School of Management and Business Accounting and Finance

Transcription

1 School of Management and Business Accounting and Finance

2 Welcome Welcome to the Accounting and Finance degree scheme brochure. We re sure you ll find that Aberystwyth is a fantastic place to study. It is a busy tourist and culturally vibrant area and has some of the best landscapes in the UK, from rolling hills and fast-flowing rivers, to unspoilt beaches and coastal scenery. Add to this the investment of over 100m in enhancing and extending our already excellent residential and teaching facilities, including the Llanbadarn Centre - a centre for a new generation of academics and professionals - and that s what we call the Aberystwyth Advantage! Our School of Management and Business (SMB) links world-class teaching with professional development training to make you ready to work after you graduate. Accounting and Finance offers you a degree course which is interesting, broad-ranging and leads to an exciting range of careers.

3 Aberystwyth University 1 Contents In all of our Accounting and Finance degrees You learn to apply theory to the real world of Accounting and Finance You are equipped with the skills and knowledge employers actively seek Your studies are informed directly by our world-class research and consulting You are given the opportunity to take up one of our highly regarded work experience placements You receive teaching that is internationally focused. We hope you ll find everything you need in this brochure to help you decide which course to select. If you need more advice please don t hesitate to contact us by phone, or post. Further information is also available at Why Choose Aberystwyth? 2 The School of Management and Business at Aberystwyth 4 Studying Accounting and Finance 6 Our Degree Schemes Single Honours Accounting and Finance 9 Accounting and Finance Major/Minor Schemes 10 Accounting and Finance Joint Honours 11 Single Honours Business and Finance 12 Your Career 13 Studying Overseas 15 Living in Aberystwyth 16 Information for International Students 18 Your Opportunities at Aberystwyth 20 How to Apply 22 Graduate Profiles 24 We hope to meet you in Aberystwyth soon! Enquiries to: School of Management and Business Aberystwyth University Rheidol Building Llanbadarn Centre Aberystwyth, SY23 3AL Tel: smb-enquiries@aber.ac.uk Web:

4 2 Accounting and Finance Why choose Aberystwyth? Top 10 for excellent teaching facilities Times Higher Education s Student Experience Survey The safest place in the UK to be a student The Complete University Guide 2013

5 Aberystwyth University 3 Accounting & Finance at Aberystwyth was ranked as the third best of all A&F programmes in the UK (Most recent National Student Survey) The Average Starting Salary of UK domiciled graduates, who obtained first degree qualifications in Accounting and Finance (from SMB) and were in full-time employment six months after graduating is in excess of 21,000. Extensive library facilities including the National Library of Wales.

6 4 Accounting and Finance The School of Management and Business at Aberystwyth The School of Management and Business (SMB) has recently relocated to the Llanbadarn Centre along with the Department of Law and Criminology, and the Department of Information Studies. 4million has been invested in the Llanbadarn Centre, and it provides state of the art teaching and IT facilities. There is 24 hour access to the fully equipped IT workstation rooms, and SMB has its own dedicated library based in the Thomas Parry Building at the centre of the site. For when you are not in class there are vibrant social spaces with Wi-Fi connectivity and there is a brand new catering outlet serving a full range of hot food, cold snacks and drinks. The Llanbadarn Centre provides you with an inspiring site, where along with fellow students and staff, you can thrive in a fantastic and inter-disciplinary learning environment whilst enjoying the stimulating and beautiful location.

7 Aberystwyth University 5 Our programme is quality assessed The School has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching, the excellent personal and academic support, learning environment and the cultural experience it offers its students. Our exciting and workplace-relevant degree schemes are highly regarded by both students and employers. We aim to contain the right blend of subject-specific and transferable skills to help you achieve your career aspirations. The School regularly engages with monitoring organisations such as the Association of Business Schools (ABS) to help us with the continuous improvement of our Management and Business education provision. Your learning is practice-focussed Our lecturing staff are actively engaged in academic and policy-orientated research and consulting. Many have a business, as well as an academic background allowing us to inform you of the latest developments in your subject and to pass on a practical awareness of the contemporary business environment. Supporting your learning are guest speakers such as entrepreneurs and leaders from many organisations, who bring their professional experience to the classroom. recruits both students and lecturers from around the globe, and aims to illustrate the globalisation of markets and recognise the significance of establishing a wide network of collaborations with universities throughout the world. We have been awarded an Eduniversal 3 Palmes award, which indicates our international reputation as an academic institution. Your career options increase We are aware that your job opportunities are at the heart of your study. You will benefit from improving the most important skills that employers are seeking, including consultancy, communication and leadership skills, as well as presentation practice. Our links with a range of organisations offer you increased work placements and job opportunities. You have a new business and professional environment in which to study Recently the School has become a part of an innovative, new interdisciplinary Institute. 4m has been invested in a major project of re-investment at the Llanbadarn Centre where high profile and internationally renowned business leaders can interact. Your qualification is globally recognised An important part of our undergraduate programme is the international approach to Management and Business education. In our increasingly global marketplace it is necessary for you to gain international business knowledge that enhances your employability and increases your job opportunities. Our School

