Why study this course with LJMU?
- Graduates seeking a career in accountancy.
- Those working in accounting that seek professional accreditation to enhance career aspirations.
- Develop knowledge and technical skills in accounting enhanced by professional accreditation.
- Develop a rich understanding of taxation, audit, management and financial accounting.
- Enhance analytical and ethical decision-making skills relevant to accounting.
About this course
The MSc Professional Accounting equips you with the advanced technical knowledge, analytical capability and ethical judgement required for a successful career in the global accountancy profession.
Designed for graduates from a range of academic backgrounds, this programme provides a rigorous academic foundation alongside the professional skills sought by employers worldwide.
You will study core areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, audit and assurance, and financial management, developing your understanding of how accounting information informs strategic organisational decisions. Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to apply professional scepticism, critically evaluate financial information, and engage in structured evidence-based reasoning.
What you’ll learn
The MSc Professional Accounting focuses on:
- Advanced accounting principles, standards and frameworks
- Critical evaluation of financial information
- Ethical and professional judgement in accounting practice
- Quantitative and qualitative data analysis for decision‑making
- Regulatory, governance and compliance requirements
- Effective communication of complex financial information
Successful completion of the MSc provides graduates with a qualification recognised internationally, supporting progression into professional accreditation and opening opportunities across sectors, industries and countries.
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Financial Accounting
20 credits
20 credits
The module will be delivered as 2 x 2 hour workshops per week, providing students with a sound foundation in bookkeeping, financial controls, accounting techniques and financial statements, and develops knowledge and understanding of the regulatory framework of financial accounting, in preparation for the Financial Reporting module.
Management Accounting
10 credits
10 credits
Students will be supported in their learning, to achieve the learning outcomes, in the following ways:
1 x 3-hour workshop per week will be used to introduce the syllabus topics and will include opportunities for students to practically apply the techniques covered. A variety of formative activities will be used in workshops to aid learning.
Financial Management
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to develop students’ ability to critically evaluate, synthesise and construct strategic financial management solutions in complex business contexts. The module focuses on capital allocation, financing, valuation and risk management, enabling students to formulate and justify professionally credible financial recommendations aligned with advanced financial management practice.
Digital Technology and Business
10 credits
10 credits
The aim of the module is to equip students with the necessary technical skills to accurately perform data modelling using appropriate software. The module will also provide students with an understanding of the legal nature of limited company and corporate insolvency regimes.
Taxation
20 credits
20 credits
The module will be delivered as 1 x 2-hour lecture per week, providing students with the context of the weekly topic along with worked examples of relevant tax computations. There will also be a 1 x 2-hour workshop where we explore the topic in more detail with more worked examples and opportunity for independent question practice.
Audit and Assurance
20 credits
20 credits
The purpose of this module is to provide knowledge and understanding of the role of auditors and the audit process, including: Professional Ethics and Governance; Risk Assessment and Planning; Internal Control Systems; Audit Evidence and Procedures; Audit Review and Reporting.
Performance Management
20 credits
20 credits
Students will be supported in their learning, to achieve the learning outcomes, in the following ways:
2 x 2-hour workshop per week will be used to introduce the syllabus topics and will include opportunities for students to practically apply the techniques covered. A variety of formative activities will be used in workshops to aid learning.
Financial Reporting
20 credits
20 credits
The module will be delivered as 2 x 2 hour workshops per week, developing students understanding of financial accounting and financial statements. Students will research and present on the evaluation of financial statements. The exam will focus on applying the more complex principles of financial accounting and financial statements.
Applied Professional Accounting
40 credits
40 credits
This module will take a holistic approach enabling students to bring their knowledge and understanding gained from previous modules and apply it to a fictional case-study organisation. This case-based approach will mirror professional practice in the workplace and will expose students to relevant expectations, challenges and tasks within the profession.
In addition to the 8 hours of tutorial sessions it is expected that international UKVI students will be required to meet with their personal tutor on a weekly basis for 11 weeks to review progress on this module.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Your learning is delivered through:
- Lectures that develop foundational concepts and theoretical understanding
- Case‑based workshops for practical problem‑solving
- Guided independent study supported by Canvas
- Access to scholarly literature, financial data tools, digital content and multimedia learning
- Introduction to relevant digital and AI‑based accounting platforms
The teaching approach is structured to help you progress from foundational knowledge to applied analytical capability and professional competence.
Work‑Related Learning
Work‑related learning is embedded through:
- Real‑world accounting case studies
- Scenario‑based problem solving
- Applied assessments reflecting professional expectations
- Development of analytical, communication and ethical decision‑making skills
These experiences mirror the demands of the accountancy profession and prepare you for progression into employment or professional qualification routes.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Postgraduate research opportunities
At LJMU, you can take the next step in your academic journey with a PhD or MPhil, available on a full-time or part-time basis. International students also have the option to study remotely.
- PhD duration: Up to 4 years full-time, or up to 7 years part-time
- Funding options: Choose between funded projects (with supervisors already in place) or self-funded study
Our Doctoral Academy is here to support you every step of the way—from your first enquiry through to successful completion—working closely with Schools, Faculties, and Professional Services.
For more details on postgraduate research and full details on how to apply, visit the Doctoral Academy website.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 97% of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Graduates can progress into roles such as:
- Accountant (post‑qualification routes available)
- Audit and assurance specialist
- Tax advisor
- Financial analyst
- Management accountant
- Financial reporting specialist
- Consultant
- Academic researcher or PhD candidate
Tuition fees and funding
- Fee:
- £9,200
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
- Fee:
- £17,750
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of postgraduate scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations such as the British Council and Chevening.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
A minimum 2:1 honours degree in a range of subjects from a recognised university or equivalent awarding institution. Range of subjects could include Business related subjects including economics and finance, engineering, mathematics, history, geography.
Candidates applying need to be confident in their numerical ability. Candidates also need to be confident in their ability to complete heavily weighted closed book examinations as the main assessment type across the majority of modules.
Alternative qualifications considered
An award which the university has agreed to accept as equivalent to a degree.
Candidates may qualify for entry to the programme on the basis of considerable work experience, normally comprising of at least three years at managerial or equivalent level, which would be subject to scrutiny by the programme team.
Further information
-
RPL
RPL is accepted on the programme. RPL decisions will comply with LJMUs RPL policy regulations and processes.
International requirements
IELTS
IELTS score of 6.5 with no component less than 5.5 or equivalentView country specific entry requirements
Other international requirements
Please note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check via ECCTIS.
View country specific entry requirements
Further information is also available from our international web pages.
Further information
-
RPL
RPL is accepted on the programme. RPL decisions will comply with LJMUs RPL policy regulations and processes.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.