MSc Forensic Accounting

Course Overview

Join our Forensic Accounting MSc at Northumbria University and delve into the niche field of finance and forensics.

Whether you have an accounting undergraduate background or not, this course looks at financial crime and considers 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, and will introduce you to the skills needed in the role of forensic accounting: including key areas such as 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 also 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.

As part of the course you will undertake a double module on Global Management Competencies alongside other postgraduate students at Newcastle Business School, to help you stand out on the international jobs market.

Your Future

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.

This course is also a way of taking first steps in being able to work towards professional body examinations such as that provided by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Applicants should normally have: A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in business, or a discipline with a quantitative element.