8 6 Accounting and Finance Studying Accounting and Finance at Aberystwyth On the Accounting and Finance degree, you will pursue in-depth study of three core areas throughout the programme: financial accounting a highly regulated form of accounting which is required of (and required to be made public by) a vast number of organisations, and is the key means of financial communication from those organisations to their stakeholders and the wider world; management accounting - which, is wholly unregulated and is private to the organisation - essential for proper business planning, wellcontrolled growth, monitoring/performance appraisal, and, in general to inform/underpin good business decision-making; finance, which is concerned with how organisations and individuals may obtain funding, and how funding and other resources should best be deployed. An important element and continuing theme in the programme is a thorough understanding of risk, across its different forms and facets; of different mechanisms to mitigate and control risk; of different approaches to the measurement of risk; and of the need for returns on activities and investments adequately to compensate for the risks being taken. Modules in associated, ancillary areas (e.g. management, business law, quantitative techniques) support your study of accounting and finance; and the programme allows you to tailor your studies by selecting optional modules. Each module covers context, purpose, theory and practice, in order to develop both your academic engagement with Accounting and Finance, and also your appreciation of its professional application. A number of different learning and teaching approaches are employed; as are a diversity of assessment techniques including individual and team-based projects, presentations, short-form tests, case study analysis, and, of course, formal examinations. The programme is designed to provide you with a powerful skill set: the expert collection, analysis, communication and use of Accounting and Financial information can (and should) have a fundamental and significant impact upon decisionmaking, wealth creation, and business longevity.

9 Aberystwyth University 7 Successful completion of our degree in Accounting and Finance (and/or certain modules within the programme) will provide you with exemption from some of the examinations of a number of professional accountancy (and other) bodies, and so allow you to achieve a professional qualification quicker after graduating, if that is what you want. Exemptions are extended to our graduates by the following: Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW); Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA); Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA); Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA); Chartered Insurance Institute (CII); and Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA). As well as our single honours degree in Accounting and Finance, the School of Management and Business offers you the opportunity to combine the study of Accounting/Finance with other subjects such as management, marketing, economics, mathematics, computer science or a European language. Combinations may be via our major/minor combinations, where two-thirds of your study is in the major subject; or through a joint honours degree, in which your time is divided equally between the two subject disciplines. If you choose to study Accounting and Finance together with a language, you will spend a year abroad as part of your studies and complete your degree in four years. Each of the School s degree programmes offers you the opportunity to add a year in employment between the second and final year of your studies; and/or to take some or all of your second year in an overseas university. We are very keen that all of our students at least consider one of these, since we see huge benefits in enhanced learning and employability. All of our accounting and finance faculty are active academic researchers or professionally qualified in accounting/finance; and a number of them are both. As such, they are able to draw on a wealth of experience from both academia and financial/professional services to illustrate and enliven teaching points, and to give a reality check to material. But it s not all one way: we encourage active student participation, both in teaching sessions and in the life of the School and University more widely. Professor Richard Jackson Professor of Accounting and Finance and Head of Accounting and Finance Group In addition to leading the Accounting and Finance Group, I deliver our core undergraduate module on investments and financial instruments. Prior to my academic career I had twelve years in financial and professional services, with Accenture, NatWest Group and Ernst & Young; and I am a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. My career background allows me to enrich and reinforce my teaching with real world knowledge and examples, and also to talk knowledgeably to my students about careers in the financial/professional services sector. My own research interests and specialisations include: asset pricing (what accounts for the value of shares?); prediction of corporate financial distress (can we accurately predict which companies will fail?); impact of prudential regulation (does regulation have an impact and, if so, is it the intended impact?); derivatives usage (how much and why are companies using options, swaps, futures, etc.?); and econometric methodology (can we find better ways to assess whether a series is random, or whether it contains patterns?). I am General Secretary and an Executive Trustee of the British Accounting and Finance Association, the nationwide (and increasingly international) academic society for our discipline.

