Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)

Students will be introduced to theories of academic writing and presentation skills, learning and reflective practice, contextualised within a management and leadership business setting. The following key transferable skills –communication, problem solving, working with others and improving own learning – will be introduced, practiced and applied to work-based tasks, as will the range of activities associated with information skills. Learners will be provided with the opportunities to develop awareness of the workplace, identify different career and study options, recognise and articulate their own experience, accomplishments and talents and plan and implement career management strategies for the short and long term. Students will audit their own skills, identify aspects that require enhancement and produce action plans for self-development in those areas, enabling them to make informed choices in preparing for work placement, academic progression and the transition to employment or further study on graduation.

The module will provide a general overview of law relevant to students working in business and develop knowledge and skills in the understanding of the general legal framework. It will also identify the essential elements of different legal systems including the main source of law, and apply the appropriate legal rules relating to the law of obligations. Students will gain an appreciation and understanding of the workings of the legal system, the law of tort, contract law, the law of agency, employment law and other areas of law that effect businesses.

The module will provide an overview of the economic and business environment providing a theoretical and practical introduction to students regarding the nature and characteristics of business behaviour under conditions of certainty and uncertainty. Whilst providing an overview of contemporary issues in economics and business, the module will provide opportunities for students to examine both the external and internal factors affecting and explore how decisions affecting prices, production constraints, output and wages are made businesses in an increasingly competitive global environment.

This module aims to introduce students to financial accounting and give a thorough grasp of the basics of financial accounting entries (terminologies, context, purposes, regulatory framework). This Module will build the foundations for knowledge, skills and proficiency in recognising and reclassifying various types of business transactions, as well as the preparation and interpretation of the primary financial statements (statement of financial position, statement of profit or loss and the cash flow statement). This module is a vital foundation for intermediate and advanced financial accounting. It links with the level 5 module Financial Reporting, and the level 6 module Advanced Financial Reporting, to provides a strong basis for further study and should equip students with contemporary knowledge and skills for employment in financial accounting.

This module introduces core concepts in finance. It is designed to give students sufficient discipline-based knowledge to undertake more advanced finance modules. This module will allow the students to use a range of financial mathematical methods and appreciate their uses in both academic and applied contexts related to accounting and finance. The concepts and techniques of compound interest and discounting are fundamental to financial mathematics. As such topics covered will include time value of money; Financial market instruments and their functions; Discounted cash flow approaches to decision making; Evaluation of different sources of finance; Cost of capital and elementary financial management; Impact of dividend and capital structure policies

This module aims to provide students with the basic knowledge of cost and management accounting practices and concepts and their applications within an organization. This involves the provision and interpretation of information to assist managers in planning, controlling, making decisions and appraising performance. It explores the underlying concepts and techniques of management accounting and serves as a prerequisite for the pathway of management accounting in the following two years. The module will cover theory and practice in the key areas of costing, budgeting and accounting for decision making. The module is anticipated to contribute to the achievement of accreditation from professional accountancy bodies.

During this module, students will learn about the role of the auditor and develop an understanding of modern audit from both an internal and external perspective. They will be introduced to forensic accounting as a discipline, studying the role and procedures of forensic accounting and the impact of auditing standards on those who undertake assurance engagements. The module will develop understanding of current issues relating to the provision of audit and assurance services to enable the identification of the work required for, and the evaluation of the findings of audit and assurance engagements.

This module covers introductory knowledge of how banks operate to achieve financial intermediation objective. It will explore the structure, regulation and the operation of banking and non-banking financial institutions and the applicable specific UK banking regulations. It will introduce the roles of central banks, their operations, their conduct of monetary policy and how they affect financial institutions. Students will be introduced to concepts in finance and banking and explore the mechanisms of financial instruments (government bonds, equities, and derivatives) and markets.

The Managing Business Projects module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of project management within the context of business operations. Designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, this module equips students with the essential skills and competencies needed to successfully plan, execute, and evaluate projects in diverse organisational settings.

