BSc (Hons)
Accounting and Finance
Degree Programme

In your first year, you’ll gain a solid grounding in accounting and finance, while developing the academic and analytical skills that will support your success throughout your degree. You’ll also explore subjects across the liberal arts, giving you a broader perspective and more flexible career options.

Core courses

• ACCT 4101 Managerial Accounting

  This Managerial Accounting course is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of key management accounting techniques that support effective planning, controlling, and monitoring performance in various business contexts. It provides financial and non-financial information to aid management decision-making, covering cost classification, budgeting, variance analysis, and performance measurement. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to use management accounting tools to support strategic objectives and enhance organisational performance.

• ECON 4101 Introduction to Economics and Finance

  This module provides students with an introduction to various economic and financial concepts, demonstrating how these can be applied to better comprehend the world around them. It enhances students' understanding of the external factors that influence businesses, as well as financial aspects that are significant within a business context. It starts with an understanding of economic thought and development, and it expands on modern economic and financial issues the firms face. It is a solid foundation course for the basic ideas and applications of economics and finance.

• MATH 4103 Calculus with Applications

  This course provides a sound understanding of the concepts of calculus and their applications to business courses, data science and scientific courses. There will be an emphasis on the rigorous approach to the concept of limits as a key pillar of many concepts of calculus. Theory and applications of calculus with numerous examples will be explained to students depending on specific majors. Topics to be covered will include co-ordinate geometry of straight lines, quadratic curves, exponential and logarithmic functions; elementary differentiation and integration of real-valued functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions. Applications of calculus concepts to maxima, minima, and optimization problems. Calculus of several variables to include partial derivatives and optimizing functions of two variables, and constrained optimization and method of Lagrange Multipliers. Double integrals and applications. Modelling with first-order ordinary differential equations.

• LIBA 4301 Academic Research and Writing (Complete Academic Literacies required course)

  This course is designed to develop students’ critical research and writing skills to be effective in the academic and professional world. It focuses on principles of good scholarship and academic practice that will be required throughout university study and in a future professional work environment. These skills are enhanced throughout the course. Upon completion, successful students will confidently use available resources to produce well-researched writing that demonstrates critical engagement with a self-selected research topic.

• MATH 4101 Probability and Statistics (Complete Data/Numeracy required course)

  This course in probability and statistics includes theoretical and applied approaches primarily designed for business, data science, social science and psychology majors. Coverage includes descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory, random variables and expectations, Binomial and Poisson distributions, the Normal distribution, sampling distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing for the mean and proportions of up to two populations, Chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA and the F distribution, linear, multiple and non-linear regression and non-parametric methods. SPSS lab sessions apply statistical concepts; all practical work uses SPSS.

Choose one Arts/Humanities course from the following:

• ADPR 4101 Introduction to Advertising PR and Media

  This course explores fundamental concepts, principles and tools in advertising and public relations in relation to the broader media industries and professional contexts. It traces the history and evolution of advertising and PR and how they interconnect, investigates political, economic, social and cultural contexts, identifies persuasive and creative techniques and the planning skills used to produce them, and addresses contemporary issues, criticisms and ethical debates.

• COMM 4103 Introduction to Intercultural Communication

  Reflecting the University’s mission of unity in diversity, this course provides theoretical and practical understanding of the role communication plays within and between cultures to build cohesion and/or create division. It develops awareness of complex cultural identities and introduces theories underlying International Communication, with practical applications via case studies, simulations and project work.

• HIST 4101 Atlantic Slavery and the Spectre of Capitalism

  Examines Atlantic colonial expansion and economic impacts from early African contact to abolition in Brazil. Emphasises the slave trade’s role in consolidating slave labour systems and shaping industrialisation. Explores how colonial economies drove modern capitalism through racial and economic exploitation, considering resource extraction, debt, trade and globalisation, as well as resistance movements, reparations discourse and contemporary legacies.

