International Year One in Accounting and Finance

This module is an introduction to the mutually dependent business topics of mathematics and information technology. The course will help you to develop an understanding of how information technology and mathematics are essential tools in business problem solving and to appreciate, understand and use the mutual dependency of mathematics and information technology in solving business problems. The course will also enable you to become familiar with with the language of mathematics and to help you to appreciate how an understanding of various interrelated mathematical topics is essential in business.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: understand and communicate using computing terminology and fundamental mathematical abstractions; manage your own computing environment; describe how business organisations use IT and mathematics in order to function more effectively and sustainably; model and analyse data and information using appropriately chosen technology, such as web pages, spreadsheets or databases and discuss emerging trends or concerns in technology, such as Web 2.0, cloud computing and accessibility.

This module is designed to provide you with an introduction to financial accounting. The course aims to develop your understanding of the purpose of financial accounting and the resulting financial statements; provide an understanding of the concepts and principles that govern the practices of financial accounting and enable you to prepare financial statements from transaction data. The module will also explain the subjective nature of financial accounting with its need for professional judgement. You will also gain practical experience of inputting data into Sage and/or Xero accounting software and using spreadsheets to prepare financial information.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: explain the context and purpose of financial accounting and reporting; explain and apply accounting concepts and principles; record financial information using double-entry bookkeeping principles; identify and correct errors; construct financial statements appropriate for a variety of business types and discuss the role and use of computer systems within accounting.

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.

This module introduces you to management accounting and will develop your knowledge and understanding of management accounting techniques to support management in planning, controlling and monitoring performance in a variety of business contexts. The course will introduce elements of management accounting which are used to make and support decisions, as well as the nature, the source and purpose of cost accounting and the costing techniques used in business which are essential for any management accountant.

You will also learn to prepare and use budgeting, standard costing and variance analysis as essential tools for planning and controlling business costs.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: explain the nature, source and purpose of management information; explain and apply cost accounting techniques; understand decision making techniques and evaluate investment alternatives; prepare and analyse budgets for planning and control and reflect on your own strengths and skills.

This module will introduce you to theories and practices of business organisations. The internal structures and relations of businesses are covered as along with their interactions with the external economic, legal, social and technological environments. Explanations are offered of how the organisation of businesses is shaped by the behaviour of individuals, groups and organisations, and by the external influences of markets, industries and the macroeconomic environment. Special attention is given to considerations of businesses ethics and values.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: discuss the different types of business and their role in the economy, with a particular focus on entrepreneurs; discuss various leadership and people management theories; demonstrate self-awareness of personal contributions to teams and business; explain organisation structure and functions, and the role of corporate governance; describe the market mechanisms and the role of government in market economies and discuss the importance of conducting business and themselves in a socially responsible manner.