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The module provides a theoretical and practical introduction to the nature and characteristics of business behaviour under conditions of economic certainty and uncertainty. Decisions making process for pricing, production constraints, output, wages. This module covers the fundamental elements of business and management, consumer and behaviour economics of business strategy and firm business decisions. It will provide some empirical applications from a marketing perspective as well as the opportunity to build and improve numerical, mathematical and statistical skills, and apply these to practical problems in the context of business. It will also provide empirical applications and introduce decision on different market structures. Throughout, concepts and applications are made relevant to real world examples.
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Introduction to basics of financial accounting entries (terminologies, context, purposes, regulatory framework). recognising and reclassifying various types of business transactions, as well as the preparation and interpretation of the primary financial statements.
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Covers theories of academic writing and presentation skills, learning and reflective practice, contextualised within a management and leadership business setting. It will explores the following key transferable skills –communication, problem solving, working with others and improving own learning – will be introduced, practiced and applied to work-based tasks, as will the range of activities associated with information skills. Learners will be provided with the opportunities to develop awareness of the workplace, identify different career and study options, recognise and articulate their own experience, accomplishments and talents and plan and implement career management strategies for the short and long term. Students will audit their own skills, identify aspects that require enhancement and produce action plans for self-development in those areas, enabling them to make informed choices in preparing for work placement, academic progression and the transition to employment or further study on graduation.
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This module aims to cover the basic knowledge of costing and management accounting practices and concepts and their applications within an organization. This involves the provision and interpretation of information to assist managers in planning, controlling, making decisions and appraising performance. It explores the underlying concepts and techniques of management accounting and serves as a prerequisite for management accounting in the following two years.
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The concepts and techniques of compound interest and discounting, time value of money; Financial market instruments and their functions; Discounted cash flow approaches to decision making; basic quantitative methods and statistical functions and techniques like basic regression analysis. Evaluation of different sources of finance; Cost of capital and elementary financial management; Impact of dividend and capital structure policies.
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The module will provide a general overview of law relevant to students working in business and develop knowledge and skills in the understanding of the general legal framework. It will also identify the essential elements of different legal systems including the main source of law, and apply the appropriate legal rules relating to the law of obligations. Students will gain an appreciation and understanding of the workings of the legal system, the law of tort, contract law, the law of agency, employment law and other areas of law that effect businesses.
Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)
Honours Degree, Undergraduate, September 2025
Key Details
- N400 Course Code
- 3 Years
- TBC Typical UCAS Tariff
On our BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance programme you’ll study the theories and develop the skills of accounting and financial management. These are transferable to a range of employment opportunities in private, public and third sector organisations. As our class sizes take place in classrooms, rather than lecture halls, we’re able to get to know you and focus case studies on the industry you’d like to work in. You’ll graduate with the competence and experience to progress your career or into postgraduate study.
12 modules on our degree have gained accreditations from the leading professional accounting bodies –: ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA and IFA. So when you pass those modules successfully, you’ll be exempt from a number of external accountancy exams that you may otherwise need to complete when you graduate. For students aiming to gain professional qualifications in accountancy, these exemptions may reduce the qualification path following graduation. Depending on the modules that you chose, you could expect to be a qualified accountant within two years of graduation. (Scroll down for our Accreditations and Exemptions section).
Our degree also explores key financial theories, which could give you an advantage against those who have studied other accountancy qualifications. By studying a university degree in Accounting and Finance, as opposed to other routes into the profession, you’ll be able to take advantage of the full university experience, developing a toolkit of vital transferable skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers.
- The BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree at Newman provides you with the skills, knowledge and resources relevant for a wide range of enterprises in the private and public sectors.
- We focus on student-centred learning, and the development of the whole individual which will help you to develop into a successful accounting and financial professional with the capacity and vitality to make a difference.
- Accounting and Finance at Newman is taught in smaller class sizes than many UK universities which enables discussion and debate to embed learning and view problems from a variety of perspectives, a vital skill for accountants. In this course you will study accounting and finance in a way that addresses values and ethics in a way not always achieved in other institutions.
- Over the three year course a variety of modules are covered to equip you with the knowledge to go on to be successful. Some of the types of modules you can expect include financial accounting, management accounting and decision making, personal and business taxation, auditing and assurance, corporate financial management, financial analysis and financial reporting.
- Newman provides excellent academic and individual support. Teaching is much more than just lectures, you will have the support of seminars, tutorials, group activities, study skills and fieldwork. Taught modules are assessed through a variety of different forms of coursework, such as reports, presentations, analysis tasks and reflective logs. Members of the department are always happy to give individual tutorials and advice on research and writing assignments.
The solid foundation for future study will be laid in the first year of this course. You will study the basic elements of Accounting and Finance and develop spreadsheet and numerical skills, research, referencing and academic writing skills. You will also learn more about the role of the accountant in business and the fundamental aspects of Business and Corporate Law.
