Core modules
Criminal Law and Practice
Criminal law sits at the very heart of the relationship between the individual and the state. It defines the boundaries of personal freedom, sets society’s moral limits, and determines when the power of the state may be used to investigate, prosecute and punish. This module invites you to explore that relationship in depth, combining the study of criminal law with the practical realities of criminal justice in action. Through this module, you'll develop a strong understanding of the principles that govern criminal liability in England and Wales, including the elements of offences, the mental states required for guilt, and the defences that may excuse or justify criminal conduct.
Business and Corporate Law
To succeed as an accountant or financial professional, a solid understanding of corporate law is essential. This module will help you develop a professional grasp of the legal principles relevant to business and finance. You'll explore the key areas of business and corporate law, including the law of obligations, employment law, the formation and structure of business organisations, legal frameworks for company financing, corporate regulation and governance, and insolvency law.
Financial Accounting
This module provides you with essential foundational knowledge and practical skills in financial accounting theory and practice. You'll be introduced to fundamental concepts and techniques for recording, processing, and reporting business transactions to external stakeholders, developing critical competencies in double-entry bookkeeping, ledger management, trial balance preparation, and financial statement construction.
Management Accounting
This module introduces you to the role of management accounting in supporting planning, control, and performance evaluation within organisations. It lays the foundation for key techniques such as costing, budgeting, and variance analysis - essential tools that help managers make informed operational decisions.
Core modules
Financial Reporting
This module provides you with a structured understanding of financial reporting principles and practices, focusing on the preparation, presentation, and interpretation of financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). You'll explore the conceptual framework of accounting, the regulatory environment, and the role of financial reporting in supporting transparency, accountability, and decision-making. You'll also explore the evolving role of technology - including AI - in automating reporting processes, enhancing data accuracy, and supporting real-time financial analysis.
Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation
In this module you'll delve into the specialised field of forensic accounting, gaining the theoretical knowledge and practical skill sets required to identify, investigate, and prevent financial malpractice. You'll develop a critical understanding of the multi-faceted nature of economic crime, ranging from individual behavioural drivers, to sophisticated corporate and digital schemes. You'll evaluate the intersection of accounting, law, and investigative psychology, fostering the analytical rigor necessary to serve as an expert adviser in legal and regulatory contexts.
Taxation
Taxation is a cornerstone of financial decision-making and compliance in both practice and industry. In this module you'll be introduced to the fundamental principles of the UK tax system, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to compute taxes, navigate regulations, and advise on compliance. By exploring real-world tax scenarios and regulatory frameworks, you'll understand how taxes impact individuals and businesses, fostering the ability to apply ethical and practical solutions in professional contexts.
Performance Management and Data Analytics
This module will develop your understanding of how performance management frameworks integrate with modern data analytics techniques to support strategic decision-making in organisations. You'll gain the ability to critically evaluate traditional and contemporary performance measurement systems, including the Balanced Scorecard, KPIs, and benchmarking, while simultaneously building practical competence in data analytics tools and techniques relevant to management accounting. The module bridges the gap between theoretical performance management concepts and their real-world application through data-driven insights, preparing students to analyse, visualise, and interpret organisational performance data.
Core modules
Finance and Investment
This module will provide you with a thorough understanding of corporate finance principles, funding strategies, and investment decision-making processes. It will prepare you to critically engage with the financial challenges faced by businesses in raising capital and managing financial resources effectively and will equip you with the conceptual insight and applied analytical skills needed to interpret financial information, assess financial choices and contribute to effective financial decision‑making in organisations.
Audit and Assurance
This module will equip you with the professional tools and ethical foundation to plan, perform, and report on audits with integrity and sound judgement. You'll engage with real-world case studies and apply core auditing principles - such as risk assessment, evidence gathering, and professional scepticism - aligned with industry standards. A key feature of this module is the integration of AI as a transformative tool in modern auditing. By bridging theory with industry practice, this module prepares you for graduate employment or further professional qualification. You’ll develop the confidence to navigate complex audit environments and contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of financial assurance.
Financial Crime, Law and Litigation Support
The module will develop your critical understanding of financial crime, its underlying drivers, and its impact on organisations, markets and wider society, with a particular focus on the role of accounting, finance and data in both perpetrating and detecting wrongdoing. It will equip you to interpret and evaluate key UK and international legal and regulatory frameworks, enabling you to navigate the responsibilities and powers of regulators, law enforcement and professional advisers in complex financial crime contexts. You'll extend your ability to apply forensic accounting techniques, investigative procedures and evidential standards to real and simulated cases, exercising professional judgement in gathering, analysing and presenting financial information for use in legal proceedings.
Optional modules
Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.
Cyber Security Incident Response
Cyber Security Incident Response module equips students with the skills to detect, manage, and recover from cyber attacks. Learn how to lead incident response teams, protect business assets, and ensure business continuity in an increasingly digital world.
AI Innovation Lab
You will be guided to gain practical experience of AI tools and to develop innovative solutions through AI tools, emphasizing problem-solving, creativity, and ethics. Prepare for future-focused careers by mastering AI integration across industries, fostering technical expertise, and strategic thinking in real-world contexts.
Real World Skills in Action: Mastery Unleashed
This module enhances management and leadership skills, supports professional growth, and provides valuable work experience. By utilising your part-time job, you can balance work and study effectively, adding real value to your CV.