Accounting and Finance

Accountants and finance specialists have a central role in all types of organisations, ranging from the public to the private sector, within industry and commerce, whether within the UK or abroad. The accountant is not only concerned with providing financial information, but is also a key player in the provision of management information to enable successful decision-making, planning and control. Accounting is more than just a computational skill and we intend to develop the student's ability to analyse and to evaluate real-life situations and then to effectively communicate their views and opinions.

This course also offers significant exemption from the main professional accountancy bodies, namely the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Students are also encouraged to continue their studies through completion of the MSc Accounting which at the same time prepares students to complete the ACCA professional qualification.

The course will begin by considering the practical techniques involved in accounting and finance and then continue to develop skills to critically analyse the theory behind these techniques. It will also develop the interdisciplinary nature of business and integrate accounting with broader subject areas such as economics, law and human resources.

Stage one

The first stage of the course will lay the foundation for future study.

Stage two

The second stage will further develop the core area of accounting and finance. Students will be able to choose additional modules to map onto a chosen career pathway.

Stage three

In the final stage, students will cover two core areas in corporate finance and advanced accounting. These modules in particular will help to develop skills of critical analysis and synthesis. Students will then have a choice of modules to reflect their career aspirations. Accompanying the formal study will be the production of an individual project or dissertation which will offer the opportunity to integrate and consolidate material from all three stages of the course and to investigate issues of interest in greater depth. Students also have the option of completing a one-year sandwich placement with a company of their choice before commencing the final stage of study. The benefits of a placement year are enormous, in terms of personal and career development, networking and in most cases, financial reward.

• 12 month optional work-based learning placement
• Progression to MSc Accounting
• Proven student support system
• Specialised pathway
• Significant exemptions from professional body exams;

1. ICAEW Certificate in Finance Accounting and Business
2. CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting
3. IA Papers 1-12
4. IFA Full paper exemption

Click here for a detailed list of modules.

Typical modules include:

• Advanced Financial Accounting
• Corporate Finance
• Financial Strategy
• Corporate Governance 
• Cost and Management Accounting
• Financial Environment
• Financial Management
• Advanced Audit
• Information Systems Management
• Investment Management
• Theory and Practice of Taxation

Successful completion of this course will gain maximum professional exemption from the following Accounting Bodies:

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
• Institute of Chartered Accountants
• Institute of Financial Accountants
• Association of International Accountants

Students will also be given exemptions from the Diploma in Management Accounting awarded by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

A wide variety of assessment strategies are used, including examinations, simulations, spreadsheet activities, presentations and group activities.  

Excellent career opportunities are available for graduates holding an Accounting and Finance degree, especially those that will be part professionally qualified. This course will prepare you for work in any of the key accounting fields of auditing, financial accounting, management accounting, budgeting and taxation. A career in accounting offers flexibility to work in industry, commerce, the public sector or even private practice.

All students on the course are encouraged to undertake an optional one-year work placement to develop their personal skills. Full support is given to students before and during the placement period.