Your second year will further develop the core area of Accounting and Finance. This level will use the concepts and skill-based tools from Level 4 for more applied learning activities. The range of learning activities will increase to facilitate different learning styles. For example, you will take on specialist modules to map onto a chosen career pathway which may lead to some exemptions from the professional bodies. This part will examine personal and business taxation, corporate financial management, financial reporting, and management accounting.
In the final year of study you will be involved in using the conceptual tools and experience developed in the first two years. Final year modules may lead you towards partial exemptions being granted by the professional bodies. You will cover some core areas such as advanced management accounting, financial analysis, advanced financial reporting and audit and assurance. These modules in particular will help to develop skills of critical analysis and synthesis which will help you to reflect on your career aspirations.
Our BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance programme has a theoretical and practice-led approach covering the core aspects of accounting and finance including:
- Financial accounting
- Management accounting
- Finance and investment
- International finance
- Banking and insurance
- Credit and financial analytics
- Contemporary issues in accounting and finance
- Portfolio management
- Investment banking
- Corporate finance
- Financial reporting
- Business economics for accounting and finance
- Corporate and business law
- Ethics in finance and accounting
- Financial or economic analysis
- Computerised accounting systems – Sage 50cloud Accounts
- Specialist areas such as audit and assurance, taxation, digital finance, sustainable finance, and strategic management
Each accounting module is timetabled for four contact hours once a week. The three modules in a semester are timetabled across two to three days in the week, with a total of 12 timetabled hours a week.
Our module delivery mode is ‘face-to-face’ on campus.
Assessments on the programme are designed in line with the expectations of the professional accounting bodies (ACCA, CIMA, and ICAEW) and so are largely on campus supervised written examinations.
Our graduates have gone on to take jobs in the finance and accounting departments of private organisations and public sector organisations. Some of our students are pursuing careers in public practice and audit while some are gainfully employed in the banking sector.
- Financial accountant
- Management accountant
- Financial analyst
- Investment banker
- Tax consultants
- Internal/External auditor
The skills, knowledge and resources you develop on the programme will be relevant for a wide range of organisations and industries in the private and public sectors. The department’s previous graduates from other business programmes have gained management roles in a broad range of areas.
The programme will give you the skills and knowledge that you need to be able succeed in the future. Graduates in Accounting and Finance are highly sought after and are able to use their skills and knowledge in a wide range of different areas. Graduates of Accountancy and Professional Services are regularly recruited by the `Big Four’ accounting firms – Ernst and Young, KPMG, Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers, as well as other graduate level employers. As a graduate in Accounting and Finance, there are opportunities to work in both local government and central government departments such as the National Audit Office, FSA, HMRC, and HM Treasury.
At Birmingham Newman, the Careers service also organises fairs and events throughout the year to give you a chance to meet graduate recruiters and ask your questions; These include the `Graduate Recruitment fair’, `The Finance, Business and Management Fair’ and the `Postgraduate Study fair’.
Depending on the modules that you have chosen during your degree you may be eligible for exemptions for professional examinations from the following accountancy bodies:*
Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW)
A number or our modules have gained exemptions from ICAEW, including all six modules on the ICAEW’s certificate level and one on the ICAEW’s professional level. Successful Students can claim prior learning with ICAEW upon completion of the degree from Newman towards being qualified in the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB).
These exemptions will save you time when applying for professional qualifications.
For more information about ICAEW’s Credit for Prior Learning please visit www.icaew.com/cpl
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Certain modules are accredited by ACA and ACCA and thus students completing these modules may gain exemptions from professional exams as part of postgraduate accountancy training. We were awarded seven exemptions from the ACCA.
This means that students could save up to one to two years of further study before they are fully qualified with ACCA.
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
We have gained eight exemptions from CIMA and students will be able to claim prior learning and award designation after graduating from Newman. The award designations are listed below:
CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA DIP MA)
CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (CIMA CERT BA)
This means that students could save up to two years of further study, to be qualified as a chartered management accountant.
* Please note that if you have a conviction for fraud the above professional bodies may not agree to exempt you.
Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA)
We have obtained 12 exemptions out of a total of 14 exams from the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA).
This means that students will only need to complete two exams before they are qualified as a chartered accountant with IFA. The IFA is an internationally recognised professional accountancy membership body whose members work for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The exemptions listed above are for future Newman University students. Current or past students should check with the Course Leader about the exemptions applicable to them.
Birmingham Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.
Studying at Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.
Dining out
Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Newman).
Entertainment
Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!
Location
Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!
Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?
Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.
Course Fees
The full-time course fee for September 2024 is £9,250 per year.
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
Additional Costs
Find out more about the other additional costs associated with our undergraduate degrees.
