BSC (HONS) ACCOUNTING & FINANCE

A student will be able to:

• Communicate knowledge and understanding of several of the major contexts within which accounting operates, based on a critical evaluation of related theoretical and conceptual frameworks and of empirical evidence as to its effects;
• Communicate knowledge and understanding of, and appropriate ability to use and critically evaluate, current and major alternative technical languages and practices of accounting, together with appropriate ability to apply them;
• Record and summarise financial data and prepare financial statements;
• Manipulate financial and other numerical data and appropriate understanding of and ability to apply mathematical and statistical concepts;
• Communicate and apply knowledge and understanding of the principles of business information systems management at an appropriate level;
• Analyse business activities and perform financial analyses and projections in appropriate contexts of planning, decision making and control at an appropriate level; and to recognise the limitations of these techniques;
• Communicate knowledge and understanding of financial management, risk, and the operation of financial markets at appropriate level, based on critical evaluation of theories and empirical evidence.

A student will be able to:

• Locate, extract, analyse and draw reasoned conclusions from multiple sources (including electronic sources) of appropriate literature and relevant data and acknowledge and reference sources appropriately;
• Critically analyse arguments;
• Assimilate and lucidly evaluate alternative views.

A student will be able to:

• Communicate effectively in a written context;
• Use information technology (spreadsheets, word-processing and online databases) appropriately;
• Organise information, and to assimilate and evaluate competing arguments;
• Manage their own learning, including working effectively to deadlines;
• Be open minded and have a capacity to handle ideas and scrutinise information in critical, evaluative, and analytical ways.

Students exiting with a Certificate of Higher Education would expect to:

• Have the essential introduction to that subject;
• Demonstrate an understanding on the concepts and principles related to their area of study; and
• Be able to communicate ideas and findings in a reliable and structured way.

Students exiting with a Diploma of Higher Education would, in addition, expect to:

• Develop a greater understanding and a sophistication of thinking as they work through the courses;
• Build on their existing knowledge to approach the concepts and principles from a wider context;
• Be at a stage where they will have obtained qualities and skills necessary for employment and further study in the area.

BSc Accounting and Finance graduates may particularly consider the following areas:

Accounting professions
Investment banking
Management consultancy
Financial management
Investment analysis and management

They will have a sound basis for careers in a wide range of areas from major corporations to small businesses, government organisations, the voluntary sector, international organisations and the media.