MSc Professional Accounting
September 2026
Full time
18 months
Suzhou
This programme leads to a University of Liverpool degree which is recognised by Ministry of Education, China.
Knowledge and skills
By the time you graduate from the MSc Professional Accounting programme, you will:
- understand how emerging technologies are reshaping the profession, through modules on artificial intelligence and accounting and more;
- havestrong professional accounting capabilities, including financial decision-making, evaluation, and analysis of financial data, as well as the techniques needed to tackle complex financial and tax-related issues in practice;
- have a solid grounding in core areas such as financial reporting, audit and assurance, taxation, and corporate finance (where covered), ready for real workplace application;
- have strong professional judgement and ethical awareness, enabling you to operate with confidence in regulated, high-stakes environments; and
- be ready for roles in accounting, audit, finance, and related fields as the result of applied learning and exposure to professional standards.
“A Professional Accounting education will help you not only acquire the expertise to excel in today’s dynamic world, but also develop the mental flexibility and lifelong learning capabilities which are essential for future leaders.”
Jin Yan
Programme Director
Modules
*Programme modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. XJTLU students are advised to log in to the e-Bridge Portal to view the effectuated module structure.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
The university offers a broad range of activities aiming to enrich master students’ theoretical and experiential learning and professional development. Trainings, workshops and seminars, covering varieties of themes and topics, both generic and subject-specific, are often offered at both university and school/department levels. Additionally, IBSS programmes offer discipline- specific supplementary modules which will aid to broaden your knowledge in that specific field and enhance your skills. These would include opportunities to work as a teaching assistant, research assistant, or intern at XJTLU. Depending on the programme, field trips and company visits will be organized, and invited talks will be given by the industrial experts and professionals. All these activities will not only support you in your programme study, but also develop your personal and professional skills and enhance your overall career and employability.
“Students get several exemptions for the ACA exam because the MSc Professional Accounting programme is certificated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Due to the international nature of the programme and its good reputation, I got a great internship in China.”
Maoshi Mao
MSc Professional Accounting Alumnus
Careers
Graduates are well-prepared to sit other professional accounting examinations, such as ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). Many IBSS Professional Accounting graduates go on to work for “Big Four” companies and accounting/consultant departments in multinational companies such as Apple and Decathlon. The MSc Professional Accounting programme also provides an excellent foundation for students interested in pursuing doctoral studies.
Overview
The MSc Professional Accounting programme combines practical, graduate-level accounting skills with the theoretical grounding needed to take your practice to the next level. All programme teaching staff hold recognised international accounting qualifications (including FCA – Fellow Chartered Accountant , ACA – Associate Chartered Accountant, ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and CPA Australia), and 63% bring more than eight years of industry experience from organisations such as the “Big Four” and Fortune 500 companies, as well as other leading domestic and international firms.
Graduates may be eligible for exemptions (subject to professional body review) from selected professional-stage subjects of the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) qualification. With successful exam completion and three years of relevant work experience, students may progress towards full ACA membership. The programme also provides a strong foundation for those planning to pursue Chartered Accountant status through ICAEW.
As an IBSS student, you can also benefit from the School’s extensive links with employers in Suzhou and Shanghai, as well as IBSS research centres, supporting both your studies and future career development.
Why Should I Study Professional Accounting at IBSS?
By studying this programme you can expect to: