Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year)

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Intro to Accounting I

  You’ll be introduced to the nature, purpose and conceptual foundations of accounting, including both financial and management accounting. You’ll also prepare and interpret management accounting information for planning, decision making and control in a variety of  business scenarios. 

  This module will enable you to work productively as part of a diverse team to develop skills in intercultural understanding. You’ll also gain the skills needed to collect, classify and record financial information, and you’ll also be able to present this data in the form of accounts for small businesses and companies.

• Introduction to Accounting II

  This module develops your earlier introductory study to accounting by deepening your specialist knowledge of financial and management accounting. You’ll develop skills in technical and practical areas, preparing you for future examination-based assessments, both for academic or professional qualifications. 

  Upon successful completion of this module, you’ll understand the aspects of basic business and corporate law, while also gaining the ability to prepare management accounting information in areas such as costing, budgeting and control. 

• Exploring Economics

  As an introduction of economics to students, examples from the real world will be used to illustrate economic concepts and theory. You’ll learn about the role and methods of economics, which will include developing a testable hypothesis. 

  On successful completion of this module, you’ll understand the basic principles of economics and the relationships between economic variables, while also developing the ability to work with graphs. 

• Raising Individual Financial Awareness

  In this module, you'll gain a foundational education in financial literacy and learn about personal finance issues. You'll explore the basics of saving, investment, and property, as well as income tax, National Insurance, pensions, and wills. In addition, you'll discover the role of financial institutions like the Inland Revenue, Banks, Building Societies, and the Stock Exchange. Furthermore, you'll develop skills to gather and analyse personal financial data, recommend appropriate solutions, and select strategies to manage your finance and fiscal requirements.

  This module empowers you with the knowledge and skills to operate within the finance and tax framework. On successful completion of this module, you’ll be able to make informed financial decisions, manage your finances and make recommendations that align with your personal circumstances.

• Essential Information Skills

  The module concentrates on developing those information skills that are judged to be essential for the current and foreseeable future job market. The focus is on developing verbal and numeric communication via computing and information skills in the following areas: basic and advanced use of spreadsheets, databases, advanced word processing and using advanced PowerPoint applications in business.

  On successful completion of this module, you will understand the nature of information and how modelling business processes clarify the role of computer based information, use a variety of advanced functions in spreadsheets, and use networked information and communication technologies to perform academic and organisational tasks.

• Foundations of Business

  This module will help you appreciate the internal and external contexts of business. You’ll also examine the impact of challenges such as globalisation and the increasing pace of change, and how these are evaluated to establish strategy.

  Upon successful completion of this module, you’ll develop critical thinking skills to analyse organisational opportunities and resolve problems, and you’ll gain an understanding of the diversity of business and its basic principles.

• Business Accounting Systems

  On this module, you’ll gain practical experience of using business accounting systems, and be introduced to enterprise software. You’ll also analyse accounting systems and evaluate them from the perspective of fitness for purpose, suitability of controls, and value to the user. 

  This module provides you with the opportunity to develop desirable transferable skills, which will be useful for employment involving business accounting systems that also includes a level of personal responsibility.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Financial Accounting and Reporting (double module)

  Using a UK and international framework, you’ll explore contemporary financial reporting and accounting. In particular, you’ll study International Financial Reporting Standards, and apply it to a variety of accounting and finance issues, and other reporting data.

  Upon successfully completing this module, you’ll have developed analytical skills needed for IT tools and digital media. You’ll also be able to use reports to appraise the financial performance, financial situation and cash position of companies.

• Management Accounting

  This module enriches and consolidates your accounting knowledge learned in previous levels of study. You will learn advanced management accounting techniques, incorporating contemporary methodologies. You will be expected to apply these techniques to real-world scenarios and critically analyse their efficacy. You will compare and contrast varying budget-setting approaches and examine the intricate relationship between budgetary control systems and human conduct. Moreover, you will evaluate and apply performance management systems and appraisal techniques to facilitate both short-term and long-term decision-making. Additionally, you will explore diverse costing methods, assessing their differences and similarities. Finally, you will learn how to meticulously analyse and effectively communicate management accounting information to business management.

• Corporate Finance

  This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of finance and to the finance function in a company or corporation. This will enable you to understand the sorts of decisions that are taken by financial managers along with their rationales. The content includes an explanation of the role of finance in business and the objectives of the finance function. You will examine also the decisions affecting capital structure and the cost of capital.

• Research in Accounting

  In this module, you'll gain a solid grounding in research methods and approaches in the accounting and finance discipline. This module provides an understanding of different research methods and approaches, enabling you to select appropriate methods for a research project. You'll develop a grasp of research issues and communication skills to articulate your ideas and solutions professionally. You'll explore the role and influence of a researcher, identifying ethical considerations in research-based projects. You'll also develop skills to search for, select, and evaluate information sources, interpret and evaluate data, and make sound conclusions.

  By managing independent inquiry and seeking feedback, you'll gain skills for academic and professional success. This module equips you with the essential skills and knowledge required for successful research in accounting and finance, giving you a competitive edge in your academic and professional pursuits.

• Personal and Professional Development

  Throughout this module, you will acquire the essential skills and knowledge needed to make informed career decisions and proactively manage your professional development in the accounting industry. You will be able to cultivate a diverse range of job application skills, such as crafting a professional CV, cover letter, and public profile, that will empower you to excel in assessment and selection scenarios. Moreover, you will have the chance to establish your career aspirations and devise a comprehensive plan to realise them. This will entail introspection regarding your existing career competencies, establishing objectives for personal and professional growth, and creating actionable strategies to attain them.

  By the end of the module, you will have a clear understanding of what is expected of a working professional and job applicant in the accounting field, and be able to identify your unique selling propositions, which will help you to stand out from other candidates.

• Placement Search and Preparation (only compulsory for who will take the optional Year 3 work placement)

  This module is designed to provide practical guidance and support in undertaking a placement search, preparing for the placement experience, and succeeding in the modern workplace. Throughout the module, you will develop critical self-awareness and personal literacy skills, enabling you to self-reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses and target your placement search effectively. Additionally, you will also explore methods of effective and targeted placement search, increasing your chances of securing a placement.

  In summary, this module is an essential component of your employability journey. By integrating with co-curricular activities, the module provides a holistic approach to employability, ensuring that students have a broad range of skills and experiences to draw upon in their future careers.

Optional modules

• Choose 2 Optional modules from those below:

• Introduction to Auditing Theory and Practice

  This module introduces you to the entire statutory audit process from planning and risk assessment, gathering audit evidence and finishing with review and reporting. You will develop your understanding of key concepts in auditing and underpins later study of auditing in the final year. You’ll learn the process of how an audit is undertaken in the ‘professional auditing world’ through simulation activities using case studies.

  Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to explain the concepts of audit and assurance and functions of audit including ethics, and identify, evaluate and test the internal controls and plan an audit of financial statements accordingly.

• Management Information Systems

  This module aims to equip you with the skills of modelling and abstraction, and the ability to use generic business models to understand and analyse an organisation from both an information and process perspective. You will examine the information flows that integrate across organisational functions and explore the role of Information Systems in supporting business processes and information flows. Throughout the module, you will learn how to apply systems theory to analyse an organisation's information perspective, as well as draw and analyse an Information Flow Diagram.

  By the end of this module, you will have a cross-functional understanding of business and management, allowing you to maintain a perspective on your field's role in the broader picture. You will have a comprehensive skill set to analyse and model business processes, and communicate them effectively in both oral and written reports.

• Business Strategy for Competitive Advantage

  You will develop knowledge and critical understanding of the classical principles of business strategy in exploring the question 'How should organisations compete to achieve sustainable, competitive advantage in today's global business environment?’ In answering this question, the potential of an organisation to create value through effective exploitation and development of internal resources and capabilities is examined using well-established analytical tools.

  On successful completion of this module, you will be able to analyse and evaluate the relative impact of the international industrial and competitive environment on organisations and the strategic choices they face, apply decision-making criteria and weigh risks appropriately.

• Corporate and Business Law

  In this advanced module you’ll get a good introduction to the specific areas of corporate and business law. You’ll gain understanding and knowledge of business activities and how they are affected by business law. You’ll also have the opportunity to examine and test those areas of law against specific cases in various business areas. This will help you develop a good knowledge of corporate and business law, that can be applied to real world business activities.

• Financial Markets and Institutions

  On this module, you’ll examine the nature of financial markets and the role of financial intermediaries. You’ll analyse the nature of market efficiency, and the extent to which asset prices reflect rational decisions in consideration of psychological or speculative factors. You’ll also explore comparative merits and the question of financial regulation. Different types of financial instruments and their valuation will also be explored.

  Upon successful completion of this module, you’ll be able to assess institution-based and market-based finance in a variety of contexts, understand the main principles underlying asset pricing models, and resolve general problems in selecting investments in a global market. 

