Department of Finance, Accounting and Risk

The Department of Finance, Accounting and Risk (FAR) provides a distinctive portfolio of industry-focused courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels of study delivered on campus and by distance learning. We bring together academics with interests and expertise in the areas of finance, banking, risk, resilience, econometrics, quantitative risk modelling, corporate and international finance, big data analytics, accounting, ethics, governance and responsible leadership.

Our courses are recognised by industry and offer a distinctive learning experience by providing a combination of theoretical underpinning with practical, real-life experience. Our learning and teaching strategy ensures all students have the opportunity to progress through their chosen course experiencing wider industry engagement, enhancing graduate career prospects through ‘real-world’ learning on their course. The accountancy team consists of 80% qualified accountants who have worked either in practice or industry. Our degrees are professionally accredited, which in turn drives elements of the curriculum, learning outcomes and assessment instruments. GCU is the only university in the UK to offer a BA (Hons) Risk Management which also provides an opportunity to take a full-year work placement during level 3. In addition to degree courses, we offer continued professional development, workshops, short courses and applied research to industry.

Staff have close working relationships and strong links to industry which enables a number of student opportunities including external business placements, guest speakers, industry-sponsored student prizes, accreditation and free membership of leading professional bodies which are appropriate to the sector students enter upon graduation. This prepares our graduates by providing them with industry-relevant abilities, business acumen and well-developed interpersonal and communication skills. Our alumni have secured employment in organisations including Vodafone, Morgan Stanley, Bank of England, Turner & Townsend, Barclays Bank, Mott McDonald, EY, Network Rail, KPMG, AIG Insurance, HSBC, Grant Thornton and RSM.

Our staff collaborate with international universities and organisations in Europe, Africa, and the USA, for example the Central Bank of Nigeria; Nexim Bank Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, University of North Carolina and Lagos Nigeria; University of Malta; Uni Research Rokken Centre, Bergen, Norway. Our partnerships enhance the student experience through multicultural teaching, learning and practice. Our degrees have academic partnerships with universities in HKU Space in Hong Kong and Jinan.

Research

Our courses are underpinned by cross-disciplinary research and consultancy projects, which adds value to the student experience.

Explore our research

Accreditations and partnerships

The BA (Hons) Accountancy is accredited by the main UK professional accountancy bodies, including ICAS, ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA and CIPFA. The BA (Hons) Finance, Investment and Risk is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). The Risk Management course is accredited by the Institute of Risk Management (IRM) and Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

GCU is the academic partner for the Business Excellence Programme delivered by AIRMIC.

Degree and professional courses

BA (Hons)

Accountancy

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS code
Full Time	4 Years	Sep 25	Glasgow	N400

Study accounting, financial management, tax and auditing at degree level. You can become an accountant in blue chip firms and financial organisations, working with facts and figures and being meticulous in your work.

MSc

Accounting, Finance and Regulation

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
Full Time	16 Months	Jan 25	Glasgow

Strong financial management is vital to all organisations and the role of the accounting professional is complex and varied. You'll develop a deeper academic and professional knowledge and understanding of the key challenges facing the profession.

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Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc (Professional practice)	Full Time	2 Years	Jan 25	Glasgow

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc (Fast-track)	Full Time	8 Months	Jan 25	Glasgow

CPD

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
Part Time	3 Years	Feb 24	Glasgow

Study for this globally recognised accountancy qualification to gain a badge of excellence and enhance your career in a wide range of fields.

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Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
CPD	Part Time	3 Years	Aug 24	Glasgow

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
CPD	Part Time	3 Years	Feb 25	Glasgow

BA (Hons)

Finance, Investment and Risk

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS code
Full Time	4 Years	Sep 25	Glasgow	N390

Become a financial expert and put your analytical and problem solving skills to the test. Study personal finance, corporate finance, investment, banking, international finance and risk at degree level.

MSc

Financial Technology

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
Part Time	2 - 3 Years	Sep 24	Glasgow

Prepare for a career in banking and finance by studying a master's offering an emphasis in technologies and data management.

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Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full Time	12 Months	Jan 25	Glasgow

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part Time	2 - 3 Years	Jan 25	Glasgow

MAcc

Graduate Apprenticeship Master of Accountancy

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
Blended Learning	5 Years	Sep 25	Glasgow

Become a Chartered Accountant with ACCA qualification in only five years with the professionally orientated MAcc Accountancy Graduate Apprenticeship.

MSc

International Banking and Finance

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
Full Time	16 Months	Jan 25	Glasgow

Accelerate your professional career in commercial and corporate banking and the finance, insurance and investment industries. Learn how to apply financial theories to the real world, with the help of academic and industry experts.

MSc

Risk Management

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
Distance Learning	2 - 3 Years	Sep 24	Glasgow

Join the increasingly important world of risk studying data acquisition, organisational risk analysis and impact-assessing insight. Progress to a career in a wide range of industries with employers such as Turner & Townsend and Barclays.

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Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc (IRM Fast-track)	Distance Learning	18 Months	Sep 24	Glasgow

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full Time	16 Months	Jan 25	Glasgow

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Distance Learning	2 - 3 Years	Jan 25	Glasgow

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc (Professional practice)	Full Time	2 Years	Jan 25	Glasgow

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc (IRM Fast-track)	Distance Learning	18 Months	Jan 25	Glasgow

BA (Hons)

Risk Management

Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS code
Full Time	4 Years	Sep 25	Glasgow	N291

Become a Risk Manager if you enjoy analysing and making impactful decisions using specialist skills. Study the identification, assessment and reduction of threats to an organisation's success along with core business skills.