Student Guide
Master's Programme in Accounting
Programme main page
Recommended timetable
You can time your studies using the Timeline tab on Sisu. Depending on your programme and the year you started your studies, there are also timing templates that you can use to help time your studies. Instructions on using the Timeline tab.
The study calendar view is handy when you want to see how the lectures are distributed during the week within the teaching period. Lecture times are found for the current academic year and published in summer for the next academic year. Instructions on using the Study calendar view.
Here you can find guidelines for timing and planning your studies in the Master’s programme in Accounting.
To complete the degree in 2 years, it is recommended to spread out courses to each of the 5 periods evenly. This would mean about 12 credits per period, but depending on your choices, one period can be heavier than another.
Degree requirements can be found on page Curriculum 2022-2024. Course descriptions and schedules you can find on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi).
Recommendations
Courses recommended for the 1st year of studies: - Financial Statement Analysis 6 cr, either in period I or IV - Performance Management 6 cr, either in period I or III - Accounting elective courses 30 cr: You might want to complete all the 5 Accounting courses taking 0-2 courses per period. You can also leave something for the 2nd year if you cannot fit all the elective courses in the 1st year studies. - Elective courses or minor studies about 18 cr |
Courses recommended for the 2nd year of studies: - Research methods in accounting 4 cr (this can also be taken during the first year but at the latest when you start working on your thesis) - Capstone 6 cr (recommended at the point when most of the other accounting courses have been completed) - Thesis, seminar and maturity test 30 + 2 cr - Rest of the elective courses/minor - Exchange studies (=minor, 24 cr), if you are planning to do an exchange. If you completed your bachelor's degree at Aalto University, you also have the opportunity to do the exchange during your first year of master's studies. For students intending to start their thesis work in the second year of studies, it is recommended to do the exchange first. This way, your thesis work won't be interrupted by the exchange. |
Accounting studies
In the Master’s Programme in Accounting, you can specialize in management accounting (e.g. topics: performance management, strategic management accounting, capital investment decisions) or financial accounting (e.g. topics: theories of financial statements, international and national accounting standards, issues in group accounting and consolidated financial statements, auditing theory and practice). You can either take courses from a certain specialization area or you can mix courses from different areas. The specialization area won’t be marked in the diploma. The elective accounting studies can be completed in any order you prefer. However, it's important to keep in mind that some courses may have prerequisites, so be sure to check them before finalizing your plans.
Minor / electives
Minor is not a compulsory part of the degree. You have two options for your electives: either complete 36 credits from different subjects, or do a minor with fewer electives, like a 24-credit minor plus 12 credits of electives. If you choose a minor, you can pick one from the available list. If you opt for only electives, browsing through the list of minors is a great way to find courses that interest you. Keep in mind that some minor courses are only offered once a year, so it's a good idea to plan ahead, especially in your first year. If you go on a student exchange, it counts as your minor (24 credits), and you must include it in your degree.
Electives can be any courses that support your degree. Electives can be basic, intermediate or advanced level courses from Aalto or another university. You can also take language courses if you are interested in languages. If you have an internship or work experience related to economics and business, you can get up to 6 cr from it and place the internship to your electives. You can also choose to do more accounting studies or a larger minor. You can include intermediate accounting courses about auditing and accounting information systems in the elective studies.
Thesis
You can take courses that align with your thesis topic to support your thesis work. Typically, the thesis and seminar (totaling 32 credits) are finished in either one year or one semester, depending on your pace and goals. It's a good idea to discuss your objectives with your supervisor at the beginning of the thesis seminar. You can find additional information about the master's thesis and seminar, including frequently asked questions, on the curriculum page.
Auditor examinations (requirements for HT/KHT examinations)
In Aalto University School of Business students can study courses required for the Finnish auditor examinations. You can find the list of required courses and the instructions here.
- Published:
- Updated: