Forensic accounting and the related discipline of forensic audit are fast-developing areas in the commercial world. The major professional accounting firms now have departments offering forensic accounting and audit services, and the demand for expertise in this area is growing exponentially. There is a need for people with specialist skills who can undertake fraud investigations, valuations, assist in dispute resolution, prepare expert reports, and conduct fraud and forensic analysis – and the MSc Forensic Audit and Accounting course will develop these specialists skills.
The MSc Forensic Audit and Accounting will build your confidence in the forensic audit of business data and provide you with advanced analytical, evaluation and problem solving skills. You will learn how to evaluate the principles of good corporate governance and the integrity of management, and to understand the role of computer forensic techniques in an investigatory and legal context.
You will study the following specified or core modules. Note, these are all 20 credit modules, with the exception of the dissertation, which is 60 credits:
Students then choose three modules from the following 20 credit option modules (option availaibility subject to student demand):
The MSc Forensic Audit and Accounting course is delivered full-time through a combination of lectures, tutorials, computer workshops, case study analysis and discussion groups. You will be exposed to real-life situations and given the skills and opportunities to find practical solutions. You will have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art computer forensic and data analysis software.
Assessment methods include examinations and coursework-based assignments.
Specialist IT facilities are used where appropriate including audit and computer forensic software.
A minimum 2:2 Honours degree in accounting, audit or finance. Alternatively, a minimum 2:2 Honours degree in business with an appropriate level of financial content, from a UK university.
Equivalent accredited international or professional qualifications are acceptable. The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
August 2019 – July 2020 Fees: USW will be offering a package of financial support for postgraduate study and this will be announced shortly.
Please note the full-time UK and EU fee is £9000, however USW is offering a full-time UK and EU bursary of £3000 which means students pay £6000
Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed below. Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.
Apply directly to the University if you are applying for a part-time, professional or postgraduate course, an Erasmus/Exchange programme, the Legal Practice (part-time) course, to top up your Foundation Degree or HND, or to transfer to USW from another institution.
Employment opportunities are numerous, from specialist firms of forensic accountants to specialist departments within accountancy firms. There are many opportunities in the public and regulatory sectors, as well as employment prospects in commercial organisations, as part of investigatory, internal audit, and compliance departments. Recent graduates from this course are employed in the forensic accounting department of a ‘Big Four’ accountancy firm, and as a Fraud Investigator for a national public sector auditor.
As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.
This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.
Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.
The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere, as well as living and studying in the same place. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.
