ACCOUNTANCY

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Professor J Bebbington

Pre-requisites

Available to students in Programme Year 1 or above.

Overview

An introduction to how organisations capture, create and use accounting information internally to guide their activities and to communicate with parties external to their organisations.

Structure

4 contact hours per week, of which 3 are lectures, 1 tutorial and occasional computer workshop.

Assessment

1 two-hour written examination (70%), continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Professor C Roberts

Pre-requisites

None.

Notes

May not be taken with AC 1008 or AC 1510.

Overview

The course provides a broad, non-specialist introduction to the preparation and use of accounting information for control and decision making for users both within and outwith a business.

Structure

4 contact hours per week, of which 2-3 lectures, 1-2 tutorials and workshops.

Assessment

1 two-hour written examination (70%) and assessed coursework (30%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Mr A Arthur

Pre-requisites

AC 1008

Overview

An introduction to how management use financial information to assist them in the control of their organisations as well as how fairly complex organisational structures (for example, partnerships) may be accounted for.

Structure

4 contact hours per week, of which 3 are lectures, 1 tutorial and occasional computer workshop.

Assessment

1 two-hour written examination (70%), continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor P Fraser

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above.

Notes

This course will be running in the first half session only.

Overview

The course will provide an introduction to statistical methods in finance by considering: basic descriptive statistics; random variables and statistical inference; linear regression models; covariance and correlation; introduction to time series methods. It will provide a general introduction to the theory and practice of finance by developing students' capacity to interpret and use financial information by considering: the acquisition and allocation of funds; investment decisions under certainty and uncertainty; cash management; cost of capital; capital structure and dividend policy.

Structure

4 one-hour lectures per week; 1 one-hour computer lab per fortnight; 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1 two-hour examination (50%) and continuous assessment (50%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor P McColgan

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above.

Notes

This course will be running in the second half session only.

Overview

This course explains the principles and practices of personal finance and professional investment techniques. Personal finance issues such as tax-efficient saving, mortgages, credit cards, insurance and pensions are examined with respect to the present day environment. A core component is the development of investment strategies and the opportunity for students to invest in their own portfolio and monitor its progress in “real time”. Other topics include, financial markets, such as the London Stock Exchange, financial analysis of shares, bonds, options, futures, and an understanding of the jargon that is often used by financial practitioners and in the financial press.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, 2 one-hour computer classes per week; 1 one-hour tutorial fortnightly; 1 one-hour workshop fortnightly.

Assessment

1 two-hour written examination (50%) and continuous assessment (50%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Molyneaux

Pre-requisites

AC 1007 and AC 1508.

Notes

This course will be running in the second-half session only.

Overview

The course builds upon the material presented in AC 1508 by looking at the framework for financial accounting for companies and develops students’ technical skills in financial statement preparation. It looks in particular at the regulation, preparation and evaluation of the financial statements of groups of companies, including those with overseas operations and diversified activities.

Structure

3 one-hour lectures per week, 1 one-hour tutorial per fortnight.

Assessment

1 two-hour written examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr G Georgiou

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above who have passed AC 1008 and AC 1510.

Notes

This course will be running in the second half-session only.

Overview

This course develops and extends the operational tools and techniques introduced in AC 1008 and AC 1510, by developing more complex applications and by showing how quantitative methods and analytical techniques can be applied to management accounting problems. It also emphasises the diverse industrial, commercial and not-for-profit settings in which management accountants work. The focus is upon understanding the nature of management accounting information, and upon developing an ability to select and apply appropriate techniques in specific contexts.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week and 1 one-hour tutorial per fortnight.

Assessment

1 two-hour written examination paper (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr D McMillan

Pre-requisites

None.

Overview

The aim of this course is to give students the opportunity to build foundational comprehension and knowledge of sport and leisure issues with respect to Economics, Management and Accountancy & Finance. The course seeks to develop the applied skills of students in the management, accounting/finance and economic assessment of sport and leisure industries.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week, 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1 two-hour written examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr G Georgiou

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 3 or above taking the Designated or Honours degrees in Accountancy.

Notes

This course will be running in the second-half session only.

Overview

This course introduces students to the concepts and the techniques of auditing and the legal and professional framework within which it operates. Areas covered include the historical development of auditing, legal and professional requirements, case law, auditing concepts, standards and techniques, and computerised auditing. Some teaching will be resourced by incorporation of visiting lecturers from local professional accountancy firms.

Structure

1 one-hour lecture, 1 one-hour tutorial/computer lab and 1 two-hour workshop per week.

Assessment

1 three-hour written examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor J Bebbington

Pre-requisites

AC 2024 / AC 2524

Notes

This course will be running in the first-half session only.

Overview

Building upon the material of Financial Accounting 2, the course examines in greater detail theoretical frameworks applicable to financial reporting. Conceptual frameworks and income theory are used to critically evaluate the accounting treatment of assets and liabilities and the measurement of performance with particular emphasis being placed upon controversial areas of financial reporting.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week and 1 one-hour tutorial per fortnight.

Assessment

1 two-hour written examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr A Arthur

Pre-requisites

AC 2025 / AC 2525, MS 1006

Notes

This course will be running in the first-half session only.

Overview

This course focuses on developing students’ understanding of management accounting in an organisational context. It uses recent research to help students explore the behavioural, social, and organisational aspects of management accounting. In addition, there is an operations research component which contributes to the accredited core.

Structure

1 one-hour lecture per week and 1 one-hour tutorial or computer lab per fortnight.

Assessment

2 two-hour written examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr D Molyneaux

Pre-requisites

Available to students in Programme Year 3 or above who have passed AC 1008 and AC 1510 and AC 2024 / AC 2524.

Notes

This course will be running in the second half session only.

Overview

An introduction to the taxation within the UK with specific reference to Personal Taxes; Inheritance Tax; Value Added Tax and to the taxation of Corporate profits. Reference will also be made to Capital Gains Tax. The course encourages students to determine the principles underlying taxation; to use these critically to assess the taxes about which they are acquiring technical knowlege and to condier for themselves the place of tax avoidance and planning, as well as the associated ethical relevant to taxpayers and their advisers.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr C Elad

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Years 3 or 4 who have passed AC 1509 or AC 1008 and AC 1510.

Notes

Available in 2003/04 and in alternate sessions thereafter. This course will run in the first half-session only.

Overview

This course provides the techniques and practical tools for analysis of financial statements in order to understand the value that a business generates for shareholders. The focus is on interpretation of international financial statements, understanding the international diversity in financial reporting systems and learning how to compare and analyse the fundamental value of comparative companies in different countries.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week, 1 one-hour computer class per week, 1 fortnightly tutorial.

Assessment

Examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor J Bebbington

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 3 who have passed AC 1509 or AC 1008 and AC 1510.

Overview

The course will introduce students to the major areas of research and practice in social and environmental accounting and reporting (SEAAR) as well as how the discipline of finance is affected by the social and environmental agenda. This includes: theoretical underpinnings of SEAAR, social auditing and accounting, ethical investment, stock market reactions to SEAAR, environmental management, environmental accounting and organisational change, environmental reporting and accounting and reporting, accounting and evaluating for sustainable development.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, one seminar per week.

Assessment

1 two-hour examination (40%), one assessed essay (10%), two presentations and presentation reports (40%), performance in seminars (10%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor A J Black

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 3 who have passed AC 2022/AC 2522, Business Finance or EC 2002, Microeconomics.

Overview

This course investigates how the value of a company can be affected by corporate actions. These possible actions include: investment decisions, financing decisions, changes in the scope of the corporation's business, dividend policy, debt policy, mergers, leveraged buy-outs, warrants and convertibles, and changes in management rules. Standard problem solving techniques are used so that students will develop a good working knowledge of the theory and valuation methods that are used worldwide in major corporations and financial institutions.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week and 3 one-hour problem solving class per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (70%) and 3 continuous assessment r pieces (10% each).

Resit: Examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor R Buckland

Pre-requisites

AC 2022 / AC 2522

Notes

This course will be abailable in 1999/2000 and in alternate sessions thereafter. Cannot be combined in a graduating curriculum with EC 3007.

Overview

The course will develop basic models of financial markets and financial management from level 2 courses to honours depths of critical analysis. Material will focus on financial management issues in an internationalised context, with coverage of corporate investment, growth and risk management and financial strategy. Material will be covered with the aid of case material and inputs from corporate finance practitioners.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, 1 two-hour computer laboratory per week; 1 two-hour seminar per fortnight.

Assessment

1 two-hour closed examination at end of half-session (50%), 1 CAA objective test in week 9 (20%), continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr G Georgiou

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Single or Joint Honours Accountancy who have passed AC 3041.

Notes

Available in 2003/04 and in alternate sessions thereafter. This course will be running in the second-half session only.