10 8 Accounting and Finance Our Degree Schemes BSc Accounting and Finance (N400) BSc Accounting and Finance with... Computer Science [N4G4] Cymraeg [N4Q5] French [N4R1] Law [N4M1] Management [N4N2] Marketing [N4N5] Mathematics [N4G1] Statistics [N4G3] BSc Accounting and Finance and... Economics [LN14] French [NR41] Spanish [NR44] BSc Business Finance (N310)

11 Aberystwyth University 9 Single honours BSc Accounting and Finance (N400) Accounting and Finance is a highly relevant discipline in our fast-changing world. This single honours degree will enable you to gain a solid base in all key areas of business finance and accountancy along with the essential transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers. On successful completion of this course you will be able to gain exemption from certain examinations and achieve professional qualifications at an earlier stage. In the first year you will study the three key areas of financial accounting, management accounting, and financial management. You will also be introduced to quantitative techniques and the use of specialist statistical computer software. In the second year you will look in greater depth at investment analysis, portfolio selection and risk management. You will begin to explore some of the details of the specific rules and practices of accounting in fields such as audit and taxation, and you will also study corporate governance, financial and management accounting, and business law. In the third year you will explore current trends in management accounting from both practical and theoretical perspectives. Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Core Accounting and Finance modules 100 credits: Financial Accounting 1 Introduction to Management Accounting Introduction to Financial Management Quantitative Skills and Methods Introduction to Management Business Environment Optional modules: a further 20 credits of approved modules 100 credits: Financial Accounting 2 Management Accounting 2: Cost and Control Investments and Financial Instruments Corporate Governance, Risk and Ethics Business Law Additional modules to be studied with core modules 80 credits: Financial Accounting 3 Management Accounting 3: Issues and Developments in Management Accounting Corporate Finance and Financial Markets Accounting and Finance: Analysis and Application Optional modules: 20 credits of Accounting and Finance electives must be chosen over years 2 and 3, plus a further 40 credits of approved modules

12 10 Accounting and Finance Accounting and Finance Major/Minor schemes The School provides a number of major/minor combinations with Accounting and Finance as the major. These programmes would normally be completed in three years, however, if you choose to study Accounting and Finance with French you will spend a year abroad as part of your studies and would therefore complete your degree in four years. Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Core Accounting and Finance modules 80 credits: Financial Accounting 1 Introduction to Management Accounting Introduction to Financial Management Quantitative Skills and Methods Business Environment + 40 credits of the minor subject 80 credits: Financial Accounting 2 Management Accounting 2: Cost and Control Investments and Financial Instruments Business Law Core modules in the minor subject + 40 credits of the minor subject 60 credits: Financial Accounting 3 Management Accounting 3: Issues and Developments in Management Accounting Corporate Finance and Financial Markets + 40 credits of the minor subject Additional modules to be studied with core modules Optional modules: 20 credits of Accounting and Finance modules BSc Accounting and Finance with... Computer Science [N4G4] French [N4R1] Law [N4M1] Management [N4N2] Marketing [N4N5] Mathematics [N4G1] Statistics [N4G3]

13 Aberystwyth University 11 Accounting and Finance Joint Schemes There is the option to study Accounting and Finance as a joint degree, for example with a subject such as Economics or French. In each year of your studies you would take half of your credited subjects from the other degree of your choice. Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Core Accounting and Finance modules 60 credits: Financial Accounting 1 Introduction to Management Accounting Introduction to Financial Management Quantitative Skills and Methods 60 credits in the joint subject 60 credits: Financial Accounting 2 Management Accounting 2: Cost and Control Investments and Financial Instruments Core modules in the minor subject 60 credits in the joint subject 40 credits: Corporate Finance and Financial Markets Business Law 60 credits in the joint subject Additional modules to be studied with core modules Optional modules: 20 credits of Accounting and Finance modules BSc Accounting and Finance and... Economics [LN14] French [NR41] Spanish [NR44]

14 12 Accounting and Finance Single honours BSc Business Finance (N310) A degree in Business Finance allows you to study in-depth the financial, economic, market and organisation contexts of business, and the diversity of factors which impact upon business performance, prospects and longevity. There is significant content in common with the Accounting and Finance programme; but here modules in economics and the ever-popular independent research project replace some of the more advanced accounting. The Business Finance degree aims to equip you with a well-founded, coherent framework to understand financial strategy, the conduct of financial services, and the regulation of money and finance in order to provide you with the knowledge and skills to work in this vital and increasingly complex field and develop suitable and feasible solutions to address both business problems and aspirations. Studying our degree in Business Finance, you will be able to choose from a wide range of elective modules from within the School, in accounting, economics or general business management. Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Core Business Finance modules 100 credits: Financial Accounting 1 Introduction to Management Accounting Introduction to Financial Management Quantitative Skills and Methods Introduction to Management Business Environment Optional modules: a further 20 credits of approved modules 100 credits: Financial Accounting 2 Investments and Financial Instruments Firms, Markets and Pricing The Business Cycle and Macroeconomic Policy Management Research Methods Additional modules to be studied with core modules Optional modules: a further 20 credits of approved modules 80 credits: Corporate Finance and Financial Markets Taxation, Fiscal Policy and Public Sector Finance European and International Monetary Systems Independent Research Project Optional modules: a further 40 credits of approved modules

15 Aberystwyth University 13 Your Career Studying for a degree at the School of Management and Business will not only increase your knowledge in your given subject area but it will also provide you with an opportunity to significantly improve your career prospects. You need to be involved in as many opportunities as you possibly can in order to develop a good range of skills and experiences. At Aberystwyth you will be provided with a number of services and opportunities that will help you to develop these skills. Almost 90% of Aberystwyth graduates are in employment and/ or further study 6 months after graduation. SMB Prizewinners at graduation The Year in Employment Scheme (YES) All of our UK/EU students are invited to participate in the University s Year in Employment Scheme. The scheme normally involves you entering a paid year in employment between your second and third year of study. The graduate job market is extremely competitive and you need more than just a degree to make you stand out from the crowd. Taking part in YES is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable employment experience, and to develop the transferable personal and professional skills that graduate employers are looking for in applicants. Taking part in YES may also provide you with the opportunity to: Make or test decisions about a chosen career path Work abroad and learn a new language Secure sponsorship for your final year Receive training which may count towards a professional qualification A YES placement can also have a positive impact on your academic work as it may give you the chance to: Apply theories taught at university to real situations in the workplace Start research work for your final year dissertation Improve your final examination marks with the additional knowledge and skills acquired while on placement e.g. time management, making presentations, working with others Some of the organisations and institutions that Aberystwyth students have been employed at on the Year in Employment Scheme include: KPMG Ofgem Bosch IBM Airbus HP Disney Deloitte HM Treasury Welsh Assembly Government Boots

16 14 Accounting and Finance Go Wales Work Placements As well as the YES scheme, all students if they wish can take part in the graduate work placement scheme Go Wales. This is a ten-week paid placement at a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) where you can gain worthwhile work experience on graduate calibre projects. In previous years many students have been offered permanent positions on graduation. These placements are usually undertaken during the summer vacation. Career Development Planning (CDP) and the Careers Advisory Service Located on Penglais campus, the Careers Advisory Service provides a number of services to help aid your individual development and career planning. The staff will be able to help you identify opportunities and help you to make informed decisions about your future. They provide presentations/workshops on topics such as effective job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation. They also provide drop-in sessions which allow you to talk with a careers advisor on a one-to-one basis. Student profile Kelly Jones YES Accounting and Finance participant The fact that SMB offers its students the opportunity to participate in the Year in Employment Scheme was one of the main reasons why I chose to come and study here. When I began searching for a suitable YES placement at the beginning of my second year I received a great amount of assistance from SMB and the Careers Advisory Service. I was successful in securing a placement as a Finance Officer at the Welsh Assembly Government. Working in this position has allowed me to experience many different elements of finance and I have realised how the theory I have learnt in the first two years at university is applied in practice. The YES scheme has been an invaluable experience and I would recommend it to anyone. The School of Management and Business provides a dedicated link careers adviser who co-ordinates careers and employability activities, specifically aimed at students studying within the School. The Careers Service will be available to you even after you have graduated from Aberystwyth. If you wish you can continue your studies at Aberystwyth after completing your undergraduate degree. The School offers a number of specialist and management taught Masters degree programmes, as well as the opportunity to complete a research Masters course. The School is one of a limited number of premier business schools that has its management programmes accredited by the Association of MBA s, which is a true mark of quality. A Professional Career With a degree in Accounting and Finance or Business Finance, you will be well prepared for an exciting and demanding career in the business and financial world. Accountancy firms, retail and investment banks and other financial institutions offer a wide range of career opportunities to suit a variety of interests, including audit/assurance, management consulting, corporate finance, IT consulting, tax planning, insolvency/recovery services and risk management. Commercial organisations, too, provide a plethora of opportunities in Accounting and Finance, including finance training schemes, business planning, and financial and management reporting. And, of course, public sector organisations, voluntary organisations and charities are also in need of the skills and insights developed through our Accounting and Finance/Business Finance degrees.

