Master of Science (MSc) International Accounting & Finance

  • Overview
  • Course Content
  • Structure
  • Career Opportunities
  • Fees
  • Next Steps

Overview

   International Accounting and Finance 

Aims of the Programme

Technological innovation has created a wave of disruptive activity that will change the shape of the global economic and financial system over the next decade. Digitisation and ever-increasing volumes of data has led to a demand for graduates (employees) from programmes specifically tailored to the skills required for a changing and increasingly competitive and globalised business landscape. In order to meet this demand, this industry-aligned, strategically-focused and highly-applied programme focuses on accounting, quantification of data, treasury functions and corporate finance. It is designed to appeal to graduates seeking to gain exposure to data-driven financial decision-making roles.

The MSc in International Accounting and Finance is a one year full-time or two years part-time programme. This broad programme with an integrated delivery from end‐to‐end covering a range of skills applicable to a wide range of accounting and finance functions. The programme aims to develop learners' knowledge of the theory and practice necessary for them to secure employment and perform in a variety of areas in a broad range of companies.
 
The programme focuses on practical skills in core areas such as the role of capital markets, quantitative financial modelling, treasury risk management, international financial reporting, and advanced financial management. Its aim is to create a critical understanding of core accounting, financial, and quantitative principles whilst also enhancing the practical technical skills of the learners.

Aims and Objectives

The specific programme aims and objectives are as follows:

  • Enable learners to develop in-depth knowledge and analytical skills in current and evolving disciplines of international finance and accounting.

  • Provide learners with a systematic knowledge of the organisational and regulatory context of international accounting and finance.

  • Facilitate the learners’ development and application of skills and attributes that are complementary and relevant to the contemporary workplace.

  • Identify and develop autonomous learning skills for the learner.

  • Develop in the learner a contextual understanding of evolving financial and economic trends and technologies.

  • Enable the learner to identify, develop and apply detailed analytical, creative, problem solving and research skills.

  • Provide the learner with a comprehensive platform for career development, innovation and further study.

Overall, the programme aims to create in learners, a critical understanding of international accountancy and finance issues, developing learners’ understanding of the demands of the changing environment through up-to-date and in-depth knowledge of the core and subfields of international accountancy and finance whilst also providing valuable and necessary practical skills in this field.

Delivery

This programme is taught on a hybrid basis. This means learners are timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for the Master of Science in International Accounting & Finance are: 

  • A Level 8 primary undergraduate honours degree with a minimum Second-Class Second Division classification (2.2) from a recognised third level institution in a cognate area who wish to specialise in the field of accountancy and finance.  Cognate subjects include general business, accountancy and finance related degree, or

  • A Level 8 primary undergraduate honours degree with a minimum Second-Class Second Division classification (2.2) from a recognised third level institution in a non-cognate area but holds 3-5 years professional experience in a related field and who require a qualification in this area in order to progress professionally, or

  • An equivalent professional qualification such as ACCA or CIMA.

  • For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE or DBS English Assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.

Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification at a 2.2 award level and who have at least 3 years’ work experience may also be considered through the college’s normal RPL procedures.  Relevant professional experience may be taken into account and individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis through DBS RPL procedures.

 

Course Content

 

Core Modules

Principles of Financial Markets

Quantitative Financial Modelling

International Financial Reporting

Corporate Governance & Ethics 

Advanced Financial Management

Treasury and Risk Management

Advanced International Financial Reporting

Strategic Performance Management

Research Methods

Dissertation/Applied Research Project

Assessment Methods

The programme teaching and learning strategy is designed to allow the learner to progress through the theoretical and practical concepts in an orderly and logical fashion. The assessment strategy is planned to ensure practical application of the core principles of the module and facilitates feedback, which underpins the overall learning experience.

The overall assessment strategy of the programme is a mixture of practical individual and/or group - project bases - continuous assessment, and where appropriate a final examination.

The programme emphasises the development and evolution of the skills and attributes relevant to the contemporary workplace, and the programme’s assessment strategy reflects this clear objective. 

 

Structure

The programme contains a wide range of formative and summative assessments including individual and group work, projects, presentations, case studies and examinations.
Learners will synthesise their postgraduate studies with experiential learning gaining critical analysis and self-reflection skills to embrace lifelong learning to progress professionally or undertake further studies and/or research. Through the dissertation or applied research project, learners can develop independent research and problem-solving skills reflective of their expansion of financial management competencies and contribute to their chosen field of enquiry which will be valuable in a variety of contexts in the workplace.

