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Find out moreInternational Business with Mandarin, MA
Introduction
The MA in International Business and Mandarin is designed to develop the leaders of the future. This programme provides students with a broad understanding of International Business along with the study of a language and is designed to equip you to be successful, with an exceptional knowledge and understanding of both its operations and its economic, political and social context.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MA
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
- UCAS Code
- NT12
The University of Aberdeen draws on both ancient heritage and globally-recognised excellence in research and teaching to challenge students academically and to connect them with the world of practice. Students will have the opportunity to include the study of a language throughout the programme, whether or not they have any prior knowledge of the language. Periods of study or internships abroad are integral parts of these programmes.
The programmes provides a broadly-based education in International Business through a four year programme. Students will take part in specialist courses in International Business can specialise in at least one of the following; economics, real estate, accounting, finance and business management. The programmes are designed to develop the international business leaders of the future.
What You'll Study
Students will have the opportunity to explore a range of themes to broaden their knowledge and sharpen their critical analysis of current debates and challenges. Some of these areas include:
- International studies in economics
- Real Estate
- Accountancy
- Finance and management
- Year 1
-
Compulsory Courses
- Academic Writing for Business (AW1003)
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This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve. It is completed on-line via MyAberdeen with clear instructions to guide you through it. If you pass the evaluation at the first assessment it will not take much of your time. If you do not, you will be provided with resources to help you improve. This evaluation does not carry credits but if you do not complete it this will be recorded on your degree transcript.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- International Context for Business 1 (IN1001)
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15 Credit Points
Using Economics as a viewpoint, this course investigates the big issues and key questions facing international business in a global economy and seeks explanations using a variety of real world tools, models and concepts. Issues covered include technology and automation, innovation and the networked economy, scarcity and choice, globalisation, inequality, the firm (its owners, managers, employees and customers), markets and public policy, financial instability and environmental issues.
- International Context for Business 2 (IN1501)
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15 Credit Points
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the external global context in which businesses operate. It explores the political, economic, sociocultural, technological, ethical and market influences on business. It also explores how businesses interact to the global environment through innovation, strategy, operations and marketing.
- Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 1 (MN1001)
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15 Credit Points
This course aims to familiarize students with the basics of spoken and written forms of Mandarin Chinese. Emphasis will be placed first on speaking and listening, particularly pronunciation and tones. The written form will be presented first through the medium of pinyin and gradually students will be introduced to a small number of the highest frequency characters. The emphasis will be on dialogue and role play. It covers a good deal of ground in the four class hours a week, and requires considerable effort and self-study to consolidate new vocabulary, grammar and Chinese characters.
- Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 2 (MN1501)
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15 Credit Points
This course will continue to familiarize students with the basics of spoken and written forms of Mandarin Chinese. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, particularly pronunciation and tones, and on aural comprehension. Students will continue to learn through the medium of pinyin and will be introduced to more of the highest frequency characters. Grammatical exercises, drills and simple reading, translation and writing exercises will be introduced. It covers a good deal of ground in the four class hours a week, and requires considerable effort and self-study to consolidate new vocabulary, grammar and Chinese characters.
Optional Courses
Select 60 credits from ONE of the following specialisms:
Accountancy specialism:
- Accounting and Accountability (AC1011)
- Economics for Business and Society (EC1006)
- Accounting Principles (AC1516)
- The Global Economy (EC1506)
Economics specialism:
- Economics for Business and Society (EC1006)
- The Global Economy (EC1506)
Finance specialism:
- Finance 1: Finance, Risk and Investment (FI1004)
- Economics for Business and Society (EC1006)
- Accounting and Entrepreneurship (AC1517)
- The Global Economy (EC1506)
Real Estate specialism:
- Finance 1: Finance, Risk and Investment (FI1004)
- Economics for Business and Society (EC1006)
- Understanding Property (PO1504)
- The Global Economy (EC1506)
Plus, select 30 credits from any AC, FI or PO-coded courses of choice.
- Accounting and Accountability (AC1011)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces the theoretical and contextual foundation of accounting. It does not involve any technical aspects of accounting or bookkeeping but provides an introduction to the political, economic, institutional, professional and managerial context of accounting. The main content includes:
- Socio-political and economic mechanisms of accountability; theories of accountability.