17 Aberystwyth University 15 Studying Overseas As well as studying at Aberystwyth you have the opportunity to study abroad as part of your degree programme, on either the Erasmus European exchange programme or the North American Exchange programme. Erasmus European exchange programme As a UK or European undergraduate student, you will have the opportunity to join the Erasmus exchange programme, enabling you to gain valuable experience of studying, for one or two semesters in your second year at a partner university in Europe. Your study in Europe will be considered an integral part of your degree scheme and your credits and grades will count towards your final degree. Most programmes selected at our partner universities are taught through the medium of English so you do not need to worry about your academic language skills. Our partners include; the University of Tampere, Finland, University of Hasselt, Belgium and the University of Wroclaw, Poland. North American Exchange Programme You can participate in the University s North American Exchange Programme, enabling you to spend the second year of your degree programme studying at a partner university in the United States. Your credits and grades achieved during study in the United States will be transferred back to Aberystwyth and will count towards your final degree. Our partners in North America include the University of Pittsburgh, Washington State University, the University of Montana and Utica College, Boise State University. Student profile Mateusz Lukasiak I was lucky enough to participate in the North American Exchange Programme; I went to Washington State University (WSU) for nine months to study a range of Business and Marketing modules, amongst others that I chose myself. The experience was not only great because of the beautiful crimson-coloured campus and high standard of lectures but mainly because of the cultural vibe coming from an unbelievable mix of people which I had the privilege to choose my friends from. I was able to learn at a world-class institution in the day time and socialise among thousands of party-hungry students from all over the world in the night time. I made friends for life; I can go back to USA at any time and know that I can count on their support. I was also given a chance to participate in a business plan competition in which I won a 1,000 prize. All in all, if I could do it again I would not hesitate to do so. Both the European and North American Exchange programmes will provide you with a wonderful opportunity to experience a different culture and allow you to develop new perspectives and values associated with the study and practical application of business-related practice.

18 16 Accounting and Finance Living in Aberystwyth The Town and University Where you study is important, because the place determines the quality of life you enjoy, the opportunities open to you and the time available for academic study and personal development. Aberystwyth is a distinctive town on the beautiful shores of Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales. Its rich history is immediately apparent; the town s elegant Victorian seafront and picturesque harbour is overlooked by the ruins of a medieval castle and an iron-age hill fort. Aberystwyth is set in unspoilt surroundings, offering a fine coastline and expanses of rolling moorland and wooded valleys immediately inland. The Cambrian Mountains and Snowdonia National Park are within easy reach and provide access to a host of outdoor activities. Living costs are substantially lower in Aberystwyth than in the rest of the UK.

