Foundation Year in Business, Finance and Accounting

Certificate of Higher Education

USFBFA

Compulsory

Compulsory Elective

You take 8 compulsory modules = 120 credits 

Foundation Year 

Foundation Structure

The Foundation Year is intended to provide a bridging role between pre-university study and the academic rigour of an undergraduate degree. The Foundation Year gives you a fundamental knowledge of mathematics, statistics, economics, business management, finance and accounting to ensure that you are fully prepared to enter Programme Stage 1 of the main degree. 
Our undergraduate programmes are constantly evolving to meet the needs of an ever-changing business world. They are delivered within the context of a vibrant, diverse and multi-national environment which is part of the City of London. Not only in terms of its location, but also in terms of the role we play as an intellectual hub for the City. 
As a university specialising in undergraduate business degrees, many of our academics and lecturers have worked in industry and continue to consult for corporate organisations, so you benefit from their first-hand knowledge and business experience. There is every chance that you will have the opportunity to meet and learn from high-level practitioners from leading City firms.

Practise secondary research skills including data gathering and data evaluation skills, as these are of fundamental importance to professionals who face sifting through large quantities of data to find material which is both accurate and relevant. 

Skills

Critically analyse the various processes, procedures and practices for effective management of organisations including theories, models and frameworks used in business analysis and decision making. 

Knowledge

Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, using a range of media which are widely used in business, such as presentations and written business reports. 

Demonstrate an ethical approach to work, which resonates to that of a professional business person. 

Values and attitudes

Be an effective team player who is tolerant of disagreement, open and sensitive to diversity in terms of business, cultures, people and management issues. 

Think critically and practise cognitive skills of analysis and synthesis. This includes the ability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, to detect false logic or reasoning, to identify implicit values, to define terms adequately and to generalise appropriately. 

Apply theory and practice of the key principles that underpin financial and investment decisions. 

Demonstrate effective problem solving and decision making in a business context using appropriate quantitative and qualitative skills.  

Critically discuss financial markets, their activities, and products. 

Demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of organisations and markets through discussion of their future and how they respond to change, the external environment in which they operate and how they are managed. 

Differentiate between economic, ethical, political, technological and ecological factors, together with their effects at local, national and international levels upon the strategy, behaviour, management and sustainability of organisations. 

Perform effectively within a team environment by showing leadership, team building, influencing and project management skills. 

Distinguish and analyse the relationships between different business areas. In particular, to demonstrate an understanding of the internal functions and processes of organisations including their diverse nature, purposes, structures, governance, operations and management. 

Record and summarise straightforward transactions and other economic events and prepare financial statements complying in outline with relevant regulatory requirements. 

Engage in reflective, adaptive and collaborative learning. 

Practise effective self-management in terms of time, planning and behaviour, motivation, self-starting, individual initiative and entrepreneurship. 

Demonstrate an awareness and sensitivity to equality, diversity and inclusion which resonates to that of a professional business person. 

Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and ability to use the current technical language to describe practices of accounting; and an ability to apply them in simple structured situations from given data generated for the purpose. 

Demonstrate self-reflection and critical thinking, including self-awareness, openness and sensitivity to diversity in terms of people, cultures, business and management issues. 

USFBFA - Foundation Year in Business, Finance and Accounting

You will study a number of core disciplines which are relevant to business, finance and accounting, you will also learn practical business skills, and you will learn analytical and critical thinking approaches which you can apply within the Foundation Year and your subsequent study.

The Foundation Year is intended to provide a bridging role between pre-university study and the academic rigour of an undergraduate degree. To this end, in the core modules you will learn the skills of constructing a logical argument, writing and delivering a presentation, carrying out research, whether in a library or using online resources, and using appropriate referencing techniques – these transferable skills are in addition to the academic content that is being delivered. 
Most teaching hours during your degree programme take the form of lectures and these may be of varying sizes. Lectures are used to communicate the basic theoretical or technical points relevant to the module. Each module normally comprises 20 lecture hours. 
In addition, some modules, particularly technical subjects, have additional tutorial hours. The number of these can vary, depending on student need. Tutorials and exercise classes are opportunities for you to apply and develop your knowledge and understanding and to participate in the discussion of the subject area. 
The remaining hours are for self-directed and team study. In the self-directed hours you should engage in online learning, reading for the programme and developing your assessments. 
Some modules use case studies to bring real-life issues to the classroom and, as such, foster a practice-oriented approach. In other modules, computer simulations may be required to assist in the identification and likely impact of key decision variables. 
In all modules, the face-to-face teaching is complemented by the use of the Virtual Learning Environment. This could take the form of delivery of learning materials and resources, submission and feedback of coursework assessments, on-line lecture delivery or assessment, discussion forums or questions and answer sessions.

Curriculum Catalogue

Foundation Year in Business, Finance and Accounting - CertHE

USFBFA