Accounting and Finance

Higher Certificate programmes at DBS have a very practical focus and are ideal for students who prefer to 'learn by doing'. This Higher Certificate in Business in Accounting places a strong focus on the world of accounting. It is designed to equip students with a range of knowledge and practical skills, which will form the basis for commencing a career in an accounting-related context in business. It also provides a basis for progressing to higher level academic qualifications. Students who successfully complete the higher certificate programme can achieve full degree awards through further study.

  

Structure and Content

 

The Higher Certificate in Business in Accounting covers essential aspects of business and provides specialised knowledge and skills in accounting. It equips students with a strong combination of business and accounting know-how. On the business side, it covers a wide range of subjects focusing on general business administration and management. On the accounting side it deals with the fundamentals of both financial and cost accounting with complementary coverage of economic and accounting techniques. Students also develop significant skills in oral and written communications as well as skills in a range of information technology applications.

 

Year 1

Six mandatory subjects provide foundation knowledge in core business and accounting disciplines and techniques and impart essential business and computing skills.

 

Year 2

Student knowledge and understanding of key business disciplines is further developed and they are given specialised knowledge and practical skills in accounting theory and practice and financial information for planning & control. 

  

Interactive Teaching and Learning Methods

 

The learning process in Higher Certificate courses involves lectures, tutorials, practicals, case studies and computer-assisted study. As the course progresses, students build on their foundation knowledge and move towards more in-depth study of particular areas. Lecturers adopt an interactive style in which students are encouraged to participate actively in classes. The general emphasis is on action learning by doing rather than acquisition of theoretical textbook knowledge.

  

 

Transfer Students

 

Students holding relevant qualifications may qualify for entry to the second year of the programme.

  

 

Career Opportunities

 

As this programme combines business and accounting subjects, career opportunities for graduates are most likely to be in the accounting departments of organisations or in many other business positions where knowledge of accounting is a requirement or an asset. The blend of business and accounting knowledge and skills gained by students on this programme makes them an attractive proposition for a range of employment opportunities. Graduates who continue their studies and gain suitable work experience can look forward to advancement to management positions.

 

 

 

Further Study Options

 

Students who complete their programme will qualify for entry onto the final year of the ordinary degree programmes (Level 7 awards) or year 2 of the BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance degree (Level 8 award).

  

 

Programme Content