BSc Accounting and Finance with Placement Experience

Title:

Management Information

Code:

AC107

Convenor:

DR Alisher Erkaboev

Summary:

This module introduces management accounting concepts and techniques that assist managers with their organisational decision making, planning, control and performance evaluation. Management accounting provides information which supports business decisions and the course will demonstrate the techniques used by management accountants in the ways that they consider costs and revenues and their measurement; how profit is calculated and what information can be used to inform decisions made over the short and long term. The module also examines the way in which budgets are created and are used within businesses and the techniques used to assess their performance. 

This module is delivered at the University of Reading,  the Beijing Institute of Technology and the University of Reading Malaysia.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Introduction to Business

Code:

AC109

Convenor:

DR Maggie Cooper

Summary:

This module introduces students to different aspects of 'business' and aims to develop academic and professional skills that will be applied at university and in the workplace.

This module is delivered at the University of Reading, the University of Reading Malaysia and Beijing Institute of Technology.

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Introduction to Accounting

Code:

AC110

Convenor:

MR Leon Coopasamy

Summary:

An introduction to double-entry bookkeeping and the preparation of financial statements for sole traders and limited companies.

This module is delivered at the University of Reading, University of Reading Malaysia and Beijing Institute of Technology.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Introductory Securities and Markets

Code:

IC101

Convenor:

PROF Brian Scott-Quinn

Summary:

This module is delivered at the University of Reading and the University of Reading Malaysia

The module is in two halves. In the first half (first five weeks of term), we cover financial institutions, credit risk, maturity transformation and liquidity. We also cover the economics of banking and types of money including cryptocurrencies and central bank digital currencies. In the second five weeks, we focus on sustainable finance and its important contribution to achieving Net-Zero by 2050. Thus this second part focussed on the role of the finance industry in mitigating climate change impact and also covers social issues relevant to corporates and financial companies such as diversity, equality of pay for equal work, salary and bonus differentials etc.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Class test 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Introductory Finance/Trading Simulation I

Code:

IC102

Convenor:

DR Gita Persand

Summary:

This module is delivered at University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia.

This module aims to provide the student with an overview of the financial system. This will include an overview of the role that the financial system plays in the economy, a discussion of some of the main players in the system, the instruments they trade, and the trading prices. Part of the module will focus on capital markets and the private and public financial institutions participating in these markets. The remainder of the module covers the time value of money, longer-term securities like bonds, risky securities like stocks, and the way in which returns, and the values of real and financial assets relate to each other. The purpose of the trading simulation part of the module is to introduce students to computer simulation of securities dealing and spreadsheet modelling. Students are taught the relevant theory and will experience how this theory works in a virtual dealing environment.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Practical 10%, Project 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance

Code:

IC104

Convenor:

DR Nikoloas Antypas

Summary:

This module introduces students to a range of quantitative techniques that are commonly applied in business, finance and management. 

This module is delivered at University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia.

Assessment Method:

Exam 75%, Project 25%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Assurance, Governance and Ethics

Code:

AC102

Convenor:

DR Lei Tao

Summary:

This module introduces students to the concepts of assurance, governance and ethics in the corporate environment and explores the role of management and auditors in this context. This module is delivered at University of Reading and Beijing Institute of Technology.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Principles of Taxation

Code:

AC108

Convenor:

MRS Clare Bentata

Summary:

This module introduces students to the main areas of UK taxes, including income tax, capital gains tax, corporation tax, national insurance and the ethical issues related to tax advisory work.

Assessment Method:

Exam 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Financial Accounting

Code:

AC206

Convenor:

MRS Helen De Felice

Summary:

This module builds on the knowledge acquired in AC110, Introduction to Accounting, with regards to the preparation of financial statements for single entities, it introduces students to various International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in the preparation of financial statements. It also introduces the preparation of consolidation of financial statements.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Assignment 20%, Set exercise 10%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Further Management Accounting

Code:

AC220

Convenor:

MR Tony Graham

Summary:

This module builds upon the foundations of management accounting established in AC107 Management Information by developing a critical understanding of the main concepts and ideas underlying management control systems. 

This module is delivered at University of Reading, University of Reading Malaysia and Beijing Institute of Technology. 

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Assignment 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Corporate Finance

Code:

IC201

Convenor:

MISS Dina Ghanma

Summary:

This module focusses on corporate value: its measurement, and its maximisation through corporate financial decisions, growth strategies, and governance practices. 

Assessment Method:

Exam 65%, Project 35%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Portfolio Management

Code:

IC204

Convenor:

DR Nikoloas Antypas

Summary:

The module examines the issues involved in understanding the investment market, constructing an optimal investment portfolio, evaluating the performance of that portfolio, and adjusting its composition through time.

This module is delivered at University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 10%, Oral 40%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Business Strategy for Accountants

Code:

AC213

Convenor:

MR Tony Graham

Summary:

This module is designed to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired in the prerequisite modules through their application to real-world business problems and case study scenarios. This module aims to provide students with an understanding of how organisations develop and implement business strategy, and to apply and evaluate that knowledge. At the end of the module, students should have a good understanding of the external and internal environment of the firm and how they influence strategic decision making.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Oral 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Personal Tax

Code:

AC221

Convenor:

MRS Clare Bentata

Summary:

This module introduces students to the main areas of UK taxes affecting individuals, including income tax, capital gains tax, national insurance, inheritance tax and the UK tax system.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Trends in Finance

Code:

IC207

Convenor:

DR Antony Moore

Summary:

This module encourages students to contextualise current issues and debates in finance by placing them within the historical evolution of finance, and to develop and express their own ideas through coursework essays and in-class discussions.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 90%, Oral 10%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Programming for Finance

Code:

IC208

Convenor:

DR Vu Tran

Summary:

The module objective is to introduce the students to Object Oriented Programming using Python as the main programming language, and to use the learning outcomes for data processing and applications in Finance. It covers the basics of programming, including class, objects, datatypes, conditional statements and loops, processing data from files, receiving inputs and displaying relevant outputs. Students who complete this course should be able to write simple programming functions in Python, process data files including reading, and modifying and writing data to external files. Additionally, students should be able to read and write to Excel and CSV files, connect to databases, obtain and process data from the Web, as well as use Python for Finance and Econometrics.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Sustainable Finance

Code:

IC209

Convenor:

MR John Chessher

Summary:

This module covers the basics of Sustainable Finance, covering applications in financing and investment activities. The Environmental, Social and Governance factors are covered, and the relevant policies and international regulations are discussed. 

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Environmental Economics

Code:

IC210

Convenor:

PROF Carol Padgett

Summary:

This module has two broad parts: The first part covers the basics of climate science, including CO2 reduction targets, national and international-level commitments and international agreements. The relevant environmental issues are discussed separately for different sectors of Finance, and their importance is emphasized. The second part of the module deals with Climate Change. In this context, its impacts are discussed, as well as channels of adaptation to and mitigation of Climate Change. Finally, the related Risk Management techniques are covered.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

FX and International Debt Markets

Code:

IC211

Convenor:

Summary:

In this module students will study the international debt markets, equipping them with the tools to analyse and compare products and determine trading and hedging strategies.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Practical 10%, Class test 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Management Skills

Code:

MM256

Convenor:

DR Tatiana Rowson

Summary:

The module is focused on guidance and support in developing students' employability, including improving the likelihood of securing their Placement or first job. Key areas of the job application process as well as successful navigation of the contemporary business environment and the students’ future working environment are covered. It offers a combination of practical and applied elements as well as more conceptual and academic aspects. As a result, it enables the students to obtain a broad range of knowledge while allowing them to actively reflect on their career, employability and apply to their immediate experience.

The Module is designed to be delivered in the autumn. The lectures and seminars will run in parallel with the placement application process, therefore providing students with further support.

The module content, as well as delivery style, are designed to strengthen the students’ success rate of obtaining successful placements and future jobs upon graduation – fostering an in-depth understanding of the recruitment and development process. 

This module is delivered at University of Reading, University of Reading Malaysia and Beijing Institute of Technology.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Portfolio 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

An Introduction to the Management of Information Systems

Code:

MM258

Convenor:

DR Stephen Gulliver

Summary:

This module considers management of business focused Information Systems (IS), and introduces students to the interplay of management, organisational and information technology IS dimensions. It covers enterprise applications, and allows students to appreciate the symbiotic relationship between company information infrastructures and business capability. This module is delivered at both Beijing Institute of Technology (Autumn) and University of Reading (Spring).

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Report 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Work Placement

Code:

MM284

Convenor:

MS Helen Slingsby

Summary:

This module provides insight into the practical application of Accountancy and/or Business Management Skills.

Assessment Method:

Oral 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Advanced International Financial Reporting

Code:

AC312

Convenor:

DR Lei Tao

Summary:

This module looks closely at a number of international financial reporting standards and at the preparation of consolidated financial statements. It also undertakes a critical appraisal of some current and/or theoretical issues in financial reporting. The module is designed for students who have a significant prior knowledge of financial reporting. 

This module is delivered at the University of Reading UK, University of Reading Malaysia and the Beijing Institute of technology.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Assignment 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Business and Professional Ethics

Code:

AC313

Convenor:

MS Rhianydd Dow

Summary:

An introduction to the moral norms of international accounting and financial management, the ethical choices to which they give rise and the resources on which such choices can be based. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Oral 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Management of Risk

Code:

IC303

Convenor:

DR Ivan Sangiorgi

Summary:

This module introduces students to a set of techniques to measure and manage market and credit risks in banks. It also covers recent developments in bank regulation. Financial press articles are extensively used to provide context and show the relevance of the teaching material to current risk management issues. Popular portfolio risk models and stress testing frameworks used by risk managers and central banks are explored in detail. This course will help students develop those critical risk management skills that are now considered indispensable for anyone willing to undertake a career in the financial sector. 

