Accounting and Financial Management

This Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Accounting and Financial Management at the University of the West of England is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of financial principles, accounting practices, and management strategies essential for successful careers in the financial sector. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling graduates to analyze financial data, prepare accurate financial reports, and make informed decisions that support organizational objectives. Throughout the course, students will explore key topics such as financial accounting, management accounting, corporate finance, auditing, and financial markets, all within a globally relevant context. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical awareness to prepare students for the dynamic challenges of the financial industry. The programme offers a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, and real-world case studies, fostering an interactive learning environment. Students will have opportunities to engage with industry professionals through guest lectures, placements, and networking events, gaining valuable insights into current practices and trends. The course is accredited by relevant professional bodies, providing a strong foundation for those seeking to pursue future qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or ACA. Graduates will be well-positioned for careers in accounting firms, financial institutions, consultancy agencies, and corporate finance departments, with the skills necessary to analyze financial information, formulate strategies, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The programme also emphasizes developing transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are vital across various sectors. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, students will be able to apply their learning in practical environments, preparing them for the complexities of modern financial management. Overall, this course offers a comprehensive education that combines academic rigor with practical relevance, aimed at fostering the next generation of financial professionals capable of making a positive impact in the global financial landscape.

The Postgraduate Certificate is made up of five of the seven core modules detailed below.

Core modules

• Fundamentals of Financial Management - equips you with an understanding of the principal functions of financial management and develops knowledge and skills relevant to finance managers in relation to financing, investment and controlling decisions.
• Financial Context and Contemporary Issues - develops your ability to comprehend contemporary and potential future accounting and financial management issues from a questioning and holistic perspective.
• Corporate Strategy - provides a wide-ranging introduction to the broad social and economic environment in which business enterprises plan and implement their strategic objectives.
• Corporate Financial Strategy - enables you to evaluate and discuss a range of issues within corporate finance, and gain an understanding of finance from the firm's perspective.
• Performance Measurement and Management - provides you with the knowledge, understanding and skills concerned with the identification, measurement, interpretation, communication and management of costs and other key performance indicators.
• Corporate Financial Reporting - develops your knowledge and understanding of contemporary practical and conceptual issues in external financial reporting.
• Research Methods - provides you with sufficient research training to plan, undertake, and effectively manage a substantial, analytical dissertation.

The Postgraduate Diploma is made up of the remaining compulsory modules and one additional optional module, allowing you to specialise in an area relevant to your career plans.

Option modules:*

• Corporate Risk Management and Control
• Financial Investments in Practice
• Financial Statement Analysis

* The availability of option modules is subject to demand.

Masters dissertation

To achieve a Masters, you must complete a dissertation which gives you the chance to research an area of accounting or financial management that is of particular interest to you and of relevance to your career plans. Previous dissertation topics include:

• Pre-production financial accounting issues in oil and gas companies: The accounting policy choices
• Capital Structure and Profitability: An Empirical Research of the Drinks Manufacturing Industry in China
• Human capital disclosures in company annual reports a case study of listed companies on the London Stock Exchange
• Financial Investment Appraisal Incorporating Environmental Externalities

You will need:

• a good honours degree in either Accounting and Finance (minimum 2:2), or Business/related subject (minimum 2:1) with a significant accounting and finance content (normally at least 25% of the degree) from a recognised Higher Education institution, or
• equivalent, from a recognised overseas institution or
• to have successfully completed all of the Fundamental papers of the ACCA syllabus or the Certificate, Operational and Management levels of the CIMA syllabus, and have at least two years' relevant work experience. (If you have passed any of the ACCA Professional level or CIMA Strategic level papers you may be eligible for exemption from one or more of the MSc modules).

The Financial Studies component of the Accounting and Financial Management program at the University of the West of England provides students with a comprehensive understanding of financial principles, investment analysis, and corporate finance strategies. Throughout the course, students explore key topics such as financial accounting, management accounting, financial markets, and the evaluation of financial performance. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills, including the use of financial software and analysis tools, preparing graduates for various roles in banking, auditing, financial consultancy, and corporate finance departments.

Students engage with case studies and real-world scenarios to develop their decision-making skills and understand the complexities of financial management in diverse organizational contexts. The program also covers key regulatory frameworks, ethical considerations in finance, and the impact of global financial markets. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and project work, students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, enabling them to analyze financial data accurately and make informed financial decisions.

In addition, the program offers opportunities for placements, enabling students to apply their learning in professional environments and gain valuable industry experience. The duration of the program typically spans three years for full-time study, with options for part-time study extensions. Assessment methods include written exams, coursework, group projects, and presentations, designed to develop analytical capabilities and communication skills essential for finance professionals.

The university maintains strong links with industry partners, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and aligned with current financial practices. Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue careers in financial analysis, investment banking, risk management, and financial consultancy, among others. The program also provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or CFA, further enhancing their career prospects in the finance sector. Overall, the Financial Studies component aims to produce well-rounded graduates capable of contributing effectively to the financial health and strategic planning of organizations on a national and international level.

The Accounting and Financial Management undergraduate degree program at the University of the West of England is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of financial principles, accounting practices, and management strategies essential for careers in finance, accounting, and related fields. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, equipping students to analyze financial data, prepare financial statements, and make informed decisions that influence organizational success. Students will study core modules such as financial accounting, management accounting, financial management, and auditing, while also exploring topics like corporate law, ethics, and sustainable finance. The program emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and responsible business practices, preparing graduates to operate confidently within the regulatory environment of financial markets. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, and practical workshops, often supplemented with case studies and real-world projects to enhance applied learning. The university’s strong links with industry provide students with opportunities for placements, internships, and networking, facilitating a smoother transition into professional roles after graduation. The program is suitable for individuals interested in a career in accounting, financial consultancy, banking, or corporate finance, and is designed to develop analytical and problem-solving skills necessary for success in dynamic financial environments. Graduates will be well-prepared for professional certification exams such as ACCA, CIMA, and ICAEW, with many modules aligned to the requirements of these professional bodies. The campus facilities include dedicated computer labs with financial analysis software and access to online learning resources to support student research and coursework. Overall, this program aims to produce skilled, ethical, and confident finance professionals ready to meet the challenges of modern financial management in a global economy.