MScAccounting, Auditing and Strategic Management
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Why study a forensic accounting and auditing master's degree at Solent University
Gain dual MSc and ACCA Chartered Certified qualification while developing advanced forensic accounting and auditing skills for careers in fraud investigation, assurance and financial crime prevention.
- 0%of our master’s graduates progress to high-skilled careers or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 22/23, FT taught master's)
- £0kmedian salary for our master’s graduates (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23, taught master's)
- £0minvested in our campus estate and facilities over the past 5 years
- ACCA embedded curriculum helps you fast track your journey toward professional qualification and enhance employability.
- Industry focused teaching delivered by academics with professional backgrounds in accounting, auditing, finance, and strategic management.
- Strong emphasis on digital and analytical skills, including the use of specialist financial software and data driven decision making tools.
- Access to Solent’s Bloomberg Suite, offering real time financial data, analytics and industry standard tools to support practical skills development.
- Practice based learning using real-world case studies, financial data, business scenarios and applied assessments that mirror industry expectations.
- A clear route into professional and managerial roles, with graduates well positioned for careers in corporate finance, auditing, financial analysis, risk, governance and strategic planning.
Any questions?
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The MSc in Accounting, Auditing, and Strategic Management is designed to cultivate a new generation of accounting professionals who are not only technically proficient but also strategically minded, ethically grounded, and globally aware.
The programme develops advanced knowledge and critical understanding of financial reporting, auditing, and corporate governance within a dynamic international framework. You'll be equipped with the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to address complex financial challenges across diverse sectors, while integrating sustainability, corporate responsibility, and ethical considerations into financial decision-making processes.
Your studies will prepare you to become a holistic advisor and strategic thinker, capable of using accounting expertise to support comprehensive organisational performance. The curriculum fosters a deep understanding of international accounting and auditing standards, performance management, and the qualitative and quantitative aspects of financial analysis. It also encourages the development of unique organisational expertise and the ability to apply accounting knowledge in decision-making contexts.
A key educational aim is to provide a holistic perspective that enables graduates to critically assess and tackle real-world challenges, particularly in the context of sustainability and ethical leadership. The programme promotes hands-on learning through industry collaborations, consultancy projects, and exposure to professional tools. You are encouraged to apply theoretical insights to practical scenarios, enhancing your employability and readiness for senior roles such as financial analyst, auditor, CFO, or sustainability consultant.
Accreditations
Accredited by and with exemptions available:
This course is for
This course is ideal for ambitious graduates who want to deepen their expertise in accounting, auditing and strategic decision‑making while progressing toward ACCA membership. It suits students from accounting, finance, business or related disciplines who are ready to develop advanced analytical, governance and leadership skills.
Whether you're aiming for a professional accounting qualification, preparing for senior financial roles, or seeking to enter the auditing and consulting professions, this programme offers the technical depth and strategic insight needed to accelerate your career.
What this course leads to
Graduates of this ACCA‑embedded course are well prepared for careers where financial expertise and strategic leadership intersect. Graduates would be suitable for roles including:
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Students on this course will have access to our Bloomberg suite, which delivers real-time business and market news, data and analysis to the world’s leading industries and companies to support critical financial and strategic decision making.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
What you'll study
Core modules
Strategic Corporate Reporting
In this module you'll develop the skills required to make informed and ethical business reporting decisions in complex and evolving environments. You'll focus on applying international financial reporting standards (IFRS) to real-world scenarios, enabling students to interpret financial statements, assess corporate performance, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Success in this module demands a strong grasp of financial reporting principles, critical thinking, and the ability to integrate technical knowledge with broader business considerations.
Strategic Leadership and Governance
In this module you'll develop the capabilities required to lead organisations effectively and ethically in complex, dynamic environments. You'll be equipped with the tools to make strategic decisions, evaluate governance structures, and respond to emerging challenges in leadership and accountability. You'll explore key themes such as organisational vision, stakeholder engagement, ethical leadership, and the role of governance in driving sustainable performance.
