HND Professional Accounting Foundation degree at Coventry University

This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of accounting. You will look at key topics such as the financial statements comprising the profit and loss and the balance sheet, and get an introduction to budgeting and costing.

In this module, you will cover the bases of successful budgeting in relation to sales and production. In addition to the overview of budgeting practice, you'll cover the critical processes, including creating and implementing budgets and comparing/monitoring results. There are practical elements too; you will demonstrate your knowledge through industry-style budgeting assessments.

In this module, you will look at taxation practices, legislation and the different types of tax. There is a focus on personal tax, what is required and the surrounding legislation. You will also explore other areas and factors that may affect taxation levels, such as income tax, benefits and capital gains tax.

In business, companies very rarely use cash to pay for assets or products. As most organisations use credit, it is crucial in accountancy to maintain a respectable credit rating. In this module, you will look at credit management control and how to manage credit flow, from paying on time to monitoring liquidity.

Informed decision-making is an essential factor in business success. Therefore, you will seek to learn how to identify the key features of effective performance management systems, select appropriate performance measures and calculate differences between actual performance and standards or budgets. You're required to showcase your knowledge of this topic, in an independent written assessment or a collaborative group presentation.

Looking at sole traders, partnerships and limited companies, you'll aim to learn how to apply double-entry principles in recording transactions, adjust financial records and formulate non-complex financial statements. As preparation for a role within a business setting, you'll also learn to specify the components of financial statements and prepare and present non-complex accounts.

In this entirely theoretical module, you'll learn how to implement due diligence in both the macro and microenvironment. You'll understand how to operate within the legal remit, affecting precision and reliability to a high standard as an accountant. As businesses constantly enter contracts, you'll also learn the basics of contract law and assess how the law impacts you as an accountant.

Working at an organisational level, you will study the theories and tools of finance and their relevance and application to practical problems within business. This module teaches you about the various finances businesses deal with, including loans, equity and venture capital.

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

This module is centred on the assurance process and fundamental principles of ethics. You'll learn the concept of assurance and why it is required in accountancy.

Building on skills and knowledge gained in previous years, you will expand your knowledge of complex topics of taxation. You'll critically analyse issues such as the processes for calculating income tax, national insurance contributions, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, taxation of trust, stamp taxes, corporation tax and value-added tax (VAT) in a variety of scenarios.

Putting your knowledge of strategy into practice, you'll elaborate on the role of business analysis in averting and managing financial crises. Taking control of your development, you'll assess an organisation's position, strategic choice and analyse the implementation of action in processes, people, finance and information technology.

Working from a managerial point of view, you will explore the provisions of finance and the framework in which a financial manager operates. You'll identify and evaluate various investment appraisal techniques used for management decision-making and consider pricing models related to capital assessment. You'll learn the art of balancing the interests of different stakeholders through the financial strategic options selected by the organisation.