Combine your Foundation and Diploma for direct entry to the second year of a degree in Accounting and Business or Financial Management and Business Information Technology
The Composite Diploma in Accounting and Information Systems combines academic study, intensive English language teaching and study skills to prepare you for entry into the second year of a university degree in the UK.
Why apply for the composite diploma programme?
- guaranteed university placement for all successful students
- a continuous six term programme from pre-university study to the second year of undergraduate study
- a quality-assured university programme
- full university status
- a conditional offer of a place on the second year of a relevant undergraduate degree at the University of Gloucestershire
- a campus-based programme with access to university facilities
- professional support and guidance with university applications
- the highest levels of personal care and support
Course length: 6 terms
When can I start?
- September Start (6 terms)
Mon 30 Sep 2013 to Fri 12 Jun 2015
£17,990
- January Start (6 terms)
Mon 06 Jan 2014 to Fri 12 Jun 2015
£17,990
- April Start (6 terms)
Mon 07 Apr 2014 to Fri 28 Aug 2015
£17,990
Terms 1-3
You will study the following modules:
English Language for Foundation Study
- You will develop your overall English language level, including your grammar and vocabulary, as well as your specific skills in reading, listening, writing and speaking, which will prepare you for further academic study.
Study Skills for Foundation Study
- This module will introduce you to the generic study skills necessary for successful undergraduate study. You'l receive an appraisal of your learning style and development needs and introduced to a range of introductory skills, such as time management, how to access resources both online and on-site, how to approach academic presentations, how to tackle and write assignments, apply mathematics and understand learning styles.
Academic Skills for Foundation Study
- Through this module you will be supported in applying academic skills in the context of your chosen subject area. You will learn how to interpret and analyse a range of subject-related information, structure and plan academic work, find and use relevant resources, and communicate effectively using appropriate academic conventions.
Introduction to Accounting
- The module will introduce you to accounting, and enable an understanding of its development and function in the world of business. It will introduce key concepts, terms and conventions in accounting, and will enable you to record, describe and analyse key accounting transactions from the perspectives of a variety of users of financial information.
Introduction to Information Technology
- This module introduces the use of information technology to support human activity, whether for work, business, social or personal use. Topics covered include the history of computers and information technology, the role of information technology in a variety of disciplines, common infrastructures and the impact of the Internet.
Individual Project for Accounting and Information Systems
- This module enables students to demonstrate the skills they have learned through a small and guided independent project. You will work on a project using data and information available publicly or with information or case studies provided by your tutor or an external client.
Terms 4-6
You will study the following modules:
English Language for Undergraduate Study
- Essential preparation for university life, the Study Skills module will help you develop the necessary skills for undergraduate-level study by providing support with group work, presentations, research methods, note taking in lectures, structuring assignments and understanding methods of self-evaluation.
Academic Skills for Undergraduate Study
- English language is a core subject in the International Diploma programme, covering reading, writing, listening and speaking. The module ensures that students reach the entry requirement for the second year of a degree course.
You will choose 7 of the following modules:
Database Design
- This module introduces the fundamental principles of database design. You will learn how to take business requirements and turn these rapidly into working and usable database systems, appropriate for a variety of business applications.
Introduction to Financial Accounting
- This module provides a practical introduction to the concepts, conventions and practices used in processing business transactions into general purpose financial statements, and how this enables a critical evaluation of the role of accounting information in decision making. Topics covered include: accounting concepts, books of original entry, correction of accounting errors, preparing final accounts of sole proprietorships and limited liability companies, and interpreting accounting ratios.
Introduction to Management Accounting
- This module aims to provide you with an introduction to accounting generally, and in particular to key elements of management accounting, such as elements of cost and cost behaviour, as well as budgetary preparation and control. Furthermore, it aims to provide you with an understanding of the theory and practice of management accounting principles and their relevance to the business environment.
Information Technology and Business Data
- This module introduces you to the use of software packages in the context of solving business problems and information needs. The module includes coverage of databases with an emphasis on spreadsheets and data analysis. The module provides you with a foundation in the use of information technology to process business data and enables you to acquire practical skills to support businesses.
Professional Development 1
- This module is designed to develop a variety of technical and analytical skills, with an emphasis on problem solving. The module concentrates on those features of quantitative analysis which are of immediate relevance, and aims to increase students confidence in their application. The context for this module is the use of quantitative techniques in the financial and managerial decision-making processes, including financial mathematics, project planning and the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, including the use of spreadsheets and statistics software.
Professional Development 2
- The module introduces important features of an organisations external and internal environments, including the impact of economic, political, social, legal and environmental factors, as well as the nature of competition and how this presents both opportunities and threats to an organisation. The second part of the module focuses on providing an internal environmental analysis through examination of the structure and type of organisation, as well as culture, leadership and management. The module will also provide a brief introduction to issues of corporate governance.
Systems Analysis
- The module introduces the theories behind systems analysis and design of systems solutions, and the opportunity to gain experience in applying these in practical exercises. Systems analysis subjects include: requirements analysis; process modelling; devising business options; estimating system costs; and data modelling and normalisation. Students are shown how to use computerbased systems analysis tools and database development tools.
The Business Environment
- This module analyses the interaction between the organisation and its stakeholders, and interprets the influence of the internal and external business environments. The role of shareholders and customers will be examined through a discussion of their financial and marketing relationships. The module will also cover the environmental influences on the organisation by examining the legal, political, economic, social, ecological and technological factors at a global, international, national and industry level.
Web Design
- This module introduces you to the rationale for using the Internet to deliver information, together with the technologies required to create web pages. The module covers topics related to an understanding of the Internet, its structures and protocols, the production of web pages using a range of software and scripting standards. In addition to dealing with issues relating to the development and maintenance of websites, students will create web pages from a client brief incorporating the latest industry-standard technologies.
How will I be assessed?
Grades from the Composite Diploma programme do not count towards your final degree, but help the University determine whether you meet the specified progression grades for entry to your chosen degree programme.
Assessment is both formal and informal. Informally, you will receive advice and feedback throughout your programme from your teachers. You will also be assessed by a combination of examinations and coursework, including written assignments, reports, practical exercises, group and individual research projects, design projects, presentations, and problem-solving exercises.
Audience
The Composite Diploma is suitable for international students who have completed secondary school education in their own country, who do not meet the academic or English language requirements for direct entry to the University of Gloucestershire and are looking for a supported progression through to the second year of degree study.
Scholarships
High achievement is important to INTO and its students. We reward the academic success of the best students and in 2010 gave over £1m in scholarships that helped fund their studies.
If you have a strong academic record you will have the opportunity to apply for an INTO scholarship. These recognise those that have worked hard to join us and have the potential to go on to study at the highest levels. Every study centre offers scholarships and each application is considered with great care.
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