In the Subject Review of Accountancy at UEL held in December 2004, carried out by the independent Quality Assurance Agency, the quality of Teaching and Learning, and of Learning Resources, were found to be “commendable”, the highest rating available.

Applicants normally need to have either:

200 UCAS tariff points at with at least two A2 passes, or 160 points from AVCE
24 points (pass) International Baccalaureate
Pass in a recognised Access course or International Foundation programme

In addition to the above, we require GCSE Maths grade C and English grade C or equivalents, unless competency is part of the qualification gained.

We also welcome mature student applicants and those with relevant professional and vocational qualifications, and these will be dealt with on an individual basis and may require an interview.

Students that apply to enter Year 2 or 3 of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.

In the case of applicants whose mother tongue is not English, then IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required, with no skill level below 5.0. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate marticulation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.

Aims: General

• to contribute to the achievement of the University’s vision to widen opportunity, access and provision to non-traditional students
• to enhance students’ capability to find rewarding, satisfying and productive employment
• to obtain, for single honours graduates, recognition for their award and a high level of professional examination paper exemptions from the UK accountancy bodies
• to provide students with a relevant, interesting and stimulating learning experience, and an element of choice in the construction of their programme of study
• to engender a life long learning attitude by students that may help create employment opportunities, future career development and further study

Aims: Programme-specific:

• a structure designed to provide graduates with a thorough grounding in accounting and the concepts that underlay it
• a structure that allows students to develop a broad and detailed understanding of financial reporting requirements, including the broader regulatory, social and legal framework, and an understanding of current issues
• a programme designed to develop students’ conceptual understanding and technical competence in managerial accounting, and an understanding of current issues
• a programme designed to promote an appropriate awareness of information technology and competence in its use

Knowledge of

• the business environment and the regulatory framework within which accounting operates (Maj)
• financial accounting, in line with current reporting standards (Maj, J and Min)
• management accounting concepts and techniques, to facilitate decision-making, planning and control (Maj, J and Min)
• the important influence of capital markets in risk assessment, value determination, and as a source of finance (Maj, J)
• current developments, issues and debates in the subject area at both theoretical and applied levels (Maj, J and Min)

'Thinking' skills

• to demonstrate an appreciation of the intellectual skills expected at each level of study, in accordance with the QAAHE Subject Benchmark statement and the SEEC level descriptors, and an acceptance of responsibility for their own learning to achieve these skills (Maj, J and Min)
• the ability to evaluate different arguments and evidence critically so as to arrive at a considered view (Maj, J and Min)
• the ability to investigate an issue independently (Maj, J and Min)
• the intellectual skills to undertake further academic or professionally related study (Maj,J)
• a self-critical and reflective learning approach to personal self-development (Maj, J)

Subject-Based Practical skills

• ability to locate, extract and manipulate financial and non-financial data (Maj, J and Min)
• ability to prepare financial reports for a variety of users (Maj, J and Min)
• ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate financial information (Maj, J and Min)
• ability to apply principles and techniques to formulate solutions to accounting-related problems; whether to do with resourcing, allocation, appraisal or control (Maj, J and Min)
• ability to use accounting-specific software, and to apply other software to accounting-related issues (Maj, J and Min)

Skills for life and work

• the ability to organise evidence and reasoning to produce a balanced conclusion (Maj, J and Min)
• the ability to present information and communicate effectively in written or oral form, at an appropriate level, including the acknowledgement and referencing of sources (Maj, J and Min)
• the ability to apply a range of numeracy skills, including an appreciation of statistical concepts, at an appropriate level (Maj)
• the ability to apply IT related skills in the use of word-processing, spreadsheets, software package applications, and in accessing on-line databases (Maj, J and Min)
• the ability to work in small groups to investigate an issue or complete a task, and to present the group’s findings (Maj, J and Min)
• capacity for independent and self-managed learning and the completion of assignment tasks within deadlines (Maj, J and Min)

The expected duration of this programme is three years when attended in full-time mode or four and a half years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June. A student, normally registering for 6 modules in one year (3 modules in each Semester) would do so in a full-time attendance mode of study and a student registering for up to 4 modules in one year (2 modules in each Semester) would do so in part-time attendance mode of study.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.

It is possible to bring together modules from one field with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:

Single 120 credits at levels one, two and three
Major 80 credits at levels one, two and three
Joint 60 credits at levels one, two and three
Minor 40 credits at levels one, two and three.

Modules are defined as:

Core Must be taken
Option Select from a range of identified module within the field
University Wide Option Select from a wide range of university wide options

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher

In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher

In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum if 20 credits at level one or higher

In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:
A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher

(A Foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree

Knowledge and understanding is developed through

• lectures and supporting teaching materials
• guided reading
• preparation for and participation in tutorials and workshops
• research and readings as preparation for coursework

'Thinking' skills are developed through

• completing in-course assignments requiring analysis, interpretation and evaluation
• discussions and feedback during tutorials
• reflecting on your personal development

Practical skills are developed through

• locating and using data
• application of principles and techniques to case-based tasks
• application of software to accounting issues

General skills are developed through

• adopting appropriate methods to complete tasks
• using numeracy skills
• the application of IT in completing tasks and in presenting findings
• completing tasks within agreed deadlines
• both Independent working and team working as appropriate
• constructing clear and structured recommendations or conclusions

The majority of modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and end of semester examination. Coursework can take a variety of forms including case study- based questions, real company analysis, essays, reports, projects, multiple choice exercises, skills portfolio, financial modelling, or presentations. Some tasks will involve team working.

Knowledge and understanding is assessed by

• the standard achieved in coursework assignments
• demonstrating a knowledge of current literature
• the appropriate application of techniques and principles to examination questions

'Thinking' skills are assessed by

• providing evidence of analysis, interpretation and analysis in coursework and examinations

Practical skills are assessed by

• locating and using appropriate data for assignments and tutorials
• Selecting and applying appropriate techniques to case-based tasks
• Appropriate use of accounting software

General skills are assessed by

• Ability to successfully complete tasks within given deadlines
• The appropriate application of numeracy and IT-related skills
• Evidence of effective team working
• Ability to form conclusions or recommendations