• LANG 4101 Korean Language and Culture 1

  Introductory Korean language and culture with emphasis on oral communication in everyday situations and contemporary South Korean society. Covers Hangul, pronunciation, vocabulary and essential speech patterns, and explores contemporary Korean popular culture to connect language and culture.

Choose one Social/Behavioural Sciences course from the following:

• POLS 4102 Modern Political Thought

  Introduces modern political thought as developed in the Western world. Critically examines freedom, equality, power, difference and the state. Traces ideologies through major thinkers including Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Wollstonecraft, Marx, J. S. Mill and Nietzsche.

• INTR 4101 Introduction to International Relations

  Introduces International Relations and key issues in contemporary global politics. Unpacks conflict, cooperation and power; surveys core approaches, concepts and theories; and applies them to migration, human–environment relations, terrorism, security and disinformation using contemporary case studies.

• PSYC 4101 Introduction to Psychology

  Introduces major areas of psychology through current empirical research and theoretical debate. Topics include scientific methodology, biopsychology and brain function, sensation and perception, evolution, development, personality, memory, consciousness, stress, psychological disorders, language, learning and social psychology.

Choose one Science course from the following:

• COMP 4101 Introduction to Programming

  Provides fundamentals of object-oriented programming, including variables, objects, classes, control flow, loops, functions, procedures, object interaction and inheritance. May include specialist topics such as programming for mobile applications.

• ENVR 4103 Introduction to Environmental Science

  Covers climate change, ozone depletion, acid rain, pollution, population and energy issues, land and water issues, and environmental ethics. Addresses topics from scientific, economic, socio-political and ethical standpoints and develops awareness of environmental problems and solutions at multiple scales.

• ENVR 4101 Earth System Science

  Introduces Earth System Science concepts, including the Earth’s origins and evolution and interrelationships between atmosphere, oceans, biosphere and lithosphere, to understand natural systems and human impacts, with emphasis on global warming, biodiversity, energy and sustainable development.

• ENVR 4102 Ecology and Conservation

  Examines ecological principles and applications to conservation. Explores population dynamics, species interactions, ecosystems, biodiversity, and drivers of decline and extinction. Addresses habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species and conservation strategies across scales, using case studies.

• PSYC 4302 Biological Basis of Human Behaviour

  Explores the relationship between biology and behaviour. Topics include the nervous system, brain, emotion, vision, attention, sleep, motivation and psychopathology, with discussion of ethical issues in neuroscience research.

In your second year, you’ll deepen your core knowledge in accounting and finance, build your understanding of legal and ethical frameworks, and develop research skills that prepare you for your final-year project. You’ll also complete a service-learning module, applying your studies to real-world challenges.

Core courses

• ACCT 5103 Performance Management

  The course builds on the principles covered in managerial accounting and develops knowledge and skills in the application of management accounting techniques to quantitative and qualitative information for planning, decision-making, performance evaluation and control within an organisation.

• ACCT 5101 Financial Accounting

  Introduces the regulatory framework for preparing accounts and the qualitative characteristics of useful financial information. Covers recording, processing and reporting transactions, reconciliations, trial balance, error correction and suspense accounts, leading to financial statements for incorporated and unincorporated entities.

• ACCT 5102 Financial Decision Making

  Introduces the role and purpose of financial management. Highlights the three fundamental decisions: financing, dividend policy and investment. Explores the economic environment, working capital management, long-term investment appraisal, funding options, cost of capital, valuation, and risk management techniques.

• BUSM 5104 Legal and Ethical Aspects in Business

  Concentrates on the legal framework of business with legal liability as a core concept. Covers business set-up and dispute resolution; contractual, tort and criminal liabilities; company law; and developments in technology law such as data protection and digital law. Adds a sustainability approach and embeds UN SDGs 3, 5 and 16, focusing on stakeholder impacts, employment regulation and transparency.

• BUSM 5301 Research Methods and Skills for Business and Enterprise (Complete Research Methods required course)

  Provides an overview of research in business, economics, finance and marketing. Topics include research philosophies, critical literature review, research design and quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Equips students with research skills for the Senior Project.

