Modules for course NN1J | BSC/BSFIN1
BSc Business Studies and Finance (4 year with Incorp Found)

These are the modules currently offered on this course in the 2019–20 academic year.

You can also view the modules offered in the years: 2018–19; 2020–21.

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Year 0 Modules

Year 1 Modules

Compulsory Modules

Semester 1

Semester 2

Optional Modules

20 credits from:

  • QXS-1002: Vocabulary (10) (Semester 2)
    This course is only available to students whose native language is not English and who have not passed the Cambridge Advanced level examination.
  • QXS-1003: Speaking and listening (10) (Semester 1)
    This course is only available to students whose native language is not English and who have not passed the Cambridge Advanced level examination. This is a single module, taught during the first term of the university year. The course is thematically organised around topics of general interest and wide academic application. Each unit comprises a video or audio tape and exercises and speaking activities based on it. The exercises used are approximately equivalent to Cambridge Advanced level, ALTE level 4, corresponding to 'Competent User' in the Council of Europe framework. Tapes and videos are at levels from Advanced to native speaker level to reflect the needs of students' other study at this university.
  • QXS-1004: Grammar and Writing 1 (10) (Semester 1)
    This course is recommended for all non-native speakers of English who would like to improve their overall competence in communicative grammar and written English. QXS1005 can be taken as a follow-up course but is not a co-requisite. This single module course provides practice in the different areas of academic writing skills with emphasis on essay writing, editing, style, referencing and quotation. It also covers work-related skill sincluding preparing a CV. This course also provides practice and gives reinforcement in major grammar areas including tenses, conjunctions, articles, prepositions, phrasal verbs and passives. The module uses a communicative approach and by the end of the course, students would be expected to be approaching the level of ALTE level 4 (Cambridge Advanced English), corresponding to 'Competent User' in the Council of Europe Framework.
  • QXS-1005: Grammar and Writing 2 (10) (Semester 2)
    This course is only available to students whose native language is not English, who would like to improve their overall competence in communicative grammar and written English. QXS1004 can be taken as a pre-course but is not a co-requsite). This single module provides communicative grammar practice in the areas of conditional, modal verbs, subject/verb agreement, prepositions, phrasal verbs, gerunds and infinitives, relative clauses, expressions of probability and possibility, articles and tenses. The course also provides practive in different writing skills including business and personal letters, reports, book reviews, literature reviews and essays. The academic writing skills of re-writing, editing, quoting and referencing are also reinforced and set expressions in academic writing are also reviewed. The module uses a communicative approach and by the end of the course, students would be expected to be approaching the level of ALTE Level 4 (Cambridge Advanced English), corresponding to 'Competent User' in the Council of Europe Framework.
  • ASB-1600: Marketing (20) (Semester 1 + 2) or
    ACB-1600: Marchnata (20) (Semester 1 + 2)

Year 2 Modules

Compulsory Modules

Semester 1

  • ASB-2111: Statistical Methods (20) or
    ADB-2111: Dulliau Ystadegol (20)
  • ASB-2202: Corporate Finance (20)
    Present value and the opportunity cost of capital; Net present value and alternative methods of investment appraisal; Project analysis; Financial planning, and analysing financial performance; Investment risk and return, and portfolio theory; The Capital Asset Pricing Model; Short-term and long-term financing; Capital structure, and market imperfections; Weighted average cost of capital; Dividend policy; Financial and real options.
  • ASB-2217: Investment (10) or
    ADB-2217: Buddsoddiant (10)
  • ASB-2416: Operations Strategy (10)
    Operations Strategy is the highest level of Operations Management that deals with plans and decisions that shape the long-term capabilities of any organisation in the course of designing, producing and distributing products and services. Themes that will be explored in the module include: • Introduction to Operation Management • Competitiveness • Operations Strategy • Linking Operations Strategy to Competitiveness • Innovation, Design & Technology Strategy • Production Strategy & Lean • Total quality management • Logistics & Location strategies • Supply chain Strategy
  • ASB-2521: Leadership and HRM (20)

