BA Honours Accounting and Finance Degree

Overview & facilities

On the internationally popular BA Honours Accounting and Finance degree, you explore finance and management accounting, law, economics, statistics, tax and options including auditing, human resource management, business and related studies. Our BA Honours Accounting and Finance degree provides vocationally useful and academically rigorous education that prepares you for a graduate career as an accountant.

You will receive a number of exemptions from the professional body examinations including the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the Association of International Accountants (AIA) and the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).

AAT membership upon graduation

Provided you undertake a placement during the BA Accounting and Finance course then on graduation you will be able to apply immediately to become a full member of AAT, which will entitle you to use the letters MAAT after your name. This will show prospective employers that you have achieved an established status within the profession, and will be instant recognition of your skills and knowledge – making you even more employable.

Optional work placements are available in year three and our London location means you have access to many diverse opportunities in accounting and finance firms. Every year many of our graduates gain lucrative training contracts at companies like PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst and Young and Deloitte Touché as well as many medium and small size accounting firms.

Prizes are offered to second and third year students who demonstrate outstanding ability.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Economic Environment (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the economic environment; an understanding of the basic concepts and methods of economic analysis; the ability to apply economic theory in both microeconomic and macroeconomic contexts and the foundation for further study in economics.

  Financial Accounting (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module is an introduction to double entry bookkeeping and financial accounting. Its main aim is to provide students with the basic techniques and skills required in order to prepare a set of financial statements comprising an Income Statement, a Statement of Financial Position, an extract of a Statement of Changes in Equity and a Statement of Cash Flows . The module covers the history of the discipline, and introduction to accounting principles, concepts and regulatory framework, double-entry bookkeeping and preparation and interpretation of financial statements. It provides students with the opportunity to prepare financial statements using a software package.

  Managerial Finance (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide an understanding of the basic concepts of finance and management accounting. The techniques learned on this module will form the basis for future studies and include investment decision making, management of working capital, and the classification and interpretation of cost behaviour in management accounting.

  Quantitative Methods for Financial Business (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module gives students a thorough grounding in quantitative methods used for accounting and economics, and in the use of computer packages to analyse business data. It is designed for students with a good mathematical background, and covers both the completion of mathematical calculations by hand and using a computer, and the interpretation and communication of quantitative results.

• Year 2

  Advanced Financial Accounting (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module enables students to build on the knowledge and skills gained at level 1. Students will gain knowledge of the principles and techniques used in the process of financial accounting and reporting. Students will develop their ability to understand and critically analyse key techniques and practices within the framework of financial accounting and reporting. Students will also develop and refine their transferable skills, including communication, presentational skills, critical analysis, time management and team-working

  Business Environment (30 Credits) - Optional

  The module aims to provide an integrated view of the internal, external and competitive environments of businesses; to analyse business organisations and their environments from multiple perspectives; and to introduce contemporary issues in business and management in preparation for more advanced study at level 3.

  Consulting to Organisations (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module builds on learning achieved in both the level one by providing an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to organisation practise. This is achieved by students working in small teams on a real time consultancy project which takes place in a variety of public, private and voluntary sector organisations. It gives the student the responsibility of managing themselves, their time, their team relationships and their relationships with external clients to achieve outcomes of real significance to the client.

  Financial Mathematics (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module provides students with a grounding in the mathematical concepts that underlie financial processes and financial decision making, and in particular complements the study of these areas in economics and accounting. Specific aims are to extend students knowledge of probability, to explore extensions of compound interest ideas to more complex and realistic applications including annuities and bonds, to model financial data using time series models and Markov chains, to apply discrete methods for option pricing, and to use utility to make decisions in risky environments.

  Human Resource Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  The aim is to introduce students to theories of organisational behaviour and their link to key areas of HRM. By the end of the year students will be familiar with some introductory organisational behaviour theories and a wide range of generalist HR policies and practices within the four key areas of the discipline: employee resourcing, employee reward, employee relations, and employee training and development.

  Law for Accountants (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Module aims: to examine the laws regulating the conduct of business and business organisations. The first part of the module provides the essential basic knowledge and understanding of English law English Legal System, Contract, Tort and Employment whilst the second part covers Company law and Corporate governance.

  Management Accounting (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide a critical understanding of the management accounting techniques and practices available today and the development of recent advances in methods of overhead cost allocation to reflect the changing nature of modern business.

  Marketing Foundation (30 Credits) - Optional

  This programme aims to provide students with a comprehensive overview of marketing concepts, frameworks and techniques. The module adopts the perspective of the general manager, who needs to understand how the marketing concept contributes to business success. Also general managers need to work alongside marketing professionals to solve business problems. Students will gain an understanding of the significance of the external and internal operating environments for marketing practice, methods to identify market segments, and the impact organisations can achieve via developing and integrating the marketing mix. Emphasis will be placed on using data to improve business performance. This includes the design and commissioning of research, and the validity and interpretation of results. Ethical aspects of market research and intelligence will also be addressed.

