Program Overview

Introduction to the Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons) Program

The Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons) program at Aston University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of accounting and financial management within business and wider society. This program equips students with the essential skills, in-depth knowledge, and practical experience required to analyze financial data, make informed decisions, and contribute to the financial health of organizations.

Program Overview

• The program is delivered by Aston Business School, which is part of an elite group of global business schools that hold the gold standard of triple-crown accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS.
• Students gain insight into what drives management strategy and the essential role of accounting and financial management within business and society.
• The course includes a compulsory placement year, which gives students the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills.

Course Objectives

1. Develops understanding of core theory and the necessary technical competence in the field of accounting and related management disciplines.
2. Develops the ability to apply knowledge with the objective of recommending and justifying appropriate operational and strategic decisions.
3. Develops the ability to locate, extract, analyze, and evaluate data from multiple sources to form a reasoned conclusion.
4. Develops critical analysis, evaluation, and appropriate reflection skills.
5. Demonstrates appropriate professional skills, including effective communication, the ability to think holistically, and to work collaboratively.
6. Develops the ability to work effectively as an independent, proactive, self-managed learner to meet deadlines and successfully complete tasks.
7. Develops an ethical approach to business situations, promoting social responsibility and cultural sensitivity.

Modules and Learning Outcomes

Year 1 Modules

• Foundations in Financial and Management Accounting
• Careers in Accounting
• Introduction to Organisational Behaviour
• Law for Business
• Foundations of Business Analytics
• An introduction to Business Economics
• Principles of Operations Management

Year 1 Outcomes

• Explain and effectively use a wide range of theories across accounting and related management disciplines.
• Use accounting techniques and concepts to arrive at technically correct solutions.
• Recommend managerial responses in non-complex scenarios.

Year 2 Modules

• International Financial Reporting
• Applied Management Accounting
• Business Tax
• Audit, Governance, and Company Law
• Financial Management
• Accounting in Practice

Year 2 Outcomes

• Utilize core theories of accounting and management to address problematic issues.
• Apply accounting techniques and concepts to complex scenarios.
• Make sound managerial recommendations by performing quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Placement Year Modules

• Integrated Placement Year

Placement Year Outcomes

• Showcase a portfolio that includes a reflection of experiences and an educational artifact evidencing analysis of a situation identified within the placement organization.
• Identify and analyze an organizational issue using appropriate concepts and techniques.

Final Year Modules

• Advanced International Financial Reporting
• Strategic Management Accounting
• Integrated Case Study
  • Optional modules include Tax Policy and Personal Tax, Audit and Professional Ethics, Financial Analysis, and more.

Final Year Outcomes

• Integrate theories, concepts, and techniques to explore accounting and managerial issues in a broad range of multifaceted scenarios.
• Apply accounting techniques and concepts to evaluate a range of challenging organizational situations.

Entry Requirements

• A Levels: BBB (standard offer), BBC (contextual offer)
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD (standard offer), DDM (contextual offer)
• IB: 31 points overall with grades 5,5,5 in 3 higher level subjects
• Access: QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3, including 21 credits at distinction
• T Levels: Various T Levels are accepted, including Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, and more
• GCSEs: Maths (grade B/5), English Language or English Literature (grade C/4)

Fees and Scholarships

• UK students: Ł9,535 (annual tuition fee), Ł1,250 (during placement year)
• International students: Ł23,500 (annual tuition fee), Ł2,500 (during placement year)
• Scholarships are available to support talented and hardworking students.

Career Prospects

Graduates from this program are in high demand and have gone on to work in various roles, including accountants, commercial analysts, auditors, tax analysts, and business analysts, at companies such as Carphone Warehouse, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Deloitte LLP.

Assessment

Assessment is provided through a mix of coursework and examinations, including a portfolio produced as part of the placement experience, which reflects on the experience and evidences analysis of a situation identified within the placement organization.

Conclusion

The Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons) program at Aston University offers a comprehensive education in accounting and financial management, preparing students for a wide range of career opportunities in business and finance. With its strong focus on practical experience, professional accreditation, and employability, this program is an excellent choice for students looking to pursue a career in accounting and finance.