BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Finance

Program Overview

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The BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance program at Staffordshire University equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the accounting and finance industry. Accredited by ACCA and CIMA, the program offers exemptions from professional examinations and prepares students for careers as chartered accountants, financial managers, and more. Through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and industry visits, students gain a comprehensive understanding of core accounting principles, contemporary topics like fintech, and research skills. The program emphasizes employability and provides opportunities for international study and placement years.

Program Outline

The BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance program at Staffordshire University equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the challenging and rewarding world of business and finance.

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Program Objectives:

• Provide students with a thorough understanding of core accounting principles, including taxation, financial accounting, auditing, and corporate governance.
• Equip students with skills and knowledge relevant to contemporary accounting and finance, including topics like fintech and cryptocurrency.
• Develop students' research skills through an in-depth term paper on a chosen topic.
• Offer students the opportunity to gain exemptions from certain professional accounting examinations through the program's accreditations.
• Deliver an immersive one-year placement opportunity for students who choose the placement year option.

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Program Description:

The program begins with an introduction to each specialized subject, allowing students to choose which areas they wish to pursue in later years. Students study topics including financial reporting, management accounting, auditing, corporate finance, fintech, and corporate governance. The final year includes an in-depth term paper on a topic of the student's choice. The program emphasizes employability skills and prepares students for the careers of the future. Students learn about relevant topics such as the challenges of regulating fintech and the growth of cryptocurrency. They also gain an understanding of the crucial role accounting and finance play in organizational decision-making. The program is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), allowing students to gain exemptions from certain professional examinations.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The program covers a comprehensive range of topics across various areas of accounting and finance. These include:

• Financial Reporting
• Management Accounting
• Auditing
• Corporate Finance
• FinTech and Digitalisation
• Corporate Governance
• Taxation
• Business Research Methods
• Economics and Law for Managers

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Program Structure:

The program is offered in various study options, including full-time, full-time accelerated, full-time with a foundation year, full-time with a placement year, and part-time. The full-time program typically takes three years to complete, while the full-time accelerated program takes two years. The full-time with a foundation year option takes four years, and the full-time with a placement year option takes four years. The part-time program takes six years to complete.

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Course Schedule:

The course schedule varies depending on the chosen study option. The full-time program includes five modules per year, while the full-time accelerated program includes six modules per year. The full-time with a foundation year option includes four modules per year, and the full-time with a placement year option includes four modules per year in the first three years and a full-time placement year in the fourth year. The part-time program includes two modules per year.

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Individual Modules:

Each module focuses on a specific area of accounting and finance and includes a detailed description of the content covered, learning outcomes, and assessment methods. Some examples of individual modules include:

• Financial Management: This module examines the development of financial strategy within organizations, focusing on maximizing shareholder wealth through various strategies.
• Introduction to Accounting: This module provides an introduction to the accounting cycle, including recording entries, preparing financial statements, and analyzing financial performance.
• Personal Taxation: This module explores the UK taxation policy as applicable to individuals, focusing on applying technical knowledge and professional judgment to address personal taxation issues.
• Advanced Financial Reporting: This module builds on the knowledge of financial reporting gained in earlier modules, focusing on applying accounting standards to business combinations and financial statements.
• Auditing and Assurance: This module develops students' understanding of the legal and regulatory framework within which audits are conducted, exploring the application of technical knowledge and professional judgment to identify and assess audit issues.
• Corporate Finance: This module builds on the knowledge of financial management gained in earlier modules, focusing on maximizing shareholder wealth through various strategies.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

The program uses various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Examinations: Written examinations are used to assess students' knowledge and understanding of specific topics.
• Coursework: Students complete assignments, projects, and case studies to demonstrate their understanding of the course material and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
• Portfolio Development: Students develop portfolios showcasing their skills and work throughout the program.
• In-class Tests: Short tests are conducted throughout the semester to assess students' understanding of the material covered in lectures and tutorials.
However, they typically focus on the following aspects:
• Knowledge and understanding: Demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the relevant subject matter.
• Application: Applying knowledge and understanding to solve problems, analyze situations, and make informed decisions.
• Communication: Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Professionalism: Demonstrating professional behavior, ethics, and responsibility.

