Accounting and Finance

The philosophy of this degree is to develop and foster a deep understanding of financial markets and the financial services industry. The course provides students with a solid grounding in key financial disciplines while affording students the opportunity to equip themselves with the range of knowledge and skills needed to commence a meaningful career in the financial services industry.

Aims & Objectives

The objectives of the programme are to provide students with an understanding of monetary systems from a practical institutional viewpoint, the nature of financial intermediation markets, the nature of money supply and policy issues relating to its control and the inter-relationship between fiscal and monetary policy.

On completion of this programme students should have acquired the skills to:

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the mechanisms and operations of financial markets
• Practice the research and analytical techniques required in a wide variety of careers in financial services
• Display an understanding of regulatory issues in a financial services environment
• Applying financial and non-financial models and techniques to business decision making problems at both operational and strategic levels
• Have an awareness of the challenges and contemporary issues which are emerging in the world of financial services
• Proceed in a highly competent manner to employment or further postgraduate studies in the area of financial services.

Programme Structure

Level 1 is a foundation level, which is common to the BA (Hons) Financial Services, BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance and BA (Hons) Business Management (Accounting) degree programmes. The foundation level provides knowledge in the primary business disciplines, as well as developing the broad cognitive skills of students.

Level 2 builds on the foundation year by providing a more detailed and specialised financial services focus to develop student knowledge, competence and skills in their chosen specialist business area. Modules at this level also seek to provide initial development of the analytical and critical faculties of students thus providing the necessary underpinning for Level 3 studies.

Level 3 further advances student knowledge in technical financial services areas and seeks to further develop analytical and critical faculties. Modules at this level have a focus on managerial issues and seek to develop judgmental and problem-solving abilities to prepare students for the rigours of professional examinations and advancement in commercial life.

Assessment

Student assessment will be based on a combination of continuous assessment and end of year examinations. Continuous assessment will include essay writing, case studies, presentations, literature reviews and projects, and students will be required to work individually as well as in groups. End of year examinations are typically held in late April/early May. Level 1 subjects may also include an in-class assessment usually held in December.

Career Opportunities

A Financial Services degree is ideal for students who wish to pursue careers in such areas as banking, insurance, stockbroking and financial consulting. Persons employed in the financial services sector engage in a variety of finance-related activities such as giving financial advice, managing investment portfolios for individuals and companies, and approving loans. This degree will equip students for many different careers in the rapidly developing financial services industry, enabling them to compete for employment in high profile areas such as funds management, stock market analysis and corporate lending. Alternatively, the degree provides the basis for further study at postgraduate level.

Programme Content

This course comprises of 3 levels.  Students should complete this course in 4 years part-time.  Students attend lectures 2 evenings per week on average.

Note: Students should select 1 elective at level 2 & 3