Accounting and Finance

Durham University

From preparing and presenting financial information to interpreting data and business planning, this degree opens the door to opportunities with leading organisations in both business and the financial sector and beyond.,Combining the study of accounting and the study of finance in a business context, the Accounting and Finance degree is an ideal foundation for many careers, including careers in the accountancy profession or across the wider business sector. You will study modules in accounting and finance, developing a strong understanding of core business principles and practice that will provide you with the skills, knowledge and experience to move into a number of exciting careers or for further study. Using examples from real businesses you’ll learn how a business’ finances impact on every aspect of an organisation. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to make finance, accounting and business decisions, relating to the legal, regulatory and social contexts within which accounting operates. By carefully blending academic theory with real-world practice, the degree has been devised to give you the skills to succeed in the modern financial world. You will be introduced to the vast array of sophisticated financial products traded in today’s global financial markets. You will cover a diverse range of subjects from essential skills in financial and management accounting to the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data on the world of accounting. The curriculum links academic theory with practical experience through a combination of core and optional modules that offer plenty of opportunities to tailor your studies as your interests evolve. You have the option to complete the course in three years or add a placement year or spend a year abroad. What’s more, several modules will give you exemption from some of the ACA, ACCA and CIMA professional examinations (exemptions are subject to module choice and, in some cases, the mark obtained on the module). These industry-recognised qualifications can help boost your employability and fast-track your career. The first year forms the foundation of the degree and as such introduces the key areas of accounting and business. As you progress through the course you can focus further on your specific areas of interest with a selection of optional modules. This culminates in the final year dissertation in an area of accounting of your choice.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Financial Accounting teaches the techniques of double entry accounting and its application in recording transactions, adjusting financial records and preparing non-complex financial statements.Quantitative Methods 1 provides the fundamental quantitative techniques needed for your degree. Additionally, it provides a rigorous introduction to the foundation mathematical techniques needed for various modules throughout the degree programme.Fundamentals of Management Accounting teaches you to understand, apply and critically appraise the fundamental knowledge and techniques that underpin the area of management accounting, from planning and control to costing and decision making.Ethics and Sustainability will introduce you to the social and ethical contexts in which business operate, using real-world examples. You will learn about the professional codes of ethics, learn to identify when an issue arises and develop the skills to propose alternative solutions. Additionally, you will gain understanding of the UN Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) and their implication in the wider business societies.Introduction to Financial Economics introduces the basic principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics explores areas including the role of consumers and businesses in the marketplace, markets in action, market structure, strategic rivalry and growth strategies.