Business and Accounting BSc (Hons)

30 credits

This module builds on the first-year module BA4203 Management Accounting and is designed to give undergraduate accounting students an advanced course exploring the provision and use of accounting information in management decision-making. Students will be involved in an active learning approach and will be expected to reflect on the purpose and uses of management accounting information, evaluate case study scenarios, discuss theoretical accounting concepts and utilise a range of practical techniques to solve advanced management accounting related issues.

30 credits

The module covers the concepts and knowledge of sustainable business and supply chain management by looking at the ethical issues that emerge in the interactions between a business and its stakeholders and implementation of socially responsible and sustainable programmes and initiatives. You will study Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), innovation, the triple bottom line – economic, environmental and social sustainability in the supply chains, uncertainty and risk management, stakeholder value and reputation.

In addition, the module will provide you with the project tools and techniques that focus on how to create a business case for sustainable projects, as well as utilising traditional and contemporary project and product delivery frameworks to support the delivery of sustainable benefits both to businesses, and a wider community of stakeholders. You will consider how investment decisions can incorporate ethics and risk.

30 credits

In all business environments today, there is a need to understand the ways in which effective marketing programmes and customer engagement can create the business impact outlined in business strategy. Communications skills are consistently high on the external skills requirements list. This module seeks to combine these elements to provide you with the important knowledge and skills that you will need to organise, manage, and create effective marketing and communications programmes.

30 credits

Students studying this module will develop an understanding of the operational, practical and theoretical issues in auditing. Students will develop an awareness of the audit process, its limitations and the influence of regulation on audits. In order to balance theory with practice, the module will cover relevant international standards on auditing and relevant statutes such as the Companies Acts, Fraud Act, Money Laundering Act and Bribery Act. Case law, in so far as it affects auditing practices, will also be discussed. Ethics, corporate governance, environmental and social issues, fair values and information technology will also form part of the course curriculum.

30 credits

This module is designed to provide students with a general understanding of the English legal system and a more advanced understanding of the principal areas of law that may be encountered in business or professional practice and which are of concern to accounting and finance professionals, focussing on civil and criminal consequences for professionals. Furthermore, it is designed to provide students with an understanding of the formation and constitution of business organisations, company law and insolvency law.

The module commences with a focus on sources of law and the court system in England and Wales, before considering the areas of contract, agency and tort law, which underline business transactions. This module will then examine the criminal laws relevant to accountants or business in practice, including fraud, bribery and anti-money laundering. It then provides an overview of the formation and constitution of business organisations, including partnerships and companies, before considering various aspects of company law such as the formation, administration and the regulation of companies.

The module will look at the role of shareholders and directors and the financing of companies, Insolvency law will also be considered, looking at the different insolvency proceedings, such as liquidation and administration and considering the implications of insolvency.

30 credits

This module provides you with the opportunity to engage in developing a business plan for starting up a new venture or launching an innovative product/service. You will find out what it takes develop a business plan from idea generation, feasibility analysis, marketing strategy, business model development to making financial analysis for a business plan. Students will thus learn about the different aspects of entrepreneurship and business planning. 

15 credits

Global Operations is designed to develop students' ability to analyse different business opportunities and risks when a firm's operation goes beyond the domestic market. Students will also comprehend the practical knowledge and expertise required in a variety of operational circumstances that an international company can be faced with. This module will help students develop an integrative framework of facilitating global operations which deal with organisational structure, location decisions, international procurement and production strategies, international transport, and global supply chain risk management. The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorials.

15 credits

This module is designed to equip students with an advanced set of analytical data modelling tools, including optimisation, prediction and simulation, to effectively manage and support business decision-making. The module extends students' skill sets developed in the first year to include problem analysis, model building, application, and evaluation, to reflect the technical skills required in the workplace. Teaching will be via a mixture of lectures and tutorials based around lab sessions and make use of online software, materials and assessment.

15 credits

This module introduces the principles of rapid app development, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and technologies required to quickly develop a typical information architecture solution that works using low or no code technologies. Students will gain experience in designing and implementing prototype solution using one of the most popular no-code environments, Mendix. The sessions will be interactive and include a mix of teacher-led learning, problem-solving, and student-led learning.

15 credits

The aim of this module is to give students a foundation in the uses of data analytics for business. It aims at a critical understanding of issues regarding the collection of data and the correct application of statistical techniques in a business context. The module introduces students to analytical tools and including inferential data analysis to support business decision-making. The module builds upon the skills gained during the first year and develops students' abilities for problem articulation, analysis, and evaluation. Students will develop and extend their technical skills to reflect those required in the workplace and will also develop an appreciation of the quality of data, the meaning of findings and the limitations of model building. This will enable students to make decisions on a more informed basis. Teaching will be via a mixture of lectures and tutorials based around lab sessions and make use of online software, materials and assessment.

15 credits

This module is designed to provide students with a general understanding of the English legal system and a more advanced understanding of the principal areas of law that may be encountered in business or professional practice and which are of concern to accounting and finance professionals, focussing on civil and criminal consequences for these professionals. The module commences with a focus on sources of law and the court system in England and Wales, before considering the areas of contract, agency and tort law, which underline business transactions. This module will then examine unethical and criminal behaviour relevant to accountants or business in practice, including ethical behaviour, fraud, bribery and anti-money laundering.

15 credits

This module is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the field of investment. The main topics covered include: the UK stock market, stock valuation, investment strategies for equities, financial derivatives, portfolio diversification, optimal portfolio construction and financial risk management. Students will use the dedicated Bloomberg dealing room and software packages to access real-time financial data. Teaching consists of traditional lectures, and also lab sessions where hands-on practical exercises are provided. The module is assessed via the Bloomberg Market Concept (BMC) certificate and two coursework where students are required to construct and manage financial solutions for a specific period.

15 credits

This module introduces the principles of Information Architecture (IA), equipping students with the knowledge, skills and technologies required to design a typical information architecture solution that works using web technologies. Students will gain experience in designing and implementing prototype solution using server-side scripting languages and database servers. The sessions will be interactive and include a mix of teacher-led learning, problem-solving, and student-led learning.

30 credits

This module focuses on the financial reporting requirements of corporate entities, both large and small and builds on concepts already studied in the first-year module, Financial Accounting for Business. This module explains the key elements of the conceptual and regulatory frameworks that guide financial reporting and also how to conduct an appraisal of financial statements of corporate entities. The importance of ethics and corporate governance will also be covered.

30 credits

This module covers the concepts, theories and techniques on which strategic management is based and explores their application in a wide range of international business and other settings.

It aims to expand students' perspective on wider issues and scenarios, identifying opportunities and growth over medium and long terms. You will develop your ability to communicate and present your commercial awareness across the board.

30 credits

Students studying this module will develop an understanding of the operational, practical and theoretical issues in personal and business taxation. They will develop skills of analysis and interpretation of information and communication of recommendations in a professional manner appropriate to the intended audience, eg. clients and HMRC.

15 credits

This module enables students to participate in a computerised marketing game which simulates a real marketing environment. Working in teams, students will have the opportunity to make and analyse marketing decisions and learn from any mistakes in a risk-free environment. Students will identify and use relevant marketing theories and apply them to information provided by the simulation game, allowing them to make marketing decisions within specified time periods. The game provides the opportunity for students to integrate tactics with longer-term strategic decision making, since their decisions will be made over 8-to-10 periods game, which forces them to manage short-term profitability as well as long-term marketing objectives.

Teams experience the implications of their marketing decisions in a way that is close to real-life. From an employability perspective, the experience of working in teams to achieve common objectives will assist in improving students' leadership skills, as well as making decisions under pressure, resilience, and analytical skills.

15 credits

This module is designed to equip students with an advanced set of analytical data modelling tools, including optimisation, prediction and simulation, to effectively manage and support business decision-making. The module extends students' skill sets developed in the first year to include problem analysis, model building, application, and evaluation, to reflect the technical skills required in the workplace. Teaching will be via a mixture of lectures and tutorials based around lab sessions and make use of online software, materials and assessment.

15 credits

This module introduces the principles of rapid app development, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and technologies required to quickly develop a typical information architecture solution that works using low or no code technologies. Students will gain experience in designing and implementing prototype solution using one of the most popular no-code environments, Mendix. The sessions will be interactive and include a mix of teacher-led learning, problem-solving, and student-led learning.

15 credits

This module examines topics at the interface between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical marketing, and their relevance and importance in contemporary business and marketing environments. The module also explores the role and importance of CSR and sustainability, and their implementation in key marketing decisions including advertising, branding and ethical consumption. The role of social marketing is considered - the application of marketing principles and techniques to further social good and wellbeing. Students will develop an understanding and sensitivity to ethical considerations that arise in the practice of responsible marketing and an awareness of the ethical challenges that marketers face when operating across international country markets. The module will combine a mix of interactive instructor-led lectures and workshops, and student-led learning activities including case study discussions and presentations.

15 credits

The aim of this module is to give students a foundation in the uses of data analytics for business. It aims at a critical understanding of issues regarding the collection of data and the correct application of statistical techniques in a business context. The module introduces students to analytical tools and including inferential data analysis to support business decision-making. The module builds upon the skills gained during the first year and develops students' abilities for problem articulation, analysis, and evaluation. Students will develop and extend their technical skills to reflect those required in the workplace and will also develop an appreciation of the quality of data, the meaning of findings and the limitations of model building. This will enable students to make decisions on a more informed basis. Teaching will be via a mixture of lectures and tutorials based around lab sessions and make use of online software, materials and assessment.

15 credits

This module introduces the principles of Information Architecture (IA), equipping students with the knowledge, skills and technologies required to design a typical information architecture solution that works using web technologies. Students will gain experience in designing and implementing prototype solution using server-side scripting languages and database servers. The sessions will be interactive and include a mix of teacher-led learning, problem-solving, and student-led learning.

15 credits

This module is designed to provide students with a general understanding of the English legal system and a more advanced understanding of the principal areas of law that may be encountered in business or professional practice and which are of concern to accounting and finance professionals, focussing on civil and criminal consequences for these professionals. The module commences with a focus on sources of law and the court system in England and Wales, before considering the areas of contract, agency and tort law, which underline business transactions. This module will then examine unethical and criminal behaviour relevant to accountants or business in practice, including ethical behaviour, fraud, bribery and anti-money laundering.

15 credits

This module is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the field of investment. The main topics covered include: the UK stock market, stock valuation, investment strategies for equities, financial derivatives, portfolio diversification, optimal portfolio construction and financial risk management. Students will use the dedicated Bloomberg dealing room and software packages to access real-time financial data. Teaching consists of traditional lectures, and also lab sessions where hands-on practical exercises are provided. The module is assessed via the Bloomberg Market Concept (BMC) certificate and two coursework where students are required to construct and manage financial solutions for a specific period.

15 credits

The module builds on your marketing knowledge by developing your understanding of the theory and application of Professional Selling & Sales Management. Effective selling adds to shareholder value and enhances the return on investment of marketing expenditure. You will understand how to recruit, motivate and manage salespeople as the key professional selling resource, including how to balance people with finance and other resources. The module also develops your understanding of the role that IT plays in informing sales strategy development and in the structured sales planning process. The module will be of particular benefit to those aiming to develop a career in this area across the business, professional and consumer contexts. The module will combine a mix of interactive instructor-led lectures and workshops, and student-led learning activities including case study discussions and presentations.

30 credits

Working knowledge of finance by managers is a prerequisite for commercial viability of any enterprise. The offering of this module responds to the demand from potential employers for practically oriented education in financial management, underscored by the current stresses in financial and credit markets. 

