Accounting and Finance (including foundation year)BA (Hons)

Foundation Year Programme

This module currently runs:
all year (September start) - Monday morning
all year (September start) - Monday afternoon
all year (September start) - Tuesday morning
all year (September start) - Tuesday afternoon
all year (September start) - Wednesday morning
all year (September start) - Wednesday afternoon
all year (September start) - Thursday morning
all year (January start) - Monday
all year (January start) - Tuesday
all year (January start) - Wednesday morning

(core, 120 credits)

In this module you will explore a broad range of social science and current affairs issues. You’ll reflect on the qualities needed to be a successful student in Higher Education and identify your own strengths and areas for development. You’ll be guided to investigate and conduct research on a topic of interest to you in greater depth.

1. You will learn to access sources, recognise and analyse arguments, and critically engage with source material.
2. You will explore some principles of research and develop research skills.
3. You will develop digital and academic communication skills, including integrating source materials with your own voice into written work.
4. You will develop oral, written and visual communication skills to produce work in a range of formats.
5. You will critically engage with current, social, and ethical issues, in the context of the Education for Social Justice Framework and your subject area
6. You will contribute to building a sense of belonging, and a respectful learning community, where students collaborate, share knowledge and ideas and work effectively as a team.
7. You will be encouraged to explore and build on prior knowledge and experiences to prepare you for further study in your subject area, professional behaviours and your chosen career
8. You will reflect on your learning journey, build your confidence, and take ownership of your motivation.

Read full details

Business Law and Ethics

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Tuesday morning

(core, 15 credits)

The first part of the module aims to introduce students to the basic foundations of law and its relationship with the business professions. The second part of the module would concentrate on the relevance of ethics in the business and accountancy professions. This part would highlight the importance of avoiding fraud and misleading statements by adopting the most recent ethical standards of financial reporting and corporate practices.

Read full details

Data Science, Research and Analysis

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday morning
spring semester - Wednesday morning

(core, 15 credits)

The Data Science, Research and Analysis module provides a fundamental grounding of basic knowledge of data science and computer software to facilitate the collection, analysis and presentation of accounting data. The module prepares learners for the accounting & finance and related professions. This will be achieved through learning relevant academic and practical skills which will enable learners to succeed academically and develop key workplace research skills. It also provides skills to analyse data, interpret and communicate qualitative/quantitative results in the form of information. Furthermore, the module deals with the collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of accounting and financial data through measuring changes and associations of variables.

This module also provides basic skills in gathering and understanding of financial and non-financial data/information to develop complete knowledge of the client business and the environment in which it operates. It develops students’ basic skills and understanding to help them prepare business plans and advise on the actions to implement these plans. The skills developed through the understanding of data science and researching to provide solutions of issues raised in the accounting and finance sectors.

Read full details

Financial Accounting

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Friday morning

(core, 15 credits)

This is a 15-credit core module which is designed to lay the foundation for understanding the accounting requirements of business organisations for internal and external reporting and decision making. It examines the financial accounting techniques for sole traders and limited companies.

This module aims to:

1. Enable students to understand the underlying principles of the financial accounting processes and to prepare/construct relevant accounting statements

2. Enable students to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of accounting information systems and how they relate to the decision-making aspects.

3. Enable students to understand and record the double-entry bookkeeping.

4. Enable students to understand the context of the professional accountancy framework and to enhance their employability skills

Read full details

Introduction to Financial Markets and Institutions

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Tuesday afternoon
autumn semester - Monday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

The module focuses on the organisation, structure and functions of financial markets and market participants. It provides the theoretical and practical framework for understanding the operation of financial markets and institutions.

Read full details

Learning through Organisation

(core, 15 credits)
No module details available

Management Accounting Fundamentals

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday morning
spring semester - Monday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon
spring semester - Friday morning

(core, 15 credits)

The module aims to establish a foundation for students to grasp the essential knowledge and techniques that form the basis of management accounting. You will cover the following key areas of management accounting:

• Cost classification and behaviour

• Tools and techniques for planning, control, and decision-making

• Techniques for short-term decision-making

• Capital investment appraisal methods

The module has the following aims:

1. You will explain the function of management accounting and how costs are classified based on output, activity level, and decision-making.

2. You will prepare overhead cost statements to determine the total costs of products, services, and activities.

3. You will apply break-even analysis in short-term decision-making.

4. You will understand the short-term decision-making techniques such as Make or Buy, Shutdown, Accept/Reject, and Pricing.

5. You will calculate simple variances for effective cost control.

6. You will develop essential analytical skills to evaluate financial information and make informed management decisions.

Read full details

Management Information Systems

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

The management information systems module introduces students to a very rapidly changing accounting information systems both in management and accounting areas. The module will discuss how information systems can facilitate various functions that help to improve businesses level of competitiveness. It will focus on the functions and theory of financial accounting in a computerised environment and enables students to practise the methods and develop relevant skills. The module also discusses relevant information systems techniques and explain the functions, interpret the dataflow, use the theory and practice the methods of financial accounting in a systemic context.

Read full details

Understanding the Business and Economic Environment

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday morning
spring semester - Monday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon
spring semester - Friday morning
summer studies - Monday morning
summer studies - Monday afternoon
summer studies - Wednesday afternoon
summer studies - Friday morning

(core, 15 credits)

The focus of this module is to equip students to understand organisations in contexts past, present and future, and enable them to analyse the macro, micro, internal and external business and economic environments in which they operate. An understanding of the environments will facilitate the interpretation of situations and enable decisions that add value for businesses. The focus of the module is on the external and internal influences on organizations and the effect these have on business practices.
The module is designed to be used by Level 4 undergraduate students on a range of programmes. Examples, illustrations and case studies will be drawn from chosen industry sectors such as advertising, aviation, events, finance, marketing, music, transport, tourism, and applied to reinforce basic concepts. This will enhance the ability of students to understand particular business problems and aspects of the business and economic environment. Topics and case studies will cover business issues that are contemporary and relevant to the real world.

Read full details

Company and Business Law

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

This Company and Business Law module aims to expose students to the advantages and costs of forming limited liability companies. The module also empowers students to analyse and appreciate the regulatory framework around company activity. Students will be able to analyse most company activity from the point of view of creditors, especially during insolvency. The module also deals with aspects of Employment Law especially the employee-employee relationship.
Accordingly, students’ knowledge and analytical skills in the area of company and business law will be greatly enhanced.

Read full details

Cost and Management Accounting

(core, 15 credits)
No module details available

Performance Management

(core, 15 credits)

This module builds on the foundation laid in Level 4’s Management Accounting Fundamentals. It is designed to help students to develop a sound understanding of the principles and techniques used by managers in planning, control, decision making and performance measurement. Students will also able to understand the principles applied in job and service costing using both traditional absorption costing and the more recent activity-based costing.

The module is directed at core accounting and finance students who intend to specialise in the field of accounting and finance after their degree. It is aimed that the module should provide them with the skills they need in the world of work when solving different business problems. Students’ skills in cost accounting will be developed through the module to enable them to plan, control, evaluate and measure performance.

The module aims to develop students’ skills in the following areas:

- application of knowledge and data presentation
- communication skills including oral presentation
- Interpersonal skills including working with others to achieve desired objectives.
- Numeracy and interpreting management accounting information.

Principles of Finance

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Tuesday morning
autumn semester - Tuesday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

The module is designed to introduce students to the basic theory of finance and to apply the theory to the selection and management of financial and investments portfolio. The module will help students to understand theories of finance to develop the skills of valuing investments and critically evaluate the frameworks for pricing securities, risks and reward relationship.

Furthermore, you will be introduced to various aspects of finance such as financial markets, instruments, concepts, and the institutional arrangements relating to the issuances and trading of various capital market securities.

This core module aims to enable students to:

1) understand the basic theory of finance and develop the skills of valuing investment
instruments;

2) critically evaluate the conceptual frameworks for pricing securities;

3) undertake a written critical review of contemporary theories in finance.

4) calculate risk and return and establish the relationship between risk and return.

5) recognise the investment environment and for making investment decisions.

The module also aims to help students in the development of the following skills:

. academic writing;
. researching
. critical review of empirical data
. analysis of economic financial data;
. problem solving skills and decision making
. quantitative problem-solving and decision-making;
. self-assessment and reflection.

Read full details

Problem Solving: Methods and Analysis

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Thursday morning
spring semester - Thursday afternoon
spring semester - Friday morning
spring semester - Friday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

This module aims to develop students’ ability to understand and apply problem solving methods and analysis in relation to issues that may arise in business and management subject areas.

The module offers an opportunity for students to collect, present, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of data sources such as ONS and other sources. It seeks to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the business environment and develop their data management and data analysis skills using IT packages as appropriate.

The module provides the quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills that underpin the success of an empirical research project. This module helps to build the sound foundation required to undertake a final year project / dissertation module.

Read full details

Taxation - Income Tax

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Friday morning

(core, 15 credits)

This module aims to:
1. Give student an understanding of the UK income tax system.

2. Focuses on the taxation of individuals with income from a variety of sources including trading profits and losses, savings and investments, rent and employment.

3. Enable students to prepare income tax computations for individuals and unincorporated businesses.

Read full details

Creating a Winning Business 1

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Thursday
autumn semester - Thursday
autumn semester - Friday
spring semester - Friday

(alternative core, 15 credits)

The University has a policy that undergraduate students must, take a Work Based Learning (WBL) module i.e. a module which requires them to directly experience and operate in the real world of work and to reflect on that episode in order to identify skill and knowledge areas that they need to develop for their career.

This module challenges students to be creative in identifying a new business opportunity and in examining the viability of all aspects of the idea in the real-world context e.g.

• Supporting an existing small business to understand how a business runs
• Respond to small business’s client briefs
• Testing potential customers’ views.

As a result of client brief and feedback, business concepts and/or ideas will develop over the duration of the module.

The QAA Benchmark on Business and Management (2019) emphasises the attribute of “entrepreneurship” and of “the value of real-world learning”. In terms of promoting work related skills, the module specifically focuses on practical techniques for responding to client briefs in evaluating and developing business ideas and so develops creative yet practical thinking.

In addition, it requires students to examine market potential and prepare a presentation of their findings assuming the role of a business consultant. The module requires a high level of self-reliance to explore the business idea based on a client brief. Students develop an understanding of the role of business start-ups, business growth and development.

These skills and techniques are of practical relevance to anyone considering developing a business, working for a Small or Medium sized Enterprise (SME) or taking on an intrapreneurial role within a larger organisation where the business environment is constantly evolving and producing new challenges and opportunities.

Read full details

Empowering London: Working within the community

(alternative core, 15 credits)
No module details available

Empowering London: Working within the community

(alternative core, 15 credits)
No module details available

Learning through Work

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon

(alternative core, 15 credits)

This Work Based Learning module enables students to undertake a short period of professional activity either: part-time/vacation employment; work placement; not-for-profit sector volunteering or a professional/employer led project.

Work Based Learning modules are designed to enhance students’ personal and professional development and assist in preparing students for their future careers. The module aims to facilitate application and progression of knowledge and skills gained via the learner’s studies and wider life experience. Students will be introduced to a range of professional skills and techniques, including: reflective self-assessment; preparation for employment; being a critical employee and developing approaches for co-operative and collaborative working.

• Students will be contacted prior to the semester to provide support in securing work based activity in good time.
• It is a student's responsibility to apply for opportunities and to engage with the Work Based Learning team to assist them.
• The suitability of any opportunities will be assessed by the Module Team and all roles must meet the Health and Safety requirements for Higher Education Work Placements.
• Learners may be able to utilise existing employment, providing they can demonstrate it is personally developmental and involves a relevant level of responsibility.
• In addition, students may be able to complete the Work Based Learning hours during the summer prior to the academic year a student is taking the module.
• Tier 4 International students will be required to submit weekly timesheets for the hours undertaken for the work based learning activity to meet the requirements of their visa. These will need to be signed by their line manager/supervisor.

The module aims to enable students to:
• Effectively express and understand their current skills and abilities in relation to their career values and goals.
• Practically apply the knowledge gained through their course programme to a work environment.
• Gain an in-depth insight of a work environment
• Make a positive contribution to the employing organisation and demonstrate inclusive workplace practice.
• Recognise their personal and professional development learning and apply to their future goals.

Read full details

Auditing

(option, 15 credits)

The overall aim of the module is to enable students to understand and think critically about the role of auditing in society.
You will understand the theoretical and practical issues of auditing, including the audit process and applicable techniques.
You will be exposed to numerous case studies that help to illustrate and apply concepts.
You will be introduced to the wider literature and contemporary debates.
You will understand and critically evaluate the impact of AI on Auditing.
Relevant accounting software and external resource persons will be utilised on the module to enhance students’ employability.

Transferrable Skills

• Critical thinking
• Technical auditing skills
• Analytical writing skills
• Evaluation and interpretation skills
• Legal and Regulatory knowledge

Fundamentals of Project Management

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday morning
spring semester - Monday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon
spring semester - Thursday morning
spring semester - Thursday afternoon
spring semester - Friday morning
spring semester - Friday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

Projects come in many shapes and forms, from small to large, familiar to unfamiliar, simple to complex, urgent to non-urgent and widely supported to strongly resisted. Anyone undertaking the sponsorship, governance or management of a project needs to recognise that there are risks to its completion on time, to budget and to the customer’s satisfaction. They should therefore know that it may be unsuccessful in some way, or even fail completely.

It is easy to find examples of such failures; the current Crossrail project, the delayed opening of the Berlin International Airport, the chaos when Heathrow Terminal 5 opened, the government’s failure to meet its targets for Corona Virus testing, and the countless software development projects that have been late, failed to meet user needs or been riddled with bugs.

There are various bodies of knowledge specific to managing Programmes, Projects and Portfolios of Projects that seek to provide the methods and tools to manage projects successfully. These are necessary but not sufficient; they do however go a long way towards improving project success rates. Organisations like the Association for Project Management and the Project Management Institute continue to work to improve the status and competency of project managers, as well as the competency of organisations.

This module introduces students to the role of the project manager, the nature of projects and how to manage them successfully, focusing on the linear project in which the project output is clearly defined at the commencement of the project. Such projects are typical in the construction industry but can be found widely in business organisations. You will also look at the way Agile projects change the approach to project delivery to deal with uncertainty in the product to be delivered and to accept changes in requirements or circumstances.

The module aims to enable students to:

• assess projects to determine the approach most likely to succeed
• contribute to the design and development of effective project organisations that provide governance, assurance, support and direction to the project team
• plan and manage simple projects using both linear and agile methods
• prepare key project documents
• create project plans using project management software including the use of Gantt charts
• communicate project management plans, risks and issues effectively.

Read full details

Sustainability in Practice

(option, 15 credits)

This module provides a comprehensive exploration of sustainability in contemporary organisational contexts, advancing beyond foundational concepts to critically examine global frameworks, ethical principles, and strategic applications. Designed for students aspiring to specialise in sustainability management, corporate social responsibility, environmental consultancy, or related fields, the module equips you with the analytical depth and practical expertise required to navigate complex sustainability challenges and foster long-term organisational value.
Through a structured engagement with global sustainability standards (e.g., SDGs, TCFD, CSRD), advanced ethical theories, and sophisticated performance measurement tools, you will develop the capacity to evaluate, design, and lead strategic sustainability initiatives. Emphasis is placed on applying ethical reasoning to real-world dilemmas—such as greenwashing, AI ethics, and data privacy—while managing organisational reputation in an increasingly transparent and stakeholder-driven environment.
The module fosters advanced research skills by guiding you through the collection, analysis, and synthesis of both quantitative and qualitative data, with a particular focus on ESG performance. You will learn to use digital platforms and analytical tools to track and visualise sustainability impacts, interpret complex datasets, and translate findings into actionable insights that inform innovation and resilience strategies.
Crucially, you will gain the ability to critically appraise and communicate sustainability reports aligned with leading international standards, assess assurance processes, and understand the strategic importance of credibility, materiality, and stakeholder trust. You will also examine how transparent communication and authentic engagement can mitigate reputational risk and contribute to sustainable value creation.
By the end of the module, you will be able to:
• Critically evaluate global sustainability frameworks and ethical theories, linking them to strategic decision-making and organisational reputation.
• Apply advanced methodological tools to analyse sustainability performance and drive strategic innovation and resilience.
• Conduct independent, data-driven research into sustainability reporting and assurance, drawing on digital and analytical technologies.
• Effectively communicate complex findings and address ethical considerations in stakeholder engagement, data management, and sustainable innovation.
Ultimately, this module hones your ability to provide critical insight and innovative solutions to complex sustainability issues. It prepares you to lead ethically, think systemically, and act strategically in advancing organisational sustainability and managing reputational capital in an era of heightened environmental and social accountability.

Advanced Financial Reporting

(core, 15 credits)

This module focuses on the preparation of financial statements for UK limited companies, the critical assessment of published accounts, with an understanding of the UK regulatory framework. Students will also be exposed to the need and sources of regulation, the purpose of accounting standards and worldwide use of IFRS.

