• Offered for Year: 2026/27

• Module Leader(s): Dr David Grundy

• Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Aims

In this module you will gain a foundational understanding of financial and management accounting as well as modern finance principles - all essential for effective business decision-making. You'll engage with real-world scenarios building practical skills in financial management. Through a case-based approach and active learning you’ll learn how to analyse financial statements and evaluate investment opportunities focusing on creating shareholder value. This module will equip you with the tools to make informed strategic financial decisions in diverse organisational contexts helping you contribute meaningfully to your organisation’s financial health and stability. You'll discover how these skills directly impact both your career as a leader and manager working within a company environment and the wider business context preparing you for purposeful transformation.

The aim of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business accounting & finance emphasizing the application of financial decision making in real-world scenarios.

Financial Accounting
• To develop an understanding of accounting principles and the significance of financial information with a focus on analysing and interpreting financial statements.

Management Accounting:
• To explore the role of management accounting in organizational planning, control, and decision-making, emphasizing the design and operation of accounting systems.

Finance:
• To impart a solid foundation in finance principles, emphasizing the evaluation of financial decision making techniques and their application in organisational contexts.

Outline Of Syllabus

The following is an indicative list of the types of content areas covered either directly or in the modules supporting materials:

• Understand the structure and components of annual financial reports emphasising key financial statements and their interpretation.
• Develop skills in financial analysis focusing on financial accounting, statement analysis, and performance indicators.
• Apply financial planning and control techniques through effective budgeting practices and tools.
• Integrate concepts of financial ethics, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations and adherence to professional codes of conduct.
• Explore the basic concepts of capital markets.
• Evaluate corporate investment projects using various appraisal methods, assessing their financial viability and strategic value.
• Make informed financial decisions, including dividend policies, balancing cost of capital considerations and investor expectations.
• Foster an understanding of global perspectives, sustainability, and digital implications as they relate to financial management in today's market.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This Financial Management module will introduce explain and develop foundational concepts in financial and management accounting essential for understanding and applying financial principles in diverse business contexts. Both lectures and flipped classroom approaches will serve as a platform to introduce students to core theories and techniques building foundational knowledge and connecting theoretical frameworks to practical applications. Through case-based and interactive learning students gain exposure to financial statement analysis budgeting investment appraisal and ethical considerations aligning with learning outcomes focused on analytical and evaluative skills.

Lectures are designed to facilitate both individual understanding and group collaboration encouraging students to actively engage with financial scenarios that mirror real-world business challenges. Group work fosters teamwork and communication skills allowing students to apply financial analysis in collaborative environments thus reinforcing concepts learned individually. By integrating group activities and discussions students are prepared to make informed financial decisions and contribute to organisational value creation. This alignment of teaching methods and learning outcomes supports the overarching MBA theme of "Purposeful Transformation" by equipping students with the tools to impact financial health positively within global, sustainable and data-driven business landscapes.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams

Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

100% Exam:
A two hour closed book exam to thoroughly examine and test the students attainment of the learning outcomes in an synchronous invigilated environment in which external digital tools (and particularly AI) cannot be used.

If students are eligible for a second attempt, the resit will be an exam in the appropriate resit period.

Reading Lists

• NBS8122's Reading List

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• NBS8122's Timetable