Year one
Core modules
Business Analysis (Semester 2)
The module is designed to help students develop a range of statistical and computing skills that will be valuable to them during the course of their academic programs and in their future careers in business. Although there are no pre-requisites for this module it is assumed that students have basic mathematical skills.
Contemporary Business Issues (Semester 1)
The module will provide an introduction to introductory business concepts and models and the information sources needed to research, analyse and apply these concepts to the practice of business. It includes an overview of contemporary and emerging business themes including the changing macro-environment, emergence of new economies and inter-relatedness of the global trade, the structure and organisation of different industry sectors e.g. services, SME’s. It will provide an introduction to issues of sustainability, enterprise, innovation, corporate social responsibility and the impacts of globalisation on different business sectors.
Economics (Semester 2)
The aim of the module is to introduce students to the fundamental economic issues stemming from the scarcity of resources. The relationship between business and the economic problem is analysed by means of micro and macro-economic models to equip students with an understanding of decision-making at the levels of the market, the firm and the nation.
Financial Accounting for Professionals (Semester 1)
The module provides students with an understanding of accounting with a focus on limited liability companies. It introduces students to key accounting topics. A firm understanding of double-entry is established and then used to graduate to the preparation of financial statements for primate limited companies. The accounting framework is introduced and its importance to the users of accounts discussed.
Marketing Principles and Practice (Semester 1)
The module develops student understanding and then provides a forum for critical analysis of the application of marketing techniques in international, multi-national, and global market situations. Emphasis is given to the relative importance of political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, legal and regulatory, and environmental issues as they apply to (changing) country-specific and regional contexts. Market research techniques and practices develop student understanding of market entry and market sustainability techniques as aspects of competitive advantage.
People Management in the 21st Century (Semester 2)
This module focuses on the behavioural aspects of people management in organisations. This is a vital area of study because the ability to understand behaviour in the workplace is a necessary prerequisite for making informed choices and for influencing organisational action such as decision making regarding organisational objectives, and leading and influencing the behaviour of others in order to see that the decisions are implemented. It is anticipated that by the end of the module students will be able to evaluate objectively and understand organisational behavioural situations and determine the best course of action from a range of perspectives.
Year two
Core modules
Corporate and Business Law (ACCA, ICAEW, CIPFA, CIMA) (Semester 2)
Corporate and Business Law develops knowledge and skills in the understanding of the general legal framework, and of specific legal areas relating to business, recognising the need to seek further specialist legal advice where necessary; and of compliance with the codes of ethics for professional accountants. This module develops knowledge and skills in the understanding of the general legal framework. It examines specific legal areas relating to business, and develops an appreciation of the legal environment, particularly promoting the ability to recognise the need for further specialist legal advice where necessary.
International Financial Reporting (ACCA, ICAEW, CIPFA) (Semester 1)
International Financial Reporting (NFR) extends the scope of Financial Accounting for Professionals to more advanced topics in financial accounting. It aims to develop knowledge and skills in understanding and applying accounting standards particularly in the preparation of financial statements of entities, including groups. Understanding the theoretical framework and how to analyse and interpret financial statements are essential. Financial reporting deals with the preparation of financial statements. These provide information about the financial performance and financial position of the business to which they relate. They are of value to a wide range of users. This module explains the rules that govern the preparation of financial statements for organisations that comply with international standards.
Management Accounting (ACCA, ICAEW, CMI, CIPFA) (Semester 1)
Management Accounting introduces and develops an understanding of the fundamental concepts and techniques of management accounting and applies these techniques in an appropriate way. It also develops students’ ability to critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of these techniques. The module demonstrates how management accounting information may be used for the purposes of planning, decision making, performance measurement and control within organisations, in order to further the organisation's strategic objectives.
Work Based Learning (Semester 2)
The aim of the module is develop students’ skills in seeking and obtaining a work placement or internship of a minimum of three weeks’ duration. It will also develop in students their skills in learning from work experience and applying academic learning to the work place.
Optional modules
You will need to choose two options from the following modules
Developing Sustainable Enterprise (Semester 1)
The aims of the module are to introduce students to the relationship between business and the challenges and opportunities of business sustainability, and to encourage the development of enterprising skills to meet these challenges.
E Business (Semester 1)
The aim of this module is to explore the business paradigm shift that arises from application of emerging information and communication technologies. The module is aimed at anyone wishing to gain an understanding of business activities and interaction between business and the business environment (customers, suppliers…) and how technologies can be deployed to enhance these activities.
Human Resources Management (CMI) (Semester 2)
This module aims to equip students with the ability to understand and analyse core HRM concepts, operational human resource activities and responsibilities and relate these to a range of organisational contexts.
Management and Leadership (CMI) (Semester 2)
The module explores the context within which management and leadership takes place; the historical context within which the fundamental principles of management arise; the context of the external environment which impacts on organisational strategy and may cause ambiguity in relation to organisational objectives, policies, working practices, ethical considerations and management approaches. It also explores a range of different perspectives on management and leadership and focuses in on particular managerial/leadership issues that lead to ambiguities and problems.