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Feedback:

Students receive regular feedback on their work throughout the program. This feedback helps them identify areas for improvement and ensure they are meeting the required standards. The feedback is provided in various formats, including written comments on assignments, verbal feedback during presentations, and individual meetings with tutors.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program uses a variety of teaching methods to engage students and promote active learning. These methods include:

• Lectures: Lectures are used to introduce new concepts and provide students with a broad overview of the subject matter.
• Tutorials: Smaller group tutorials allow students to discuss topics in more detail, ask questions, and receive personalized feedback.
• Seminars: Seminars encourage student participation through group discussions, presentations, and case studies.
• Industry Visits: Students visit relevant organizations to gain firsthand experience of the business world and see how the theory they learn in class is applied in practice.
• Independent Study: Students are encouraged to engage in independent study to further their understanding of the subject matter and develop their research skills.

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Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified academics with expertise in various areas of accounting and finance. The teaching staff have industry experience and are active researchers, ensuring students receive up-to-date knowledge and insights.

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Unique Approaches:

The program incorporates various unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:

• Global Perspective: Students have the opportunity to spend a year studying at one of the program's partner universities in Sri Lanka or Vietnam, gaining valuable international experience and expanding their knowledge of different accounting and finance practices.
• Professional Qualification Acceleration: Students can gain exemptions from certain professional accounting examinations through the program's accreditations, giving them a head start in their careers.
• Employability and Leadership Development: The program emphasizes developing students' employability skills through a strong focus on real-world applications, case studies, and industry visits.
Students also have opportunities to develop their leadership skills through group projects and presentations.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the program can pursue various career paths in the accounting and finance industry, including:

• Chartered Accountant
• Investment Banker
• Fintech Manager
• Investment Analyst
• Financial Manager
• Financial Advisor
• Forensic Accountant

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Career Opportunities:

The program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors, including:

• Accounting firms
• Investment banks
• Financial institutions
• Fintech companies
• Government agencies
• Management consulting firms

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Career Outcomes:

The program has a strong track record of preparing students for successful careers. Graduates are highly sought-after by employers and are well-equipped to succeed in their chosen field.

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Other:

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Guest Speakers:

The program occasionally invites guest speakers from the industry to share their expertise and insights with students. This provides students with valuable networking opportunities and allows them to learn from experienced professionals.

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Career Connect:

The university's dedicated careers team provides support and guidance to students in their job search. They offer various services, including career counseling, interview preparation workshops, and job postings.

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Study Abroad Opportunities:

In addition to the global perspective opportunity mentioned above, students may also have the opportunity to study abroad at other partner universities around the world. This allows them to gain valuable international experience and expand their cultural awareness.

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Student Support:

The university provides a wide range of support services to students, including academic skills workshops, mental health support, and disability services. This ensures that students have the resources they need to succeed academically and personally.

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Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time Study option UK / Channel Islands International Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time Study option UK / Channel Islands International Full-time £11,100 per year of study £16,750 per year of study Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time Study option UK / Channel Islands International Full-time £9,250 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £16,750 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time Study option UK / Channel Islands International Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time Study option UK / Channel Islands Part-time £4,620 per year of study UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year.

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But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX.

Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year.

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But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX.

Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. no repeat years or breaks in study). UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year.

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But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX.

Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. no repeat years or breaks in study). For students starting their studies from 2019/20 onwards, a discounted fee of no more than 20% of the normal tuition fee will be payable to Staffordshire University for your placement year. UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year.

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But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX.

Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. no repeat years or breaks in study). When studied part time, the duration of the course and the amount of fees you’ll pay each year depends on the speed at which you wish to progress through it. This is called the ‘intensity of study’. The usual study pattern on this programme enables you to complete modules totalling 60 credits in your first year of study. If you follow this pattern of study you will complete the course in six years. You will pay the pro rata (equivalent) fee shown for your first year of study. This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX . Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any increase as early as possible.

• RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.