ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
MAKE YOUR MARK IN
BUSINESS They say money makes the world go round, and it’s true that people all around the world have used money as a measure of value for thousands of years. But someone needs to keep track of it all. For businesses of any kind, recording transactions, managing balances and investing surplus are essential tasks at the heart of their success. Good accounting and financial management keep businesses under control, and ensure they can grow. For the people at the top to make decisions they need accurate upto-date information. So without accounting and finance, the world certainly doesn’t go round. In the accounting and finance sector there are many diverse roles in which you could pursue a career. From working as a Finance Director in a business, to looking beyond the numbers as a Management Accountant, or gathering data as a Financial Analyst, to charity, council or governmental roles. Wherever there is money, there is a need for people who understand the best ways to record and manage it.
Alison Maguire Academic Group Leader
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Led by industry-experienced lecturers, our degrees are designed to give you a deep understanding of accountancy practices, commerce, industry and finance. We’ll cultivate the kinds of qualities that employers are looking for, such as organisational and time management skills, as well as the kind of adaptability you need to respond quickly and effectively. You’ll also be developing communication, numeracy and analytical skills. There is accounting and finance at the heart of every business and organisation. So wherever you want to go in the world, our Accounting and Finance degrees are the ideal first step to get there.
A few months after graduating I started working as a Graduate Management Accountant for ARM. They create the technology that is at the heart of almost every electronic device and was recently described by Forbes as “one of the most important technology companies on Earth�. My time at Staffs has greatly helped me to make the transition from theory to reality. It equipped me with a broad skill-set & the knowledge to be able to be proficient in a wide range of financial areas. As I embark on my CIMA studies I know I have a great foundation to build on. Jonathan Smith BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance
CONTENTS: BA (Hons) Accounting and Business NN41 BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance NN43 BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year N400 BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Two-year Fast-Track) NN34
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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Introduction Key Facts Why Staffs? Our Brilliant People A Better Campus Choose More Open Days Application Process
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HERE ARE JUST A FEW REASONS WHY WE BELIEVE YOU SHOULD STUDY WITH US. TO REALLY FIND OUT IF WE’RE RIGHT FOR YOU, PLEASE COME ALONG TO ONE OF OUR OPEN DAYS. WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU.
KEY FACTS GET ACCREDITED
As a graduate you’ll be eligible for exemptions from some of the professional bodies’ exams, so you can achieve professional accounting qualifications earlier than nonaccounting graduates.
WORK-READY, WORLD-READY
We’ll equip you with everything you need to become ‘The Staffordshire Graduate’ – a world-ready professional, with just the kind of knowledge, attributes and expertise that employers are looking for.
TOP MARKS FROM OUR STUDENTS
91% of students that study Accounting and Finance with us are extremely satisfied with the quality of their course (National Student Survey 2015).
HERE FOR YOU FAST TRACK YOUR DEGREE
We are one of only a few institutions in the UK to offer a two year BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree. By combining this fast-track course with our MSc Accounting and Finance, you can also complete your undergraduate and postgraduate in just three years.
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OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS
Our courses have been recognised in the Guardian League Table 2016 with an outstanding ‘value-added’ score. This score compares past students’ individual degree results with their entry qualifications, to show how effective the teaching is.
Out of 113 Universities, our Accounting and Finance degrees have been ranked 3rd for providing good advice to students in respect to their study choices. We’re also 5th for providing a well-organised and smoothly run course, and 6th for helping students contact academic staff for support (National Student Survey 2015).
SAGE ACCOUNTING
You’ll learn to use the latest and most widely used SAGE accounting software in readiness for your placement year – something employers will all be looking for.
PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
We provide a range of placement opportunities on all our undergraduate courses, with lots of support in finding the right one available from our Careers Office. A dedicated Placement Officer and Placement Supervisor are on hand to help guide and support you throughout your placement year.
SUPERB SUPPORT
At Staffordshire University you’ll always feel supported. Our friendly and approachable lecturers are on hand to help and advise you every step of the way, and your personal tutor will be available for additional guidance. Small group teaching means we can get to know you better and give you higher levels of support than normal.
INSPIRED TEACHING
Our teaching staff are members of the Higher Education Academy and come from both academic and professional backgrounds. They’ll be sharing their extensive real-world work experience in sectors such as banking, manufacturing, public sector, audit and consultancy.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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WHY STAFFS? LINKS WITH BUSINESS We provide a regular programme of guest speakers drawn from our strong links with businesses, and many of our students go on to gain placements with our partner organisations. These include Davis Group, JCB, Bet365, Toyota, Lloyds TSB, Royal Bank of Scotland, Moore Stephens UK, Vodafone, Baker Tilley, NHS, County and District Councils, and Fruit of the Loom. You’ll also be encouraged to participate in our seletion of careers and networking activities, including Global Entrepreneurship Week, to help develop your employability skills.
SKILLS EMPLOYERS ARE SEARCHING FOR At each stage of your studies you’ll undertake modules specifically designed to develop and practise the kind of skills that are most valued by employers. You’ll be able to explore the different kinds of careers available to accounting graduates, and with some of the best student support in the country we’ll make sure you have everything you need to become ‘The Staffordshire Graduate’ and fulfil your potential.
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GIVING YOUR CAREER MOMENTUM Looking beyond your first job, we’ll give you the advice you need to develop your career in what is likely to be a dynamic and exciting working environment. Our graduates have gone on to find work in accounting, investment banking, asset management and insurance, as well as areas such as education and the public sector.
INNOVATIVE TEACHING We like to keep our teaching as fresh and varied as possible, so you’ll experience a combination of lectures, guest speakers, tutorials, workshops, seminars and technology supported learning to complement and enhance more traditional, face-to-face learning. We’ll develop your knowledge and skills through case-studies, role-plays, simulations, presentations, projects (work-based and academic), reflective personal development plans and technology supported activities. And you’ll be guided along the way with a teaching support network of module tutors, personal tutors, award leaders, academic and business managers,
and dedicated and involved support staff. With their help you’ll be: • Engaging with complex, challenging problems and real world issues • Proactively using available resources - technical, digital and paper-based - to address problems, construct solutions and identify new topics for research • Engaging in constructive reflection on learning and new ideas • Communicating and sharing with others in teams and collaborative activities • Demonstrating a sense of community through active involvement with individuals and groups from differing backgrounds, communities and value systems
SPEND A YEAR IN INDUSTRY Professional work placements can give you an enjoyable - yet indispensable - first-hand experience of the kind of work you want to do. We’ll help you get a taste for the job function, organisation and industry you have in mind, so you have a deeper understanding of how business really works before you enter the job market as a graduate. Competition is fierce, and by combining your degree with a year of relevant employment experience in a full time salaried placement, you’ll have a tangible competitive advantage. Work placements take place between year 2 and 3 of your degree, and previous students have taken placements with organisations including Toyota, NHS, Staffordshire County Council and BET365.
ASSESSMENT BUILT AROUND YOU Throughout your studies you’ll be assessed in lots of different ways, each one chosen to reflect and develop the kind of skills you’ll need in business. These include report presentation through a variety of media, casestudy analysis and feedback, reflective portfolios, research based assignments, examinations (both written and computer based), group activities, and technology supported presentations. To help develop your confidence and prepare you for each assessment, we’ll build in a timely feedback programme giving you meaningful feedback at each stage. To do this we create formative assessment and feedback, so you can reflect and evaluate your contribution and development. Each different award module may make use of multiple choice tests, quizzes, class presentations, exercises, case study discussions, workshop activities, self-assessment tests and class tests, to create this feedback process as you go.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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OUR BRILLIANT PEOPLE
Fion studied the first year of the BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance at one of the Business School’s partner institutions, Disted College, Penang, Malaysia. She showed a keen interest in completing her studies with us here in Staffordshire and subsequently commenced studying the second year of her degree, with the Business School, in September 2013. Throughout her course of study Fion has been an excellent student and graduated in July 2015 with a first class honours degree…with a spectacular overall average mark of 83%... the top performing student in her cohort! Whilst Fion had travelled to other countries before, she had never visited the UK. In conversation with Helen Buttery, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance Course Leader, Fion explained that she thought the UK might be something like Downton Abbey as she had been watching this in Malaysia! She soon settled in, however, made great friends, found everyone really friendly and thoroughly enjoyed studying here in Stoke. She added that Staffordshire University provides a very conducive environment for students to study and all the staff are really helpful. Her favourite thing about being located in Stoke is that it is central and therefore very easy to travel and explore all parts of the UK…which she did of course. Fion is returning to Malaysia to undertake a course studying Government Service Tax before she moves into employment. Fion Lee Ying BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance
April undertook a year long placement with RSM Tenon. She now works for Baker Tilley as an Audit Assistant and is studying ACA the ICAEW Chartered Accountant Qualification.
THE COURSE COMBINES BOTH ELEMENTS OF ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS, ENABLING ME TO ENHANCE MY CV WHILE DISCOVERING WHERE MY FUTURE WOULD LIE April Warrier, BA (Hons) Accounting & business
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Karl’s energy and enthusiasm for student employability has been recognised, not only by his colleagues, but also and most importantly our students. In addition to leading both the Employability and Study Skills and Professional Skills modules, which our BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance and BA (Hons) Accounting and Business students study during their first and second years respectively, Karl is also Course Leader of the Fast-track BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree. Karl himself graduated from the fast-Track course back in 2010 having achieved a yet to be beaten fast-track record of high 1st class grades in all modules and receiving the Hays Accountancy Prize for the Top Performing Student. Karl McCormack BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance 2yr Fast-track Course Leader
I chose to study BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance at Staffordshire University mainly because I wanted to better myself. I had reached the age when I felt it was time to make something of my life, after looking through various courses from different universities I made my decision to study at Staffs. After completing the course I can honestly say it has helped me achieve what I set out to do ... change my life. The experience itself was a mixture of enjoyment and satisfaction throughout the whole time and I can honestly say it played a vital part in securing my job and reaping the rewards in terms of progression. I was lucky enough to take part in a work placement year which my 1st and 2nd year of study had prepared me well for and when I came back for my final year, the year’s work placement played a pivotal role in securing the grade I received. Staffordshire University instils the necessary skills needed to succeed in the work place and if any students have the opportunity to do the work placement year during their course, I would strongly recommend it. Ryan Smith BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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A BETTER CAMPUS
AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE’RE COMMITTED TO INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE – LITERALLY. OVER A PERIOD OF 18 MONTHS, WE’RE SPENDING MILLIONS OF POUNDS ON OUR UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES, SO WHEN YOU JOIN US, YOU’LL BE COMING TO A PLACE WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START OPENING DOORS AND BREAKING BOUNDARIES.
In recent years, our Stoke-on-Trent campus has undergone a massive transformation, with the students at the heart of our plans. From the amazing Science Centre to environmental improvements, we’re focused on building the best campus for our students. But whilst it’s all well and good a university saying they care what students think, we’re putting our money where our mouth is. This all stems from a decision to make Stoke-on-Trent the main campus of Staffordshire University. In 2016 the majority of students from our Stafford Computing and Technology courses will be
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moving to the Stoke-on-Trent campus. So we’re making sure that when you arrive, you enter a university that is fit for purpose. One with a great mix of study and social spaces. One that feels safe and thrives on the friendly reputation we’ve built. What we found was that a modern edge-of-city campus is ideal. Close enough to the city for the social life, but far enough away to focus on studying. Great transport links around the city, but also great spaces around the campus. The best of both worlds. So, starting in Summer 2015, we’ll be working on the College Road and Leek Road sites of our Stoke Campus. We’ll be creating great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, venues and teaching rooms. Bringing the best teaching facilities together with fantastic student areas – making it feel safe and easy to jump between your lectures and your life outside University. As well as that, we’re also investing £12m in a new Computing and Games facility. This project, called Digital Kiln, will merge beautiful learning space with state-of-theart technology to support all sorts of courses from Cyber Security to Games Design.
This investment is continuing the work we’ve already started to create great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, halls of residence, and other facilities. We’ve committed to doubling the investment that’s already started to create enhanced facilities. Come 2016, it’s going to have the buzz and the feel of the edge-of-city campus that students want. Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Gunn Healthcare Centres of Excellence This redevelopment work isn’t just happening in Stoke-on-Trent though. Healthcare and Midwifery students won’t miss out with significant further investment in our Centres of Excellence in Stafford and Shrewsbury – adding new student spaces and learning resources to make these campuses totally self-contained and right up to date. So, with all this to come, maybe it’s time you joined us at Staffordshire University?
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
KEY FACTS WORK STARTS: SUMMER 2015 ADDITIONAL £40M INVESTMENT IN STOKE-ON-TRENT CAMPUS MULTI-MILLION POUND INVESTMENT IN STAFFORD CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE AND SHREWSBURY CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE COMPLETION DATE: AUTUMN 2016.
