MSc Forensic Audit and Accounting

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.

• Forensic Financial Analysis
  Provides an introduction to and overview of financial analysis and includes areas such as valuation (assets, businesses, liabilities), financial statement analysis, hidden asset identification, asset recovery, and the quantification of losses arising from breach of contract and disaster situations. In this module there is also an emphasis on uncovering and detecting financial statement fraud.
  
  
• Audit, Governance and Risk Management
  Explicitly links governance and fraud and gives emphasis to (fraud) risk management and internal controls. Also focuses on forensic audit as opposed to generic statutory audit skills.
  
  
• Research Methods in Accounting and Finance
  This module introduces students to the methods and methodology of academic research with a focus on finance and accounting. Coverage includes constructing a literature review, referencing, information sources, the research paradigm, collecting primary data, analysis of quantitative data including the use of descriptive and inferential statistics.
  
  
• Cyber and Digital Investigations
  Overview of the tools, techniques and practice of digital forensics. Whilst it is recognised that Forensic Accounting students do not need to be technical experts; they need an awareness of the techniques available and when to call in expert help. Module also covers the law relating to digital forensics, cybercrime and mitigations.
  
  
• Financial Crime and Expert Witness
  This module focuses on the role of the expert witness and dispute resolution. In addition the work of Regional Asset Recovery Teams, Regional Organised Crime Units and associated legislation including the Proceeds of Crime Act, Money Laundering regulations etc. and various other aspects of financial crime are examined.
  
  
• Fraud Examination
  Fraud examination methodologies from planning to litigation, engagement to report writing and investigation techniques. 
  Advanced fraud related topics, including, but not limited to: the psychology of the fraudster; fraud schemes; interviewing and investigative techniques; profiling; evidence gathering and management and cybercrime. 
  
  
• Dissertation Accounting and Finance

The Forensic Audit and Accounting masters 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.

Our experienced tutors are accounting, legal and computing professionals with extensive industry and academic experience. They maintain strong links with professional bodies and employers and a number are qualified ACFE Fraud Examiners.

Students benefit from having employers regularly on-campus through CPD talks and guest lectures.

Assessment methods include examinations and coursework and practical assignments.

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.

Please note that whilst this course does not require a DBS Check for entry, some professions will not consider candidates who have certain types of criminal convictions.    Therefore, if you have a criminal conviction and you are considering a particular career path we would recommend that you check with the relevant professional body or refer to their recruitment policy to make sure that your conviction will not disadvantage you.

Forensic Audit and Accounting is a growing, niche area with audit and accountancy firms looking for specialist skills.

It is also an important area for national governments, particularly in developing countries. As a result, 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 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.