  Operations Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to broaden and expand students knowledge of the concepts and techniques required for the design, operation and control of business processes. Cases and practical exercises are relevant to a variety of commercial, manufacturing and service organisations. The module builds on the IT and quantitative skills developed in the first year.

  Trade and International Business (30 Credits) - Optional

  The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the issues relating to international trade and business in an increasingly interdependent world. The specific aims are to develop a theoretical understanding of the causes of world trade as well as some practical appreciation of the business of trade and the role of MNEs in it. We shall consider the gains and benefits of free trade and the trade liberalisation process as well as an understanding of the world trading system and multilateral trade negotiations.

• Year 3

  Auditing (30 Credits) - Optional

  The aim of this module is to develop knowledge of the purpose and need for auditing of financial statements; to understand some of the theoretical contexts of auditing and to develop an ability to evaluate the use of modern auditing techniques in a variety of practical situations. The module sets the practical application of knowledge within conceptual, regulatory, governance and ethical frameworks. Students will learn how to develop and apply audit strategies and learn the practical application of Auditing Standards ISAs .

  Business Economics (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to develop students knowledge of business economics, building on Level 2 Economics of the Firm. The module aims to explore the relevant microeconomic and macroeconomic reasoning to evaluate the structure, conduct and performance of business organisations for profit; assess major influences shaping the behaviour of business organizations and possible constraints on business decision making; and apply neo-classical, managerial and behavioural economic theories to the decision making process of firms in a domestic and international context.

  Consulting in Organisations (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module introduces students to organisation consulting. It builds on learning from prior modules, and provides the student with a theoretical introduction to consulting and the idea of organisation learning. Students undertake a live group consulting project as part of this module.

  Contemporary Issues in Business (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to familiarize students with strategy as a process. It introduces specific tools for strategic management, as well as generic corporate and business-level strategies. It also coaches students to develop critical appreciation of contemporary issues and practices in business, including a foresight dimension of anticipating future trends. It shows students how to analyze an organization in terms of the challenges and opportunities it faces and, based on assumptions and research data, how to turn this analysis into business decisions. Finally it teaches students how to formulate relevant strategies as a result of their research.

  Corporate Accountability (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module provides students with an understanding of the concepts and key issues in corporate governance and corporate accountability. The module gives an overview of the high profile cases of corporate failure. In this module, traditional corporate governance theoretical framework is extended to address issues underlying corporate accountability. Some of these issues include the significance of corporate transparency and social audit in maintaining corporate accountability.

  Finance (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The main aim of this module is to provide students with solid understanding of contemporary corporate finance both theoretically and practically. The module will explain all the main aspects of financial management, including investment decision, financing decision and working capital management. It will enable a critical appreciation of the link between accounting and finance, and the interaction between financial decision-making and capital market behaviour.

  Financial Accounting Theory (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module examines accounting theory and its influence in financial accounting. The module aims to provide students with an opportunity to evaluate and apply different strands of accounting theory to research in accounting. The syllabus is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of philosophical debates connected to the generation of knowledge, whilst connecting such debates to those currently employed in accounting

  Financial Performance Analysis (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to analyse, understand, and interpret the financial performance of companies. It also aims to enable the students understand the limitations/problems inherent in the preparation of financial statements and the effect on financial analysis.

  Financial Statistics (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module extends the ideas and techniques introduced in STX2235 Financial mathematics. A central theme is the extension of discrete ideas to the continuous case, with applications to distributions, time series and forecasting models, and option pricing. The module uses eigenvalue methods to analyse Markov chains, introduces integration, covers the estimation of model parameters from financial data, and explores the use of game theory to make business decisions.

  International Marketing (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module puts marketing into the global context and shows the importance of international marketing in the era of globalisation. It familiarises students with the theoretical base for international marketing and provides them with a thorough understanding of the nature of the international market place and the complex and challenging forces that shape the current international business environment and highlights future trends. Students will learn how to critically assess the implications of such forces and trends for marketing strategy and decision making when organisations operate across borders. They will also develop international marketing decision-making skills and know-how that will assist them in pursuing a career in international marketing or business.

  International Operations Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims - to present the international nature of business operations and how companies are working in a global marketplace; - to develop understanding of how companies develop and manage their international operations through certain management techniques; - to provide a wider understanding of business competitiveness in global marketplaces; - to use theories to evaluate the choices given by organizations and link them to management of these international networks.

  Managerial Leadership (30 Credits) - Optional

  The purpose of general business and management programmes are threefold: Study of organisations public, private and non profit , their management and the changing external environment in which they operate Preparation for and the development of career in business and management Enhancement of lifelong learning skills and personal development to contribute to society at large QAA 2007 Within this context this module aims to firstly examine the historical context of managerial leadership and critically evaluate effectiveness of the theoretical perspectives such as: leadership behaviour and style, traits, motives, characteristics, charismatic, situational, contingency, transformational leadership and authentic leadership. Secondly, the module explores key concepts which present the complexity leadership effectiveness in the 21st Century which include: communication and conflict management, ethics, social responsibility, diversity, change, power and politics. Thirdly, the module provides you with an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in order to develop and enhance your personal leadership effectiveness in preparation for your chosen career through a process of self reflection.