19 Aberystwyth University 17 Student Life Everything in Aberystwyth is accessible and within walking distance, and the town is served by frequent rail and bus services. There are no time-consuming, costly and frustrating journeys to work or leisure activities in this small, pollution-free, and safe university town. All students are guaranteed accommodation in their first year, and many students choose to live in university accommodation for their final year. The majority of second year students live in privately rented housing in the town. The fact that most students live on campus or in town creates very favourable conditions for the active student life for which Aberystwyth is famous. The Students Union offers a wide range of excellent student services, with clubs and societies that cover academic, musical, religious, political and recreational interests. Sports clubs flourish in Aberystwyth given the excellent facilities available at the University and in the town. Union membership gives free or cheap access to many facilities on campus - bars, music, cinema, theatre, shops and launderette. The Arts Centre on the campus provides an excellent programme of music, comedy, drama, dance and exhibitions. All first year students are guaranteed rooms in Halls of Residence. The Students Today, housed on a splendid campus site, the University has expanded to more than 9000 students. It has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, with students from over 100 nations welcomed annually to undertake their chosen course. In recent years, students have been drawn in roughly equal number from Wales, and the rest of Britain and Ireland. All who study here acknowledge that Aberystwyth remains a very special place, which they remember with affection. Aberystwyth has a dynamic student community, an excellent social life, and a stunning location.

20 18 Accounting and Finance Information for International Students The School of Management and Business has established many international links and a number of collaborations with partner universities throughout the world. Our relationships are formed on the basis of equality, with focus on mobility and academic collaboration. We are very keen for students to contribute to these relationships, ensuring that the benefits are widely felt both at Aberystwyth University and throughout our partner universities. At our School we have a large cohort of students from around the globe. The international student community at our school currently consists of students from 50 different countries. Our School welcomes applicants from overseas and has particularly strong links with partner universities in India, China, Russia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil and our portfolio of countries is rapidly expanding. International collaboration is an essential part of our School s work and accordingly we have considerable experience in dealing with applications from candidates offering qualifications from different countries. The University s International Office is responsible for promoting the courses overseas and co-ordinates student recruitment, the development and nurturing of institutional and other links worldwide, and the enhancement of study abroad and the student exchange opportunities. Their website has a wealth of information for international students. Visit: There s so much support for international students, from tutors and the international student adviser, they all actually reach out to you. Adlin Nasir Malaysia, SMB student

21 Aberystwyth University 19 English Language Assistance The International English Centre (IEC) runs a number of courses to improve English language competency of international students for whom English is a second or foreign language including an International Foundation Programme, a pre-masters course, year round English courses, and summer and pre-sessional courses. The IEC also runs a number of teacher training programmes for aspiring teachers of English as a foreign language. Visit: Further Information International Office Tel: +44(0) Fax: +44(0) tesol@aber.ac.uk Web: International English Centre Tel: +44(0) / Fax: +44(0) international@aber.ac.uk Web:

22 20 Accounting and Finance Your Opportunities at SMB The School has its own society made up of and run by Management and Business students known as The Biz. You are encouraged to become a member of The Biz as not only is it a great way of making new friends, it also provides opportunities to take part in enterprise and business related competitions and events. Members of the society regularly take part in organising educational visits to local and national business establishments as well as organising lectures from special guests. The Biz society recently organised an educational visit to Cadbury s World in Birmingham. Forty-five SMB students attended, and the visit included an educational talk from the Cadbury s education officer and a full factory tour. This allowed students to see theory taught in lectures happening in practice. Opportunity was also given for students to ask questions which included that of the Cadbury takeover by Kraft, their product development today and their increasing global presence in the confectionary and biscuit market. Competitions entered by SMB students by Danielle Bentley Since being at university, I have entered two business entrepreneur-style competitions and found them both to be amazing opportunities to put into practice what I have been learning as part of my degree. I was selected as part of a group of SMB students to represent Aberystwyth University in a national university business entrepreneur competition called FLUX. As a group we progressed to the all expenses paid final held in London. Over the two days we had to present three pitches (regarding a sales project), and take part in five meetings with a group of industry experts. The experience allowed us group members to build a number of invaluable contacts and the competition gave us all such valuable experience across many areas of business. I sit on the committee of The Biz society and the contacts I made at FLUX helped us plan further meetings and activities for the society.

