Dissertation

Module Description

The dissertation is a mandatory component of the Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Strategic Accounting Principles program. Its primary aim is to generate an original research piece on a clearly defined topic.

Moreover, it serves to facilitate students’ deeper comprehension, proficiency, and attitudes within the program’s framework.

Through rigorous research and scholarly inquiry, students not only contribute to the academic discourse but also enhance their analytical abilities, critical thinking skills, and professional acumen.

By immersing themselves in a comprehensive exploration of strategic accounting principles, students emerge equipped with the expertise and insights necessary to navigate complex financial landscapes and drive organizational success.

Entry Requirements

Candidates who apply for this course will hold a:

• Level 6 Degree related to one of the following areas: Finance and/or Accounting. 

 OR 

• Level 6 degree not related to Finance and/or Accounting and a minimum of two years relevant experience (subject to interview by admissions board) 

OR  

• Level 5 Diploma or Higher Diploma related to Finance and/or Accounting and 4 years’ work experience preferably in a position related to the subject area of this programme (subject to interview by admissions board). 

In the case of mature students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the RPL process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA Academy, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.

IDEA Academy will accept in transfer up to two of the ACCA Strategic Professional examinations completed by prospective students, these being one or maximum two of the following:

• Strategic Business Leader
• Strategic Business Reporting
• Advanced Financial Management
• Advanced Audit and Assurance

Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.

Target Audience

• Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in Accounting. 
• Individuals who already have a good foundation in accountancy and would like to take their studies a step further by embarking onto professional modules intended to broaden their knowledge for them to work independently and become certified public accountants and registered auditors. 
• Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of accounting, consulting, financial, and managerial career paths with the intention of leading a team of individuals and helping their junior staff progress as well as assisting their employers in making the right decisions. 
• Individuals wanting to enhance their ability to interpret, assess, and communicate financial related data in a way that ensures proactivity and, to a certain extent, devise strategies for the business.

Module / Unit Instruction

The student is to produce an original piece of research on a clearly defined topic. It is the most substantial piece of independent research work done by the student and may not be shorter than 22,000 words and not to exceed 25,000 words.

The student will receive the support of the assigned Dissertation Supervisor during that period.

Supervised time is 10 hours. Student can meet with supervisor face to face, via Skype or communicate via email or phone calls.

Dissertation Supervisors will be industry professionals and practitioners with related experience.

Role of Dissertation Supervisor: 

• Help decide the topic of the dissertation and advise about primary and secondary reading.
• Help with formulating ideas and hypotheses.
• Discuss the progress of work with students
• Offer guidance on the proposed structure.
• Require students to produce drafts of sections or chapters of the dissertation.
• Offer feedback on some of the student drafts, which you can then revise.
• Advise about the organisation of dissertation into sections or chapters.
• Advise about matters of presentation, such as the title page, contents page, pagination, footnoting and bibliography.

Additionally, the student will be provided with a manual/guideline for the submission of the research proposal and dissertation to be presented during Research Methods module and one more time at the beginning of this component.

Recommneded Research Methodologies are:

• Literature Review
• Quantitative Research
• Qualitative Research
• Mixed Methods.

How you’ll be assessed

This module shall be assessed through a dissertation not shorter than 22,000 words and no longer than 25,000 words to be submitted via an online portal.

Dissertation Grading Structure:

• Between 86 and over – Pass with Distinction.
• Between 71-85 – Pass with Credit.
• Between 56 to 70 – Pass with Merit.
• Between 41 and 55 – Pass.
• 40 and less– Fail.

Final, MSc Artificial Intelligence qualification grade is a weighted score of:

• Final Modular Grades – 60%
• Final Dissertation Grade – 40%