AF7029 - Accounting and Finance

What will I learn on this module?

In this module, you will develop knowledge and critical appreciation of the key components of accounting and finance relevant to public, private and third sector organisations, and be able to apply these within the context of your organisation. The module provides you with a foundation in the key principles of accounting and finance, including: budgeting, corporate finance, making investment decisions, understanding and interpreting financial statements, and stewardship and accountability, and the differences in these between different types of organisations. You will also consider how financial information can be used to inform strategic plans and operational decisions, to support and improve organisational effectiveness. Reflective of the research strength within the Business School within responsible business, you will be encouraged to consider ethical implications of financial decision making.

How will I learn on this module?

The module is delivered through a combination of tutor-directed learning, group learning and independent learning. In the taught sessions, an interactive approach will draw upon the directed learning undertaken and participants’ own experiences. You are particularly encouraged to bring examples from the workplace into the classroom to share with each other and with the tutors. Sessions will facilitate students to apply theory to ‘real-life’ situations, critically analysing and making recommendations for appropriate ways forward for the organisation / individual. The module aims to provide impact to your day to day professional role, so that you can take the learning from the module and apply it in your workplace.

Your studies will be supported by an e-Learning platform that provides easy access to learning materials including recorded sessions, interactive quizzes, discussion forums for peer-to-peer exchange, and signposts to directed and independent learning. Experienced staff will provide guidance via taught sessions and through office hours. You will be encouraged to deepen your knowledge through additional signposted reading and reflection.

This integrated approach develops your knowledge of finance and accounting while building a practical knowledge of how finance and accounting work within organisations. The aim is for you to be able to apply this knowledge to enable you to understand and participate in high level conversations at work where accounting and finance issues are involved.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

A range of approaches are adopted to accelerate your learning in this module.

At the beginning of the module, you will receive information about the module through a module guide, setting out:
• Learning outcomes and overall module and programme aims
• Teaching, learning and assessment strategy
• Teaching schedule
• A summary of directed and independent learning

The first taught session will discuss the rationale and learning objectives of the module and how it contributes to your overall programme goals. The formative and summative assessment strategy will also be outlined, so that you are clear from the outset on how you will be assessed.

Your module tutor, a subject specialist, will provide academic support including:
• Delivering taught sessions
• Making resources available via the digital learning platform
• Providing guidance in relation to assessment
• Specialist subject discussion / advice, particularly in linking your work to academic research, concepts and emerging knowledge in the field

In addition to scheduled taught sessions, you will have access to drop-in sessions and office hours with experienced staff, and interactive online forums via our digital learning platform. These combine to provide you with ongoing flexible support throughout the module, beyond the formal classroom.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• [MLO1] Explain key concepts of accounting and finance in private, public, and third sectors. [PLO1,2,3,4,5,6]
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

• [MLO 2] Apply accounting and finance techniques to real life scenarios in the workplace.[PLO 1,2,3,4,6]


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

• [MLO3] Demonstrate an understanding of how ethics applies to accounting and finance in the workplace.[PL0 1,2,3,5]

How will I be assessed?

This module is assessed through a single case study, which you will develop according to your our own organizational experience.
This case study will constitute 100% of the assessment and should be 2500 words. The assessment addresses all of the MLOs identified.
Formative feedback will be offered throughout the block teaching sessions and in the virtual sessions convened to support your learning and development.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

An understanding of accounting and finance help you contribute to strategic decision making, leading to personal and organisational success. This module will develop your knowledge and critical appreciation of the key components of accounting and finance and enable you to apply these within the context of a successful organisation. The module will include key concepts in relation to accounting and financing, such as financial decision making, successful budgeting and financial health. You will learn how to use accounting techniques to appraise investments and monitor performance and consider; how finance and accounting can be used to strategically manage the direction of the business.

Course info

Credits 15

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Part Time

Department Newcastle Business School

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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