Postgraduate programme Finance and Accounting – ACCA Pathway

Characteristics of the study

Purpose 

The main objective of the postgraduate programme is to acquire knowledge not only of accounting and auditing, but also of finance and business law in the broadest sense. Graduates of this course will develop analytical, critical and independent thinking skills, which will enable them to comprehensively analyse the dynamically changing international economic reality. Studying in an international environment additionally offers a diversity of business experiences and perspectives. 

The realisation of postgraduate studies "Finance and Accounting – ACCA Pathway" is part of the Development Strategy of the Krakow University of Economics by offering an educational programme containing theoretical and practical elements. The study programme is in line with the vision of the Krakow University of Economics as a University with an economic profile, extended by other fields of science. The studies prepare graduates to use the acquired knowledge and competences in the contemporary labour market, both in Poland and abroad.

Graduates of the postgraduate programme "Finance and Accounting – ACCA Pathway" will possess the knowledge necessary for any employee of a business entity applying International Accounting Standards. They will gain a thorough education, which is an important asset in today's job market. In particular, they will acquire knowledge in managerial, financial  and legal aspects of running the business of various entities. They will acquire skills in accounting, auditing and corporate finance, from the measurement and documentation of business operations, through their recording, preparation of financial statements, their auditing, to the analysis of the entity's financial situation, which is the basis for decision-making in business entities. 

Recipients 

The ACCA-accredited Finance and Accounting postgraduate course is designed for employees of various companies and financial institutions operating in a business environment. ACCA opens the door to a career in a wide range of positions related to finance, accounting  and management. With the ACCA qualification, study recipients will develop the skills necessary for positions such as:

• Chief Financial Officer (CFO),

• Financial Controller,

• Business Analyst,

• Auditor,

• Controlling specialist,

• Investment fund managers,

• Planning and Analysis Manager,

• Reporting Manager,

• Chief Risk Officer,

• Chief Financial Officer.

Distinguishing features 

The distinguishing feature of the ACCA-accredited Finance and Accounting postgraduate course is that it provides students with both a solid theoretical foundation and the practical tools to perform managerial tasks in finance and accounting departments effectively and professionally. 

The detailed scope of the postgraduate programme "Finance and Accounting – ACCA Pathway" is in line with the scope of the international examinations of the ACCA organisation. Graduates will be exempt from 9 of the 13 examinations of the ACCA organisation. 

Graduates of postgraduate studies have the opportunity to find an interesting job not only                                  in accounting offices or auditing companies, but also in various enterprises, regardless of the type of business or legal form. Thanks to their wide range of knowledge and skills, they will be sought-after candidates for work in various audit institutions. The knowledge they acquire will also enable them to run their own businesses (accounting offices, accounting services, etc.). 

The programme also allows students to develop their skills through further self-education, which will enable them to continuously improve their qualifications.

Lecturers 

Classes are taught by academics specialising in accounting, financial reporting, finance, taxation, as well as experienced practitioners. 

The postgraduate programme „Finance and Accounting – ACCA Pathway”

Teaching unit: Department of Financial Accounting 

Study name: Finance and Accounting – ACCA Pathway

Field of education: social sciences 

Duration of study: two semesters, 260 hours in total 

List of subjects: 

Organisation of studies

The study programme is delivered over two academic semesters and consists                                                 of conversation classes covering theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It comprises a total of 260 lesson units.  

Conditions and method of obtaining credit for studies/method of verifying achievement of learning outcomes

Attendance at classes is a prerequisite for passing most subjects. Students absent due to fortuitous reasons are obliged to arrange individually with the lecturer the conditions for passing the subject. The condition to pass the main subjects (cost accounting, management accounting, international financial reporting standards, tax accounting, financial audit, internal audit and control, consolidated financial statements, international financial management) is attendance at classes and meeting the requirements set by the lecturer as well as obtaining a positive grade in an ACCA-accredited examination. In addition, a passing grade in the final examination is a prerequisite for the completion of postgraduate studies.  

The certificate of completion of postgraduate studies "Finance and Accounting – ACCA Pathway" at the Cracow University of Economics may be obtained by a person who obtained positive grades in the subjects included in the curriculum and plan of studies, confirming the achievement of learning outcomes by the student: knowledge, skills and social competence. A prerequisite is also passing the final examination with a positive result. 

Learning outcomes for the postgraduate programme „ Finance and Accounting – ACCA Pathway”.

Explanation of postgraduate course designations: 

PA - "Finance and Accounting – ACCA Pathway"

• W – knowledge category 

• U - skill category 

• K - social competence category 

• 01, 02, 03 and following - number of learning outcomes 

Explanations of designations in the references to the characteristics of learning outcomes 

• P - Polish Qualification Framework (PRK) level 

• P7S - secondary characteristics of PRK level 7 

P7U_W - universal characteristics (KNOWLEDGE): 

• P7S_WG - secondary characteristics (breadth and depth) 

• P7S_WK - second degree characteristics (context) 

P7U_U - universal characteristics (SKILLS): 

• P7S_UW - secondary characteristics (application of knowledge) 

• P7S_UK - second degree characteristics (communication) 

• P7S_UO - second degree characteristics (work organisation) 

• P7S_UU - secondary characteristics (learning) 

P7U_K - universal qualities (SOCIAL COMPETENCES): 

• P7S_KK - second level characteristics (assessments/critical approach) 

• P7S_KO - second degree characteristics (responsibility) 

• P7S_KR - second degree characteristics (professional role)