Project Management (APM, CMI) (Semester 1)
This module aims to examine critically the role of project management within a contemporary business context. It also explains how specific project management applications play an important role in producing successful business outcomes and examines the philosophies, principles, structures and methodologies of project management.
Year three
Core modules
Audit and Assurance (ACCA, ICAEW, CIPFA) (Semester 1)
Audit and Assurance plays a vital role in accounting. This module introduces you to key auditing techniques. The importance of the audit function with regard to the independent examination of financial information of any entity, whether profit oriented or not, and irrespective of its size or legal form, is explained. The skills necessary to carry-out such an examination are applied, with a view to developing the knowledge necessary to express an opinion thereon.
Contemporary Accounting Issues (Semester 1)
Contemporary Accounting Issues develops a critical perspective of the developments in company accounting and disclosure. It explores the evolution of international accounting standards and their implications for users. The module reviews controversial issues in the treatment of accounting transactions and develops the skills required for the interpretation of accounting and other relevant information.
The module will build on students existing knowledge of the preparation and analysis of financial reports for business entities. It will contextualise the role of the accountant as a professional steward and analyst by exploring the professional and ethical duties and responsibilities of the accountant to the stakeholders of an organisation. The financial reporting framework and financial reporting requirements in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice and relevant standards will be examined. The accountant’s role in assessing and advising on the implications of accounting regulation will be discussed. The module will critically evaluate current developments in corporate reporting.
Financial Management (CIMA) (Semester 2)
The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of corporate financial issues and an understanding of the treasury function and corporate financial strategy. The module will consist of a review of financial techniques which will need to be employed in assessing corporate performance, and introduce new methods of assessing corporate success. The consideration of financial risk management and the various instruments and techniques that are available to business executives will be covered in some depth e.g. portfolio theory, interest rate exposure, currency rate exposure etc.
Another key area of study will be the workings and implications of the stock exchange, both in relation to the shareholders and to the business organisations and financial markets. Sources of appropriate funds will be identified and evaluated. The cost of equity capital will be calculated using the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) and the capital asset pricing model (CAPM).
Taxation (ACCA, ICAEW, CIPFA, CIMA) (Semester 2)
Taxation plays an important role in society. This module (TAN) provides an introduction to the most common taxes in the UK; income tax, corporation tax, VAT and capital gains tax. The basic rules are explained, and the taxes are discussed in the context of government policy.
Optional modules
You will need to choose two options from the following modules
Business Ethics (Semester 2)
The module will consist of a broad syllabus addressing practical considerations of the nature of ethics, progressing through learning of a range of traditional and post-modern ethical theories, and the appreciation of these theories in the practical setting of modern business processes. Students will study topics such as corporate social responsibility, sustainability and the environment, professionalism and integrity, ethics and technology, financial scandals, whistle blowing and other emerging issues, by reference to case studies.
Individual Study (Semester 2)
The aim of the module is to provide students with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth study of a particular line of enquiry related to a business issue selected by you.
Knowledge Management (Semester 2)
The module will cover the nature of knowledge. Epistemological issues, including typologies of knowledge, and the distinction between tacit and explicit knowledge will be examined as will the sources of knowledge. Knowledge as an intangible asset will be explored as will the measurement and evaluation of the contribution of knowledge to the strategic management of the organisation and the role of knowledge in business functions. In addition, the module will examine ethical issues in knowledge management and the nature and protection of intellectual property.
New Venture Creation (Semester 1)
The module aims to provide a practical perspective on the development and planning processes involved in the creation of a new venture, either as a new business start-up or as a new product or service development within a public or private organisation setting. It aims to develop an understanding and awareness of business models underlying successful new business ventures, and the potential of business model innovation.
It will explore the fundamental building blocks of a business model, the interrelationships between the building blocks and the links to the external business environment, and aims to arrive at a detailed operational and financial feasibility study that assesses the real potential of the new venture creation project.
Strategic Management (Semester 1)
The aim of the module is to provide students with an understanding of the impact of the business environment and the resources of the organisation, both human and material, on strategic planning and choice. This will enable students to consider strategic alternatives, evaluate their suitability and make them aware of the complex issues involved in implementing strategy and managing strategic change.
Service Management (Semester 2)
The module will acquaint students with the complex demands made upon service management organisations and the challenges that staff within them face. An understanding of the environments in which they operate will be developed and an appreciation of the different constraints placed upon them will be explored. The module will exam the range of alternatives that organisations can draw from and will include an investigation into the issues associated with service management across a wide range of situations. This will include the process of servitisation, managing the service encounter, service quality, service level, customer management and capacity management.
Dissertation (40 Credits) (Semester 1 and 2)
The aim of the module is to provide students with the opportunity for the practical application of theory to a business oriented problem and to develop research skills.