Final Year ACCA programme, providing comprehensive, high-level mastery in financial reporting, corporate governance, strategic risk management, and broader organizational decision-making.
With a strong focus on rigorous research methods, the programme equips students with valuable analytical tools and empirical investigative techniques. It enhances critical thinking and strategic foresight, preparing you for senior boardroom advisory roles across both private multinational enterprises and public sector organizations.
How You Will Learn Online
🎥 Scheduled Live Interactive Lectures
Participate in live weekend and evening webinars led by experienced university professors. Engage in peer critiques, real-world case simulations, and group discussions.
📚 Comprehensive Digital Library & E-Resources
24/7 access to full-text academic journals, financial databases, EBSCO, and the University of Greater Manchester’s online library resources.
👨🏫 1-on-1 Dissertation Supervisor
Each master's candidate is paired with a designated faculty mentor who guides your research proposal, methodology, data collection, and final oral viva defense.
Qualification Structure & Modules (90 Credits)
The following 3 postgraduate modules are covered in the MSc Accountancy and Financial Management (Top-Up) degree, combining academic rigour with professional **GAME+** employability attributes.
Top-Up Syllabus: 3 Compulsory Modules
Total Credit Value: 90 UK Postgraduate Credits (HE Level 7) • Coursework, Exam & Dissertation
Strategic Business Leader
Demonstrates high-level organisational leadership, senior advisory capabilities, and professional consulting skills through an integrated master case study. Combines key organizational functions across governance, internal audit, internal control, risk assessment, corporate finance, ethics, and strategic change management.
- Organisational leadership, governance & ethical stewardship
- Internal audit, financial control & corporate risk systems
- Innovation, performance excellence & change management
- Disruptive technologies (FinTech, AI, Blockchain in accounting)
- IT solutions, transaction processing & strategic project delivery
Research Methods for Accountants
Directly precedes the dissertation, enabling students to formulate a comprehensive research proposal that establishes the first three foundational chapters of your master’s thesis. Provides methodological rigor for identifying research objectives and conceptual frameworks.
- Chapter 1: Feasible research objectives & industrial context
- Chapter 2: Conceptual/analytical framework & literature review
- Chapter 3: Research philosophies, methods & research design
- Triangulation, reliability, validity & research ethics in finance
- Quantitative econometric & qualitative accounting models
Master Research Dissertation
An extended, substantial piece of empirical or applied research. Synthesizes academic learning with professional workplace practice to produce an evaluative, critical discussion of an Accountancy or Financial Management issue with a final oral viva defence.
- Identifying a critical accounting or corporate finance problem
- Establishing industry significance & theoretical framework
- Formulating testable hypotheses or investigative propositions
- Empirical data collection, statistical analysis & testing
- Critical evaluation of results, conclusions & policy recommendations
Need the Full Official Syllabus & Specification?
Download the official University of Greater Manchester & WINC programme brochure with comprehensive module learning outcomes.
Download MSc Course Info PDFEntry Requirements & Progression Pathways
Flexible direct admission pathways designed for qualified accountants and Level 7 diploma graduates.
Level 7 Diploma Holders
Ofqual-regulated qualifications in the relevant subject area at Level 7 Diploma in Accounting and Finance with at least 100 credits (e.g. ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma, EduQual, or equivalent).
- 100–120 UK Level 7 Postgraduate Credits
- Transcripts & graduation certificate
- CV demonstrating professional experience
Chartered / Certified Accountants
Qualified accountants with global professional credentials are automatically eligible for direct admission onto the MSc Accounting and Financial Management (Top-Up).
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
- CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
- CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy)
- ICAEW / ICAS / CPA or equivalent bodies
RITHS Level 7 Bridge Route
Don’t have a Level 7 Diploma yet? Complete our accelerated Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Business / Finance (120 Credits) with RITHS, then immediately progress into the MSc Top-Up!
- Stage 1: UK Level 7 Diploma (6–8 Months)
- Stage 2: MSc Accounting Top-Up (12 Months)
- Total: Complete full UK Master in fast-track duration
IELTS 6.5 (with no sub-score below 6.0) or evidence of higher education conducted and examined in the English medium.
Career Progression & Senior Leadership
Graduating with a British Master of Science degree equips accounting and finance professionals to command senior executive positions globally.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Lead enterprise capital allocation, investor relations, mergers and acquisitions, and long-range financial strategy.
Financial Controller
Direct company-wide accounting operations, financial reporting integrity, fiscal compliance, and internal control systems.
Audit & Risk Director
Oversee comprehensive internal audit programs, corporate governance frameworks, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.
Senior Advisory Consultant
Deliver strategic restructuring, valuation, forensic accounting, and tax advisory for Big 4 and international consultancy practices.
Tuition Fees, Installments & Scholarships
RITHS offers benchmarked tuition fees, zero-interest monthly installment plans, and merit scholarships for accounting professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers regarding degree credentials, coursework evaluation, professional body exemptions, and the UK graduation ceremony.
Who awards the final degree parchment?
The degree is awarded directly by the University of Greater Manchester, United Kingdom. Your official degree parchment and academic transcript are identical to those awarded to students studying on-campus in the UK, with no distinction regarding online delivery.
Can I attend the official graduation ceremony in the UK?
Yes! All successful MSc graduates are warmly invited to attend the annual graduation ceremony on-campus at the University of Greater Manchester in Bolton/Manchester, UK, wearing full university academic regalia with family and peers.
How is this degree assessed? Are there written examinations?
The assessment structure combines: One Written Exam for the Strategic Business Leader module (mirroring ACCA SBL professional standards); Research Proposal Portfolio for the Research Methods module; and Extended Dissertation & Oral Defence viva for the final capstone project.
Are ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA members guaranteed direct admission?
Yes. Qualified accountants holding credentials from recognized professional accountancy bodies (CIPFA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, or ACCA) receive direct entry onto the 90-credit top-up programme without requiring a separate Level 7 diploma.
Is this degree recognized globally by WES and UK ENIC?
Yes. As an authentic British university Master of Science degree, the qualification is evaluated as equivalent to a full Master’s degree by World Education Services (WES) in the USA/Canada, UK ENIC (formerly NARIC), and international credential evaluation boards worldwide.
What if I miss a scheduled live online lecture?
All scheduled lectures, seminars, and workshop demonstrations are recorded and published to the student learning portal within 24 hours. Working executives can review recordings anytime, 24/7, throughout the academic year.
MSc Top-Up Application & CV Review
Submit your preliminary details. A senior postgraduate admissions advisor from RITHS will verify your transcripts or professional accounting credentials within 24 hours.