 For professionals working in financial management roles, consultancy and advisory functions or international financial institutions, SOAS University of London's MSc Public Financial Management by Distance Learning programme will provide you with the expert knowledge in all matters of public finance, ranging from budgeting and revenue policy to financial reporting, audit and compliance. Taking a real-world approach to the application of theory and critical thinking, the programme examines where financial matters drive policy, such as in public-private partnerships or fiscal decentralisation. The course is comprised of six modules, three of which are elective, three of which are core modules. Against the backdrop of a global shift towards a more uniform approach to financial performance measurement, you'll gain an understanding of international reporting standards, including an introduction to core accounting concepts, a financial reporting framework and the guidelines currently available to international companies. Alternatively, you'll explore international public sector accounting standards, discussing and evaluating the theoretical framework and principles of financial reporting for public sector entities and developing your understanding of accountability, disclosure and governance. You'll deepen your understanding of macroeconomic policy and financial markets. You'll focus on the planning and expenditure side of public finance management, looking at budgeting, investment decision-making and how financial management, which is under increasing scrutiny, can be used to improve an organisation's performance. You'll also study the theory and practice of public finance with special reference to how governments raise revenue, specifically taxation, borrowing and aid. In addition to the core modules, you'll choose three of eleven specialist elective modules in areas of your choice, ranging from decentralisation and local governance to research methods and the International Monetary Fund. To find out more about how you can further your career through the MSc Public Financial Management Program, click here.