AF3000 - Professional Practice for Accounting, Finance and Economics

What will I learn on this module?

This module is designed to develop your understanding of professional practice in accounting, finance and economics. It will empower you to develop a commercial mind-set and will give you the opportunity to find out about what it means to work in accounting, finance and economics sectors. You will become more confident in generating and implementing new ideas and will begin to develop your own network of business contacts.





You will deepen your understanding of what it means to work in accounting, finance and economics through a series of lectures and seminars. You will engage with experienced professionals working in accounting, finance and economics through guest lectures and round table discussions that will enable you to deepen your understanding of what it is like to work in your chosen field.





The module centres on collaboration and teamwork, and your team will be required to secure, conduct and record an interview with an established professional and share your experience with the rest of the group (50%). You will also be required to prepare an individual reflective journal mapping your own personal development and experiences (50%). This will enable you to develop group work skills, project management skills, communication skills and reflective practice.

How will I learn on this module?

A range of teaching and learning approaches will be applied in this module. You will be encouraged to generate ideas throughout and will have the opportunity to put these into action.





Each week you will attend a one-hour lecture and a two-hour workshop. In the lectures, you will be introduced to key concepts and principles designed to challenge your ideas and understanding of what it is like to work in accounting, finance and economics and you will hear from guest speakers who will share their own professional experiences. You will gain an appreciation of what skills they possess and find out how they have developed them in order to succeed in their chosen career. Workshops sessions will provide you with the opportunity to further explore the lecture topics and to build up your own skills through practical activities and challenges.





At the start of the module, you will be provided with a teaching and learning plan (TLP) which details the structure and content of the module on a week-by-week basis. Within the teaching and learning plan, you will also be able to access weekly-directed multimedia support of appropriate accounting, finance and economics documentaries, series and movies.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

A range of teaching and learning approaches will be applied in this module. You will be encouraged to generate ideas throughout and will have the opportunity to put these into action.





Each week you will attend a one-hour lecture and a two-hour workshop. In the lectures, you will be introduced to key concepts and principles designed to challenge your ideas and understanding of what it is like to work in accounting, finance and economics and you will hear from guest speakers who will share their own professional experiences. You will gain an appreciation of what skills they possess and find out how they have developed them in order to succeed in their chosen career. Workshops sessions will provide you with the opportunity to further explore the lecture topics and to build up your own skills through practical activities and challenges.





At the start of the module, you will be provided with a teaching and learning plan (TLP) which details the structure and content of the module on a week-by-week basis. Within the teaching and learning plan, you will also be able to access weekly-directed multimedia support of appropriate accounting, finance and economics documentaries, series and movies.

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:





Based upon your knowledge and understanding of in accounting, finance and economics, you will develop a commercial mind-set and display an informed awareness of the range of skills required in professional practice (MLO1)









Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:





By engaging with established professionals, you will develop professional communication and presentation skills. (MLO2)






You will be able to display developing reflection skills through group work and project management (MLO3)






Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):





You will develop your enquiry and project management skills through engaging with members of your team in a constructive, ethical and suitable manner. (MLO4)

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment:





You will receive weekly formative feedback throughout the module from the teaching team both on an individual basis and as part of your team.





Summative assessment:





You will be required to interview a professional in accounting, finance or economics as a group and produce a video recording of the interview and a group presentation of your findings in line with your learning on the module. (50%) (MLO1, MLO2, MLO4)





1000 words Individual reflective statement, which documents the progress and learning you have made in developing the necessary skills and acumen to achieve success as an accounting, finance and economics student (50%) (ML01, MLO3)

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module is designed to develop your understanding of what it is like to work in accounting, finance and economics. Therefore, you will have the opportunity to engage with established professionals from the world of accounting, finance and economics whilst developing a network of professional contacts. This will empower you to develop your own commercial awareness, which will be invaluable in your later studies and future career. You will learn through a process of enquiry, often co-operatively with peers, using digital information and technologies. In short it will develop your ability to think independently, to work in teams, to communicate (present and reflect) and to collaborate to create new knowledge and understanding of professional practice within your areas

Course info

UCAS Code N775

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 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

Fee Information

Module Information

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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