Programme Modules
Term 1
Study Skills
The Study Skills module is intended to provide the foundations for undertaking undergraduate studies. It will address potential problems by providing the development for good academic practice. It is important to make explicit the criteria and standards applied in assessing students’ work and accordingly this module aims to initiate an understanding of such requirements.
Financial Information Management
Students will be introduced to the language of accounting and finance. The module will familiarise students with fundamental concepts of accounting courses, whilst drawing their attention to the principle sources of research data. The importance of London as the world’s financial hub will be examined, as will the financial markets and institutions that make up the sector. Students will also gain grounding in and an understanding of the regulatory factors involved in the financial sector and how these operate within a liberal democracy.
Business Economics
One of the essential tasks of managers is to take rational decisions about resource allocation, output and the optimum size of operations. This entails knowledge of basic economic theory and its application to operational decisions. Additionally, the influence of the macroeconomic environment is an important element in decision taking and therefore it is necessary to understand the relationship between changes in this environment and the impact on business policies.
Term 2
Business Law (for Accountants)
An understanding of the legal environment within which business can thrive is of vital importance to a business manager. Apart from the intricacies of contract law, managers must be aware of EU legislation in respect of employment, exports and business development. In addition the entrepreneur, who may wish to establish a new business, should understand the benefits of incorporation as well as the advantages of other forms of company identity.
Financial Accounting
This module is designed to offer a sound introduction to financial accounting. This module provides the basis on which later financial reporting modules within the accountancy course and to a certain extent the management accounting modules depend.
Introduction to Computing
This module identifies the potential of computing to facilitate decision taking by management. In particular the methods of storing, retrieving and restructuring data and their impact on the quality of management are important features of this module. To this end the enhancement of knowledge of both hardware and software is a significant element of the module.
Term 3
Financial Accounting and Reporting
This module is designed to expose students to the mechanisms of financial accounting and reporting. Companies report to their external stakeholders on their financial performance, balance sheet and cash flow statement thus it will also introduce students to financial reports based upon international accounting standards.
Introduction to Management Accounting
This module within the accounting course offers the basis for management accounting and is essential for the development of more advanced management accounting later in the programme. Recent events in the world of banking have demonstrated the need to have sound control and risk management measures in place.
Financial Management
This module is designed to offer an understanding of the principles of financial management which provides the basis for growth and financial success. It ensures sufficient long term capital and good control of working capital. This module will introduce students to the current financial environment, the financial institutions in place and the regulatory authorities. The three areas of sources of capital, the investment and dividend decision will be considered.
Term 4
Choose 3 of the following optional modules:
Business Organisation and Policy
This module demonstrates the impact of environmental factors, including governmental factors on the size, structure and strategic policies of business organisations. It illustrates how organisations are adapted to change and the appearance of new opportunities and outside pressures.
Human Resource Management
This module is concerned with the management skills involved in promoting the effectiveness of human resources in organisations, and in particular developing the motivation of staff. It will evaluate methods gaining the support of individuals and groups to cooperate with new policies in the face of organisational change. Causes of conflict at work and policies designed for its reduction will be appraised.
Information Technology
Management decisions depend upon both qualitative and quantitative information and involve communication with other managers and frequently other companies. This module demonstrates the technology of handling information and demonstrates how computers have taken over from traditional methods of communicating, storing and retrieving information. It also familiarises students with the hardware and software available to meet business needs.
Logistics and Operations Management
The study of logistics and operations management is of particular importance in the context of manufacturing industry, although it may be adapted for almost any context. The theories and principles explored in this module assist managers to make the best use of time and resources and to affect change in processes in order to create greater efficiency.
Term 5
Corporate Financial Management
This module will introduce students to the complexities of financial management in a world of globalization. In an increasingly complex financial environment companies are investing in assets in overseas markets. This gives rise to issues of international investment appraisal as well as interest rate and foreign exchange risk management. Different growth strategies are used by organisations, including mergers and acquisitions, the applicable financial measurements and the strategic implications of these will also be covered within this module of the accounting course.
Advanced Management Accounting
Students will draw from the earlier management accounting modules and develop an in-depth understanding of financial control and planning, as well as strategic management accounting within a modern organisation. The module will equip students with the ability to critically analyse the current and future role of management accounting, with a particular emphasis on the necessity for measuring performance within specific departments as well as the overall organisation.
Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting
This module will introduce accounting degree students to the complex issues of financial reporting and the methods used to interpret the financial statements of companies. Company financial accountants need a range of competences to prepare financial statements in an increasingly complex world.
Term 6
Choose one of the following optional modules:
Strategic Management
This module examines the nature of corporate strategy and the reasons for setting long term corporate objectives. It also demonstrates the interlinking between strategy, resources recruitment, the markets and the technology employed and finances available. The external factors affecting strategy and the impact on the size and structure of organisations are also considered.
International Marketing
At a time of globalisation of markets managers find new opportunities for profitable expansion. In order to take advantage of these, marketing policies need to take into account financial, organisational and cultural problems of expansion overseas, and the promotional techniques effective in different markets. This module examines these techniques and evaluates the merits of alternative policies.
Compulsory modules:
Financial Research Methods
This module is designed to enable accounting course students to understand the nature, importance and sources of relevant information on which sound decisions can be based. The module offers students the opportunity to develop an understanding of the complexity involved in the design and conduct of empirical research in the area of finance.
Financial Research Project
The management of organisations entails drawing upon knowledge and skills across a range of accounting and finance functions. The assessment for this module will be project based and will afford students the opportunity to explore an accounting and/or finance topic and propose considered solutions for the advancement of a business.
If you choose our 2 or 3 year degree with year 0 you will take the following courses in your first year:
Principles of Management
Computer Literacy
Advanced Critical Writing Skills
Numeracy
Academic Writing
Personal Development
GSM London