  Organisational Internship (30 Credits) - Optional

  The primary aim of the internship module is to build on students academic learning by providing them with the opportunity to undertake a period of unpaid work experience to apply and further develop work-related knowledge, skills and capabilities, together with the aptitude to learn from experience.

  Supply Chain Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: - develop an understanding about the integration of different business in creating value; - demonstrate the effects of planning in multiple organizations; - provide experience about the management of integrated business processes and develop a process understanding; present a integration of functional departments within and between different organization

  Taxation (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to introduce students to UK personal and business taxation. It deals with the fundamental principles of UK tax law and practice, including the computation of tax liabilities. This will lead students to tackle more complex computational problems and to identify tax planning opportunities. Students will also be introduced to the use of tax software packages, and will gain hands on experience of their use.

BA Business Accounting and BA Accounting and Finance have a common first year, so you may be able to apply for one and change to the other in year two.

You will study four compulsory modules in the first year.  These modules are designed to give a solid grounding in the subject and bring you to a standard level of competence to pursue further study in the subject.

In the second year you study three compulsory modules designed to enhance your technical capabilities in areas of Financial Accounting, Management Accounting and Law.  You also have the opportunity to undertake an option from other management disciplines.  At the end of the second year, you may opt to take a year's placement before returning to complete your final year of study.

In the final year, you will study three compulsory modules designed to advance skills and knowledge appropriate to graduate level. 

Entry & applying

We normally make offers on 260 UCAS tariff points plus GCSE Maths and English Language at C or above, Advanced Progression Diplomas or overseas equivalent. It is possible to enter one of our other accounting programmes with lower entry requirements and transfer to BA Accounting and Finance in year two depending on your grades because all for accounting programmes share a common first year.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas qualification, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country. For details of other equivalent requirements that Middlesex accepts see entry requirements.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students.

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

How to Apply

UK/EU students

Apply now

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have experience with helping students from your country and supporting them with their applications to study at Middlesex. Read more on international applications. 

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

An accounting and finance degree opens the door to a range of careers - usually commanding good salaries.  You will be highly attractive to employers because of your analytical and problem-solving skills and your ability to think logically and quantitatively.

Any student who completes our BA Accounting and Finance degree can apply to any one of the accountancy bodies for exemptions. You can then sit more professional exams once you have graduated to work to become a chartered accountant.

Our careers service offers you a range of support both while you're studying with us - and after you have graduated.

Starting in a traineeship position there are a number of pathways to choose from including audit, taxation, budget analysis, financial accounting and management accounting.

Placements
Work placements are proven to increase your success in the job market - as well as being a fantastic experience. Accounting and finance is a highly competitive field so we encourage as many students as possible to grasp this opportunity.

We have a dedicated Placement Service which helps you find and plan for a placement.

Graduate employment prospects

Latest survey figures show that six months after graduating:

• 69% of Middlesex graduates were in employment or further study 
• 31% were assumed to be unemployed or doing something else, such as travelling

(Based on data from respondents of the 2009-10 Destination of Leavers in Higher Education Survey)

The average UK starting salary was £17,000 -£22,000.

Examples of the types of jobs that graduates from the class of 2009-10 are doing include:

Graduate Accountant, Account Assistant, Purchase Ledger, Manager, Auditor, Store Trainer, Income Officer, Financial Analyst, Academic Assistant, Assistant Bookeeper, Personal Banker

at the following companies:

ATT, Santander, Grant Thornton, Newman & Partner, Turner & Townsend, IBM, NHS, MU, Damco, Deloitte, DotDigital, MyCity Deal, IPSOS MORI, Sainsbury, NXG, M&S, Marriott Hotel, Hays, Numada Health, AJ Bell, Lloyds TSB, KS Goring, O2, River Island, Vision Consulting.

Graduate Roles
Below are just a few examples of the types of careers that you could pursue after graduating with us: 

Accountant: As an accountant you will be involved in the design and implementation of accounting systems. You will prepare financial reports for businesses, governments and other organisations and ensure that they conform to generally accepted accounting principles. The three main fields in which accountants are employed are: public accounting, private accounting and government accounting. 

Accounting Analyst: As an accounting analyst you will be responsible for client estimates and client reporting, preparation of year-end audited financial statements and tax returns. Your role may also involve control and maintenance of assigned ledger accounts, including account reconciliations and ledger entries. Additionally, you will resolve technical issues, providing both internal and cross-functional guidance and expertise.

Financial Analyst: As a financial analyst you will write reports on the companies you cover trying to describe the businesses and your opinions of the company's investment potential. Reports are normally summarised with a rating, such as "buy", "sell", "market perform", "overweight", "hold", etc.

Management Accountant: As a management accountant you will be responsible for the provision and use of accounting information to managers within an organisation, providing them with the basis in making informed business decisions that would allow them to be better equipped in their management and control functions. Examples of responsibilities include: maintaining the business structure of the accountancy system, profit and loss with variance reporting, balance sheet and cash flow; preparing inter-company, bank and control account reconciliation.