Semester 2

  • ASB-2111: Statistical Methods or
    ADB-2111: Dulliau Ystadegol
  • ASB-2112: Business Information Systems (10)
    Information systems and competitive advantage, including the value chain, and the nature of data, information and knowledge; Business systems concepts, business processes and business systems; Communication, networks, software, models for effective virtual communication; Keeping records, including databases, structures, forms, reports and searching; Interacting, including the basics of interface design, and workplace ergonomics; Impact of technology on working life, and new modules of working; Developing and chaning technology, including stages in systems development projects, such as analysis, specification, design and implementation; E-business and e-commerece; Learning with information systems, including innovation, decision making and knowledge management; Control and security, in networked environments, including intranet and internet.
    or
    ADB-2112: Systemau Gwybodaeth Busnes (10)
    Systemau gwybodaeth a mantais cystadleuol, gan gynnwys y gadwyn werth a natur data a gwybodaeth; Cysyniadau systemau busnes, prosesau busnes a systemau busnes; Cyfathrebu, rhwydweithiau, meddalwedd, modelau ar gyfer cyfathrebu rhithwir effeithiol; Cadw cofnodion, gan gynnwys cronfeydd data, strwythurau, ffurflenni, adroddiadau a chwilio; Rhyngweithio, gan gynnwys cynllunio rhyngwyneb sylfaenol ac ergonomeg y gweithle; Effaith technoleg ar fyd gwaith a modelau gweithio newydd; Technoleg sy'n datblygu a newid, gan gynnwys camau mewn projectau datblygu systemau, megis dadansoddi, manyleb, cynllun a gweithredu; E-fusnes ac e-fasnach; Dysgu gyda systemau gwybodaeth, gan gynnwys datblygiadau newydd, gwneud penderfyniadau a rheoli gwybodaeth; Rheolaeth a diogelwch mewn amgylchedd wedi’i rwydweithio, gan gynnwys y fewnrwyd a’r rhyngrwyd.
  • ASB-2202: Corporate Finance
    Present value and the opportunity cost of capital; Net present value and alternative methods of investment appraisal; Project analysis; Financial planning, and analysing financial performance; Investment risk and return, and portfolio theory; The Capital Asset Pricing Model; Short-term and long-term financing; Capital structure, and market imperfections; Weighted average cost of capital; Dividend policy; Financial and real options.
  • ASB-2521: Leadership and HRM

Optional Modules

30 credits from:

