Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Management
Summary
The Master's programme in Accounting and Financial Management includes rigorous exploration of financial accounting, management accounting, and financial management. Faculty active in research, practice, and policy setting, will equip you to produce and analyse high quality information to guide organisations in investment decisions, planning, performance evaluation, restructurings, and funding activities. We emphasise interaction between theory and practice and contemporary development within digitalisation and sustainability.
About
Accounting and financial management are crucial for the economy’s efficiency. Strong competences in both accounting and financial management are needed to understand the interplay of the financial processes under constantly changing circumstances in today’s increasingly complex society.
Our programme stands out by providing these competences, built upon a strong research base in sustainability aspects. Knowledge of both accounting and financial management, with a strong foundation in sustainability, equips you with a skillset in high demand and prepares you for qualified work within the fields of accounting and financial management.
A uniquely balanced programme with a strong sustainability profile
The program is balanced between the subjects management accounting, financial accounting, and financial management. Management accounting courses focus on the design and use of management control systems from both a strategic and business process perspective, and they incorporate state-of-the-art information technology solutions for performance management, decision-making, planning, and control. Financial accounting courses involve measurement and disclosure issues facing enterprises in their financial reporting, and the impact of these issues on financial statement users. Financial reporting as a communicative tool is also covered. Financial management courses focus on long-term decision making with respect to investments, financing, and risk management, and the role of markets, information, and incentives are taken into account.
Through lectures and work-assignments, you will develop your skills in oral and written communication, analytical problem solving, project management and teamwork, and information searches. You can specialise within the field of accounting and financial management or broaden your skills with elective courses from other programmes.
Opportunities for interaction and engagement
Throughout the programme, you will have opportunities to relate theoretical knowledge to contemporary developments in surrounding society. We frequently have guest lectures, some of which provide an organizational perspective and open discussions on how theory can relate to unique situations, and others that address the background, trends, and general developments in the field. You will engage in case assignments and develop the ability to analyze actual practices of organizations and the interaction with theory. Contemporary developments in sustainability and digitalisation affect current accounting and financial management practices, and our programme continuously scrutinises these ongoing challenges and interactions, and provides you opportunities to engage with them.
International
An international atmosphere allows you to experience other cultures, improve your communication skills, and build a global network of friends. You will be part of a multicultural classroom. International exchanges are made possible through the international office and the school’s many exchange agreements with partner universities around the world. More programme specific information about possibilities to study abroad can be found under Exchange opportunities.
Programme structure and content
During the programme, you will be responsible for advanced work assignments and will learn through lectures, seminars, case discussion, and guest presentations. Since the programme attracts students with various backgrounds and specializations, the first semester begins with courses that ensure all students are prepared for advanced studies in both accounting and financial management.
Core courses:
- Perspectives on Accounting and Financial Management
- Management Accounting, Strategy, and Control
- Theoretical Perspectives of Financial Accounting
- Enterprise Risk Management
- Applied Corporate Finance
- Research in Accounting and Financial Management
- Master’s Thesis
You can tailor your education by choosing courses from other programmes or specialize in some of the following topics:
- Financial Statement Analysis and Corporate Valuation
- Accounting and Sustainability
- Cost, Value, and Performance Management
- Advanced Data Analysis Controlling, Innovation, and Digitalization
Who should apply?
- Are you an analytical, meticulous, and assiduous person who wants to work in consulting, auditing, or in a corporate finance function?
- Do you enjoy making connections between conceptual and technical knowledge?
- Are you interested in quantitative analysis?
Then apply for the master’s programme in Accounting and Financial Management.
Prerequisites and selection
Requirements
General entrance requirements: A Bachelor's degree (equivalent to 180 ECTS credits) from an internationally recognized university and English 6/English B from Swedish upper secondary school or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test. For more information about general entrance requirements see www.universityadmissions.se (English) and www.antagning.se (Swedish). Programme specific entrance requirements: A minimum of 60 credits of courses in business administration and 30 credits in economics, or 60 credits in economics and 30 credits in business administration, with a specialization in accounting or finance/financial management, and a minimum of 15 credits in statistics or 7,5 credits in statistics and 7,5 credits in quantitative methods and/or mathematics.
Selection
Applicants who meet the entrance requirements (general and programme specific) are divided into two groups. First, all places are allocated to applicants in group 1. If any places are left they are distributed to applicants in group 2. CV, recommendation letters and personal letters are not considered in the selection process. However, if you are applying for a scholarship submitting a CV and letter of motivation will increase your chances of being selected for a scholarship.
Group 1 (prioritized)
Group 1 is applicants with a GMAT/GRE* score. Applicants are ranked by their test result (GRE* score is transferred to a GMAT score). 350 is the minimum score required. Applicants with a lower score will be placed in selection group 2. It is not mandatory for applicants to send test result from GMAT/GRE*. However, applicants with test results are prioritized in the admission.
Group 2 (secondary)
Group 2 is applicants ranked by number of university credits (ECTS credits). Applicants are ranked by number of credits reported on the last day for application (max. 165 ECTS credits).
*NB! The GRE score is only accepted for the 2023 admission. As of the admission 2024 we will only accept the GMAT score.
After graduation
Graduates of the programme receive a degree of Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Management.
Our graduates work in places such as financial advisory firms, accounting firms, and corporate finance functions in positions such as controller, auditor, and financial analyst.
You will be equipped to enter a variety of professions in both the private and public sector, such as the following:
- managerial and financial controller
- management consultant
- financial officer
- financial reporting specialist
- financial analyst
- auditor
More information about after graduation
Facilities
The School of Business, Economics and Law is located at one end of Vasagatan, closest to Haga, and at Viktoriagatan 13. The building at Vasagatan houses the Economics Library, which is several floors high and offers many study places. The building is usually nicknamed "Handels".
More information about facilities
Exchange opportunities
Many of our students choose to go on exchange. By studying abroad, you will be given the opportunity to experience a new academic environment, new culture and gain new experiences and perspectives. The School of Business, Economics and Law and the University of Gothenburg collaborate with a large number of partner universities all over the world. Please visit International office for more information.
