COURSE: A ccounting and Financ e
DIARY
What will my first year of university be like?
Will I get support with my assignments? What kind of teaching can I How much independent study will I have to do?
expect?
Whether or not you’re moving away from home, going to university is a significant milestone in your life. It can seem like a big step up from sixth form or college, so naturally you’ll have a lot of questions about life as a university student. We’ve put together a snapshot of what your first year as an Accounting and Finance student at the University of Salford might look like. As well as taking a detailed look at the modules you’ll study, we’ve enlisted Ahmed, a second year student, to take you through an average day on campus. Our Accounting and Finance course is delivered predominantly on the Peel Park campus. If you have joined us at an Open Day or Applicant Visit Day, you might have already had chance to explore. However, there are plenty of hidden gems, places to eat and useful facilities to be aware of if you’re joining us in September. We’ve listed a few for you to learn more about.
Welcome to Salford Before getting stuck into your studies, you’ll have the chance to get a taste of all the amazing activities and clubs you can get involved with during Welcome Week. University isn’t just about what happens in the lecture theatre and Welcome Week means you can experience everything the university has to offer. Keep up to date with the latest info, events and any changes to activities by following us on Twitter and Facebook. @UoS_Students
@salfordsu
What will I study in my first year? In your first year of our Accounting and Finance course you’ll study the following modules:
- Financial and Manag ement Acc ounting - Digital a nd Busine ss Skills - Data An alysis for Business - Principle s of Econ omics - Business and the A ccountant - Account ing and Inf ormation Systems
But what do I actually study in those modules? Whether by offering exemptions on industry qualifications, helping you develop practical skills or providing opportunities for real-world experience, we ensure you graduate with far more than just your degree. Accredited by ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA and ICAEW, Accounting and Finance is closely aligned with industry standards and practices. With training on Excel and Sage, the course gives you the practical skills and knowledge to thrive in an accountancy career. In each year of your course, you need to obtain 120 credits, so each of these modules are worth 20 credits each. Academic years are divided into two semesters and for the most part you’ll study three 20 credit modules in each. In this section, we are going to give you a bit more information on each of those modules, so you have a better understanding of not just what you will study, but how and the assessments involved. The amount of time you spend in lectures and seminars can vary throughout the year, you are expected to do assignments, reading and independent study as well as your scheduled activities. All your activities should add up to about 35 - 40 hours a week (the same as a full-time job).
MODULE: Financial and Management Accounting Financial and Management Accounting is a practical module that provides a foundation for accountancy as an area of academic study and professional practice. The central aim of the module is to introduce financial accounting and management accounting both practically and theoretically. You will learn to construct simple statements of financial performance, prepare bank reconciliation statements and understand the fundamentals of ratio analysis. Financial and Management Accounting is delivered through lectures and seminars.
Aims and objectives of the module: Introduce the fundamentals of basic financial accounting and management accounting methods Introduce the production of financial statements for decision makers in various organisational structures Introduce the major problems associated with presenting and interpreting accounting information using International Accounting Standards
What will the assessments be like? The module is assessed through both an online assessment and a written assignment.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Data Analysis for Business In today’s business environment, data and insight are increasingly important to the way organisations operate. In Data Analysis for Business, you will develop an understanding of the concepts required for the use and interpretation of the quantitative methods used to analyse business data. This module prepares you for entry to more advanced studies dealing with quantitative analysis. Throughout the module you will learn to recognise, recall and apply specific quantitative facts and techniques, select appropriate methods for solving business-related problems and identify the limits to accuracy in quantitative modelling. Data Analysis for Business is delivered via formal lectures, tutorials in a computer room and problem-based drop-ins in a classroom.
Aims and objectives of the module: Provide a sound grasp of the fundamental concepts needed to use and interpret quantitative methods Develop the concept of mathematical and statistical modelling in business, finance and economics Prepare you for for entry to more advanced modules dealing with quantitative analysis
What will the assessments be like? Data Analysis for Business is assessed through a computer-based assessment which forms 30% of your mark and a written exam forming the remaining 70%.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Digital and Business Skills Digital and Business Skills offers an introduction to the fundamental skills you need for high level careers in a range of organisations. Communications, presentation and professional profile tools will be used to develop your knowledge and employability. This is a hands-on module designed to help you learn practical and transferrable skills. Teaching for Digital and Business Skills is delivered through lectures, student-led seminars, discussions and a mini-conference.
Aims and objectives of the module: Introduce fundamental business and digital business skills Introduce specific digital tools for communications, professional profiles and presentation skills Develop your understanding of digital and business skills for professional practice Encourage the development of face-to-face and digital collaborations
What will the assessments be like? Over the course of the module you will build a digital portfolio of work along with a summary of the work completed and a 500-word self-reflection.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Principles of Economics This module introduces you to the key concepts of modern economics, including how markets function as the foundation of contemporary economies. Over the course of Principles of Economics, you will deploy techniques of economic analysis within a problemsolving context; assess the opportunities, benefits and constraints that arise from trading with other countries and evaluate the consequences of the market mechanism. Along with developing your theoretical knowledge of Economics, the module is also designed to help you hone your communication, problem-solving and numeracy skills. Principles of Economics is delivered through a mixture of lectures and seminars which are supported through drop-in sessions.
Aims and objectives of the module: Introduce key concepts in modern economics, in particular the functioning of markets Present an overview of the main microeconomic principles of economic behaviour and the main concepts within macroeconomics Encourage an understanding of the role of economics in business, public and private decision-making
What will the assessments be like? Principles of Economics is assessed via an online multiple-choice test at week 12 and a pre-seen examination at the end of the module.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Business and the Accountant In Business and the Accountant, you will focus on the fundamental purpose and objectives of accounting in business organisations. This career-focused module also explores how the law interacts with the accountant’s role and key environmental influences and constraints on global business. Over the course of the module, you will develop a clearer and more in-depth understanding of the role of the accountant in the business and work environment. Business and the Accountant is delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars and drop-in sessions.
Aims and objectives of the module: Introduce the purposes and objectives of business organisations, their stakeholders, how they are regulated Explore certain legal aspects relating to the accountant in the global business environment Investigate the role of the accountant in using financial information to ensure effective control and compliance of the business organisation
What will the assessments be like? Business and the Accountant is assessed through a group assignment and a written exam.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Accounting Information Systems Accounting Information Systems is a practical module that introduces some of the most widely used systems and software packages in the world of accountancy. As well as improving your Excel skills and gaining experience with Sage software, you will learn to recognise and record a range of accounting transactions, verify transaction accuracy and extract accounting and financial reports. Classes will take the form of lectures and computer workshops where underlying theories will be explained and discussed, and practical applications of the Sage accounting software and Excel will be demonstrated and practised.
Aims and objectives of the module: Increase your knowledge and awareness of the importance of computers in business and accounting Improve your accounting skills through computerised media (Excel and Sage) Develop practical skills using a specific IT package (Sage) Develop an understanding of the importance of IT to the accountant both internal and external to the business
What will the assessments be like? You will be assessed through a written assignment and a final examination.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
How does my week look? Don’t put these in your calendar just yet, timetables change each year and you will get your actual timetable during your induction week!
9
MORNING 10 11 12
1
AFTERNOON 2 3 4
5
Mon t Financial & Mgm Accounting 2-4
of Principles Economics 11-1
Tue
Wed
Digital a nd Business Skills 9-11
Digital and Business Skills 9-11
Meeting with Employability @4pm
Digital and Business Skills 11-12
Hockey s ociety meet-up 2-4
Thu Study Day
Fri
s of t Financial & Mgm Principle s ic Accounting Econom 1 9-1 11-1
Bandioke night!
Sat Sun
Lectures
Seminars
Day in the life
hmed Meet A
udent Finance st nting and ou cc A ar ye aman, 2nd Ahmed Z
How does your typical day start? My typical day starts at 6 am, first I will do my morning exercise and then I will try to catch up on the news. I will read a bunch of newspapers online – Financial Times, Bloomberg and Aljazeera. Then I’ll have breakfast, which is always the same thing: boiled eggs, brown toast and orange juice. My journey onto campus depends on my timetable because it varies from 11 am to 3pm, how I get to campus is very convenient because I catch the train from Bolton and it only takes me 12 minutes from Bolton Station to Salford.
What are you studying at the minute? Professional Development is a module we do in second year, that is life-changing for all students who are aspiring to get a placement or onto a graduate scheme programme. This module is extremely beneficial because it shapes your future. The module focuses on tailoring your CV, cover letter and digital profile to employers’ requirements. Also, preparation for interviews with a panel of two senior executives and developing competencies and Star techniques. Every week we have two guest speakers attending varying from Salford City Council, NHS, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and many other organisations giving their views on employability.
Where can I grab some food on my lunch break? For lunch it all depends what we are feeling, me and my friends will order everything from burgers, wings, smoothies and waffles through the Uber Eat app and have it delivered to the Maxwell Building. Otherwise, on the campus, the best place to eat is Subway and eat any type of healthy sub. Now I have so many points on my sub card which has been accumulated by the purchase of the sub regularly I even get free subs.
Which other modules are you studying? International Regulatory Economic Environment was a very intense module. This module’s aim was to evaluate the meaning of good corporate governance and how this effects the accountant in the development of good practices and to demonstrate the need to comply with accounting bodies, professional code of ethics. This module was valuable and very interesting which resulted in developing an understanding of different types of international markets, regulation and ethics in the accounting profession.
I spend my free tim developin e g the Account ing Society
How do you spend your free time? The University of Salford will give an opportunity to those who want to capture it and certainly is a great place to be. I have established an Accounting Society which focuses on providing students with opportunities to improve their business, networking and employability skills through careers events and skills workshops. Also, the benefit of being a Certified accountant, why students should have a goal to become a Chartered accountant. Most of my time after University is spent developing the Accounting Society. The independent study I do is at the Clifford Whitworth Library which has a great environment.
Peel Park campus Our main campus, Peel Park, offers you the best of both worlds: state-of-the-art learning facilities within minutes of a world-class city, set against beautiful green spaces to relax and socialise in. As well as being home to the ornate Peel Park Building which opened in 1896, the Maxwell, Lady Hale and Chapman Buildings, where most of your classes will take place, are all on campus. With student shops, cafés, study spaces and computer labs, the Peel Park campus is a great environment for study and downtime.
Here are a few places to look out for:
rary The Lib
Clifford Whitworth Library We’ve given our main library a £6.2 million refurbishment to bring you the ‘library in the park’ – a fresh, modern learning space with PC suites, Mac computers, laptops available to loan, bookable work rooms and café. The library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can study at a time that suits you. You’ll also find study spaces across the University, so a quiet place to study is never far away.
Peel Park Peel Park was the first public park in the United Kingdom funded entirely by the people’s subscription. Created in 1846, it was free to use and brought all Salford residents together. Benefiting from a recent £1.6 million transformation, the park provides a beautiful green space to relax outside of lessons.
Peel Park
Student Union
Atmosphere Kitchen and Bar The central social hub of your Students’ Union! Atmosphere is open every day until late serving up amazing food and drink right in the heart of campus. Atmosphere is the place to go to get some tasty food or your favourite beverage, all at student friendly prices. Grab the best coffee on campus or head to the café for a quick bite to eat and chill after a day of studying.
Want to see more? Take a whistle stop tour of Peel Park Campus here: vimeo.com/312989861
We hope you’ve found this information useful and you know what to expect in your first year studying Accounting and Finance at the University of Salford now! Remember, this is just a sample of the information you’ll receive in your induction week so some of the information may change a little, especially the timetable!
What Happens Next? Learn about your next steps at: beta.salford.ac.uk/undergraduate/ applied-what-next