AF4032 - Careers in Accounting, Economics and Finance

What will I learn on this module?

This module provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to successfully secure a relevant undergraduate placement and/or a graduate-level role in your chosen discipline of Accounting, Finance and Economics.

You will cover a number of key topics including career planning, writing CVs, cover letters and application forms, psychometric testing, competency-based interviews, assessment centres and current trends in recruitment and selection practice in accounting, finance and economics.

On completion of this module, you will be equipped with the skills and confidence to make an impactful application to any employer.

How will I learn on this module?

You will attend a one hour lecture each week and will have the opportunity to explore career opportunities in accounting, finance and economics and learn how best to prepare for them. In addition, you will attend a two-hour workshop each week, which is designed to take you through career planning, making applications, and the process of selection for your chosen role.

As well as understanding the theory of employability, learning is through small group and whole class discussion, through the opportunities for formative feedback on your developing work, and also through opportunities for skills practice. There is a wealth of supporting information and videos on the module site to support your learning. You will be expected to complete the relevant pre-work for each workshop as this an essential part of the group learning experience.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The Teaching and Learning plan (TLP) 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:
• Understand the concept of employability and its practical application in your planned journey from education into employment. (ML01)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Evidence skills and abilities relating to your employability, which are necessary to make successful placement and graduate-level job applications through the creation of a professional portfolio and career plan (ML02).

Personal Values Attributes:

• Understand your prospective role in an organisation and how best to exhibit this in the application process (ML03).

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will be provided throughout the seminars as each involves pre-work and in-class activity in which peer and tutor feedback will be given (for example in respect of CVs and performance in interview role-plays). The activities undertaken in seminars form the basis of the material included in the Appendices to the summative assessment.

Summative Assessment

The summative assessment consists of a portfolio of evidence comprising of a 2,000 word reflective commentary on your planned journey from education into a career in Accounting/Finance/Economics and a set of appendices based on various outputs from seminar activities.

The assessment covers module-learning outcomes ML01, ML02, ML03.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

To maximise your chances of finding a placement or graduate-level role, you need to stand out from the crowd. This module helps you achieve just that. Through group work and independent study, you’ll explore what it means to be employable and how to apply this to your journey from education into work. Tutors with in-depth knowledge of employability in accounting, finance and economics will support you through a series of structured lectures and seminars. They’ll draw on their knowledge and experience to teach you about the recruitment and selection process, and help you highlight your key attributes, skills and abilities. They’ll also provide advice and support as you create a standout CV, application form and cover letter. When you complete this module, you’ll have the skills, abilities and confidence to make your application process a success.

Course info

UCAS Code L110

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

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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