- Constitution of organisations and the role of accounting within organisations.
- Constitution of accounting as a business function: how accounting is organised within organisations.
- Constitution of Accountancy as a Profession: how accountancy is organised as a profession.
- Sustainability and accounting: how accounting is reorganised to address sustainability issues.
- The Economics of Business and Society (EC1006)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is an introductory course in microeconomics where we study the decision making of individual actors (consumers, employees, firms, governments, etc.) in an economy. Actors must make decisions about behaviours because they face scarce resources, but often they find that trading with other actors in markets can increase the wellbeing of all parties. This course models and examines the nature of these interactions, highlighting when they work well and when they fail to increase wellbeing and what might be the solution to these failures.
- Accounting Principles (AC1516)
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15 Credit Points
This is an introduction to accounting which aims to provide an understanding of how organisations – particularly small and medium sized businesses – capture, create and use accounting information both to guide their activities internally within the management function and to communicate their financial performance and position to external users of the accounts. This course allows students to develop practical and analytical skills through a problem-solving approach to accounting-related aspects of business performance reporting and control, particularly in relation to bookkeeping, accounts preparation, budgeting and management accounting.
- The Global Economy (EC1506)
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15 Credit Points
This course is an introductory course in macroeconomics where we study the behaviour of the economy as a whole. Whereas microeconomics focuses on individual markets, macroeconomics addresses the “big issues” such as unemployment, inflation, economic growth, and financial crises. Macroeconomics is a lively subject, full of discussion and debate, as economists and policymakers take different views on macroeconomic issues, their causes and appropriate policy responses. Issues such as: Is the economy growing? What causes unemployment and how can we reduce it? How can we avoid recessions? When is inflation a problem? Are banks lending too much?
- Finance 1: Finance, Risk and Investment (FI1004)
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15 Credit Points
This foundation course in finance, risk and investment is the requisite for several degree programmes and for level 2 real estate and finance courses. The module considers the nature and operation of investment markets, focusing on three asset classes; shares, bonds and real estate. It looks at the characteristics of these investment options in terms of their risks and returns. The module introduces basic financial mathematics: time value of money, calculation of present values and investment rates of return. Finally, it considers the role of financial institutions and regulatory bodies in personal finance, where consumers and financial markets interact.
- Understanding Property (PO1504)
-
15 Credit Points
This course introduces students to the world of the built environment, professional surveying practice and the construction industry. The first section of the course discusses the different types and characteristics of property in the UK and the different legal interests that can exist in property, why people invest in property and why and how property is developed; the second section focuses on the design and construction of buildings, the identification of defects as well their impact on the environment and relevant sustainability issues.
- Accounting and Entrepreneurship (AC1517)
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15 Credit Points
The course provides an understanding of how organisations, particularly small businesses, capture, create and use accounting information both to guide their own activities and to communicate their financial performance and financial position to parties external to themselves. It develops knowledge and understanding of accounting, accounting techniques and accounting information, so that students become informed users of accounting data and information, not creators of that data and information.
- Year 2
-
Compulsory Courses
- Big Data in Operations and Supply Chain Management (IN2002)
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15 Credit Points
This course uses four interrelated topics as foci to study 0perations in international business and management. It starts addressing the value chain then it covers energy security and sustainability, the knowledge economy and the underpinnings of big data analyses.
- Mandarin for Beginners 3 (MN2001)
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15 Credit Points
Building on work done in MN 1501 this intensive language course, which forms part of the Sustained Study Programme, will further develop all four basic language skills, reading, writing, speaking and listening. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of these skills. It covers a good deal of ground in the four class hours a week, and requires considerable effort and self-study to consolidate new vocabulary, grammar and Chinese characters (hà nzì).
- Big Data in Business and Finance (IN2502)
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15 Credit Points
This course will provide an introduction to data analytics and machine learning (often summarised as Big Data) and its applications in international business. The course will explore recent trends in green finance and FINTECH, which are based on data analytics and recent advances in machine learning.
