Northampton, University of, BA (Hons), Accounting and Magazine Publishing

Accounting Stage 1: During the 1st stage, students are introduced to the important conceptual issues which underpin accounting and start to learn some of the techniques and skills required; students are concerned with recording, reporting and interpreting basic financial and cost accounting information. Stage 2: This stage concentrates heavily on corporate reporting, management accounting and the role of the accountant in organisational decision-making. Stage 3: In the final stage, students study the more strategic and specialist areas of accounting and finance including financial services, banking, investment management and insurance. Magazine publishing Stage 1: Students undertake a mix of practical and academic activities at foundation level including introduction to the publishing industry, publishing practices, editorial skills, writing and internet technologies; students also undertake essays, projects, and group presentations to develop an understanding of the environment in which the publishing industry operates. Stage 2: Students continue to develop their knowledge of the publishing industry through a continuation of core modules in publishing practice; these skills are put directly into effect during an industry placement which occurs at this stage; there are also a range of optional modules allowing a certain amount of specialisation depending on those aspects of the industry considered most interesting, including journalism, web publishing, editing and broadcast production; plus opportunities to continue to develop writing skills. Stage 3: At this stage students bring their knowledge and skills together in a major practical project; students also bring writing, editing and information technology skills up to professional standards and meet professionals from various areas of the publishing industry; in addition there are a further selection of option modules to enable continuation or sampling of new areas of specialism.

All joint Honours degrees may also be studied as major/minor combinations; students should ensure the correct UCAS code is used for the specific combination they require; accounting and finance encompasses a wide range of activities including recording and reporting financial performance, monitoring and controlling activity and resources as well as helping to make sound operational and strategic decisions; there are several specialisations such as financial services, auditing, taxation, risk management, and information systems; the course has an international focus; magazine publishing students undertake a combination of practical and contextual modules throughout the course; the practical modules involve hands-on experience of a variety of aspects of the publishing industry and the necessary ancillary skills expected from publishing professionals; students study aspects of publishing law, including copyright, editing and presenting, as well as page layout and relevant information technology skills.