Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting with Management and Analytics

The overall Bachelor of Science. (Honours) in Accounting with Management and Analytics is a Level 6 qualification of 180 ECTS that addresses the content typically studied for the ACCA and additionally addresses gaps in competencies that are extremely important for professionals who aspire to managerial careers in finance. These include areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, FinTech, and Business Management.

In the first year, focus is placed on providing students with a solid foundation for studying Accounting, Management and Analytics. Students will be exposed to fundamental principles across core disciplines in accounting, finance, management, and economics. In addition to the core units, students will undertake study units from the areas of FinTech (Introduction to Financial Technologies and International Financial Markets and Institutions) Artificial Intelligence (Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Data Science) and Business Management (Human Resources Development and Management).

The second year builds on principles learnt in the first year and delves deeper into aspects of taxation, performance management, audit and assurance. Emphasis is placed on developing the students’ transferable skills strengthening their analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Students will undertake study units in the area of Artificial Intelligence (Business Analytics). The final year consolidates on the first two years of the programme. Students will have an opportunity to further develop their critical skills and deepen their knowledge of complex issues in accounting, management, and analytics. Beyond the core units, students will undertake a project and hence get the opportunity to focus on a particular area that is of interest to them by choosing from an evolving range of accounting, management, and analytics units.

Through their study, students will also acquire more advanced quantitative and qualitative skills. The structure of this qualification is such that students will acquire MFHEA-accredited qualifications at diploma/higher diploma/degree level (depending on the modules they study) while providing the students with the opportunity to independently sit for ACCA examinations if they so wish.

Learning Outcomes for Knowledge

The learner will be able to:

• Examine the structure and organisation of the business and the role of technology in the communication and reporting of financial information (Module 1)
• Analyse the underlying techniques in accounting preparation including double entry; the purpose of financial statements; preparation of trial balance and full set of management accounts including consolidation where necessary (Module 2)
• Evaluate management accounting systems (Module 3)
• Review the necessary characteristics of different financial technologies, cryptocurrencies, and their functionality (Module 4)
• Demonstrate adequate knowledge of international transactions and the role of key international financial markets and institutions (Module 5)
• Examine the impact of AI technologies on the accounting industry (Module 6)
• Critically discuss the importance of ethics and good morality in an organisation (Module 7)
• Evaluate research methods and their application to accounting (Module 8)
• Assess the tax system of the Maltese jurisdiction in terms of obligations (Module 9)
• Review how information, systems, and technological developments help an organisation in managing, measuring, and controlling its performance (Module 10)
• Illustrate the audit process and the reasons for auditing (Module 11)
• Critically evaluate the fundamentals and importance of data analytics (Module 12)
• Acquire and demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the Maltese legal system, the general legal framework and other legal business areas (Module 13)
• Identify and examine criminal and fraudulent behaviour within the corporate world
• Review the qualitative and quantitative aspects of financial reporting and apply relevant accounting standards and frameworks to ensure up-to-standard financial reporting (Module 14)
• Critically evaluate the concepts and theories of corporate finance (Module 15)
• Apply adequate theories to real-life accounting and business problems (project)

Learning Outcomes for Skills

The learner will be able to:

• Appraise the impact of technology on the supply chain process, shared economy, and digital marketing and its relationship with business and society at large (Module 1)
• Apply the financial accounting skills needed to ask the right questions and collect and interpret the relevant information (Module 2)
• Record and process transactions (Module 2)
• Draft relevant management accounting reports helpful in decision-making processes (Module 3)
  Analyse the link between financial technologies and disruptive innovations in the context of future developments (Module 4)
• Examine foreign exchange markets, their structures, roles, dynamics, and operations (Module 5)
• Evaluate how data science can be applied in different industries (Module 6)
• Implement appropriate HRM practices in different organisational contexts (Module 7)
• Formulate adequate research questions and evaluate and criticise existing literature using appropriate critical thinking skills (Module 8)
• Plan and advise on tax and prepare tax computations (Module 9)
• Plan, control, and monitor performance (Module 10)
• Conduct budgeting and variance analysis and plan through the use of budgets (Module 10)
• Collect and evaluate evidence for an audit or assurance engagement (Module 11)
• Review and report on the findings of an audit or assurance engagement (Module 11)
• Critically analyse and make use of different data analysis techniques and methodologies (Module 12)
• Appraise different types of law: the law of obligations, the law of employment and the law of insolvency (Module 13)
• Prepare and present financial statements and analyse the outcomes (Module 14)
• Analyse the different sources of business finance (Module 15)
• Critically examine risk and returns (Module 15)
• Prepare a project that demonstrates evaluation of information, process of analysis and drawing of conclusions and recommendations (project)
• Communicate ideas, problems, solutions, work, and findings effectively, verbally or in writing, to peers, lecturers, and specialist and non-specialist audiences (Communication skills)
  Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc. (Digital skills)

Prerequisites

Candidates who apply for this course will possess:

• A related qualification at MQF Level 4 and/or
• Two ‘A’ Levels (MQF Level 4) or equivalent one of which should be related to Accounts, Business or Economics and a pass in English Language and Mathematics at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent)

Preference will be given to applicants having 1 year of work experience related to the study programme.
In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course.

Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA Academy, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.

Students whose first language is not English and do not possess an ‘O’ level pass in English Language will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.

Target Audience

• Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in Accounting
• Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of accounting, consulting, financial and managerial career paths
• Individuals wanting to enhance their ability to interpret, assess and communicate financial-related data

Career Paths

The potential positions for which this programme aims to prepare could be and are not limited to:

• Financial Accountant
• Management Accountant
• Tax Accountant
• Accounts Assistant
• Financial Controller
• Risk Analyst
• Compliance officer
• Consultancy
• Auditor including internal audit function
• Financial crime analyst
• Treasury Manager
• Financial Manager

Modules

You are required to complete all 15 compulsory modules (168 ECTS), as well as the project (12 ECTS) to fulfil the requirements of this bachelor’s degree.

How you’ll be assessed

The method of assessment is assignment-based.

The course comprises:

• 6 lectures per module
• 3-hour lectures (evening)
• 12 hours of guided learning and presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos
• Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work

Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:

• Modular Assessment
• Project Assessment

The course also includes additional, specialised support to help you write your Dissertation, including classes on Qualitative/Quantitative data analysis tools, as well as Dissertation Workshops.

IDEA College is Malta’s largest private further education institution focused on cultivating future leaders through specialized and accredited courses. With a philosophy centred around the students, IDEA College designs its part-time courses to seamlessly integrate into the personal and professional schedules of its attendees.

The curriculum is deeply rooted in industry needs, equipping students with practical skills and knowledge essential for success in their careers. The Academy distinguishes itself with personalized attention, access to expert mentors, an extensive resource library, and flexible payment options.

IDEA College offers a diverse range of programs, from introductory courses to advanced degrees from MQF/EQF level 4 all the way through Doctorate programs, all within a supportive, student-first environment.