Through a blend of theoretical instruction, case studies, and hands-on exercises, students will develop a deep understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques. Emphasis is placed on building critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills essential for effective project completion.

Integration with Final Year Research Project: The Managing Business Projects module serves as a foundational building block for students’ final year research projects by providing them with essential project management skills and competencies. The practical experience gained in this module will prepare students to successfully plan, execute, and evaluate their research projects, ensuring they are equipped to meet the challenges and requirements of their academic endeavours and future careers.

The module enables students’ gain more understanding of advanced costing techniques using Activity Based Costing to make informed decisions focused on financial resources. Students will be required to analyse budgets to inform management decision making and identify the variances in the budgets. Students will be required to analyse working capital management for effective strategic management decision.

The module will provide students with an understanding of the operation of the UK tax system. Students will develop technical skills to produce income and corporation tax computations. The module will also help to develop the technical skills needed to produce tax computations for companies and individuals. During the module, students will study systems for self-assessment, payment of tax and penalties and overseas aspects such as operating abroad, taxation of foreign income, transfer pricing provisions and double tax relief.

This module builds on the foundations provided at Level 4 and develops the capacity to conceptualise problems and create reasoned value judgments and opinions and to solve practical problems. Critical reasoning and rational analysis are developed throughout this module. It will develop technical accounting knowledge whilst contextualising it within a broader regulatory framework. It will provide knowledge on the role of financial reporting and its use to stakeholders and the application of accounting standards in the preparation of financial statements. It will enable students to calculate, present and interpret accounting reports with regards to current regulatory requirements and apply current and relevant accounting standards in the preparation and interpretation of financial statements.

Business and Data Analytics is a comprehensive course designed to equip students with the necessary skills to analyse business data effectively and make data-driven decisions. The course covers fundamental concepts of data analysis, statistical techniques, data exploration, and data visualization tools commonly used in business settings. Students will learn how to collect, clean, analyse, and interpret data to solve real-world business problems. Additionally, the course will introduce students to various data analytics tools and techniques, including Excel, SQL, and data visualization software such as Power BI and Tableau.

The module aims to develop from previous studies a comprehensive understanding of theory and best current practice of financial reporting, with particular emphasis on current and controversial issues in financial reporting. It will also develop skills for completing more complex final accounts and managing electronic accounting systems in relation to statutory financial accounting returns.

Applied Case Study is an advanced course designed to provide students with practical experience in applying strategic management theories, financial analysis techniques, and ethical considerations to real-world business scenarios. Through the analysis of comprehensive case studies, students will gain a deep understanding of strategic decision-making, financial performance evaluation, ethical considerations, and sustainability issues in business management. The course emphasizes the application of acquired skills and knowledge to solve complex business problems and make informed decisions. Students will be required to analyse case studies, conduct financial analysis, evaluate strategic options, consider ethical implications, and develop recommendations. Additionally, students will learn how to write and present professional business reports following standard business reporting formats.

This module aims to expose students to the responsibilities of the financial manager in making financing and divided decisions. It introduces the main investment appraisal techniques available to the finance manager in making corporate investment decisions including weighted Average Cost of Capital, Capital Asset Pricing model and the relationship between equity and asset betas. The module also explores the issues around risk management and hedging techniques for interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and business valuation.

This module will give students a deeper and more integrated understanding of how management accounting theory and practice can help management teams, make decisions of strategic importance. Students will critique the role of traditional management accounting techniques and evaluate the use of strategic management accounting models. It will cover critical analysis skills and learn how management accounting information can contribute to the development and implementation of effective strategic decisions.

Shaped by globalisation, technological advancements, environmental concerns and shifting societal expectations, the competitive dynamics of the current times present businesses with unprecedented challenges and opportunities.

This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the current competitive landscape. Through theoretical frameworks, case studies, and interactive discussions, students will explore key issues such as globalisation, technological disruption, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and diversity and inclusion.

By examining the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the business landscape, the module aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, perspectives, and a forward-looking mindset enabling them to navigate uncertainty and develop their future careers as effective leaders, innovators, and change agents in the face of evolving challenges and opportunities.