Choose one Service-Learning course from the following:

• LIBA 5301 Service Learning: Global Citizenship and Migration

  Applies service-learning to theoretical, political and sociological conceptions of citizenship and their limitations. Students work on live projects with charities, NGOs or non-profits to address real-world issues and reflect critically on their role as legal and social citizens.

• LIBA 5302 Service Learning: Leadership in a Globalised World

  Applies service learning to global challenges and leadership for positive change. Students lead and work with diverse teams on live projects with external partners to make a positive impact, developing professional and personal skills.

• LIBA 5303 Service Learning: Sustainability and Society

  Uses service learning to examine citizenship concepts through live projects and reflective practice. Builds professional, entrepreneurial and personal skills with a JEDI-aligned approach to justice, equality, diversity and inclusion.

• LIBA 5304 Service Learning: Digital Collaboration

  Applies service-learning to the production of digital work with organisations and communities outside the University. Identifies opportunities for innovation and employment through digital projects and critical reflection.

Plus two electives, which can be selected to support a minor in areas such as business management, sustainability, marketing, or data science.

In your final year, you’ll apply your knowledge to complex financial systems and practices, refine your technical expertise, and choose how you want to specialise, whether through electives or a real-world internship. You’ll also complete a major independent Senior Project, supported by academic supervision.

Core courses

• ACCT 6102 Financial Reporting

  Provides understanding of the principles and concepts underlying financial reporting and the ability to apply these principles to the preparation and analysis of financial statements.

• ACCT 6101 Audit and Assurance

  Focuses on concepts and techniques for statutory audits under Companies Acts and the surrounding legal and ethical framework. Builds familiarity with the profession, legal liability and current issues in auditing.

• ACCT 6103 Taxation

  Provides essential knowledge of the UK tax system, focusing on income tax, corporation tax, VAT and inheritance tax. Develops practical skills to compute liabilities, apply tax-planning techniques and manage compliance for individuals and businesses.

• BUSM 6110 Senior Project

  Capstone project requiring significant independent enquiry and research on a real-world situation, problem or business opportunity related to the major. May test a hypothesis, pursue narrative inquiry or a case study, using quantitative and/or qualitative methods with ethical approval where required, under academic supervision.

Plus EITHER:

• BUSM 6401 Business Internship

  Credit-bearing work placement in the business sector. Develops intellectual, professional and personal skills for culturally diverse workplaces. Supervised by faculty with input from the host organisation. Embeds UN SDGs 12, 9 and 16 on responsible production and consumption, innovation and ethical behaviour.

Or TWO of the following Major Options:

• FINC 6103 International Finance

  Focuses on multinational financial management. Covers exchange-rate determination and effects, foreign exchange markets, multinational accounting, exchange-rate exposure and hedging, trade finance, and cross-border financial management.

• ECON 6102 Public Economics

  Applies microeconomic theory to market failure, public finance, taxation and expenditure systems, and examines philosophical issues of economic welfare, inequality, social mobility and welfare frameworks.

• FINC 6101 Derivatives

  Introduces derivative instruments and their use by corporations and speculators. Covers market structures for futures and options, contract valuation and applications to global risk management strategies.

• BUSM 6102 Project Management Skills and Methods

  Provides a comprehensive overview of project and programme management principles, processes and techniques. Emphasises strategic alignment, stakeholder engagement, risk management and benefits realisation across methodologies.

• BUSM 6103 Sustainable Strategic Management

  Builds on strategic management models with a focus on sustainability and ESG. Uses case studies to analyse internal operations and external environment, culminating in embedding ESG and triple bottom line into strategic planning.

• FINC 6102 Fintech

  Explores Fintech innovations transforming financial services, including mobile payments, blockchain, AI and regulatory challenges, through real-world case studies and discussions.

• BUSM 6104 Leadership and People Management

  Critically explores leadership for managing people and talent. Covers contemporary theories, diversity and inclusion, ethical leadership and social responsibility, with cases on attracting, developing, motivating and retaining talent.

Plus one elective of your choice, which may support a minor.