The aims of this module are as follows:
1) You will understand the regulatory framework for corporate reporting.
2) You will understand the need for International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
3) You will understand the application of the relevant regulatory framework and accounting standards.
4) You will be able to prepare financial statements for UK limited companies in a format suitable for publication;
5) You will be able to conduct a critical assessment of company performance.

6) The module also aims to help students in the development of the following skills:
. academic writing;
. researching
. analysis and presentation of financial data;
. communication, including oral presentations;
. interpersonal, including effective team working;
. self-assessment and reflection.

Advanced Financial Reporting

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

To develop advanced knowledge and skills in understanding and applying accounting standards, other regulations and financial reporting framework in the preparation of financial statements of entities, including groups, and how to analyse and interpret those financial statements.
Students will develop analytical skills and apply these in the analysis, filtering and evaluation of data and drawing reasoned conclusions.

Module aims:

To account for specialised transactions in accordance with international financial reporting standards.
To understand a business combination and how to account for it.
To interpret an entity’s financial statements to give advice from the perspectives of different stakeholders.

Read full details

Advanced Management Accounting

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Thursday afternoon
spring semester - Thursday morning

(core, 15 credits)

This module focuses on the strategic aspects of management accounting. It will explore and critically evaluate a number of management accounting techniques encountered in levels 4 (Management Accounting Fundamentals or its equivalent) and level 5 (Management Accounting or its equivalent). In addition, it will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the theoretical models, analytical methods and practical issues of a number of techniques used by managers in planning, performance evaluation and long-term decision making in an ever-changing business environment. The module will also take a view on the role of management accountants in both profit seeking and not-for-profit organisations in the globalised world where businesses operate.

This Accounting module is very relevant for students who intend to follow a career in Management Accounting after their studies.

The module aims to develop students’ skills in the following areas:

Apply the skills learnt in Levels 4 and 5 in a strategic context that provides a sound foundation for higher studies.
Develop practical management accounting skills that are transferable into employment; work situations.
Develop students’ knowledge and critical understanding of the theoretical models, analytical methods and practical aspects of decision making in management accounting in competitive business environments.
Evaluate financial and non-financial evidence including arguments and assumptions in order to reach objective conclusions.

Read full details

Audit and Assurance Services

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Thursday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

Module aims:

1. To provide an understanding of the concept of audit and assurance incorporating the functions of audit in context to corporate governance which includes the ethics and professional conduct knowledge. This further includes internal and external audit review and reporting functions in context of the regulatory frameworks and professional and ethical dimensions of audit practice,

2. To critically appraise and evaluate the audit process which demonstrate how the auditors understands, regulate, obtain and accept the audit engagements consisting the entity and its environment appropriate techniques and judgments in relation to the performance and reporting of financial statement (including the risk of material misstatement – arising from fraud or other externalities or internalities) while performing audit and assurance services,

3. To develop advanced skills in forming judgements and opinions whilst exercising an appropriate degree of professional judgement and professional scepticism in audit and assurance engagements. This includes the description and evaluation of the internal controls, processes, techniques, audit tests. Further incorporating IT systems identification and communication process to control risk and the potential consequences to make effective recommendations. The description of the scope, role and the function of internal audit is also included.

4. Understanding the application of the international Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and the ability to distinguish between external and internal audit. This includes full evaluation of the internal controls using the appropriate audit software, test data and the data analytics tool; further identifying, describing the work and the evidence obtained by the auditors.

5. The demonstration of employability and technological skills. Explanation of the subsequent events, going concern principle that can inform the auditors about the conclusion of their audit work providing true reflection of the auditor’s report, presentation, written representations and the final review and report.

Read full details

Dissertation

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Tuesday morning

(core, 15 credits)

This module comprises Part II of the Dissertation and aims to enable students to complete a research focused dissertation on a chosen topic or issue appropriate to their undergraduate degree. Students are required to reflect on relevant research questions, theoretical concepts/hypotheses, prior literature, ethical approaches, research methodologies and data analyses in an independent and disciplined manner. Students are expected to develop an in-depth understanding of their chosen research topics, research methods/approaches and the ability to appropriately seek out data samples required for research in a selected topic. The module aims to develop analytical, critical thinking, referencing and time management skills in independently undertaking and reporting on a research project.