Ethics and Professional Skills
EPSM is an online learning module that prepares you for the strategic professional exams, as well as providing you with the skills needed to become a trusted finance professional in today’s digital world. This is a non-credit bearing ethics module which is required by ACCA for you to be a Chartered Accountant.
Strategic Audit and Compliance
This module is designed to help you develop the skills and judgment required to act as an expert in audit and assurance engagements. You'll focus on applying relevant knowledge in evaluating and forming audit opinions in complex scenarios, including group audits, regulatory environments, and ethical dilemmas. You'll also explore current developments in auditing, including the impact of technology (including AI), data analytics, and sustainability reporting.
Research Methods and Final Major Project
This module gives you the opportunity to apply your research and analytical skills to an area of business or management of interest to you. The Research Methods element will develop your skills of inquiry and management research, resulting in a project proposal to be used as the basis for your final major project.
Optional modules
Strategic Tax Planning and Compliance
This module is the equivalent to ACCA's Advanced Taxation (ATX-UK), designed to advance your expertise in UK taxation for strategic planning and compliance. Building on prior modules, you will deepen your understanding of the UK tax framework by focusing on complex scenarios involving international elements, trusts, cross-border transactions, and interactions between taxes.
Data Science in Accounting and Auditing
This module equips future finance professionals with the skills to harness data science for strategic decision-making. It reflects the increasing demand for data literacy, analytics, cloud technologies, and ethical AI use in business and finance.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
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At Solent, our aim is to deliver innovative, inclusive and intellectually stimulating teaching to develop self-confident and highly employable graduates. All our courses are designed with employability in mind, which makes industry-based learning a priority.
Assessment on this course is designed to integrate theory with practice, enabling students to produce professionally relevant artefacts such as financial statements, audit reports, tax computations, and strategic performance analyses. These assessments reflect the expectations of employers and professional bodies, ensuring students graduate with the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully in the workplace.
Learn transferable skills
You will be supported to develop a range of transferable skills throughout the course. This includes programming, project management, problem-solving, analytical skills, technical writing, teamwork, communication and presentation skills.
These transferable skills empower you to work in a range of different industries after graduation. The course will also equip you with research and academic skills helping those who wish to pursue a PhD or an academic career.
Why choose a career in forensic accounting and auditing
Accounting, auditing and finance sit at the heart of every successful organisation. In a world shaped by rapid technological change, global markets and increasing regulatory expectations, employers need professionals who can interpret complex data, evaluate risk, drive strategic decisions and ensure businesses remain accountable.
This industry continues to offer strong career stability, international mobility and pathways into leadership roles, making it an excellent choice for graduates who want long‑term professional growth and the ability to shape financial outcomes in both public and private sectors.
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
Find out more
£35k
median salary for Solent master’s graduates
(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23, FT/PT taught master's)
Alumni network
As part of our global alumni community, you can take advantage of a range of benefits.
Whether it's been days or decades since you left us, or you're soon to don your cap and gown, things are constantly changing at Solent. We're always innovating, but we're also immensely proud of our heritage. And that means you.
Find out more
20% alumni discount
Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are:
- UK and Channel Island full-time fees: £10,400 per year
- International full-time fees: £18,350 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
20% alumni discount
Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:ÂEntry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
An honours degree at 2:2 or higher with at least four ACCA exemptions
- At least three years' accounting-related work experience
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our course entry statement document.
Your application checklist
Applications for postgraduate courses can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. However, we strongly recommend you apply at your earliest convenience.
Please ensure you upload the following mandatory documents with your application:- Two academic references.
- Certified transcripts of qualifications, including English language proficiency if non-UK student.
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of current visa (if applicable).
- A personal statement.
- Employer sponsor form, where appropriate.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in reading, listening and speaking.
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component, or equivalent.
TOEFL IBT tests taken prior to 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component.
TOEFL IBT tests taken from 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 5.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Study options
Full-time September start
Study at Solent full-time, beginning in September. This option lets you complete your qualification in the shortest possible time by taking a full study load each semester.Â
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:ÂMake your application
- 1 year full-time
