Master's Programme in Accounting and Auditing 60 credits
About the programme
This programme is designed for those who want to work with accounting, auditing, and financial reporting – fields where your expertise plays a crucial role in supporting well‑founded business decisions. Over the course of one year, you will specialise in accounting and auditing and develop the ability to handle complex reporting challenges. You will learn how to prepare and analyse financial information to evaluate and improve organisational performance. The programme also provides solid insight into the international regulations that govern external reporting and auditing.
While studying
The first semester focuses on building both depth and breadth in accounting and auditing.
You will study two modules that provide advanced knowledge of financial reporting in listed companies, based on international accounting standards. Sustainability reporting is a significant component, giving you an understanding of current reporting requirements.
You will also work with performance measurement, including sustainability metrics, which are essential tools for organisational steering and follow‑up. The auditing module gives you a strong theoretical and practical foundation in the function and implementation of auditing.
Teaching is based on international accounting and auditing standards, making the programme relevant for international students as well. Ethics and sustainability issues related to decision‑making and reporting are integrated throughout the curriculum.
During the second semester, you will study corporate governance and quantitative research methods, both specifically tailored to students focusing on accounting and auditing. In the latter half of the semester, you will complete your Master’s thesis.
About our research in accounting
Within accounting, we have a broad interest in auditing. Our auditing research focuses, for example, on audit quality, audit teams, auditors’ going concern reporting and audit fees. We also do sustainability research, financial reporting research and research about intangibles in firms.
Courses
Semester 1
Financial reporting, Auditing and Control, 30 credits.
Semester 2
Corporate Governance and Quantitative Research Methods, 15 credits
Business Administration, Master's Thesis I (one-year), 15 credits
Applies to all 60 credit Master's programmes at USBE
We integrate competencies in our programmes
In our programmes and courses we focus on competencies that are needed for your future professional life.
Read more about integrated competencies
Sustainability perspective all the more important
Sustainability get a whole lot bigger attention in today's firms and organizations and we lifted these questions up early in our educational programmes. Together with our students are we working for a more sustainable business school and to revise the courses to improve the education about, and for, sustainable development at the programme independent of your choice between business administration and economics. Our work on sustainability takes as a starting point the 17 sustainable development goals and Agenda 2030.
We are certified by the environmental management system ISO 14001 and we are members of the international networks GBSN, PRME and SDSN.
Read more about our work on sustainability
Academic quality, international recognition, and education with purpose
At Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics, your master’s studies are part of something larger – a commitment to academic excellence, societal relevance, and sustainable development. Our quality assurance system, grounded in both Swedish national standards and leading international frameworks, ensures continuous improvement of our programmes. We are proud to be accredited by AACSB – a prestigious mark of quality held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide.
Through student-centred learning, active collaboration with business and society, and an integrated sustainability perspective, you will develop the skills and insights needed to lead change and contribute to a better future.
Corporate connections
The business school interacts with companies and organisations in various ways. This can be done through, for example, guest lectures, company visits, career lectures, essay assignments, cases or internships, and in this way we create the conditions for a mutual exchange that benefits all parties.
Continued studies
You are eligible for doctoral studies after the programme.
Future and career opportunities
The programme is particularly suitable for those who wish to pursue a career as an auditor, controller, accounting consultant, or work in accounting and finance departments across various organisations. Its international orientation prepares you well for a global career. After graduation, you are also eligible to apply for doctoral studies.
Apply
Film about the programme
Hear from students who share their experiences of studying at an advanced level at Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics.
Frequently asked questions
What are the language skills required?
Students are required to have proficiency in English equivalent to English course B/6 from Swedish upper-secondary school (high school). Proficiency in English can be proven by test scores from a number of internationally recognised tests.
Read more about language and entry requirements
What selection criteria are used?
The first selection criterion is the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) result. You need to indicate Umeå University to mba.com and also upload a copy of the results to universityadmissions.se. If you have no GMAT result, you are still eligible to apply for the programme but will be ranked after applicants with a GMAT result and according to the number of academic credits you have.
Are there any tuition fees?
Citizens outside of EU/EEA and Switzerland will have to pay application fee and tuition fee.
Can I get any scholarships?
Some scholarships are offered by the Swedish Institute and some by Umeå University.
Do I need to send in CV, Motivation letter or Recommendation letters?
No, none of those documents are required. If you submit them anyway they will not be considered.
Contact us
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Programme coordinator