• Independent Study in Business

  This is your opportunity for independent study on an approved topic. It will relate to your programme learning outcomes. You’ll select and discuss a relevant topic area with your Programme Lead/Subject Co-ordinator. Your independent study may involve:

  • action based learning 
  • be based solely on desk research 
  • limited primary research
  • group work.

  And will be self directed. Through any group work you may have a specific role and responsibilities.

• International Finance

  You’ll study the main forces that are shaping the international financial environment. You’ll also look at the techniques and strategies used by organisations to respond to the international financial environment when making key financial decisions. 

  You’ll look at:

  • capital flows
  • exchange rate determination
  • risk management in an international context
  • international investment decisions and 
  • the financing of international activities.

  To develop your understanding of global finance and give you insight into global financial decisions that are made in today’s world.

• Managing the Digital Business

  In this module, you'll critically analyse the role of digital technologies in modern businesses. You'll explore software and hardware applications and evaluate their impact on competitive strategy and organisational change. Using a multidisciplinary approach, you'll cover topics like online and mobile channels, digital marketing, and business-to-business relations. You'll develop analytical and presentation skills to provide clear and concise reports, both individually and in teams.

  This module prepares you to lead digital technologies in modern organisations, and it equips you with essential skills to evaluate the value of digital business development for businesses and sectors.

• Personal Taxation

  This is your introduction to taxation in the UK and the framework within which you’ll have to make financial decisions during your future working life. You’ll look at the taxation consequences of:

  • employment
  • self-employment
  • savings
  • dividends 
  • pension contributions.

  You’ll also look at how they are reported to the fiscal authorities and you’ll also explore benefits-in-kind and national insurance contributions. Developing your knowledge and understanding of UK personal taxation.

Optional Placement Year

Optional modules

• CHOOSE ONE MODULE FROM:

• Placement

  On this placement you will be able to access a 40-52 week work-based learning / placement opportunity to help develop your employability and enterprise skills. You will gain first-hand knowledge and experience of making applications to and working in a placement role. You will set your own work-based targets and reflect upon your progress in the role you have on your placement. Halfway through your placement you will make a presentation to your line manager and placement tutor which summarises your gained knowledge on your placement and the tasks you have/ will complete in your placement role.

• Full Year International Study Abroad

  This is your opportunity to study Business topics abroad in order to experience a different national, educational and business culture and to build on your knowledge, understanding, skills and competencies you’ve gained so far. You will undertake an international study exchange at a university outside the UK, arranged with the University’s exchanges office. This international study exchange lasts for one academic year and is taken after your second year of studies (Level 5).

• OR CHOOSE THESE TWO OPTIONS:

• Short Placement

  This 24-week placement is your opportunity to develop your employability and enterprise skills. In the UK or Europe you will gain first-hand knowledge and experience of making applications to and working in a placement role. You will set your work based targets and reflect upon your success in your placement role. At the end of the placement, you will make a presentation to your line manager and placement tutor which summarises the knowledge and skills you have developed on your placement.

• Work-based Learning

  This module is also a 24-week work-based learning opportunity for you to develop your employability and enterprise skills. As on the other modules you will have the opportunity to obtain first-hand knowledge and experience of making applications to and working in a placement role. This could include employment, volunteer work experience or undertaking a consultancy type project. 
  
  You will agree a brief before your work-based role begins,set work based targets and reflect upon your success in your placement role. At the end of the placement, you will make a presentation to your line manager and placement tutor which summarises the knowledge and skills you have developed on your placement.

Final Year

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation in Accounting (double module)*

  Through this module you engage in research and employ methodologies, which require a thorough understanding of the process of research as well as use of key aspects of a specific field of knowledge within the discipline of Accounting and Finance, Business or Information Management. Some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the discipline selected. The study may be based on secondary research alone, or a combination of secondary and primary research.

  *You will choose this module or the Accounting Synoptic module to study in your final year.

• Accounting Synoptic (double module)*

  The Accounting Synoptic module is designed to help you develop critical thinking and analytical skills to investigate contemporary accounting practices and issues. Through independent research and analysis, you will review various accounting techniques and concepts introduced in prerequisite modules. This will enable you to evaluate their practical applicability and to identify limitations that can impact their effectiveness in a broader social and economic context. By conducting case study analysis, you’ll apply relevant analytical techniques to a broad range of data, you will gain practical skills that you can use in various accounting roles.