Full-time

For full-time students, the taught component consists of 10 modules: Successful completion of the taught component stage allows you to move on to the dissertation stage.

Part-time

For part-time students, delivery of the programme is structured over 4 taught semesters. During each semester, students are typically required to attend lectures on two evenings per week and occasional weekend workshops.

This programme is taught on a hybrid basis. This means learners are timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.

Career Opportunities

Employers have given the following job titles by way of example:

·         Accountant
·         Financial Analyst
·         Portfolio Manager
·         Business Analyst
·         Business Intelligence
·         Consultants
·         Private Equity Analyst (VC)
·         Fintech Entrepreneur and/or Innovator
 
From an employer’s perspective, irrespective of the so-called ‘hard skills,’ negotiation, conflict resolution, teamwork and communication are essential to work within the industry. In discussions with industry agility, motivation and teamwork have been highlighted repeatedly as key skills. These are important in all industries, but are seen as particularly important in a relatively young, fast changing environment such as an agile business environment.

 

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €8,900 full-time, €5,550 p.a. part-time. This covers the cost of tuition, registration and examinations.

Click here to view international fees.  

Click here to view EU fees.

You can also contact our admissions team who would be happy to discuss the options available for you.

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event that DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner.   More details are included in the terms and conditions of learner admission to DBS (https://www.dbs.ie/terms-and-conditions) and on programme handbooks provided at induction.

Improve your employability

All of our postgraduate courses offer strong links with industry and the professional world and often carry accreditation from professional bodies. By choosing to study at postgraduate level, not only do you gain valuable skills and experience but you also demonstrate your determination to succeed in a chosen career. Far from being a postponement to employment, postgraduate study can help you progress further and faster in your chosen career. And, if you're not certain what direction you would like your future to take, further study can provide a secure and structured space to help you find out through exploring your strengths and interests.

Get your foot on the career ladder

A large number of our postgraduate programmes include a work placement option, giving you the opportunity to gain vocational experience, make valuable contacts and gain transferable skills. It is also worth considering that some postgraduate qualifications are essential requirements to getting on the career ladder.

Gain skills for success

During your undergraduate degree you will have developed a strong foundation of transferable skills. Postgraduate study will build on this base, giving you the opportunity to put these highly valuable skills in to practice. You will also gain invaluable practical working examples that you can go on to use at interview to set you apart from other candidates.

Next Steps

Visit Us

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about DBS and learn more about the Master of Science (MSc) in International Accounting & Finance.  As well as experiencing our outstanding facilities, you'll have the opportunity to receive personalised advice from academics from your subject area, meet current postgraduate students and also have your questions answered on general subjects such as entry requirements, student support and the admissions process.


EU Applicants

Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation:

  • Academic Transcripts (Original & Official English Translation where issued in another language). Applicants who have previously attended DBS need not provide this documentation.

  • Proof of Identification (Birth Certificate, Drivers Licence or Passport)

  • Detailed Curriculum Vitae

  • Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) where full time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English

  • Academic/Business References - Ideally one Academic & one Business

  • Please see programme content for any course-specific additional application procedures.

    In addition to the above, in the instance of Non-EU applicants who have residency in Ireland:

  • A copy of your GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) Card, Work permit (if applicable) & Passport

  • The letter that was issued to you by the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform stating why you were provided with the above documentation

  • Please see programme content for any course-specific additional application procedures.

    International Students/ Non EU Applicants

    Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation:

    • Academic documents  

    • Academic transcripts 

    • Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) 

    • A Curriculum Vitae 

    • A copy of your passport

    Please note that copies of all documentation must be submitted, and that it must be translated into English where issued in another language. Please do not send original documents as these will not be returned. Dublin Business School has a number of overseas offices and representatives worldwide. Please contact us if you wish to receive further details on your closest DBS representative.

Categories:
  • International
  • Postgraduate Programmes
  • Part-Time
  • Full-Time
  • Business & Management
  • Accounting & Finance
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Course overview

Awarding Body: 
Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
QQI AWARD LOGO (1)
Award: Masters Degree
NFQ Level: 
Level 9
Award Title:
Master of Science in International Accounting & Finance
Award Type:
 Major
Duration:
Full-time: 1 Year
Part-time: 2 Years
Next Intake: September 2025

Contact Us

We are now accepting applications for programmes taking place in 2025. Contact our admissions team for more information

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01 417 7500
Opening times:
Monday to Friday
8:45am to 5:15pm