Period 1
The first 12 weeks of the module will cover the fundamental principles and practices of financial accounting and will include:-

The role of the accounting function in Business management and control
Using accounting records to prepare the following statements:
Trial balance
Trading and profit and loss account
Balance sheet
Cash Flow
The interpretation of accounts using appropriate financial techniques will also be included plus an introduction to financial resources available to start and grow an organisation.


Period 2

The second 12 weeks of the module will introduce the legal environment within which business operates.

The module will focus on the legal framework for business, providing the underpinning for commercial activity. It includes the areas of contract law, employment law and the administration of companies. Globalisation of business is recognised by the inclusion of alternative legal systems, as well as the English legal system.

Areas covered will include:

Comparison of English Law and Alternative Legal Systems
Business Structures
Introduction to Contract Law
Introduction to Tort Law
The Contract of Employment
Company Administration & Company Law
Business & Criminal Liability

Period 1 is delivered in workshops in which case studies are used to facilitate the understanding of the topics. Workshops - 2 hours per week x 12 weeks = 24 hours.


In period 2 there will be whole group sessions - a series of participatory lectures/workshops will disseminate basic knowledge and understanding as the foundation for a structured programme of tutorial sessions. Lectures/workshops - 2 hours per week x 12 weeks = 24 hours.



Tutorial sessions will examine particular aspects of the Financial and Legal Aspects of Business in which students will enjoy a blend of learning opportunities thereby allowing them to engage positively with the subject area and each other.
Typical learning techniques include: student led tutorials / presentation of written work and interactive exercises.
Students engaged on part-time study will generally enjoy different contact hours which reflect their status and/or other award requirements.

Directed study and independent learning = 252 hours - principally this will consist of preparation for work to be undertaken in seminars and research (individual & collaborative). Directed Study will involve the utilisation of information technology including the Legal Environment of Business (LEB) web pages and use of the Westlaw database which enable interaction with relevant material at a pace and time, convenient to the user. Students will be provided with general guidance in the module study guide, and receive specific guidance and training where needed. All students studying this module will also be required to submit evidence on a regular basis demonstrating an ability to monitor and reflect upon their learning experience.

A range of resources, including, University library and IT facilities, the Internet, journals and databases

Kelly, D., Hayward, R.,Hammer, R.,& Hendy, J. (2011) Business Law 6th Edn. (Routledge, latest edition)
Evans, D., (2011) A student's guide to Corporate Finance and Financial Management, Kaplan Publishing

Details -

Period 1
1 x end of semester 1 exam (weighting 50%) will assess learning outcomes 1, & 2

Period 2
A Portfolio comprising:
¿ Q & A on Company set up (17.5%)
¿ Case Study (17.5%)
¿ Poster assessment - contemporary topic, student choice (15%)