Curriculum & Learning | UCD Smurfit School

What will I learn?

The programme stands out for its variety of optional modules, offering a tailored educational journey that aligns with individual interests and career aspirations. As well as covering the required introductory accounting and finance modules, you will gain the knowledge needed for a career as a responsible practitioner at the forefront of emerging trends in accounting and finance.

Graduates of this programme can apply for full CAP1 exemptions* from Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) subject to module choice and a C- grade in all relevant modules. Extensive exemptions are also available from CIMA, again subject to module choice. We expect to be accredited by ACCA for Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills exemptions** shortly.

The programme strikes a forward-focussed relevant balance between technical skills and essential theoretical grounding. This is reflected in our holistic teaching approach combining the School’s inspiring academic faculty with contributions from distinguished visiting business leaders.

*See CAI website for all conditions
**Subject to module choice and approval from ACCA.

How will I benefit?

Students will be taught at the beautiful UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School located in a bespoke campus in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Students will join a dynamic international environment with more than 60 nationalities represented at the School.
Successful completion of the course corresponds to an extensive knowledge base in the areas of accounting and finance management, backed by a vital set of technical, analytical and personal skills.
Graduates will demonstrate a firm grasp of the tools and techniques for measuring and managing business performance, financial reporting and analysis, and financial management.

Curriculum

Students must complete 8 core modules in the Autumn and Spring Trimesters. In the Summer Trimester students complete 4 option modules.

Autumn Trimester	Spring Trimester	Summer Trimester
Accounting and Business Bootcamp Strategic Corporate Finance Strategic Management Financial and ESG Reporting Management and Environmental Accounting	Financial Risk Management Accounting for Performance and Control Accounting and Business Analytics Law and Governance	Option modules include: Advanced Financial Reporting Auditing and Assurance Taxation Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Accounting Financial Data Technology Sustainability Reporting and Analysis Managing Performance

Autumn Trimester

Spring Trimester

Summer Trimester

Option modules include:

Please be advised that the above reflects the 2024/2025 curriculum structure and is subject to change each year. Modules have been revised and updated from 2022/2023 to respond to student needs and further details on each module will be available in due course.

Vision/Values Statement

The Masters in Accounting and Financial Management (MSC AFM) programme in the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School is aimed at pre-experience graduate students with a background in business to prepare them for a career in accounting or financial management. The purpose of the programme is to develop the accounting and financial management skills of business graduates who may not have specialized in accounting and financial management in their degrees and now want a career in this area. The programme meets the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for entry into their final examination. (Purpose). We aim to provide a learning environment that encourages our students to be well grounded in the principles and practice of accounting and financial management and to able to apply that knowledge in business situations. The more technical elements of the programme are combined with the study of organizational behavior strategy and governance so that students can take a broad approach to solving business problems (education and subject/discipline/professional values). Module content will reflect technical accounting and financial management knowledge, taught in the context of real-world business problem-solving situations. Insights from guest lectures from the accounting profession and the business world will enhance the learning experience and augment students’ knowledge and understanding of professional accounting issues and practices. There is also a strong emphasis on the use of technology in business (the nature of the learning environment). This programme provides a balance between theoretical learning and applied skills development. Top-class faculty and highly regarded expert practitioners ensure the academic rigor and real-life relevance of the course content. Teaching, learning and assessment approaches include, lectures, workshops and seminars. Assessment comprises (i) a mixture of individual and group assignments, (ii) together with end-of-semester examinations. Three optional Summer-school modules provide an opportunity for students to explore areas of interest such as project management, finance and accounting technology. (key approaches to teaching, learning and assessment).

Programme Outcomes

On successful completion of the programme students should be able to:

Programme Goals:	Programme Learning Outcomes:
Programme Goal 1: Our graduates will be current in their knowledge of the theory and practice of accounting and financial management.	Programme Learning Outcome 1a: Critically appraise the theoretical and conceptual knowledge in the fields of accounting and financial management Programme Learning Outcome 1b: Employ accounting and financial management in addressing financial and information problems faced by businesses.
Programme Goal 2: Our graduates will appreciate the importance of the broader business environment in developing solutions to accounting and financial management problems.	Programme Learning Outcome 2a: Critically appraise the theoretical and conceptual knowledge in the fields of strategy, organizational behaviour and governance. Programme Learning Outcome 2b: Critically evaluate the strategic and social context of business problems and appraise solutions in the light of that environment.
Programme Goal 3: Our graduates will be current in their knowledge of information technology and how it is applied in accounting and financial management.	Programme Learning Outcome 3a: Critically evaluate information technology-based solutions to business problems.
Programme Goal 4: Our graduates will be able to comment critically on the organizational and governance context in which financial decision making is undertaken.	Programme Learning Outcome 4a: Demonstrate an understanding of diverse corporate governance and organizational structures Programme Learning Outcome 4b: Appreciate the impact of ethical considerations on individual and collective financial decision making.
Programme Goal 5: Our graduates will possess the ability to become effective team players as their career develops.	Programme Learning Outcome 5a: Engage in collaborative learning by completing business projects and assignments in teams.

Global Leadership Programme (GLP)

Our optional Global Leadership Programme (GLP) offers you a unique opportunity to engage in a diverse range of co-curricular professional development activities alongside the modules you take on the Master's programme. Participation in the GLP can give you an advantage over similarly qualified job candidates and increase your readiness for success in the workplace.

Learn more about the programme here

Sustainable Development Goals

As part of the curriculum, students are engaged with issues related to sustainability in all of its many facets, including responsible leadership, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and inclusive business practices. As educators, we believe in the value of exposing our students to a variety of perspectives on the role of business in society and equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to tackle even the most intractable problems. Our programmes seek to develop informed and imaginative leaders that are mindful of responsible and sustainable business objectives and practices and embed a number of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the curriculum.

MSc in Accounting and Financial Management