Modules
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This module builds on the foundations provided at Level 4 and develops the capacity to conceptualise problems and create reasoned value judgments and opinions and to solve practical problems. Critical reasoning and rational analysis are developed throughout this module. It will develop technical accounting knowledge whilst contextualising it within a broader regulatory framework. It will provide knowledge on the role of financial reporting and its use to stakeholders and the application of accounting standards in the preparation of financial statements. It will enable students to calculate, present and interpret accounting reports with regards to current regulatory requirements and apply current and relevant accounting standards in the preparation and interpretation of financial statements.
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This module covers introductory knowledge of how banks operate to achieve their core financial intermediation objective. It will explore the structure, regulation and the operation of banking and non-banking financial institutions and the applicable specific UK banking regulations. It will introduce the roles of central banks, their operations, their conduct of monetary policy and how they affect financial institutions. Students will be introduced to concepts in finance and banking and explore the mechanisms of financial instruments (government bonds, equities, and derivatives) and markets.
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This module covers the operation of the UK tax system. Students will develop technical skills to compute income and corporation tax. The module will also help to develop the technical skills needed to produce tax computations for companies and individuals. Students will study systems for self-assessment, payment of tax and penalties and overseas aspects such as operating abroad, taxation of foreign income, transfer pricing provisions and double tax relief.
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On this module, students will learn about the role of the auditor and develop an understanding of modern audit from both an internal and external perspective. They will be introduced to forensic accounting as a discipline, studying the role and procedures of forensic accounting and the impact of auditing standards on those who undertake assurance engagements. The module will develop understanding of current issues relating to the provision of audit and assurance services to enable the identification of the work required for, and the evaluation of the findings of audit and assurance engagements.
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This module enables students to gain more understanding of advanced costing techniques using Activity Based Costing to make informed decisions focused on financial resources. Students will be required to analyse budgets to inform management decision making, identify the variances in the budgets as well as analyse working capital management for effective strategic management decision.
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This year-long module offers learners the opportunity to apply and explore knowledge within a work-based context, through the mode of workplace learning. The placement supervisor in the workplace will negotiate the focus for the learner’s role on placement, with the learner. Students complete 100 hours in the work setting. The learner will reflect critically on different dimensions of the workplace setting. This module provides an opportunity for students wishing to attain National Professional recognition with the Teaching and Learning Academy (TLA) to complete an AMTLA project. The module will also provide the opportunity for those students interested in going on to the PGCE programme to gain support and guidance with the PGCE application process.
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This module is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to analyse business data effectively and make data-driven decisions. The course covers fundamental concepts of data analysis, statistical techniques, and data visualisation tools commonly used in business settings. Students will learn how to collect, clean, analyse, and interpret data to solve real-world business problems. Additionally, the course will introduce students to various data analytics tools and techniques, including Excel, SQL, and data visualisation software.
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The module aims to develop from previous studies a comprehensive understanding of theory and best current practice of financial reporting, with particular emphasis on current and controversial issues in financial reporting. It will also develop skills for completing more complex final accounts and managing electronic accounting systems in relation to statutory financial accounting returns.
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Applied Case Study is an advanced course designed to provide students with practical experience in applying strategic management theories, financial analysis techniques, and ethical considerations to real-world business scenarios. Through the analysis of comprehensive case studies, students will gain a deep understanding of strategic decision-making, financial performance evaluation, ethical considerations, and sustainability issues in business management. The course emphasizes the application of acquired skills and knowledge to solve complex business problems and make informed decisions. Students will be required to analyse case studies, conduct financial analysis, evaluate strategic options, consider ethical implications, and develop recommendations. Additionally, students will learn how to write and present professional business reports following standard business reporting formats.
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Strategic management is central to the operation of a variety of businesses in different sectors and environments. The creation of a strategy and the management of its implementation are important in developing businesses that can create and sustain a competitive advantage. The management of strategy involves coping with uncertainty, change and complexity. This module looks at how strategy is currently practiced in a wide variety of contexts from commercial and entrepreneurial to social and not-for-profit. The module will provide students with the necessary managerial tools and techniques required in order to undertake a strategic analysis & review of their organisational environment and develop a suitable plan to lead the organisation into the future. It also encourages exploration of and a critical approach to the key concepts that underpin strategic management and the tools managers use to analyse their environment, frame choices and put the resulting strategies into action.
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This module aims to expose students to the responsibilities of the financial manager in making financing and divided decisions. It introduces the main investment appraisal techniques available to the finance manager in making corporate investment decisions including weighted Average Cost of Capital, Capital Asset Pricing model and the relationship between equity and asset betas. The module also explores the issues around risk management and hedging techniques for interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and business valuation.
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This module will give students a deeper and more integrated understanding of how management accounting theory and practice can help management teams, make decisions of strategic importance. Students will critique the role of traditional management accounting techniques and evaluate the use of strategic management accounting models. It will cover critical analysis skills and learn how management accounting information can contribute to the development and implementation of effective strategic decisions.
Additional Information
General Academic Regulations: Terms and Conditions for students attending our courses