  • QXS-2001: Integrated English Skills 1 (10) (Semester 1)
    This course is only available to students whose native langauage is not English. Optional for second year students on any course. This module is a wide-ranging topic-based course which utilises a multi-media approach to language learning. Various techniques and materials are used, including video & audio recordings and authentic reading texts. The course places particular emphasis on Listening skills, Communication skills, Grammar and Idiomatic English. The six broad topics around which this language work takes place are Health, Homes, Travel, Culture, Work and People & Relationships. Handouts of materials are provided for students.
  • QXS-2002: Integrated English Skills 2 (10) (Semester 2)
    This course is only available to students whose native language is not English. Optional for second year students on any course. This module is a wide-ranging topic-based course which utilises a multi-media approach to language learning. Various techniques and materials are used, including video tapes and authentic reading texts. The course places particular emphasis on Writing skills, Reading skills, Vocabulary development and Communicative grammar. The six broad topics around which this language work takes place are the Media, Learning & Teaching, Science & Technology, Entertainment, Crime & Punishment, and Stranger and Fiction. Handouts of materials are provided for students.
  • QXS-2003: Business English 1 (10) (Semester 1)
    This course is only available to students whose native language is not English, who would like to improve their skills in Business English. (QXS2004 can be taken as a follow up course but is not a co-requisite). This single module course provides practice in the skills required to work or do business effectively in an English-speaking environment. International business interaction, customs and etiquette are covered as well as British business culture. Students also work on improving their presentation skills and gain confidence in telephoning in English. Business writing is an important element of the course including business letters, reports, memos, faxes and email. Studnets also work on improving their business vocabulary, in particular areas of international trade and the internet. The module uses a communicative approach and by the end of the course, students would be expected to be at the level of ALTE Level 4 (Cambridge Advanced English), corresponding to 'Competent User' in the Council of Europe Framework.
  • QXS-2004: Business English 2 (10) (Semester 2)
    This course is only available to students whose native language is not English. (QXS2003 can be taken as a pre-course but is not a co-requisite). Ths course is recommended for all non-native speakers of English who would like to improve their skills in Business English. The single module course provides practive in the skills required to work or do business effectively in an English-speaking environment. This course focuses on cross-cultural issues, advertising, sales, marketing, interview skills and finding a job as well as job selection procedures. Report writing is also dealt with during this module. Writing, speaking and listening skills for business are an integral part of the course and the course also covers teamwork, travel and hospitality in addition to meeting and negotiation skills. The module uses a communicative approach and by the end of the course, students would be expected to be at the level of ALTE Level 4 (Cambridge Advanced English), corresponding to 'Competent User' in the Council of Europe Framework.
  • ASB-2109: Marketing Research (10) (Semester 2)
    The role of marketing research; Defining a research problem, research question and objectives; Questionnaire design, measurement and scaling; Sampling; Quantitative analysis; Collecting secondary data and use of databases; Qualitative methods including interviews, focus groups and observation; Qualitative analysis; Writing a research report; Causal research and an introduction to experiments.
  • CCB-2202: Ymdrin â'ch Pwnc yn Gymraeg (10) (Semester 2)
    Edrychir yn fanwl ar gyweiriau iaith ac egwyddorion Cymraeg Clir a cheir cyfle i arbrofi ag ysgrifennu gwahanol ddarnau yng nghyd-destun amrywiol feysydd academaidd ar gyfer gwahanol gynulleidfaoedd. Rhoir arweiniad ar sut i ymgyfarwyddo â thermau penodol gwahanol bynciau. Ceir gyfle i ymarfer sgiliau a fydd o ddefnydd i'r myfyrwyr wrth ddilyn cyrsiau trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg e.e. ysgrifennu nodiadau cydlynnus, crynhoi, trawsieithu a chyfieithu deunydd a defnyddir yn eu meysydd cwricwlaidd. Rhan bwysig o'r modiwl yw'r gwaith paratoi tuag at y cyflwyniad llafar (40% o'r marc terfynol) lle ceir cyfle i gyflwyno elfen benodol ar eu maes academaidd o flaen cynulleidfa o ddarlithwyr a chyd-fyfyrwyr.
  • ASB-2320: Current Issues in Economics (20) (Semester 1 + 2)
  • ASB-2400: Law for Business (20) (Semester 1 + 2)
  • ASB-2406: Work Placement (10) (Semester 1 + 2)
    Preparatory tutorials; Compilation of a CV; Job application letter writing; Ten days at a placement provider's workplace. Debriefing session.
    or
    ACB-2406: Lleoliad Gwaith (10) (Semester 1 + 2)
    Tiwtorialau paratoadol; Llunio CV; Ysgrifennu llythyrau i wneud cais am swyddi; Deg diwrnod yng ngweithle darparwr lleoliad;
  • ASB-2414: Management: Planning & Control (20) (Semester 1 + 2)
    The two principal tasks are as follows: 1) A crisis management scenario, completed over the course of a two-day field trip. You will respond to a series of simulated events that unfold over the course of a match day. 2) Development of a proposal for an affinity product partnership, linking the football club's brand to the marketing of another product.
  • ASB-2507: Management Accounting (20) (Semester 1 + 2)
    Costings, budgets and pricing; Target costing, life-cycling costings, back-flush accounting and throughput accounting; Linear programming with multiple scarce resources; Budgetary systems; Advanced standard costing; Performance measurement; Working capital management; Application of advanced management accounting techniques in organisations.
  • ASB-2508: Corporate Gov'nce & Regulation (10) (Semester 2)
    What is a corporation? The development and the role of corporate governance systems and codes; The importance of ownership in corporate governance; The role of the board in corporate governance; The performance and remuneration of senior management; The role of the professions in corporate governance; Current International issues of corporate governance and regulation; Why regulate? Institutions of regulation; Forms of economic regulation.
  • ASB-2511: Evolution of Mgmt Thought (10) (Semester 2)
    Introduction: academics, top executives, consultants and management gurus; The power of ideas to explain organizational change; The diffusion of management ideas (business education, management consultants, knowledge management within the firm); Great contributors to management thinking (e.g. o Scientific organization of work: Taylor o The role of directors and entrepreneurs: Fayol o Managers in organizations: Drucker); Management gurus and their contributions to management (Presentations); Conclusion: What lies ahead?
  • ASB-2515: Financial Accounting 1 (10) (Semester 1)
  • ASB-2525: Bank Management (20) (Semester 1 + 2)
  • Students may choose from the above list of modules subject to pre-requisites . QXS modules are for international students only.

