MSc Accounting & Sustainability

This module introduces you to the theory and practice of conducting business analytics projects. It adopts a business analytics methodology which enables you to (a) analyse a complex business situation, (b) identify high value opportunities for business analytics and (c) deliver an effective business analytics project. The module adopts an experiential learning philosophy by giving you a guided and mentored experience of conducting a realistic consulting project.

This module will provide you with the theoretical foundations, appropriately supported by real-life examples, to help understand how global business works today.

You'll develop critical awareness of major issues and problems associated with the development of global business strategies, and understand major trends in globalisation and the factors influencing international investment by global firms. You will critically evaluate ideas about the internationalisation process together with an awareness of the problems of formulating and implementing sustainable global business strategies. Understand and apply concepts and skills relevant to the problems of managing global value chains sustainably and dealing with the challenges associated with adapting to the informal “rules of the game” in different host market

This module will introduce you to the psychology of human judgement and decision making. You will gain a broader understanding of decision-making throughout the finance industry, including strategic and managerial decision-making.  

There are two specific features about project management theory which make it a slightly different type of subject to most other academic modules. Firstly, the subject has its origins in large-scale, complex operations. This means that a large proportion of the published theory concerns the planning and control aspects of the management of such processes. Secondly, most of the concepts were developed in the heyday of the 1960s, where a lot of activity was taking place in the aerospace, defence and construction sectors. This means that most of the basic literature is reasonably old and technically focused.

In the modern context, project management methods are now used for a much wider variety of applications including change management, Third World development programmes and IT-based projects. As a consequence, this module aims to span a range of sectors and be as multi-disciplinary as possible. The planning and control aspects of the module occupy only about 20% of the total time available.

You will:

1. Develop an understanding of current project and programme management approaches and to make comparisons with your own organisation
2. Develop sensitivity to different project environments and to make comparisons and conclusions about them
3. Increase your understanding of commercial and behavioural issues in the management of projects
4. Provide experience of handling project management problems in a simulation setting.

This module explores the world of financial experts and expertise. The content is organised to support those taking it to become familiar with the importance of being a reflective practitioner, and provides content relevant for setting up critically reflective practice. It is relevant for both preparers and users of accounting and accountability data.

The module is tailored to students wishing to broaden their knowledge of accounting beyond technical knowledge and/or students wishing to embark on a career in professional service firms/ accountancy/ consultancy. To this end, this module addresses employability attributes relating to professionalism, analytical thinking, critical thinking, communication and responsibility.

It is designed to provide insights into how accounting is powerful. It explores role of the professions and professional bodies in the world of financial expertise, meanwhile it considers the pressing implications of today’s technology for financial services.

The module provides insight into aspects that are central in an increasingly digital financial services environment. It explores the infrastructural role of technology in accounting and finance including advanced analytics, AI, and other emerging financial technologies and considers how efficiency imperatives are embedded within these systems.

If you select the Dissertation route, Research Methodology becomes a compulsory module for you and it gives you the academic skills to confidently approach your Dissertation topic. The focus is on epistemological foundations, the design of a research project, the preparation for and execution of valid and reliable business research (whether qualitative or quantitative), and on the writing up and presentation of research results.

Incorporating an innovative and exciting team business simulation, you’ll gain an understanding of each business function through a series of real-world play activities, and learn to evaluate business performance through various functional dimensions.

You’ll replicate how a team would work together in a real business, giving you a chance to put all of the learning from your MSc year into practice. Following the simulation you will complete an Individual Reflection and a Business Analysis.

If you are considering further academic study (PhD) and you would like the opportunity to research a topic relating to accounting and sustainability, the 6,000 word Dissertation will enable you to test and apply the techniques and theories you have gained. You will be supervised and supported throughout and will usually submit your dissertation in late August/early September.

This course offers the opportunity to self-source a summer internship, where you’ll be able to increase your employability by applying your theoretical learnings to a real-world industry setting. The WBS CareersPlus team will support you through each step of the recruitment process, including making effective applications, interview practice, organising events for you to meet employers, and more.