What will I learn on this module?
The word professional means slightly different things to different people, however it is commonly used to describe someone who has acquired and uses a high level of technical knowledge and has the ability to judge the manner of how, when and where to use this knowledge. But the business environment has changed dramatically over the last twenty years, increased regulation, globalisation, more complex financial transactions, the opportunities provided by big data and analytics as well as the demand of good corporate governance and improved corporate social responsibility. These changes have meant that the professional can no longer rely on expert knowledge and needs to develop skills and abilities to help them manage the dynamic environment in which they operate.
This innovative module attempts to provide students with a range of skills and practices, taught in the context of the particular functional specialism, which will prepare the student for a range of future opportunities. This module aims to prepare you for your future studies at Level 6 and work-based learning. It focuses on developing your skills and abilities to critically assess, analyse and manage business-based problems and projects, with emphasis on a range of business models.
The module will focus on accounting, finance or economics to support demonstration of understanding and application of relevant theory from your professional/academic area as appropriate. There also will be opportunities to consider broader contemporary challenges for organisations in responding to changing practices of responsible and sustainable management.
On completion of the module you will have enhanced your problem-solving skills and will be able to manage complex projects. By focusing on advanced group and team working skills, research and complex problem solving skills, project management, communication skills, report writing skills and self-directed learning, you will also develop employability and leadership attributes, including set direction, engage, drive, collaborate, learn, innovate and act ethically.
How will I learn on this module?
This module takes a problem – based approach to learning and you will learn by demonstrating the ability to research in order to solve organisational issues/problems and by undertaking meaningful projects which will then require you to reflect on your experiences. You will work in small collaborative groups throughout this module and be responsible for identifying your learning needs in order to solve a series of different business related problems / issues. The module assessment consists of several tasks which will be distributed throughout your teaching semester to encourage your active participation in the learning process throughout and which will support your learning by providing an experientially based opportunity to apply your learning and evaluate your own practice in this area. By undertaking meaningful projects, you will be able to demonstrate organisation and team-working theory and practice and to reflect on your experiences.
You will learn through workshops, tutor guidance, feedback, and independent directed and self-directed learning. Importantly, you will also learn at work, through reflecting on your experiences. Your learning is supported by a Teaching and Learning Plan and online materials, offering guidance on reading and activities to prepare for workshops and studio sessions, and help with the completion of the assessment. Within this plan there are also suggested learning activities, which guide you in your independent learning. These activities allow you to reflect and evaluate your knowledge and skills and in this area.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The Teaching and Learning plan and online materials will provide prompts and guidance to support you academically. Support will also include opportunities to gain feedback from workshop tutors, personal tutors and peers. Your module is supported by an e-learning portal, which houses all the module learning materials, workshop resources interactive activities, assessment details and various other support facilities which are provided by the University. In addition, to assist you in developing knowledge, you will have access to and be encouraged to use the University’s library facilities, including extensive electronic resources, eBooks and electronic academic journal articles
Your workshop groups will be fellow students studying the same programme as yourself. A key role your workshop tutor is to focus on your academic progression by helping you with such matters as study skills, team work, assessments and feedback.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• You will be able to apply your knowledge and understanding of accounting/finance/economics to solve a problem related to professional practice using higher-order capabilities including critical evaluation, synthesis, ethical judgment and communication as well as technical skills in information searching and the use of technology. (MLO1)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• You will become a self-directed learner with the ability to develop skills in framing your own enquiry questions, impacting on individual engagement and confidence. (MLO2)
• You will have had the opportunity to demonstrate the Northumbria University Employability and Leadership Attributes which describe the key skills, knowledge and behaviours required by an effective leader. (MLO3)
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• You will undertake applied and evaluated project work and research. (MLO4)
• You will have developed an understanding of responsible business and reasoning by identifying business ethical issues and addressing such issues in a socially responsible manner. (MLO5)
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assessment
On an ongoing basis your tutor and peers will give formative feedback on the tasks allowing you to reflect on your learning. Your tutor will be looking for, and developing, your ability to investigate and analyse problems.
Summative Assessment
The module assessment consists of problem based and project based tasks and will demonstrate independent research and reflection. These tasks will be assessed via course work worth 75% of your final mark and presentation worth 25% of your final mark, bringing together all of the skills and techniques developed throughout the semester.
The summative assessment will address MLO1, MLO2, MLO3, MLO4 and MLO5.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Professional practice in Accounting, Economics and Finance will equip you with the skills and business acumen you need to succeed. The module takes an experiential learning approach and is designed so that you conduct research, integrate theory and practice and apply knowledge and skills to develop viable solutions to business problems. You’ll learn through a process of enquiry, often co-operatively with peers, using digital information and technologies. It will develop your independent and critical thinking skills, teamwork abilities and communication skills, and you’ll also acquire a greater understanding of contemporary issues within your discipline area.
You’ll undertake various assessment tasks focusing on your personal reflections and problem interpretation within your discipline area. Your academic tutor will closely monitor your progress and help you with study skills, team work, assessments and feedback. You’ll also develop employability and leadership attributes needed for further work or study.
Course info
UCAS Code N395
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Newcastle Business School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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