Overview

Students are introduced to the variety of approaches to financial accounting theory and research. Using these methodologies, a number of topical areas of accounting practice are examined, including recent developments in accounting standards, accounting regulation and corporate reporting. The course will be built around a study of recent articles in the academic and professional press. Students will be encouraged to question the nature of the problem, to critically evaluate the applicable research findings, and the proposed and alternative solutions.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week and one two-hour workshop per week.

Assessment

1 three-hour written examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr A Black

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 3.

Overview

The course examines the accounting, economic and financial issues concerning management of the sports & leisure industry in modern society. The major issues explored include business plans and project analysis, and financial and non-financial performance measurement. Accounting issues in football clubs including club financial statement analysis will be particularly emphasised.

Structure

12 x one-hour lectures, weekly two hour seminars.

Assessment

Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr D Molyneaux

Pre-requisites

Available only to Single or Joint Senior Honours candidates in Accountancy.

Notes

Compulsory for Single Honours Accountancy.

Overview

A dissertation on a topic in Accountancy. Students will be generally prepared for undertaking the dissertation by a series of lectures and workshops. Individual topics will be developed with formal guidance from staff supervisors. Dissertations must be word-processed and must not exceed 10,000 words.

Structure

6 two-hour classes and 4 one-hour individual meetings with supervisor.

Assessment

Continuous assessment: dissertation of 10,000 words (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr D Molyneaux

Pre-requisites

Available only to Single or Joint Senior Honours candidates in Finance.

Notes

Compulsory for Single Honours Finance students.

Overview

A dissertation on a topic in Finance. Students will be generally prepared for undertaking the dissertation by a series of lectures and workshops. Individual topics will be developed with formal guidance from staff supervisors. Dissertations must be word-processed and must not exceed 10,000 words.

Structure

6 two-hour classes and 4 one-hour individual meetings with supervisor.

Assessment

Continuous assessment: dissertation of 10,000 words (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor J Bebbington

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 4 who have passed AC 3041 and AC 3042.

Notes

This course will be running in the second-half session only

Overview

This course requires students to apply their accounting knowledge in order to resolve problems presented in real world case studies. Students are also required to research an organisation (real or imagined) and create an equivalent case which could be solved and which illustrates the functioning of accounting in organisations.

Structure

2 one-hour seminars; 1 two-hour workshop.

Assessment

2 hour written examination (40%) and continuous assessment (60%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor R Buckland

Pre-requisites

AC 2022 / AC 2522

Notes

Available in 2004/05 and alternate sessions thereafter. Cannot be combined in a graduating curriculum with EC 3007.

Overview

The course will develop the analysis of assets and market efficiency. It will critically evaluate the place and standing within finance of portfolio analysis and of asset/risk pricing models and develop students’ critical analysis of option theory, option pricing models and of the applications of derivatives analysis within the contemporary treasury management function of organisations. Material will be covered with the aid of case and project material and inputs from corporate finance and financial markets practitioners.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, 1 two-hour computer laboratory per week; 1 two-hour seminar per fortnight.

Assessment

1 two-hour closed examination at end of half-session (50%), 1 CAA objective test in week 9 (20%), continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr A Arthur

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 4.

Overview

This course explores the philosophical, sociological, and political perspectives that have been brought to bear on accounting and finance research and practice. Topics may include:

• Audit evidence – scientific and legal perspectives


• Accounting and finance research and the philosophy of the social sciences


• Conceptions of risk, theories of probability


• Behavioural finance and behavioural economics


• Economically rational behaviour, and economic explanation


• Speculative bubbles, panics and mania: consequences for market theory


• Noise traders, fads and fashions, and ‘short term-ism’


• ‘Giving a true account’ – theories of truth and true reporting


• Gender issues in professional practice and in academic research


• The sociology of the professions, and professional ethics

Structure

1 one-hour lecture (or equivalent); 1 one-hour student led seminar and 1 one-hour tutorial per week. Some lectures will be replaced with web based teaching material.

Assessment

1 two-hour examination (40%) and continuous assessment (60%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor A J Black

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in programme year 4.

Overview

The content of the course will be quantitative in nature and will focus on the key concepts used in the econometric analysis of data on financial variables. Since these concepts and techniques are widely used in the finance literature the course concentrates on the application of these techniques. The techniques include regression analysis, equilibrium correction modelling and modelling risk.

Structure

2 one hour lectures per week, 1 one hour computer workshop and 1 seminar fortnightly.

Assessment

1 two-hour examination (70%), 2 in-course practical write ups (20%) and 3 10-minute oral examinations (10%).