ACCOUNTANCY

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C Alawattage

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Overview

The constitution of society: economy, polity and civil society; their interdependencies and contradictions; and understanding the role of accounting within these contradictions and interdependencies.

Constitution of business: various managerial objectives, functions, responsibilities and accountabilities; and the role of accounting within business.

Constitution of accounting as a business function: how accounting is organised within organisations to help achieve their objectives and accountabilities.

Constitution of accountancy as a profession: how accountancy is organised as a profession and how the accountancy profession is regulated.

Future challenges of accountancy: the challenge of accounting and reporting beyond shareholders; and meeting the challenge of global sustainability.

Structure

1 one-hour lecture and 1 two-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt; 1 two-hour written examination (70%); continuous assessment (30%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (70%); continuous assessment (30%). The student may carry forward their original continuous assessment mark if this is considered to be in their interests.

Formative Assessment

Details to be finalised, however, will build on tutorial material and course content.

Feedback

Feedback on summative assessments will be provided by comments on the students’ work and/or separate individual feedback sheets. There may also be classroom discussions on common issues in students’ work.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

David Heald

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Overview

An introduction to accounting

Structure

18 one-hour lectures; and 9 two-hour tutorials.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour closed-book written examination (70%) and continuous assessment based on work in tutorials and participation in an online computer assisted learning package (30%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%). Students can carry forward their continuous assessment marks from a previous sitting. Because of the nature of the continuous assessment, this cannot be retaken within the same academic session. Accordingly, where this is in the interests of the student, the student will be assessed on the resit examination alone.  Some of the tutorial test marks count towards continuous assessment.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is conducted in two ways. First, in advance of each tutorial, students are given exercises and problems. The tutor provides feedback to that group and the course co-ordinator also provides feedback via WebCT.  Students are also given tests during tutorials, on which feedback is provided.

Feedback

Customised feedback provided through the return by tutors of marked work. Generic feedback is posted on WebCT by the course co-ordinator.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr E Balaban

Pre-requisites

None.

Overview

All businesses make decisions about how to finance investment projects. This course provides the fundamental principles and practices about how companies make these decisions. The course begins by considering the role of the financial manager and the institutions and mechanisms that affect business activity. The role of risk is looked at in detail through careful analysis of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and application of this model is considered. By outlining the relevant issues surrounding capital structure, dividend policy, this course provides the fundamental information required for further study of corporate finance issues at level 3.

Structure

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

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment: two multiple choice tests (20% each) and one 2-hour examination paper (60%).

Resit: The in-course assessment mark is carried forward and the examination is taken again in the resit diet.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr M Elgammal

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above.

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

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (50%) and in-course assessment (15% group presentation, 15% individual report based on group presentation and 20% invidividual report).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr S How

Pre-requisites

AC 1512. This course builds upon the material presented in AC1512.

Overview

The course builds upon the material presented in AC 1511 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

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

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C Alawattage

Pre-requisites

AC 1512. This course develops and extends the operational tools and techniques introduced in AC 1512.

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

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination paper (70%) and in-course assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor C Roberts

Pre-requisites

AC 2524

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

1 one-hour lecture per week and 1 two-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr M Whittington

Pre-requisites

AC 2525

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

1st Attempt: 2 two-hour written examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr J Williams

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 3 who have passed either (i) AC 2026 and PO 2001 or (ii) EC 2002.

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 1 one-hour problem solving class per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (70%) and 2 in-course assessment pieces (15% each).

Resit: Examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor R Buckland

Pre-requisites

AC 2026 and PO 2001.

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

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

Formative Assessment

Feedback

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor D Heald

Pre-requisites

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

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

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

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor D Heald

Pre-requisites

Available to students in Programme Year 3 or above who have passed AC 1511 and AC 2524.

Notes

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

Overview

An introduction to 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 knowledge and to consider for themselves the place of tax avoidance and planning, as well as the associated ethical issues relevant to taxpayers and their advisers.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr M Whittington

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Years 3 or above who have passed AC 1511.

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

1st Attempt: Examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M Whittington

Pre-requisites

Level 1 Accounting – AC1512

Overview

The Framework of financial analysis
Financial statement analysis
Corporate Social Reporting
CSR frameworks
Company CSR reporting practice

Structure

A two hour lecture each week, a one hour tutorial each week and a further computer seminar.

Assessment

1st attempt: 80% two hour exam; 20% presentation.

Resit: Two hour exam.

Formative Assessment

Feedback

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr J Williams

Pre-requisites

Available only to level 4 students, PO 2001.

Notes

The existing AC 4023 Empirical Methods in Finance course runs in parallel with a similar postgraduate course.

BU 5006 Introductory Econometrics for Finance. This course is a 10-credit level 5 compulsory course and runs for 6 weeks from week 12 to week 17. AC 4023 shares lectures in weeks 12 to 17, then runs its own lectures for the undergraduate course from weeks 18 to 23. Tutorials/computer labs are separate for the full 12 weeks of the course for the undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Overview

Course will cover topics from the following:

• Introduction to financial econometrics


• Classical linear regression models


• Statistical inference


• Violations of classical linear regression models


• Market behaviour of asset prices


• Time series analysis


• Financial modelling of risk and return

Structure

1 two-hour lecture per week; 1 one-hour computer lab per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (80%); continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor C Roberts

Pre-requisites

AC 2524 and AC 2525

Notes

Must not be taken with Accounting Theory (AC4026).

Overview

Introduction to accounting theory
The financial reporting environment
Positive accounting theory
Critical perspectives on accounting

Structure

1 two-hour lecture and 1 two-hour tutorial per week per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: One piece of work to be assessed both by presentation and report(50%); 1 one-hour exam (50%).

Resit: 1 two-hour exam.

Formative Assessment

Feedback

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor C Roberts

Pre-requisites

AC 3041 and AC 3042

Notes

Must not be taken with Essentials of Accounting Theory (AC4025).

Overview

Introduction to accounting theory
The financial reporting environment
Normative theories of accounting
Positive accounting theory
Capital markets reactions
Extended theories of accounting
An introduction to critical perspectives on accounting
Consideration of key areas of critical accounting

Structure

1 two-hour lecture and 1 two-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Portfolio of work (25%), essay (15%), 1 two-hour exam (60%).

Resit: 1 three-hour exam (100%).

Formative Assessment

Feedback

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor R Buckland

Pre-requisites

AC 3047

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

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

Assessment

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

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor C Roberts

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 4.

Notes

Compulsory for Single Honours Finance.

Overview

This course provides a framework of introductory and support lectures / workshop, complmentary to a series of sessions with a supervisor and student self-study, for the implmentation of previously acquired knoweldge and skills to dissertation level. Students have the opportunity to study in depth a specialist issue in their chosen area of study, and create their own original piece of reasearch work.

Structure

1 two-hour lecture in first week, 1 two-hour workshop in seventh week, 2 one-hour meeting with supervisor.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment: 1 Dissertation (90%); self-evaluation critique (10%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor C Roberts

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 4.

Notes

Compulsory for Single Honours Accountancy.

Overview

This course provides a framework of introductory and support lectures / workshop, complementary to a series of sessions with a supervisor and student self-study, for the implementation of previously acquired knowledge and skills to dissertation level. Students have the opportunity to study in depth a specialist issue in their chosen area of study, and create their own original piece of research work.

Structure

1 two-hour lecture in first week, 1 two-hour workshop in seventh week, 2 one-hour meeting with supervisor.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment: 1 Dissertation (90%); self-evaluation critique (10%).