Assessment Method:

Project 40%, Class test 60%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Derivative Securities

Code:

IC317

Convenor:

DR Yueting Cui

Summary:

From the 1970s to the present, derivatives markets are developing rapidly in terms of their market size and importance to the majority of market participants. Banks, corporations, governments and multi-national institutions utilize derivatives products either simple or complex ones to hedge risk and exploit opportunities. To understand the modern financial market and its practical applications, it’s inevitable to study derivatives. This module is an introduction to derivatives markets and instruments. We explore derivatives markets and their products mainly through theories and practical trading strategies. By the end of this module, you will be equipped with the essential knowledge to continue studying the advanced derivatives pricing model and practising trading with derivatives in your later module.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Advanced Management Accounting

Code:

AC302

Convenor:

MR Edward Tew

Summary:

This module builds on the concepts and techniques of management accounting introduced in AC201 and AC220. Management accounting may be seen as a way of providing information in three main areas: costing, decision-making, and planning and control. The emphasis of this module will mainly be on the last two areas (i.e., decision making and planning and control). In reality, however, it is often difficult to separate any one area from the other two. For example, standard costing provides costing information which is then used as a tool for planning and control.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Assignment 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Accounting Project

Code:

AC317

Convenor:

DR Maggie Cooper

Summary:

Students engage in a guided, independent study over two terms in their final year. The objective is to produce a long piece of written research (a ‘Project’), which engages in-depth with a chosen topic in accounting with direction from an academic supervisor.

Assessment Method:

Project 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Research Project

Code:

IC305

Convenor:

PROF Charles Sutcliffe

Summary:

Students choose a finance question that is of interest to them, and produce a Research Project which addresses their question. The Research Project starts in the middle of the Autumn term, and continues during the Spring term. This gives students plenty of time to complete their Research Project, and the flexibility to phase it to fit in with other demands on their time. The Research Project usually involves the analysis of data. At the start, each student is allocated an academic supervisor who offers advice on their Research Project. Student assessment is based solely on the quality of their Research Project, which is submitted on the first day of the Summer term.

Assessment Method:

Dissertation 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Private Equity and Venture Capital

Code:

IC309

Convenor:

DR Keith Arundale

Summary:

The objective of the Private Equity and Venture Capital module, which is delivered at the ICMA Centre, is to develop students’ appreciation of the practical aspects of investing by private equity and venture capital firms, understanding the dynamics between the venture capital investor and the entrepreneur, and also the practicalities of raising PE&VC funds from institutional investors. The focus of the module is on venture capital and high-growth ventures from the viewpoints of both the entrepreneur or management team and of the investing institution (general partner), although private equity as a whole is covered (including management buyout transactions) as well as the relationship between the private equity or venture capital firm and its own investors (limited partner institutions). This is a highly practical module; extensive use will be made of case studies and a group project in addition to guest seminars from invited experienced practitioners and entrepreneurs.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Assignment 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Finance and Occupational Pensions

Code:

IC313

Convenor:

PROF Charles Sutcliffe

Summary:

This is an applied course with little mathematical content. It deals with the largest group of institutional investors - pension schemes, focussing on occupational pension schemes. They employ fund managers to invest many £trillions on their behalf. Pensions are in a state of crisis and change, and have become the subject of popular debate and controversy. Developing countries, such as China and India, have the potential for an enormous expansion of their pension schemes. Therefore the assets under management of pension schemes globally are likely to increase considerably. The investment of pension funds requires an understanding of how pension schemes work, and corporate finance needs to allow for the presence of large pension schemes. This module provides a detailed knowledge of the biggest group of global institutional investors (pension schemes), and the real world problems they face.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Fintech and Cryptocurrencies

Code:

IC316

Convenor:

MR Mohammad Shehub Bin Hasan

Summary:

This module seeks to introduce students to FinTech, Cryptocurrencies, and Blockchain. The module offers students the opportunity to gain an understanding of how and why firms are implementing blockchain technology in their day-to-day business as well as the challenges they face.  The module also covers cryptocurrencies, their governance, and properties behind the most popular cryptocurrencies.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Oral 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Information systems and digital business

Code:

MM3101

Convenor:

PROF Keiichi Nakata

Summary:

Information systems are the means by which people and organisations, utilising technologies, gather, process, store, use and disseminate information. Digital business makes effective use of information systems to enable organisations to create value throughout the value chain. This module covers key concepts, theories, techniques, and issues in developing information systems solutions for digital business. It emphasises the importance of aligning business and IT strategies through an understanding of the structure and function of information processed by IT systems from both business and technical perspectives. 

This module is delivered at University of Reading, and University of Reading Malaysia. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Project Management

Code:

MM396

Convenor:

MR Nigel Spinks

Summary:

Projects have become an important mode of organising work in many organisations and industries in response to the need to develop and deliver complex one-off goods and services and to manage change initiatives. This module is designed to provide the theoretical and practical grounding for those working in and leading projects. The assignment includes project-based group activities to develop critical understanding of tools and techniques in practice.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Oral 15%, Project 15%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.