Accounting and Management BA (Hons)

Durham University

Course details

From preparing and presenting financial information to interpreting data and business planning, this degree opens the door to opportunities both within the accountancy profession and in business management with leading organisations in both business and the financial sector and beyond.

Please note: The information on these pages is indicative of the current course structure and title and is subject to change. For 2024 entry we are reviewing all of our accounting programmes and, amongst other things, as a result of the review the title of this degree may change from BA to BSc (this will not affect the purpose or the aims of the degree, it will more accurately reflect a modern interpretation of an accounting-based degree).

Course structure

Year 1

Core modules:

Financial Accounting covers the basic concepts and techniques involved in financial accounting reports, including the preparation of basic financial statements. Fundamentals of Management Accounting. In this module you will learn about the role of the management accountant. The module introduces the basic concepts of management accounting and will give you an understanding of the objectives of management accounting within an organisation. Managing behaviour and organisations provides a fundamental foundation to understand how to manage people and organisations within contemporary society. To introduce students to the concepts that underlie explanations of individual and group behaviour. Students will be encouraged to apply these concepts to a range of issues including their own experience through learning from lectures, workshops and investigative projects.

Examples of optional modules:

Principles of Taxation

Business Law

Ethics in Accounting

Introduction to Financial Economics

Changing World of Business

Year 2

Financial Reporting builds on the skills introduced in Year 1. You will learn about preparation of financial statements for a single company and a company group, including the application of relevant International Financial Reporting Standards. Management Accounting further develops your knowledge of management accounting practice and helps you apply your knowledge to business scenarios and decision making. You will learn to present calculations, critically evaluate the benefits and limitations of management accounting techniques and provide reasoned recommendations. Assurance explores the audit process from planning and risk assessment, gathering evidence, drawing conclusions, through to reporting. Learning is set within the context of professional ethics.

Examples of optional modules:

Information Systems

Operations Management

Entrepreneurship

Taxation

Innovation Management

Consumer Behaviour

Financial Management Techniques for Accountants

Business Strategy for Accountants

Year 3

Research Methods develops your knowledge of the techniques and skills needed to undertake an independent research project like the dissertation. You will learn to distinguish between research philosophies, identify appropriate research methods, and complete a review of relevant literature. The Dissertation, on an accounting topic of your choice, develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning. It provides you with an opportunity to research the topic and present your findings and conclusions. The 10,000-word dissertation is worth one third of your final year credits. This piece of work is highly-prized by graduates and is often used in job or Masters degree applications to exemplify the critical, research-led training that our graduates have undertaken.

Examples of optional modules:

Corporate Governance

Corporate Entrepreneurship

Service Operation Management

Leadership

Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability

Big Data Analytics

New Venture Creation

Audit and Assurance

Corporate Reporting

Tax Planning for Business

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Accredited by the EFMD Quality Improvement System.