The programme is designed to build a rigorous understanding of the dynamic global business environment and future challenges with relevant real-world accounting and financial management problems and their efficient solutions.

It provides a solid foundation to develop theoretical and technical skills in a number of subjects including contemporary areas such as multinational management accounting corporate governance and sustainability performance management international financial reporting auditing and assurance contemporary issues in accounting practices and strategy and globalisation and information management.

A large range of optional modules gives you the choice to retain your focus on aspects of financial management such as international business context or contemporary issues in accounting or broaden your scope of study to expand your business knowledge by exploring marketing or entrepreneurship for example.

Depending on availability you can also choose to study a modern language as your optional module from absolute beginners to advanced level in British Sign Language Mandarin Chinese French German Japanese Spanish or Russian. Those for whom English is a second language may also choose Advanced Business English.

You will study a mixture of core and optional taught modules during semesters 1 and 2. After you have completed the taught modules of the course you will undertake a large project in semester 3 to further develop your knowledge in a specific area of marketing.

Module structure
SEMESTER 1
Core modules

Accounting for Decision Making
International Corporate Governance and Sustainability
Performance Management
Optional modules
Choose one of the following:

Leadership
International Operations and Supply
International Business Context
Understanding Consumer Behaviour
Marketing Management in the Digital Age
Clean and Green: Technologies from Above the Earth
System Design and Programming
SEMESTER 2
Core modules

Creativity and Personal Development
International Financial Reporting
Multinational Accounting and Control
Optional modules:
You will choose one of the following;

Contemporary Issues in Accounting
Contemporary Challenges in Global Business
Entrepreneurship
Strategic HRM
International Human Resources
Strategy and Information Management
Brands and Branding
Cloud Computing
SEMESTER 3
Core modules

Research Methods
After you have completed the taught modules you will undertake an independent project to further develop your knowledge in a specific area of management or to tackle a specific management issue within an organisation all of which is designed to enhance your employability and research skills.

Dissertation
The dissertation is a formal written academic project of between 10000 and 12000 words making it ideal preparation for future academic research at MPhil or PhD level or for the report-writing and scrutiny expected of senior management professionals. Taking inspiration from your own interests and with support throughout from a highly experienced supervisor with relevant expertise you’ll choose an important and emerging topic to conduct either quantitative or qualitative research in various accounting fields such as corporate governance social and environmental accounting performance management auditor independence and audit quality and so on.

Consultancy Project
During June and September you will spend eight to 12 weeks undertaking a management research project on behalf of an organisation (chosen by Keele Business School). You’ll put into practice what you’ve learned developing and applying your skills to solve a business problem issue or focus on a specific project. As part of the eventual assessment you’ll present your findings to the host organisation exactly as you would do within the workplace. Previously two of our students worked with a local council one undertaking a feasibility study for the establishment of a school for those wanting to work in the circus the other developing an evaluation tool to assess applications for the town’s local market. Another student worked with a manufacturing company to investigate new markets for its tile boards outside of the ceramic market such as weddings mood boards displays and so on.

Please note that participation in the Consultancy Project is only available after a comprehensive selection process. Please view our terms and conditions to find out more.

Entrepreneurship pathway
An excellent opportunity if you have an idea for a new business venture this module will provide you with the time space and expertise to develop it. For between eight weeks to 12 months you’ll be given the option of a base within the University’s incubator and have access to workshops and guidance from a network of entrepreneurs and business advisers. During this time you’ll complete a portfolio of evidence on your idea and present this to an external stakeholder. Places are limited and you will be required to undertake an interview prior to acceptance on this module.

Please note: The Entrepreneurship pathway is available to UK Students only.

Placement pathway
In an increasingly competitive job market employers are looking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge skills and workplace experience. With support from the Faculty Placement Officer you will gain first-hand professional experience on a suitable paid work placement for between eight weeks to 12 months. During your placement you will be required to complete an extended project on behalf of the organisation. As part of the eventual assessment you’ll present your findings to the host organisation exactly as you would do within the workplace. Your placement can be based anywhere in the UK giving you the opportunity to work with local national and international organisations.

Students who require a visa to study in the UK may be able to add in a work placement depending upon the programme. The ability to add a work placement is dependent upon the UK Immigration rules at the time of the request. It may be that for some programmes students will not have the option to request a placement period to be added to their programme before they arrive in the UK and would need to apply for a new visa. There is no guarantee that a placement will be provided and that students who have a visa are subject to a number of restrictions on the type of work including placements they can undertake.