23 Aberystwyth University 21 Inspiring alumni Guest lectures by experienced practitioners are often organised by the school in order for students to realise how their learning is relevant to the realworld. Spencer Dale who is the Executive Director and Chief Economist at the Bank of England and a member of its Monetary Policy Committee, recently gave such a lecture at Aberystwyth entitled Rebalancing the economy and the role of monetary policy. The lecture involved Mr Dale discussing with students the importance of rebalancing the UK economy with regards to the goods and services it supplies, in order to achieve economic growth. Mr Dale also explained why this process poses significant challenges for UK policy-makers. To commemorate the centenary of Economics as a subject at Aberystwyth University Robert Peston, the BBC s award winning business editor recently visited the school to give a talk entitled The Great Debt Shuffle. Mr Peston explained to students many of the reasons behind the recent global financial crisis and there was also the opportunity for students to put forward any of their own questions to Mr Peston. I was also able to secure a summer internship due to the contacts I developed at the competition. I also entered the IBM business competition, where for six weeks my team and I ran a theoretical catering business competing against hundreds of other teams across the country. Every week IBM would issue a market analysis with our demand and sales information and we would have to meet up and discuss our tactics to try and steal the market. It provided us with us with a real sense of what it takes to start up a company. I would really recommend getting involved with these kinds of opportunities that Aberystwyth offers so many of, as they have allowed me to put my studies into practice and have also provided me with some great experiences and memories that I will always treasure! Alumni profile George Ashworth George Ashworth a former Aberystwyth economics graduate, who is the Managing Director of the UK leasing arm of ABN Amro, regularly returns to Aberystwyth and recently came to give a workshop to SMB students informing them about his career in the financial sector. The workshop helped students to develop their understanding of the key employability attributes and skills they need to be successful. George also gave a presentation to the students entitled Successful Business in Difficult Times. The students were then divided into groups and each group was set a challenge where they had to prepare a creative solution to a current - real world business scenario. The winning group (consisting of four SMB students) were then invited to spend a day with George and fellow members of his senior management team, a visit that included an overnight stay in a hotel, all expenses paid. During the visit, the students attended a number of different presentations and were provided with a fantastic networking opportunity as they were able to interact with managers and staff who work alongside George. Xiang Li Being an international student who is new to the UK, I found the visit to be exceptionally interesting as well as inspiring. I was able to see why working in such an environment is so appealing to young professionals. The visit enabled my fellow group members and I to build important network relationships with people involved in a prestigious organisation. Xiang Li - SMB student who was part of the winning group. SMB students at the FLUX competition final in London

24 22 Accounting and Finance How to Apply Admissions requirements At the School of Management and Business we re committed to attracting talent and diversity at all levels, to contribute to the academic vitality of the school. We do not require applicants to have studied any particular subjects however you will need GCSE Mathematics Grade C or above (or international equivalent using NAIRC) to meet the academic entry requirements for admission onto an undergraduate degree programme. Applicants are selected on their individual merits, and offers can vary. A typical offer for A-level candidates is 300 points. We are happy to receive applications from candidates offering a wide range of other qualifications including BTEC, vocational A-levels, or the International or Welsh Baccalaureate. We also welcome mature applicants. Many of our mature students progress from having no formal qualifications, through a very enjoyable and rewarding period with us to graduation and a return to employment with greatly enhanced prospects. To apply for a place on an undergraduate degree programme at the school, you will need to apply through UCAS. UCAS is the national UK universities admission system and is responsible for managing all undergraduate applications submitted to universities in the UK. To access the admissions procedure visit You should submit your application between mid-september and mid- January, for enrolment in the following September, the start of the academic year. Best university in the UK for its Awards, Bursaries and Scholarships, worth up to 11,700. Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards The Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards offered at Aberystwyth are amongst the most valuable and extensive available at any British university. Our awards provide valuable financial support to ensure that students of all backgrounds can enjoy the benefits of higher education. Amongst the awards available are: Aberystwyth Bursaries Excellence Scholarships Entrance Scholarships worth up to 1,200 a year Merit Awards worth 1,000 payable in your first year of study Residential Bursaries worth 400 Music Scholarships worth 500 a year Sports Scholarships worth 500 a year Care Leaver Bursaries worth up to 1,800 a year International Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships *Please note that not all of these awards can be held together, but many can in different combinations. Further information can be found on the website ( or by contacting the University s Marketing and Recruitment Office on , or by ing marketing@aber.ac.uk.

