Accounting Analytics & Sustainability

Each module will run over a semester of 10 weeks and will be delivered through a combination of pre-recorded materials and live weekly webinars which will be recorded and shared. Given the part-time structure and the expectation that most students will be in full-time employment whilst studying, you will complete one 15-credit module per semester.

The January – March semester has been left free due to the peak workload within the accounting profession.

You will have cloud-based access to essential software such as Tableau (for visualisation), Excel, STATA, R, MATLAB and Python (for analytics). The programme incorporates contemporary case studies and extensive databases like Reuters, DataStream, WRDS, Refinitiv, and the EY Academic Portal to support your summative and formative assessments, all of which are submitted online.

A detailed study plan for each module will be provided in advance, signposting you to weekly materials, required data software, and the self-learning assessments.

At the final stage, you will complete a practice-based Research Project to be awarded a Masters degree. The project will be based on an important business issue or opportunity for development, where you can apply your learning to your organisation's real-life example. You’ll be supervised by an academic from the Business School, who has specialist knowledge and expertise in these topics.

Assessment

The course will be assessed based on a selection of projects, case studies, or a reflective journal, depending on the learning outcomes and nature of each module. All assessments will be submitted online and feedback will be provided electronically.

The MSc Accounting Analytics and Sustainability programme has been specifically designed for accounting or other professionals interested in developing their data analytics and sustainability knowledge, skills and capabilities in the area of accounting.

What do you need to apply?

• An upper second-class Bachelor Degree, or a recognised professional accounting qualification, or equivalent.
• Lack of formal qualifications is not necessarily a barrier to admission. In such cases, we may ask the candidate to submit a portfolio of evidence demonstrating capability in areas such as your management experience, including critical thinking skills and communication skills.
• English language requirements, for applicants whose first language is not English:
  • IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with no element below 6.0 OR
  • TOEFL IBT score of 102 or above, with no element below 23.
  • Further details can be found at Direct Entry Band C - Durham University. Where applicants use both written and spoken English in their daily work, we may be able to accept an employer letter confirming this as an alternative to a formal language test.

How do I apply? 

You will need to complete the online application form. 

As well as your online application, please submit the following: 

• Your CV or resume including: full details of previous employment, dates of employment, main duties and responsibilities, salary per annum (in £ sterling) and any periods of unemployment including dates and an explanation 
• Copy of your degree certificate (where appropriate) 
• Copy of your English test results (where appropriate) 

Note:Only files of type .doc, .docx, .gif, .jpg, .pdf, .png, .rtf are permitted to be uploaded.The maximum file size is 5MB. Technical Requirements for online programme: PC, Software, and Internet Access

• Operating Systems:
  • Windows: Microsoft Windows 7 or later
  • Mac: MacOSX 10.9 or later
• Internet Connection: Minimum of 1 Mbps (8 Mbps recommended for better experience with certain resources and events).
  • Note: If relying on an employer’s internet, firewall restrictions may affect access to certain course content.
• Web Browsers:
  • Windows: Internet Explorer 11+, Chrome 39+, Firefox 34+
  • Mac OSX: Safari 8+, Chrome 39+, Firefox 34+
• Software Requirements:
  • Ability to open and edit Microsoft Office documents, especially Microsoft Excel, for data analysis and course-related activities.
  • Flash Player and Java installed.
  • Ability to open .pdf documents (e.g., Adobe Reader).
  • Headset or headphones with a microphone for full participation in online sessions.
• Optional:
  • Webcam for participation in certain events.
  • Ability to install software (e.g., R/R studio, STATA, etc) for accessing specific tools and resources.

English language requirements

Part Time Fees

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only. More information is available here: Tuition fees - how much are they - Durham University

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

We work in partnership with the University's careers team to connect you with events, organisations, or individuals to help kick-start your career. You will have access to one-to-one support on every aspect of the application process, from CV writing to interview techniques.

Our graduates are highly sought after by global employers. Some of our recent graduates now work in sectors including: financial services, healthcare, government and consultancy amongst many others.

The Department of Accounting is one of four departments at Durham University Business School, one of the UK’s longest established business schools and one of an elite group of institutions to be accredited by all three major accrediting bodies: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). 

The Department of Accounting is renowned for its cutting-edge research and world-class faculty. With strong industry connections and collaboration with leading firms, we are closing the gap that has emerged between academic accounting research and the real world of accountancy practice. The department’s three key themes include: accountability, sustainability, and digitisation, shaping and guiding our research and teaching, ensuring our graduates are prepared to address the ethical, environmental, and technological challenges that define and confront modern business practice. 

Facilities

Our Business School fulltime Masters programmes are taught across the Durham University campus by world leading faculty. The University is situated in the historic centre of Durham, a city with UNESCO World Heritage Status. Business School students have access to libraries and study spaces across the University. Many of our learning resources are accessible online, including up-to-date financial information, industry-standard databases and access to over 10,000 journals.

For our online Masters students will have access to our virtual learning platform ‘Learn Ultra’ which will be at the heart of your studies. Through this, you will have 24/7 access to your world-class learning materials. Connecting with other students is a key part of your learning experience, which you will do, amongst other ways, through taking part in tutor-facilitated group discussions and live webinar sessions.

Start your application now.