Year 3 Modules

Compulsory Modules

80 credits from:

  • ASB-3009: Strategic Management (20) (Semester 2)
  • ASB-3104: Entrepreneurship Cap & Firm (10) (Semester 1)
    Introduction to entrepreneurship; Evolution of the Concept of Entrepreneurship; Characteristics of the entrepreneur; Creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; The role of entrepreneurs in the economy and society; Entrepreneurship in large firms; Types of entrepreneurship; Defining small businesses; Entrepreneurship in the future.
    or
    ADB-3104: Entrepreneuriaeth Cyf & Cwmni (10) (Semester 1)
    Cyflwyniad i entrepreneuriaeth; Esblygiad y cysyniad o entrepreneuriaeth; Nodweddion yr entrepreneur; Creadigrwydd, arloesi ac entrepreneuriaeth; Rôl entrepreneuriaid yn yr economi a chymdeithas; Entrepreneuriaeth mewn cwmnïau mawr; Mathau o entrepreneuriaeth; Diffinio busnesau bychain; Entrepreneuriaeth yn y dyfodol.
  • ASB-3122: Intl Business Competency (20) (Semester 1)
  • ASB-3210: Advanced Corporate Finance (20) (Semester 1 + 2)
    The module examines the theory and practice of corporate investment and financial decisions. Topics include: mean-variance analysis, option pricing, capital structure, dividend policy, efficient capital markets, agency theory, mergers and restructuring. Particular emphasis will be placed on topical areas within corporate governance and investments.
  • ASB-3215: Portfolio Management (10) (Semester 2)
    Market efficiency; Performance measurement and attribution; Measuring investment risk; Anomalies in returns and common investment philosophies; Benchmarking and models of expected returns; Testing for excess returns: methodologies; Testing for excess returns: key findings; Theoretical rationale for findings of excess returns; Real-world issues in the implementation of investment strategies.
  • These modules are compulsory for students continuing from year 2.

90 credits from:

  • ASB-3009: Strategic Management (20) (Semester 2)
  • ASB-3104: Entrepreneurship Cap & Firm (10) (Semester 1)
    Introduction to entrepreneurship; Evolution of the Concept of Entrepreneurship; Characteristics of the entrepreneur; Creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; The role of entrepreneurs in the economy and society; Entrepreneurship in large firms; Types of entrepreneurship; Defining small businesses; Entrepreneurship in the future.
    or
    ADB-3104: Entrepreneuriaeth Cyf & Cwmni (10) (Semester 1)
    Cyflwyniad i entrepreneuriaeth; Esblygiad y cysyniad o entrepreneuriaeth; Nodweddion yr entrepreneur; Creadigrwydd, arloesi ac entrepreneuriaeth; Rôl entrepreneuriaid yn yr economi a chymdeithas; Entrepreneuriaeth mewn cwmnïau mawr; Mathau o entrepreneuriaeth; Diffinio busnesau bychain; Entrepreneuriaeth yn y dyfodol.
  • ASB-3122: Intl Business Competency (20) (Semester 1)
  • ASB-3210: Advanced Corporate Finance (20) (Semester 1 + 2)
    The module examines the theory and practice of corporate investment and financial decisions. Topics include: mean-variance analysis, option pricing, capital structure, dividend policy, efficient capital markets, agency theory, mergers and restructuring. Particular emphasis will be placed on topical areas within corporate governance and investments.
  • ASB-3215: Portfolio Management (10) (Semester 2)
    Market efficiency; Performance measurement and attribution; Measuring investment risk; Anomalies in returns and common investment philosophies; Benchmarking and models of expected returns; Testing for excess returns: methodologies; Testing for excess returns: key findings; Theoretical rationale for findings of excess returns; Real-world issues in the implementation of investment strategies.
  • ASB-3217: Investment (10) (Semester 1)
  • These modules are compulsory for students entering the programme directly into year 3.

Optional Modules

40 credits from:

  • ASB-3008: Financial Technology (10) (Semester 2)
  • ASB-3103: Marketing Strategy & Man. (10) (Semester 1)
    Introduction and course organisation; Relationship Marketing; Entrepreneurial Marketing; Branding; Creating a Marketing Strategy; Marketing Audit and Tools 1 & 2; Formulating Marketing Strategies; Choosing a Case Study/Small Group Formation; Case study preparation and presentation.
  • ASB-3114: e-Marketing (10) (Semester 1)
    Defining the field: Introduction to the module and e-marketing as a strategic tool; E-marketing strategy and the e-marketing environment; Social media marketing; The e-marketing mix; The consumers perspective; The marketers perspective; Online retailing; Mobile marketing.
  • ASB-3117: Globaliz'tn & Multin'tl Corp'n (10) (Semester 2)
    Globalisation and its discontent; Engines of growth; Business and the state; Big Business; The Chandlerian firm; Business groups, mutuals and co-operatives; Technology and the digital economy; Business and business schools; Excellent firms - a longitudinal analysis (Presentations).
  • CCB-3202: Ymdrin â'ch Pwnc yn Gymraeg (10) (Semester 2)
    Edrychir yn fanwl ar gyweiriau iaith ac egwyddorion Cymraeg Clir a cheir cyfle i arbrofi ag ysgrifennu darnau gwahanol yng nghyd-destun amrywiol feysydd academaidd ar gyfer gwahanol gynulleidfaeodd. Rhoir arweiniad ar sut i ymgyfarwyddo â thermau penodol gwahanol bynciau. Ceir cyfle i ymarfer sgiliau a fydd o ddefnydd i'r myfyrwyr wrth ddilyn eu cyrsiau trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg e.e. ysgrifennu nodiadau cydlynnus, crynhoi, trawsieithu a chyfieithu deunydd a defnyddir yn eu meysydd cwricwlaidd. Rhan bwysig o'r modiwl yw'r gwaith paratoi tuag at y cyflwyniad llafar (40% o'r marc terfynol) lle ceir cyfle i gyflwyno elfen benodol ar eu maes academaidd o flaen cynulleidfa o ddarlithwyr a chyd-fyfyrwyr.
  • ASB-3204: Corporate Risk Management (10) (Semester 1)
    The nature of risk management; Risk identification; The firm's loss exposure; Risk measurement and probability distributions; Risk control tools; Risk financing; Insurance and the alternatives; Legal aspects of insurance and insurance contracts; Dealing with insurers.
  • ASB-3400: Law for Business (20) (Semester 1 + 2)
  • ASB-3509: Corp. Social Responsibility (10) (Semester 2)
    This module involves a visit to an organisation, during which emphasis will be placed upon its CSR strategies. An opportunity will also be available to relate CSR theory to its practical applications.
  • ASB-3512: Investment Banking (10) (Semester 1)
    Introduction in investment banking; Underwriting; The tools of valuation; Mergers and acquisitions; Deal making with difference of opinion; Private equity and LBO; Asset restructuring; Introduction to investment funds; Trading; Investment banking: recent studies.
  • ASB-3525: Bank Management (20) (Semester 1 + 2)
  • ASB-3527: Executive Compensation (10) (Semester 2)
  • Students continuing to year 3 from year 2 choose 40 credits from this list, subject to pre-requisites

30 credits from:

  • ASB-3008: Financial Technology (10) (Semester 2)
  • ASB-3117: Globaliz'tn & Multin'tl Corp'n (10) (Semester 2)
    Globalisation and its discontent; Engines of growth; Business and the state; Big Business; The Chandlerian firm; Business groups, mutuals and co-operatives; Technology and the digital economy; Business and business schools; Excellent firms - a longitudinal analysis (Presentations).
  • ASB-3309: Behavioural Finance (10) (Semester 2)
    Introduction to behavioural finance as a descriptive approach to explaining decisions and behaviour in financial markets, based on psychological theory and evidence; Theory and evidence on the efficient markets hypothesis; Expected utility theory, axioms, attitudes to risk and curvature of the utility of wealth curve, Rabin’s critique; Psychological research, examples of irrational behaviour and choices; Prospect theory, examples of irrational behaviour by individual investors; Limits to arbitrage, evidence of inefficiency, noise trader risk; The closed-end funds puzzle; Investor sentiment, under-reaction and over-reaction to news, momentum, positive feedback trading and herding, bubbles, booms, crashes and fads; Corporate finance applications, new share issues, equity and debt finance.
  • ASB-3509: Corp. Social Responsibility (10) (Semester 2)
    This module involves a visit to an organisation, during which emphasis will be placed upon its CSR strategies. An opportunity will also be available to relate CSR theory to its practical applications.
  • ASB-3527: Executive Compensation (10) (Semester 2)
  • Students entering directly into year 3 choose 30 credits from the above list.