This module introduces business students to the key terminology and techniques of financial management that are regularly used in today's business environment. It lays the foundation for a proper understanding of more complex financial issues and is designed to equip you with knowledge of business finance required for making informed business decisions in a management-related career. The module explains the firm's goal of value maximisation, how the firm can make investment and financing decisions that add value, and also considers competing sources of finance available to firms and the main features of capital markets, with particular emphasis on the private sector of the UK economy. Graduates with financial management skills continue to have a competitive advantage in the job market, an edge that may become even more significant in an economic downturn.

30 credits

Students studying this module will develop an understanding of the operational, practical and theoretical issues in auditing. Students will develop an awareness of the audit process, its limitations and the influence of regulation on audits. In order to balance theory with practice, the module will cover relevant international standards on auditing and relevant statutes such as the Companies Acts, Fraud Act, Money Laundering Act and Bribery Act. Case law, in so far as it affects auditing practices, will also be discussed. Ethics, corporate governance, environmental and social issues, fair values and information technology will also form part of the course curriculum.

30 credits

International Business Operations is designed to develop students' ability to assess the business environment faced by an international company and evaluate opportunities and risks in international marketplaces. This module will help students develop decision-making skills in operational issues for international companies. Classes will be delivered as a combination of lectures and tutorials.

This module will include the following topics: global market environment, international market entry modes, international trade, risk management, culture and international human resource management, global operations, international marketing, international finance, business ethics and corporate social responsibility.

30 credits

This module concentrates on the core features of the marketing communications function within the wider context of marketing planning, with a specific focus on the advertising, sales promotion, public relations and interactive marketing communications elements of the mix.

The module incorporates theoretical and conceptual considerations with the operational aspects of marketing communications planning to ensure that students develop the skills that are essential for a career in marketing communications, whether on the agency or client side. A combination of lectures, workshops, case study analysis and student presentations support the learning experience.

30 credits

This module provides students with the opportunity to discover how to plan the expansion of a small entrepreneurial business into international markets. Students will find out what it takes to plan towards expanding a small entrepreneurial business into international markets, gain experience of choosing modes of entry for small business internationalisation, assess international markets and produce financial projections for the business plan.

30 credits

Psychology is a diverse scientific discipline comprising several major branches of research which study the mind and behaviour from different angles. Among these major branches of research, some produce knowledge which are highly relevant for business and management. The application of psychology to business and management issues occurs in several subareas of applied psychology, such as business psychology and, more recently, behavioural science.

This module introduces you to key concepts in business psychology and behavioural science and teaches you how to make good use of quality research to inform data and evidence-based management practices through learning to evaluate the reliability, validity, and significance of the latest psychological evidence relevant to business and management issues. It also enables you to learn how to adopt a scientist-practitioner focus to connect with various end-users of psychology research for business and management.

30 credits

This module explores the concepts, tools and techniques associated with service operations and focuses upon service evaluation, enhancement and improvement. The module is suitable for careers in retailing, financial services and consultancy.

30 credits

Innovation acts as a key driver for economic growth providing social and economic benefits for local, national and international communities. Without innovation, our social and economic systems do not function! This module encourages you to understand how innovation actually happens by carrying out a practical innovation audit within a large established organisation. You will identify critical issues and skills needed to achieve entrepreneurially driven innovation. Since employers are seeking creative students who are able to initiate and participate in innovation activity, this module will enhance your employability in the wider world of work.

30 credits

This module is designed to provide students with a general understanding of the English legal system and a more advanced understanding of the principal areas of law that may be encountered in business or professional practice and which are of concern to accounting and finance professionals, focussing on civil and criminal consequences for professionals. Furthermore, it is designed to provide students with an understanding of the formation and constitution of business organisations, company law and insolvency law.

The module commences with a focus on sources of law and the court system in England and Wales, before considering the areas of contract, agency and tort law, which underline business transactions. This module will then examine the criminal laws relevant to accountants or business in practice, including fraud, bribery and anti-money laundering. It then provides an overview of the formation and constitution of business organisations, including partnerships and companies, before considering various aspects of company law such as the formation, administration and the regulation of companies.

The module will look at the role of shareholders and directors and the financing of companies, Insolvency law will also be considered, looking at the different insolvency proceedings, such as liquidation and administration and considering the implications of insolvency.