Accounting and Economics BA (Hons)

About the course

This is a flexible programme of study for students who require a greater choice and specialisation within their course. It enables you to study subject areas not offered by our single honours degrees and affords you the possibility of creating a programme to meet your individual needs.

Accounting

Studying accounting on the Joint Honours programme will provide you with a sound basis for progression to careers in accounting or with an accounting bias, as well as for careers in general management. It will also afford a good preparation for professional accounting qualifications. A Major in accounting will provide you with subject exemptions from the examinations of two of the UK professional bodies, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Economics

Studying economics as part of the Joint Honours programme enables you to gain a sound knowledge of economic principles and to appreciate fully the way in which this knowledge can be applied in 'real world' situations. The field of study emphasises the role of economics in the formation of policy by individuals, companies and governments as well as offering an appreciation of the role played by business in a modern economy.

Through the study of economics, you will be able to gain insights into decision making and problem solving in a business context. You will have the ability to participate in economic debate and will gain a thorough grounding in the ways in which economic policy can help in the understanding formulation and execution of public policy.

Why choose this course?

• Study a subject that is most relevant and interesting given the current state of the global economy.
• Understand the role economics and accounting play in analysing current problems and information policy.
• Develop the skills and knowledge required to become an accountant.
• Develop a firm understanding of key business functions, the industrial structure of market economies and the global environment.

Study routes

• Sandwich, 4 Years
• Full Time, 3 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Teaching methods

Alongside traditional teaching methods of lectures, seminars and tutorials, we operate a web-based student support system called StudyNet where you can expect to find a range of material and communications about every module.

The teaching method for most modules on the course is a one hour lecture followed by a one hour seminar. Typically, a new topic will be introduced in each lecture. The seminars provide an opportunity to discuss and obtain feedback on the topic introduced in the previous week's lecture. Usually, assessment is split between coursework and examination. Coursework may take a variety of forms and could be individual or group work.

Work Placement

As with all our courses students have the opportunity to complete a sandwich placement, which will usually last for one year. During this time you will be employed by the company and will subsequently be paid; for students on placement salaries have ranged from £11,500 - £14000. In past years students have completed placements with:

• KPMG
• PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Clark & Co Accountants
• Lloyds TSB

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Quantitative Methods for Economics

  This module is an introduction to important mathematical and statistical techniques that are used in the study of economics. The power of these techniques and approaches is considered as well as how to apply them in the relevant situation. The following techniques are introduced and developed through problem-solving: - Simple algebra and numbers (decimals, fractions, integers) - Solving linear and quadratic equations - Simultaneous equations (and the equilibrium concept) - Basic graphical analysis and interpretation (slopes, intercepts, etc) - Differential calculus (basic rules) - Simple (unconstrained) optimisation - Exponential function and logarithms - Measures of location (eg mean) and dispersion (eg variance) - Probability distributions (especially normal) and related graphs (eg scatter plots) - Simple regression (concept and 'line of best fit')

• Global Perspectives in Economics

  The aims of this module are to enable students to develop an awareness and understanding of some of the fundamental features of the world economy together with key economic principles and processes. It will focus on five sub-themes. 'People and cultures' examines some of the variations in populations' conditions and cultures, introducing behavioural and institutional economics. 'Resources' considers the fundamental economic issue of scarcity. 'Markets and political economies' introduces the mosaic of regulatory regimes and forms of political economy through which resources are allocated and economies managed. 'Economic interdependence' focuses on the flows integrating the global economy. Finally, 'cross-border business' discusses the role of companies in orchestrating flows and differentiating the global economy. The module will also look at the analysis of cultural difference by leading theorists and consider the implications of cross-cultural difference in communication and negotiation style.

• Introduction to Microeconomics

  Microeconomics is concerned with the behaviour of individual firms, markets and consumers in their economic activity. Microeconomics considers choice-making within the context of a market mechanism. The module covers the nature of markets including the determinants of demand and supply and the competitive environment within industries. The role of the government in intervening in markets is also considered.

• Introduction to Macroeconomics

  The module aims to provide students with an introductory grounding in the principles and concepts of macroeconomic analysis, including consideration of: unemployment; inflation; money; banking; government policies in terms of taxes and interest rates, for example; and international trade. Indicative content: - Basic macroeconomic models - income - expenditure approach - Theories of consumption and savings - Aggregate demand and aggregate supply - Unemployment - Inflation - Money and banking - Fiscal and monetary policies - Introduction to open-economy macroeconomics

• The Accounting and Finance Professional

  The module provides students with a series of academic skills and study strategies which will underpin their subsequent studies. The module is composed of several themes which will include communication, thinking and methods of enquiry, IT-literacy, numeracy and the nature of knowledge. These will allow students to effectively match problem-solving techniques to different scenarios. In doing so, students will be expected to operate in teams, reflect on their practice and recognise aspects for self development and improvement. The module selects a series of issues that are pertinent to accounting and finance in practice. Topics studied will include: - Accounting and finance and relevant ethical frameworks - Usefulness of accounting and the concept of profit - Insolvency and bankruptcy - Financial markets and share prices - Decision analysis and control within accounting

• Principles of Accounting and Finance

  The module provides an introduction to financial accounting, management accounting and finance. The collection and reporting of accounting information, for planning and control and decision-making purposes, for economic decision-making is introduced. The uses and interpretation of publicly available accounting information are considered. The role of accounting information in supporting the management functions of planning, control and decision-making is explained and demonstrated. Typical topics for financial accounting: - simple income statements and balance sheets; - introduction to double entry; - adjustments before final accounts; - company accounts; - rules, regulations and accounting principles; - interpretation of accounts; - book-keeping, accounting records and bank reconciliation. Typical topics for management accounting: - cost-volume-profit analysis; - cost classification; - absorption costing; - marginal costing; - budgeting short-term; - budgetary control; - relevant cost. Typical topics for finance: - sources of finance; - managing working capital; - making capital investment decisions.

Optional

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £8,500 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £9,500 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Scholarships

• National Scholarship Programme

Find out more about scholarships for UK/EU and international students

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply