This module prepares students to undertake an independent research project in Accounting and Finance, developing the analytical, research, and professional skills expected of final-year undergraduates and graduate entrants to the sector. Students are supported to plan, design, and execute a research project, including defining research objectives and questions, selecting appropriate research approaches, and justifying methodological choices in line with academic and professional expectations.

Students are introduced to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research designs and learn how to apply these approaches to accounting and financial contexts. The module develops students’ ability to collect, analyse, and interpret data in order to generate evidence-based findings that inform business and organisational decision-making. Ethical research practice is embedded throughout, with emphasis placed on professional standards, data protection, confidentiality, access to information, and awareness of common research limitations.

The module places strong emphasis on developing problem-solving, and data analysis skills. Students receive guidance on using appropriate statistical and research software, developing digital capability and confidence in working with financial and accounting data. Students are encouraged to present findings clearly and professionally, demonstrating effective written and oral communication suitable for employer audiences.

Assessment within the module reflects applied research practice. By completing a research proposal and a practice-based project, students demonstrate their ability to apply accounting and finance theory to real-world problems, critically evaluate results, and draw justified conclusions. Students are required to produce professionally relevant recommendations and reflect on the development of transferable skills, positioning themselves as work-ready graduates prepared for employment or further study in Accounting and Finance.

The module is assessed through three components:

Assessment 1: Proposal and Data Analysis: Individual | 2000 words | 20%

Students will analyse and interpret tutor-provided accounting or financial data using appropriate analytical techniques.

Students are required to:
Develop a research proposal using relevant design and methods
Apply suitable analytical tools to interpret accounting or financial data
Present findings clearly in a professional, business-style format
Demonstrate analytical reasoning and digital competence
Explain the relevance of findings to organisational or managerial decision-making

This assessment supports the development of graduate-level analytical and communication skills expected in entry-level professional roles.

Assessment 2: Project Study, Evaluation and Professional Recommendations: Individual | 7,000 words | 60%

Students will undertake an independent research project on an issue in Accounting and Finance.

The project must:
Demonstrate critical understanding and evaluation
Draw coherent conclusions based on evidence
Produce professionally relevant recommendations for organisations or stakeholders
Identify and articulate the development of transferable graduate skills, including analysis, judgement, communication, and digital capability

This assessment demonstrates readiness for graduate employment or further study.

Assessment 3: Project Defence (Viva Presentation): Individual | 15 minutes | 20%

Students will participate in a viva-style defence of their project.

Students are expected to:
Explain and justify research choices and findings
Respond appropriately to questions
Communicate clearly to a professional audience
Demonstrate professional values and behaviours aligned to expectations within the accounting and finance profession with confidence, professionalism, and reflective awareness of strengths and development areas.

This assessment mirrors graduate recruitment and assessment-centre environments.

This structure develops research, analytical, and professional skills essential for employability in accounting and finance careers.

The module is designed to develop students’ research knowledge, practical skills, and critical understanding in Accounting and Finance through a combination of guided, supervised, and independent learning.

Interactive Lectures – Whole-group sessions introduce key concepts, theories, and frameworks in corporate governance, auditing, and assurance. Current business examples, case studies, and professional scenarios are used to contextualise learning, encourage discussion, and foster critical reflection. Practical tutorial session in the laboratory on data analysis and interpretation.

Supervised Project Work – Students build on their approved Research Methods proposals, working closely with an assigned principal academic supervisor. Semester 2 includes 5 hours of 1:1 supervision and consultation for project evaluation guidance.

Independent Study – Students are expected to undertake approximately 72 hours of taught contact and in addition 528 hours of independent research, applying learning across Accounting and Finance topics to their Applied Financial Research Project. In addition to supervised hours, the total student effort for the module is 600 hours.

This approach ensures students develop analytical, research, and professional skills applicable to both academic and workplace settings.

1. Critically evaluate research principles, designs, and methodologies, and apply appropriate research methods to investigate business problems and support informed professional judgements in Accounting and Finance.

Research Skills
Application & Problem-Solving

2. Use digital analytics and statistical software to analyse data, interpret results, and solve business problems in organisational and professional contexts.

Knowledge & Understanding
Digital Literacy

3. Develop and communicate evidence-based recommendations to professional audiences, justifying decisions through sound judgement and ethical reasoning.

Communication

4. Critically reflect on and justify research choices, findings, and recommendations, demonstrating personal development and their impact on professional Accounting and Finance practice.

Reflection
Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

In this section, you must include reference to any specialist software, equipment, databases or licences as well as access to laboratories, simulation suites, etc.

Microsoft Office Padlet and other digital feedback mechanisms
Computer-based quizzes
Python (Pandas, NumPy, matplotlib)
Bloomberg
SPSS/ SAS / Stata / EViews
NVivo
EndNote / Mendeley
Powe BI

Aim for a maximum of 5 key texts, published within the last 5 years, where possible.

Core Textbooks:

Saunders, M.N.K., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A., 2024. Research Methods for Business Students, 9th ed. Harlow: Pearson.

Smith, M., 2022. Research Methods in Accounting, 6th ed. London: SAGE Publications.

Brooks, C., 2019. Introductory Econometrics for Finance (4th ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Develop your research, analytical, and professional skills through an independent Accounting and Finance project. Learn to select methods, collect and analyse data, and apply theory to real-world business problems. Complete a research proposal and practice-based project to produce evidence-based recommendations, reflect on wider business implications, and enhance your employability in accounting, finance, and related professional sectors.