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CHOOSE
MORE AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE WANT TO GIVE YOU AN EDGE OVER THE COMPETITION. WE WANT YOU TO TAKE AWAY SOMETHING EXTRA. SO WE MAKE SURE YOU’LL GET SOMETHING EXTRA WHEN YOU’RE HERE. A LOT EXTRA ACTUALLY. To help you open doors as well as your mind, we’re spending millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus. When you’re here, you’ll be able to work with brilliant academics and access a whole load of cutting edge facilities; from animation studios to photography darkrooms to surface decoration workshops. Past students have gone on to exhibit at prestigious galleries, museums and festivals across the world.
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You can also get more back with grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study whilst enjoying a cost of living ranked the third lowest in the UK.
MAKE MORE OF YOUR TIME HERE • Improve your skills with online training platform Lynda.com and access over 3,000 online tutorial videos • Want to get fit while you study? Take advantage of our special student rate gym memberships • Don’t just learn while you’re with us, earn. Take a job at the Students’ Union, become a paid Student Ambassador with Unitemps or turn working while you study upside down with a seasonal role at Alton Towers Resort • Then spend. We’re a hop, skip and a short walk from shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and clubs • Catch the latest musicals, opera, drama at the Regent Theatre and Stafford Gatehouse
MORE WAYS TO STUDY YOUR WAY • Grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study • More hands-on, real world learning, fewer lectures • Hit the books whenever you want - access to our 24hour library • Get all the software you need including access to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and download Microsoft Office 365 on up to five devices for free • Professional guest lecturers - previous presentations included Microsoft, Marvel Comics and Epic Games
At Staffordshire University, you’re in the best place to do more, with City Centre shops, boutiques, restaurants, theatres, bars and clubs all just a short stroll away. Plus, with student rate gym memberships and over 100 sports, clubs and societies to join – including skydiving, snow sports and our very own Beard Society – you can experience more too. So, if you’re looking for a place that gives you exactly what you need to succeed (and more), then open the door and your mind to Staffordshire University.
A CAMPUS WITH MORE TO OFFER • We’ve spent and continue to spend millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus • We’re a place literally in the middle of things with easy access to Manchester, Birmingham, London • Get your film fix at our on-campus Film Theatre • Take advantage of our brilliant and friendly Student Support team • Stay fit and well with our NHS Healthcare centre with two doctors • Enjoy a cost of living ranked third lowest in the UK
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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There’s only one real way to experience Staffordshire University, and that’s to come and see it for yourself.
University is where you’re due to spend the next few years of your life, so before you decide on somewhere, it makes sense to have a good look around. That’s where an Open Day comes in. This is your opportunity to get to know the place. Test it out. Immerse yourself in every aspect of Staffordshire University and see if it’s right for you. We’ll give you the chance to see everything, from the Students’ Union and the library to the IT suites and our impressive sports facilities. We’ll also show you the halls of residence, so you can start planning exactly where to put your TV and laptop. You’ll then meet our expert lecturers, see live demonstrations of lab and studio sessions, and delve deeper into your chosen subject with an informative talk. Advice is available on managing your student finances and ways to fund your study, as well as tips on writing a strong personal statement to include in your application.
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Best of all, you’ll have time to speak with current students about their experiences of Staffordshire University – which means you can hear exactly what it’s like to be at the heart of things in the centre of the country. It’s the best way to get a real feel for life here. Our Open Days give you an idea of everything Staffordshire University has to offer, so you’ll be ready to make one of the most important – and most exciting – decisions of your life.
LEARN MORE OR BOOK YOUR PLACE AT
www.staffs.ac.uk/opendays GO ONLINE TO WATCH OUR VIRTUAL TOURS
APPLICATION PROCESS NOT RECEIVED THE OFFER YOU WANTED?
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CLEARING
The UCAS clearing process gives students another opportunity to find a place.
MISSED THE UCAS DEADLINE?
Don’t worry, apply via UCAS until the end of June and if we have vacancies left on your course we’ll consider your application. We accept CLEARING applications from mid July. Visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/clearing
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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For more detailed information on courses or studying at Staffordshire University, visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
www.staffs.ac.uk/socialmedia The information in this guide is correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change.
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