25 Aberystwyth University 23 Open Days and Visiting Days During the year, Aberystwyth University hosts several main Open Days, where you can visit any part of the University. During your Open Day you will be able to: Look at your accommodation Visit the departments Tour our campus and facilities Find out about our bursaries and scholarships Speak to our current students For more information and to reserve your place on an Aberystwyth University Open Day visit our website or contact us on , or Once you ve applied for a place at Aberystwyth, you will automatically be invited to attend a Visiting Day. These visits focus on the course in which you ve shown an interest, and are an opportunity to speak in more depth with SMB tutors and current students.

26 24 Accounting and Finance Graduate Profiles Daniel Isaac Accounting and Finance / Economics, First Class Honours I decided to study for a joint honours degree so that I could combine the study of two different subject areas, to give me a broad knowledge base which would help to increase my career prospects. I chose to study at Aberystwyth after attending a visiting day. I felt that it offered a particularly comfortable learning environment, and I could see that there were many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of academic study. I also received a merit award, after sitting an entrance scholarship exam, which helped me out financially. Staff and tutors at SMB were approachable and were always prepared to offer help and assistance if you had any questions to ask. The School places a great amount of value on its students and recognises hard work and achievement. The Careers Service is a valuable resource and I would recommend that all students make use of the service. They assisted me in obtaining a short work experience placement in the finance department at Ceredigion County Council. There is a great spirit amongst all the students at Aberystwyth. There are a number of sports clubs and societies for you to join and there is something for everyone. Joining a club or a society is a great way of meeting people with similar interests and making friends. During my time at Aberystwyth I was part of a team in the DIGS football league and took the opportunity to captain the side in my final year. I also regularly made use of the facilities offered by the Sports Centre such as the gym. Through my academic study and involvement in other activities whilst at Aber I was able to significantly develop my interpersonal skills and I feel that I have been provided with a solid platform for my future. I am soon to begin a training contract at KPMG, to become an ACA Chartered Accountant.

27 Aberystwyth University 25 Stephanie Wright Accounting and Finance, First Class Honours The course assumed no prior knowledge, which was invaluable to all, giving those with no knowledge a chance to learn the basics and for others to recap or learn things they might not have known. From day one all of the lecturers were extremely helpful and approachable, with no question being too simple or stupid. Tutors were available whenever needed, through or by arranging an appointment. Whilst at university I found it very easy to settle in, initially making friends with my flatmates and attending various society socials and events (not necessarily any of which I was enrolled on!) to then joining the Philomusica in my second year and continuing to get to know many other students in Aberystwyth! By the end of my second and third year there weren t many students I didn t know! During my studies I initially took a short placement for 3 weeks with a small accounting firm in Telford during the Easter holidays of my second year. This then confirmed my aspiration to work in accountancy. I was then offered a year in employment with a larger accounting firm in Shrewsbury. After returning to Aberystwyth to complete my final year I had built my confidence, organisational skills and time management which I have now taken with me to utilise in my career when studying towards my ACA qualification. My time at Aberystwyth has been invaluable, from completing my year in employment I was fortunate to be offered a permanent position with the company which involves a three year training contract to become a chartered accountant with the ACA. Steve Guest Accounting and Finance, 2.1 I had never studied accounting or business before so was going to Aberystwyth with no prior knowledge in the subject. The degree was taught very well. My tutors were very approachable and I felt I could talk to them about any concerns I had. Leading up to exams we would go through a lot of past papers which really helped with revision. In the summer between my second and third year I spent seven weeks at a company called Vax, working in their finance department. This experience gave me an idea of what it might be like to work in finance after graduation. I played for the university mens football team for three years while at Aberystwyth and loved every second of it. I highly recommend you join a club or society while at university. I met so many people through the football club and I plan to keep in touch with them for a long time. I was also the Treasurer during my final year; being on a committee looks great on your CV. I enjoyed the course but I personally did not want to go into the field of accounting or finance. If you are happy to get fully qualified and do some more exams then accountancy is a great profession to get into. The numerous transferable skills that I developed during my time in Aber have helped me to secure my current job where I am working as a Recruitment Consultant for a small company in Birmingham.

28 The best scholarships, bursaries and awards in the UK Coastal, campus university Guaranteed first year accommodation Flexible choice for students Exceptional support for student learning Access to the National Library of Wales Vibrant student life For further information contact: School of Management and Business Aberystwyth University Rheidol Building Llanbadarn Centre Aberystwyth, SY23 3AL Tel: +44 (0)