- Mandarin for Beginners 4 (MN2501)
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15 Credit Points
Building on work done in MN 2001, this course will further develop all four basic language skills, reading, writing, speaking and listening. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of these skills. It covers a good deal of ground in the four class hours a week, and requires considerable effort and self-study to consolidate new vocabulary, grammar and Chinese characters (hà nzì).
Optional Courses
Select 60 credits from ONE of the specialisms below:
Accountancy
- Management Accountancy 2 (AC2031)
- Financial Accounting 2 (AC2530)
- Finance 2: Business Finance (FI2004)
- Understanding Statistics (PO2508)
Economics
- Intermediate Microeconomics (EC2003)
- Intermediate Macroeconomics (EC2503)
Finance
- Finance 2: Business Finance (FI2004)
- Financial Markets and Regulation (FI2501)
- Understanding Statistics (PO2508)
Real Estate
- Land and Property Economics (PO2009)
- Principles of Property Valuation (PO2509)
- Land and Property Law (PO2010)
- Understanding Statistics (PO2508)
Plus, select 15 credit points from courses of choice.
- Management Accounting 2 (AC2031)
-
15 Credit Points
This course extends the operational tools and techniques introduced in level 1 Accountancy courses. It develops more complex problem-solving techniques in the planning, control and decision-making process. It shows how quantitative methods and analytical techniques can be applied in management accounting solutions to management problems. It also emphasises the diverse industrial, commercial and not-for-profit settings in which management accountants work. It seeks to develop in students an understanding of the organisational context as well as the nature of management accounting information. The focus is to enhance students' problem-solving and communication skills, and develop their ability to select and apply appropriate techniques in specific contexts.
- Finance 2: Business Finance (FI2004)
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15 Credit Points
The main aim of this course is to develop a sound understanding of fundamental principles underlying the theory and practice of finance, thereby providing a strong basis for further study of advanced finance theory and cognate disciplines. The course introduces students to important concepts in finance: principles of assets pricing, concept of risk and return, theory of interest rates and pricing fixed income securities, evaluation of investment project with a focus on embedded real options. It equips students with good analytical skills in order to understand the implications of financial decisions by understanding the fundamentals that govern them.
- Financial Accounting 2 (AC2530)
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15 Credit Points
The objective of FA2 is to build upon material introduced in first year in order to develop students' technical skills in financial statement preparation. Students will gain an appreciation of the regulatory framework for financial reporting. They will examine the usefulness of financial statement information, by looking at the form and content of accounts produced by public limited companies. Students will explore how to account for basic transactions through the implementation of current accounting standards and apply their knowledge in both the manual and the computerised environment, the latter through the SAGE accounting package.
- Understanding Statistics (PO2508)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of statistical concepts and methods relevant to accounting, management, finance, real estate and economics. The course is intended to enable students
i) To understand the principles of descriptive statistics, index construction, statistical inference, correlation, regression and time series analysis
ii) To apply statistical techniques to the analysis of accounting, business and economic issues and interpret findings
iii) To identify important sources of data in accounting, business and economics
- Intermediate Microeconomics (EC2003)
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30 Credit Points
This course builds on and is a natural extension of EC 1006. By examining in a more rigorous way concepts introduced in EC 1006 students will develop further their analytical skills and they will obtain a better understanding of consumers and producers behaviour, market structure as well as the effectiveness of economic policy. The course is designed to appeal to all students interested in economics. This includes students who may wish not to enter into any further studies of economics, as well as students who may wish to continue studying economics at the honours level.
- Intermediate Macroeconomics (EC2503)
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30 Credit Points
This course focuses on macroeconomic policy in a global economy. The first part builds an open-economy Keynesian model to investigate what determines the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies, and how exchange rate regimes and capital mobility impact on policy effectiveness. The second part investigates what determines the level of macroeconomic activity and its growth over time. The final part looks at what determines inflation and unemployment. This intermediate level course uses live lectures to develop your analytical skills evaluating economic policy in a rigorous and technical way to equip you with the skills needed for honours level study.
- Financial Markets and Regulation (FI2501)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides students with an understanding of the financial system, primarily from a UK perspective, introducing students to the reasons for, and nature of, financial markets and institutions before moving on to explore the need and importance of financial regulation, and investigating the causes and consequences of the recent global financial crisis. The course will introduce students to a variety of topics including the role of wholesale and retail banks, non-bank financial institutions, the debt and equity markets, and the derivative markets; market efficiency, UK and international regulation, consumer protection and market abuse.
