Accounting and Finance

Program Overview

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This four-year BSc Accounting and Finance program at Aberystwyth University, with an integrated foundation year, provides a comprehensive understanding of accounting and finance principles, preparing students for careers in various sectors. The program emphasizes financial measurement, disclosure, and data analysis, empowering students to make informed decisions. With accreditation from multiple professional bodies, students can earn exemptions from professional accounting exams, enhancing their career prospects. The program's strong industry links and research-active faculty ensure access to current knowledge and practices.

Program Outline

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Aberystwyth University - BSc Accounting and Finance (with integrated foundation year)

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Degree Overview:

This four-year BSc Accounting and Finance program is designed for students who lack the necessary academic background for direct entry into a standard accounting and finance degree. The integrated foundation year provides a solid base, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required to successfully progress through the full undergraduate degree.

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Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Develop a broad understanding of the operational context and the impact of financial measurement and disclosure on cash flow, internal policy, and financial systems.
• Enhance understanding of how financial data informs and influences managers, investors, and decision-makers.
• Analyze how the presentation of financial information impacts the longevity, profitability, and sustainability of companies and public sector organizations.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Academic Skills Foundation 1 (IC07620) - 20 credits
• Academic Skills Foundation 2 (IC07720) - 20 credits
• Decision Making in Tourism (AB00120) - 20 credits
• Economics, Finance and Accounting for Business (AB01320) - 20 credits
• Foundations of Management and Marketing (AB05120) - 20 credits

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Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Data Analytics (AB15220) - 20 credits
• Fundamentals of Accounting and Finance (AB11120) - 20 credits
• Fundamentals of Management and Business (AB15120) - 20 credits
• Understanding the Economy (AB13120) - 20 credits
• Accounting and Finance for Specialists (AB11220) - 20 credits

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Year 3:

• Core Modules:
• Business Law (LC21220) - 20 credits
• Corporate Finance and Financial Markets (AB21420) - 20 credits
• Corporate Governance, Risk and Ethics (AB21320) - 20 credits
• Intermediate Financial Accounting (AB21120) - 20 credits
• Intermediate Management Accounting (AB21220) - 20 credits

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Year 4:

• Core Modules:
• Accounting and Finance: Analysis and Application (AB31420) - 20 credits
• Advanced Financial Accounting (AB31120) - 20 credits
• Advanced Management Accounting (AB31220) - 20 credits
• Investments and Financial Instruments (AB31320) - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Taxation (AB31520) - 20 credits
• The Role and Practice of Auditing (AB31620) - 20 credits

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Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Examinations
• Assessed essays
• Reports
• Projects
• Presentations
• Coursework

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Small-group seminars
• Tutorials
• Online resources available after lectures and seminars
• Faculty:
• Taught by qualified and recognized accountants with industry and academic experience.
• Over 75% of full-time teaching staff hold PhDs.
• Most staff are research active, ensuring students benefit from the latest knowledge.
• Part-time staff combine teaching with consultancy and business activities, providing students with up-to-date research and applied knowledge.

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Careers:

• Career Opportunities:
• Accountancy firms
• Investment banks
• Financial institutions
• Traditional auditing and assurance work
• Management consulting
• Corporate finance
• IT consulting
• Tax planning
• Insolvency
• Employer Links:
• Established links with major accounting and finance employers, including Deloitte, PwC, E&Y, KPMG, Barclays, BBC, Lidl, and the NHS.

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Other:

• Accreditation:
• Accredited by ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, CIPFA, ICAS, and IIA.
• Professional Exemptions:
• Students are eligible for professional exemptions from the main UK professional accounting bodies exams.
• Foundation Year:
• Following the foundation year, the syllabus is identical to the standard Accounting and Finance (N400) degree.
• Language:
• Some modules are available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh.