Norwich University

What you'll study

This master’s focuses on advanced accounting topics, professional ethics and the analytical tools accountants use to support decision-making. Core topics typically include financial reporting and advanced financial accounting, auditing and assurance, taxation for individuals and corporations, managerial and cost accounting, and accounting information systems.

• Financial Reporting and Analysis – consolidation, international reporting considerations, and advanced financial statement analysis.
• Auditing and Assurance – audit methodology, risk assessment, internal controls and contemporary issues in assurance engagements.
• Taxation – principles of business and personal taxation, tax planning and compliance considerations.
• Managerial and Cost Accounting – budgeting, performance measurement, costing techniques and decision support.
• Accounting Information Systems and Data Analytics – accounting technologies, databases, controls and the use of analytics in audit and reporting.
• Research Methods or Capstone – applied research, a dissertation or a practice-based capstone project integrating technical knowledge with real-world problems.
• Professional Ethics and Regulation – ethical frameworks, professional standards and regulatory environment impacting accountants.

Delivery modes for this programme are often flexible, with full-time and part-time options and a combination of seminars, workshops, case studies and practical assignments. The programme usually emphasises applied learning and often includes opportunities for client-facing projects or internships where available.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree, preferably with a major or substantial coursework in accounting, finance or a related discipline. Applicants without a specialist accounting undergraduate degree may be required to complete prerequisite modules in foundational topics such as introductory financial accounting and intermediate accounting.

• A recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent; degrees in non-accounting disciplines may be considered with evidence of quantitative skills.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating satisfactory performance, particularly in quantitative and business-related subjects.
• Professional experience in accounting, finance or a related field can strengthen an application and may in some cases offset academic prerequisites.
• References (academic and/or professional) and a personal statement outlining career objectives and suitability for the programme.
• International applicants will need to meet English language requirements through an approved test or recognised prior study in English.

Some applicants may be asked to provide GMAT/GRE scores, particularly where academic preparation is less conventional, but this requirement varies by applicant profile and intake. Applicants are advised to check specific entry guidance and discuss any deficiencies with admissions staff.

Career prospects

Graduates from a master’s in accounting programme commonly progress to careers in public accounting firms (audit and tax streams), industry finance functions, government finance and regulatory bodies, and advisory practices. The programme builds technical competence and professional judgement sought by employers and supports pathways to professional qualifications such as CPA, ACCA or other national accounting certifications depending on prior credits and local requirements.

• Audit and assurance roles in public practice
• Tax practitioner and corporate tax specialist roles
• Management accounting and financial controller positions in industry
• Forensic accounting, compliance and risk management
• Financial analyst, treasury and corporate finance roles
• Further study or research pathways, including doctoral study or professional qualification completion

Alongside technical knowledge, the programme emphasises communication, ethical decision-making and data-analytic skills that enhance employability and progression to senior finance and leadership roles.

Why study at Norwich University

Norwich University is known for a practical, career-oriented approach to postgraduate education and small cohort sizes that allow close engagement with faculty. Students benefit from a curriculum designed to combine technical rigour with applied projects, access to experienced practitioners as lecturers and opportunities to develop professional networks through career services and alumni links.

The university’s flexible delivery options support working professionals, and its emphasis on ethics, leadership and preparedness for professional examinations helps graduates transition into regulated accounting roles or progress within organisations. Prospective students should contact admissions and programme staff to discuss how the master’s can be tailored to their background and career objectives.