  *You will choose this module or the Dissetation in Accounting module to study in your final year

• Financial Accounting Theory

  Through looking at the practice of financial accounting and reporting, this module enables you to take a critical look at accounting practices in contemporary society. You’ll assess the actual role of accounting in organisations, while contrasting this with its theoretical role. 

  On successful completion of this module, you’ll be able to demonstrate the capacity to apply international standards and  practices, and understand the function of accounting in a range of contexts.

• Business Aspects of Management Accounting

  This module is uniquely designed to encourage you to critically evaluate a business from a management accounting perspective. You’ll learn to apply and critique advanced management accounting techniques. While gaining a critical appreciation of management accountants, and their strategic approach, you’ll also analyse their changing role in the modern business environment.

  The module will equip you with the skills to apply the techniques studied, and provide you with a critical understanding of the theoretical aspects of strategic management accounting. 

• Advanced Financial Management*

  This module extends the basic theory of corporate finance covered in previous years by developing more complex approaches to financial management which can guide decision-making in the face of risk and uncertainty. It also examines corporate decisions concerning capital structure and the choice between internal and external finance and sets these decisions in the context of developments in a range of financial markets. Your learning outcomes include being able to apply investment appraisal techniques to conditions of risk and uncertainty, assess the impact of cost capital for businesses and understand the key principles and techniques of risk management.

  *Students must take one option/elective, the other can be taken as an elective.

• Contemporary Issues in Finance*

  This module provides an opportunity for students to investigate the forces shaping the contemporary financial system. A variety of issues will be examined, taking the financial turmoil of 2007-2008 as a starting point. The emphasis will be on both the underlying causes of recent financial developments and the more general implications of these for our understanding of finance and on the possibilities open to regulatory authorities, companies, investors and other interested groups to respond to these developments.

  *Students must take one option/elective, the other can be taken as an elective.

Optional modules

• Applied Audit and Assurance

  How is auditing used in practice? What role does auditing fulfil in accountability structures and in corporate governance? 

  In this module, you’ll delve into and analyse contemporary issues on audit and assurance engagements. Using a professional regulatory framework, you’ll explore auditing cases that include both historical and current international corporate scandals. You’ll also gain practical and theoretical skills on how to apply International Standards on Auditing on audit and assurance engagements.

• Business Accountability and Responsibility

  On this module, you’ll explore contemporary issues in accounting and finance, in relation to developing a business. You’ll engage with factors such as culture, ethics and organisational size and form, to understand how they impact finance and accounting issues for business. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop digital research skills, while engaging with online reporting by corporations. 

  You’ll develop skills and knowledge central to organisational forms, organisational life cycles and different cultures. 

• Business Intelligence and Decision Making

  This module concentrates on developing an understanding of the wider strategic and tactical aspects of analysing corporate performance. In teams, you’ll use a range of IT systems to develop a business intelligence system. And you’ll also explore the nature of decision making in business, from strategic to transaction based decision making, and the role of IT in supporting it. 

  Upon completion of this module, you’ll develop the necessary skills to analyse both quantitative and qualitative data, while being adept for management decision making.You’ll also have the ability to evaluate appropriate frameworks used for developing business intelligence solutions.

• Business Taxation

  You will gain essential knowledge of UK taxation principles and practise based on the study of individuals and companies. You will also learn practical aspects of assessing liability to income tax, capital gains tax, corporate tax and VAT are covered. 

  Upon completion of the module, you will be able to outline the UK tax system, Relate and apply current tax legislation and case law to a range of situations, Explain, justify and use tax planning principles recognising tax avoidance and tax evasion issues, Compute tax liabilities, including capital gains tax, for individuals and corporations, Advise on minimisation of tax liabilities through consideration of exemptions, allowances and reliefs etc.

• Sustainable Investing

  You will develop your critical and practical understanding of creating and analysing a sustainable investment portfolio. You’ll have access to our Bloomberg virtual trading terminals to develop your practical skills. You’ll also construct an investment portfolio aligned to sustainable investing principles. 

  This will include focusing on practical aspects of portfolio management, including establishing key performance metrics, risk measurement and fundamental analysis.

• Independent Study

  This is your opportunity to embark on independent study of an approved topic that relates to your learning outcomes. Your study will be conducted under supervision and you will select a relevant topic area from your course and you’ll need to get approval from the module leader.

  Your study on this module can involve:

  • action-based learning
  • solely on desk research 
  • limited primary research.