The University of London and ACCA have signed a joint agreement to create a fully integrated masters programme, the first of its kind with an accountancy body at professional level. The degree will be available in 180 countries and much of the learning will be online to improve accessibility under the access agenda
The MSc in professional accountancy has been customised with two pathways for both ACCA students and members/affiliates.
For current students, the first three ACCA professional papers will be credited by the University of London for its masters degree and at this point they become eligible to register for the degree with the University.
In order to pass, students will have to complete two professional modules, which offer synergy between the University of London and the ACCA examination papers, as well as completing a strategic financial project.
ACCA members and affiliates who have already completed their ACCA professional qualification will also be eligible to register for the masters programme. They will be required to complete two modules, namely global issues for the finance professional and a strategic financial project, to complete the award.
The vice-chancellor of the University of London, professor Sir Adrian Smith FRS described the partnership between the University and ACCA as ‘ground-breaking’.
Sir Adrian said: ‘As world leaders in our respective fields of education, both the University of London and ACCA have a long history of widening access across the world.
‘This new masters degree in professional accountancy, will be made available through our global network of teaching institutions and learning partners as well as through supported online learning, all of which will help extend our reach.’
Helen Brand, ACCA’s chief executive said: ‘This ground-breaking agreement links the vocational and academic pathways through education in the first truly integrated qualification of its kind.’
Commenting on the news that an ACCA student or member will have the opportunity to undertake a reduced number of modules to achieve a Masters qualification, Helen Brand said:
‘I am particularly delighted that this agreement allows us to offer a Masters in professional accountancy via an online, flexible platform and at a significantly reduced cost when compared to traditional means of study.
‘It is vital that education is accessible to everyone, no matter their background, and I am proud to say that with the help of the University of London, we can now extend this right up to Masters award level.’
Prospective students can complete an online register of interest form here and pre-registration will start on 1 August 2015.
Further information including details of fees is available here
For current ACCA students, the masters programme will start during the first week of January 2016 and for members/affiliates the scheduled start date is July 2016.