BSc Accounting and Finance

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a comprehensive BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree, providing students with a solid grounding in the fundamentals of accounting, finance, and business management. This program takes a unique and interdisciplinary approach, designed to equip graduates with the essential knowledge and analytical skills required to make informed and holistic business decisions across various sectors. Recognizing the importance of professional accreditation, the course is structured to provide exemptions from major accounting bodies, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for professional careers in accountancy, finance, and beyond. The degree not only focuses on technical languages and applications crucial for graduate roles but also on developing vital transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.

Curriculum: The BSc Accounting and Finance curriculum at CCCU is designed to provide a robust foundation in financial principles and practices. In the initial stages, students are introduced to core concepts such as Principles of Financial Accounting, Principles of Management Accounting, and Economics, alongside modules that develop personal and academic skills for success. As the program progresses, students delve into more advanced topics that may include Business and Corporate Law, Corporate Governance & Leadership, Financial Reporting, Audit and Assurance, Financial Management, UK Taxation, and Research Methods. The curriculum incorporates a blend of theoretical learning and practical application, with diverse assessment methods including computer-based assessments, portfolios, essays, reports, business simulations, and presentations. This varied approach aims to build both individual knowledge and the practical skills needed to apply theory to realistic business scenarios.

Research Focus: The BSc Accounting and Finance program at Canterbury Christ Church University is delivered by talented academics and experienced professionals within the Christ Church Business School. While specific, granular research interests for every faculty member teaching this particular BSc are not individually itemized on general course pages, the Business School has a strong emphasis on knowledge exchange and engagement with current industry practices. The curriculum is informed by contemporary and emerging business themes, including the changing macro-environment, new economies, global trade interconnectedness, and the impacts of globalization. This suggests an implicit research focus on relevant and current financial and accounting issues, ensuring that students learn about the latest developments and challenges in the field.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a pivotal component of the BSc Accounting and Finance program at CCCU, aimed at significantly enhancing graduate employability. The Christ Church Business School fosters extensive links with industry professionals, who are regularly invited as guest speakers to share their insights and experiences. Students benefit from opportunities to test their skills in a real business environment within the university's Bloomberg Trading Room, with the option to graduate with a Bloomberg Certification in Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC). Furthermore, the program provides excellent opportunities to undertake work placements, supported by a dedicated placement officer within the Business School. The curriculum also includes modules focused on developing professional identity and employability skills, such as CV building, LinkedIn profile development, and training for recruitment centers. These comprehensive efforts ensure students interact directly with businesses and accounting firms, promoting student interaction and enhancing their readiness for the professional world.

Global Perspective: The BSc Accounting and Finance program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a global perspective, preparing students for careers in an increasingly interconnected financial world. The curriculum introduces students to the national and global dimensions of finance and accounting, exploring how contemporary and emerging business themes, such as the inter-relatedness of global trade and the impacts of globalization, affect different industry sectors. Modules like "International Finance" and "International Financial Reporting" (where offered as options) further deepen students' understanding of currency derivatives markets, international money and capital markets, principles of currency risk management, and the evolution of international accounting standards. By examining how accounting and finance operate within an international context, the program ensures graduates are equipped with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of the global marketplace.