AC480
Quantitative Methods in Accounting and Finance
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Maria Correia
Dr Jose Carabias Palmeiro
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Accounting and Finance. This course is available on the MSc in Accounting, Organisations and Institutions. This course is not available as an outside option to students on other programmes.
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Accounting and Finance.
Students on the MSc in Accounting, Organisations and Institutions wishing to take AC415 Management Accounting for Decision Making are required to attend Section 2 (Introduction to Management Accounting). Section 2 cannot be taken concurrently with AC490 Management Accounting, Decisions and Control.
Students on the MSc in Accounting, Organisations and Institutions wishing to take AC416 Topics in Financial Reporting are required to attend Section 3 (Introduction to Financial Accounting). Section 3 cannot be taken concurrently with AC491 Financial Accounting, Reporting and Disclosure.
This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
The objective of the course is to provide students with the necessary background required for core accounting and finance courses. The course is structured in three main sections:
Section 1 - Quantitative Methods
This section equips students with essential quantitative tools for technical MSc courses, covering introductory topics in basic calculus, probability, and statistics.
Section 2 - Introduction to Management Accounting
This section focuses on the use of accounting for internal planning and control. Key topics include basic cost concepts, cost-volume-profit (CVP) analysis, and cost allocation methods.
Section 3 - Introduction to Financial Accounting
This section introduces fundamental accounting concepts and the main financial statements. It emphasises the perspective of external users—such as investors and analysts—highlighting how financial information is interpreted and used, particularly for valuation purposes.
Teaching
Teaching takes place before the start of AT.
Indicative reading
A detailed reading list will be provided at the beginning of the course.
Illustrative texts:
Thomas, W., W. Tietz, T. Suwardy, K. Chern, W. Harrison, C. Horngren. Financial Accounting (IFRS), 12th ed., Pearson.
Weetman P. and D. Jubb. Financial and Management Accounting: an Introduction, 9th ed., Pearson.
Assessment
This course is not assessed. However, students will be given application exercises to complete on their own or in groups.
Key facts
Department: Accounting
Course Study Period: Pre-sessional
Unit value: Non-credit bearing
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 185
Average class size 2024/25: Unavailable
Controlled access 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Leadership
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills