Business and Management

MSc International Financial Management

Programme director
Liang Han
Programme length
Full-time: 12 months
Programme start date
September 2013

A distinctive programme which combines International orientation with finance and accounting.

Programme overview

The rise in importance and complexity of financial management in an international environment poses a great challenge for financial managers in multinational corporations. This programme aims to meet the needs of future finance and accounting professionals in not only the financial sector but also other large international corporations. 

You will be provided with the theoretical framework and practical skills that finance and accounting professionals working in multinational corporations need. The programme also provides a valuable foundation for those contemplating academic careers and further study in the applied finance and accounting field at PhD level. 

An integrated approach consisting of finance, accounting and international business is taken, so as to provide a coherent business view that explores the interrelationships between the various components of the programme. 

The programme is distinctive in that it combines an international orientation with finance and accounting. The high level of international content draws on the Surrey Business School’s recent research activities and teaching strengths in this area. Further, the programme’s wide international dimension includes emerging economies, as well as Anglo-American and continental European contexts.

Entry requirements

Applicants should usually hold a Bachelors degree (UK 2.2 or above) or equivalent qualification from a recognised British or overseas university in a related subject, including accountancy, finance, economics, business administration, management, mathematics, physics, science and engineering. If an applicant’s Bachelors degree is not in a subject related to this MSc, some relevant work experience would be an advantage. Each applicant is assessed on their own merit. Higher level professional qualifications may also be accepted.

English language requirements

IELTS minimum overall: 6.5

IELTS minimum by component: 6.0

We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Fees and funding

All fees are subject to increase or review for subsequent academic years. Please note that not all visa routes permit part-time study and overseas students entering the UK on a Tier 4 visa will not be permitted to study on a part-time basis.

Programme name Study mode Start date UK/EU fees Overseas fees
MSc International Financial ManagementFull-timeSept 2013£9,650£16,315

Programme content

Compulsory Modules

  • Principles of Accounting
  • Foundations of Finance
  • Corporate Finance
  • International Corporate Governance
  • International Finance
  • Quantitative Methods in Economics
  • International Business Management
  • Dissertation

Optional Modules

  • International Financial Reporting
  • Econometrics
  • International Trade

Module Overview

This programme consists of seven compulsory modules, one optional module from a range of three, and a dissertation.

Compulsory Modules

Principles of Accounting

This module is designed to provide a practical study of the basic principles and advanced knowledge of financial accounting systems used around the world and addresses the major issues to be reformed.

Foundations of Finance

This module aims to provide a complete introduction to financial theory through a study of the problems of investing capital, specifically valuation of securities both as individual investments and their contribution to risk and return in a portfolio context.

Corporate Finance

The aim of this module is to provide a substantial course in corporate finance following the Foundations of Finance module. This exposure will help you understand some of the more difficult materials in corporate finance and also present corporate finance as the working of a number of integrated and powerful institutions.

International Corporate Governance

This module builds on financial economics theories to encompass the latest developments in corporate governance worldwide. The theoretical study is supported by empirical evidence in which corporate governance develops by examining the legal structure and capital market for various countries at macro level, and the firm’s structure which influences the effectiveness of corporate governance at macro level. It takes an international approach by contextualising its development and providing a stimulating range of academic and practitioner research, and topical case studies. The module is designed as a substantial course in finance at master’s level appropriate to degrees in accounting and finance, generic business and management studies, and the MBA.

International Finance

The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of worldwide financial markets and the main types of securities traded in these markets, as well as how to use these securities to hedge risks in world financial markets.

Quantitative Methods in Economics

Finance is regarded as applied economics. A good grasp of quantitative methods in economics is essential for finance and accounting-related studies. This module is an introduction to the techniques of econometrics and the use of an econometric package.

International Business Management

International business management is the process of applying management concepts, theories and techniques in a multinational environment so that firms can become and remain international in scope. Moreover, a comparative view of management and organisation in internationally operating firms is provided to understand these processes in details.

Optional Modules

International Financial Reporting

This module builds on the Principles of Accounting module and aims to address issues that arise for complex business entities from both conceptual and technical angles within the context of international financial reporting standards and national GAAPS.

Econometrics

This module builds on the Quantitative Methods in Economics module. Asymptotically valid methods of estimation and hypothesis testing are introduced. Limited dependent variable and panel data models are also examined.

International Trade

This module will equip you with knowledge of international business operations. Important trends in international trade will be analysed and an overview of the main theories of international trade will be provided.

Professional recognition

The Surrey Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Teaching and learning

The teaching and learning strategy builds upon the work carried out in the Research Methods module. It is designed to allow you to take responsibility for your own learning and progress, supported by individual supervision during which you will be able to explain, discuss and refine your particular ideas with your supervisor.

The teaching and learning methods will include regular individual supervision.

You will agree with your supervisor the objectives of your study, the arrangements for any fieldwork and the development of research instruments. The supervisor will also comment on drafts of your work.

Each module is assessed by one or more of the following:

  • Individual assignments (essays, case studies)
  • Group presentations/assignments (practical problem-solving cases)
  • Examinations (open or closed book)
  • Individually supervised dissertation

Facilities, equipment, academic support

The Surrey Business School prides itself on its high teaching standards, research excellence, employment record, international reputation and flexible teaching methods, and has an outstanding group of academics committed to education.

Throughout your time at Surrey, you will have access to a range of services and support. The School is committed to developing your study skills through a variety of different teaching methods and tutorials. In addition, our learning resources are second to none.

You will work in the new state-of-the-art School of Management building which is wireless-networked and has well-equipped computer laboratories, dedicated high-quality seminar rooms and a 400-seat auditorium.

When you wish to relax and meet friends, the School offers a purpose-built student common room, its own coffee shop and the Lakeside Restaurant, which operates as a professional business but is also a fundamental part of the School’s Hospitality Management programmes.

Dissertation

The dissertation is the final element of the programme and it provides an opportunity for a sustained period of research. It allows you to concentrate on topics that are of particular interest to you and it draws upon a range of different aspects of the taught programme, particularly the Research Methods module. It also gives you an opportunity to work on your own with individual supervision.

The module is designed to allow you to:

  • Undertake an original piece of research adding to existing knowledge
  • Demonstrate an ability to select, define and focus upon an issue at an appropriate level
  • Develop and apply relevant and sound methodologies
  • Analyse the issue; develop recommendations and logical conclusions
  • Be aware of the limitations of research work

You will also be expected to demonstrate an awareness of any ethical dilemmas that arise in your research.

Key facts

  • This innovative programme combines accounting and finance with applications in international business
  • There are opportunities to develop skills in specialised areas through a wide choice of optional modules
  • The programme develops a finance and accounting education with an international outlook
  • The programme is delivered by dedicated staff in a research-led environment
  • The University of Surrey is one of only ten UK universities accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and one of 34 UK universities accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA).
  • Surrey is ranked among only five per cent of UK universities with double international accreditation
  • Accredited by the Institute of Financial Services (IFS)

Contact us

For general enquiries

0800 980 3200 or +44 (0)1483 681 681

For admissions enquiries

+44 (0)1483 686 300