Forensic Accounting MSc

Whether you have an accounting undergraduate background or not, this course looks at areas such as the nature, regulation and policing of financial crimes in the UK. In particular, it focuses on the prevention and detection of fraud in organisations and examines corporate governance, internal controls and accounting techniques.

This literature-based masters involves both qualitative and quantitative study. It will introduce you to the skills needed in the role of forensic accounting, including people skills and emotional intelligence.

‘Forensic’ means suitable for use in court, and you’ll consider this and other roles undertaken by forensic accountants. You will study the law and regulation of financial crimes such as money laundering, bribery and corruption. You will also examine occupational fraud, financial statement fraud and methods of prevention, detection and investigation. Each year we invite practitioners to speak and provide practical insight into the world of financial crime and forensic accountants.

Standard Entry

The normal entry requirement is an honours degree
(minimum lower second class) business programme or a programme with a substantive quantitative element.

Plus one of the following:

• International/English Language Requirements:
  

  International applicants are required to have one of the following English language qualifications with grades as shown below.

• A British Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (or above) with a minimum score in each component of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking of 5.5
• Pearson Academic score of 62 (or above) with a minimum score in each component of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking of 51

Your studies will help prepare you for a potential rewarding and stimulating career within forensic accounting. Typical employers include banks, police forces, insurance companies, and government agencies. You may also find yourself working for accounting firms who have specialist forensic accounting departments.

If you choose to continue your studies to doctorate level, your experience of postgraduate research will provide an excellent foundation. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll have the transferable skills that employers expect from a master’s graduate from Northumbria University. These include the ability to tackle complex issues through conceptualisation and undertaking research, the ability to contribute to new processes and knowledge, and the ability to formulate balanced judgements when considering incomplete or ambiguous data.