Read full details

Dissertation

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Tuesday afternoon
spring semester - Tuesday morning

(core, 15 credits)

This module comprises Part I of the Dissertation and aims to enable students to complete a research focused dissertation on a chosen topic or issue appropriate to their undergraduate degree. Students are required to reflect on relevant research questions, theoretical concepts/hypotheses, prior literature, ethical approaches, research methodologies and data analyses in an independent and disciplined manner. Students are expected to develop an in-depth understanding of their chosen research topics, research methods/approaches and the ability to appropriately seek out data samples required for research in a selected topic. The module aims to develop analytical, critical thinking, referencing and time management skills in independently undertaking and reporting on a research project.

Read full details

Financial Management

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning

(core, 15 credits)

The module is designed to develop students’ knowledge and critical understanding of the use of financial management. It will also explore the theoretical models, analytical methods and practical aspects of corporate investment and financial decisions making in a competitive business environment and a dynamic capital market.

The principal aims of this module are to:

1. Apply knowledge, understanding and skills learnt at levels 4 and 5 to appreciate the wider picture - essentially taking a strategic standpoint and thereby providing an appropriate foundation for higher studies;
2. Evaluate financial and non-financial evidence including arguments and assumptions in order to reach objective conclusions;
3. Display the accountant’s need to remain innovative and play a pivotal part in the management of change in organisations, which is increasingly becoming a corporate requirement;
4. Develop students’ skills, in particular, those relating to the analysis and presentation of data; critical thinking, writing and problem-solving.
5. To determine the interconnections between investment decisions, financing decisions and distribution decisions in the form of dividends.

The module also aims to help students in the development of the following skills:

. analysis and presentation of data;
. critical thinking, writing and problem-solving;
. study skills such as critical reflection, time management and self-awareness.

Read full details

Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Business

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Friday morning
spring semester - Thursday afternoon
spring semester - Thursday morning
spring semester - Friday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

The business world is currently undergoing profound technological change. Digitalisation has reached new heights and new technologies are helping tackle ever more tasks that are complex. This trend is driven in particular by the availability of large quantities of data – big data (BD) – and by the improved opportunities for using this data through artificial intelligence (AI). The relevance of BDAI is growing as technology, companies, and consumers interact. First, current technological progress facilitates the extensive and practical use of BDAI. Second, companies are increasingly relying on data and the value they extract from it to optimise their business models and processes. Third, consumer behaviour is increasingly shaped by digital applications, which in turn boosts the generation and availability of data. As such this module focuses on the relevance and management of BDAI in business context. This module also focuses on how to lead successful BDAI initiatives by prioritizing the right opportunities, building a diverse team, shaping the strategies and strategic experiments and continuously managing business solutions to benefit the organizations as a whole.

Read full details

Financial Engineering

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday afternoon
spring semester - Monday morning

(option, 15 credits)

The aims of this module are to provide students with the use of a wide range and in-depth knowledge of the major exchange-traded and over-the-counter traded financial instruments to construct financial products and manage financial risk.

The module discusses the characteristics, pricing and valuation, terminologies and application of financial innovation to create the structured products in derivative markets.

Students will further develop an understanding of the use of the financial instruments as investment vehicles, hedging tools, arbitrage mechanisms, and speculative instruments. Students will further develop skills for data collection and analysis utilising software systems such as Bloomberg and spreadsheets.

A blended teaching and learning approach includes the use of websites, videos, guest talks from industry and support for employability enhancing classroom activities.
Bloomberg may be used to deliver teaching sessions.

Read full details

Financial Instruments

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday morning

(option, 15 credits)

This module aims to provide students with a knowledge of the trading of the major exchange-traded and over-the-counter traded financial products and develop an understanding of their use as investment vehicles, hedging tools, engineered products, arbitrage mechanisms, and speculative instruments.
The module discusses the characteristics, pricing and valuation of the fundamental instruments, terminologies and contract specifications for the trading of those financial instruments in both cash markets and derivative markets. The module evaluates the relationship between cash instruments and financial instruments, identifies the risk exposure on investments and explores the use of financial derivatives for risk hedging.
Students will also develop skills for data collection and analysis which may include the use of Bloomberg and MS Excel spreadsheets.

A blended teaching and learning approach includes the use of websites, videos, guest talks from industry and support for employability enhancing classroom activities.
The financial market Lab Bloomberg may be used to deliver teaching sessions.

Read full details

International Banking

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Tuesday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

The module aims to provide an in-depth understanding of theoretical and applied issues in relation to the activities of international banks. The module focuses on main theories of banking and provides an overview of the crucial operations in the context of international banking. It also seeks to provide students with a critical awareness of different approaches of assessing bank risk and performance and how they are used in practice by shareholders, investors and financial and banking experts.

Read full details

International Trade and Finance

(option, 15 credits)

This module introduces students to the fundamental aspects of the theories of international trade and finance, policy analysis and the controversies that surround these activities. It will examine the costs and benefits of these two fundamental activities in the global economy and consider the extent to which government policies in these areas can improve economic outcomes. The module will draw on up-to-date analyses and empirical studies and will examine theoretical and contemporary policy issues in this regard in the international economy.

The module also aims to develop a number of transferable skills of students, e.g. oral and written communication skills, research, quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Personal Finance

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

This module has been nationally promoted by the UK financial regulator the Financial Services Authority (FSA), [now Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)], as a ‘unique idea’ in their ‘National Strategy for Financial Capability in Higher Education’ (2009), and disseminated to all universities as an exemplar for raising student interest, expertise and enthusiasm in personal finance. FSA refers to London Metropolitan University as one of only four universities awarded the FSA Curriculum Development Grant for “unique ideas” put forward for the creation of a financial capability module, the unique idea for this University being the innovative Competency Based Action Learning (CoBAL) curriculum which is the outcome of doctoral level research conducted in collaboration with real-world organisations such as the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), the FSA, and the National Research and Development Centre for adult literacy and numeracy (NRDC).

The module underlines the role personal judgement plays in personal finance, and the many perspectives that inform personal judgement, enabling the student to formulate and employ Action Learning strategies for the development of knowledge, skill and attitudinal competencies in personal finance, and for increased ability and confidence in dealing with the complexities of making financial decisions in the five domains of financial capability identified by the FSA.

This is an Extension of Knowledge (EoK) module which any student on any course in the University is able to take as an option module subject to their course incorporating a relevant slot in their course structure. The module’s EOK status recognises the need for students of all subjects to have a good grasp of Personal Finance.

Read full details

Professional Experience Year Placement

This module currently runs:
all year (September start)

(option, 30 credits)

The Professional Experience Year Placement is a Work Based Learning module designed to intensively develop student employability and increase career prospects upon graduation. The placement year requires learners to undertake a minimum of 44 weeks full-time employment relating to their studies and career goals. This comprehensive experience will facilitate application and progression of knowledge and skills gained via the degree programme any previous employment and wider life experience.

This ‘Year in Industry’ work based learning module is undertaken as an additional 30 credits between Levels 5 and 6, extending undergraduate course programmes to four years. The module provides an additional 30 credits to a degree programme, commencing in the summer following completion of Level 5. Students will retain student status during the year and complete their final, fourth year of study following the placement year.

Pre-placement preparation support over six months prior, will guide and assist students in their search for an appropriate placement role. Careers Consultants will provide guidance prior to the module to assist decision making in considering placement options and post placement, for career planning post-graduation. Students will only register on the module once they have secured a placement.

During the placement year, students will be supported remotely by Placement Tutors who will provide guidance on application of theoretical knowledge in a practical context, analysis of business problems and proposing solutions; identifying and articulating transferable skills and knowledge developed to meet the assessment requirements. Students will be expected to demonstrate improved understanding of their abilities and career goals, knowledge of the workplace organisation, co-operative and collaborative working and professional awareness through reflective learning.

It is a student's responsibility to apply for opportunities and to engage with the Work Based Learning team to assist them. The suitability of any opportunities will be assessed by the Module Team and all roles must meet the Health and Safety requirements for Higher Education Work Placements. Tier 4 International students will be required to submit weekly timesheets for the hours undertaken for the work based learning activity to meet their visa requirements. These will need to be signed by their line manager/supervisor.

The module aims to enable students to:

• Effectively express and understand their current skills and abilities in relation to their career values and goals.
• Practically apply the knowledge gained through their course programme to a related work environment.
• Gaining comprehensive insight into a work environment.
• Make a positive contribution to the employing organisation and demonstrate inclusive workplace practices.
• Recognise their personal and professional development gains and apply to their future goals.

Read full details