- Land and Property Economics (PO2009)
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15 Credit Points
The course will facilitate greater understanding of real estate and land markets and of the linkages between supply, demand and price. It will provide explanations of market behaviour and discuss activity patterns and outcomes with reference to specific property markets. Students will gain an understanding of the institutions that govern land use and real estate transactions and will develop skills to identify and interpret property market data in order to analyze market sectors and property types. Students will also make critical economic assessments of land use and planning policy and the methods of policy delivery.
- Land and Property Law (PO2010)
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15 Credit Points
This course considers the different legal relationships which can exist in Scotland with regard to rights in land and to outline the implications of these relationships.
This course is intended to enable participants:
- To understand the place of land tenure in society.
- To explain the concept of ownership and its implications in Scotland.
- To describe the principal forms of subordinate right that can be carved out of land ownership in Scotland.
- To identify and explain the principal restrictions on land ownership in Scotland, including planning law and land reform
- Principles of Property Valuation (PO2509)
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15 Credit Points
This course deals with the detail of why property requires to be valued and how the valuation process operates in the UK by way of the implementation of the RICS “Red Book”. The five property valuation methods are discussed via a series of lectures supplemented by tutorials/workshops in which valuation problem-solving tasks are discussed, with a focus on the investment method and the critique of traditional approaches. Practical valuation exercises are undertaken, which include the inspection and measurement of property and the analysis of comparable evidence.
- Year 3
-
Compulsory Courses
- Being an International Manager i (IN3001)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides the theoretical structure to bring together the learning of 1st and 2nd year courses placing the students as International Manager. Being an International Manager I looks in depth into the theoretical concepts of international business and prepares them to the more experiential subsequent course entitled Being an International Manager II.
- Mandarin 5 (MN3001)
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15 Credit Points
This language course builds on previous Mandarin courses and is only available to students who have passed MN2501.
- Being an International Manager II (IN3501)
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15 Credit Points
This course uses four interrelated topics to illustrate how to be an International Manager. The course integrates the concepts covered in Being an International Manager I from the viewpoint of the manager and the challenge she/he faces as well as the implication for the manager, taking a more applied and embodied viewpoint. In other words, while Being an International Manager I addresses what is international business, Being an International Manager II responds to how to be an International Manager.
- Mandarin 6 (MN3501)
-
15 Credit Points
This course follows on from what has been taught in Mandarin 5.
- Research Methods for Business (MS3553)
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30 Credit Points
This course introduces students to what is involved in undertaking research into business phenomena. It introduces philosophical issues in the theory of knowledge, ethical issues in research conduct, and considers quantitative and qualitative methods in turn, addressing issues in sampling and design, details of specific approaches, and considerations in data analysis. The course is taught through weekly lectures and an extended two hour tutorial every fortnight, with two pieces of coursework. The emphasis throughout is on understanding the conceptual underpinning of different methods, and their strengths and limitations in research.
Optional Courses
Select 60 credits from ONE of the specialisms below:
Accountancy
- Financial Accounting 3 (AC3049)
- Audit Practice (AC3560)
- Management Accounting 3 (AC3054)
- Taxation (AC3561)
Economics
- 60 credits from EC courses of choice
Finance
-
Finance 3: Corporate Finance (FI3004)
-
International Financial Management (FI3503)
NOTE: Students are required to undertake either FI 3503, International Finance Management, or FI 3505, Advanced Corporate Finance. These courses run in alternate years, with FI 3503 running in Academic Year 2022/23.
Real Estate
- Applied Valuation (PO3006)
- Real Estate Development and International Investment (PO3513)
General degree (no specialism)
- 60 level 3 credits from AC, EC, FI, MS and PO courses of choice
- Financial Accounting 3 (AC3049)
-
15 Credit Points
This course builds upon the material in Financial Accounting 2. The aim of the course is to strengthen practical and analytical accounting skills through the study of accounting problems and to develop the ability to critically appraise conventional accounting practice through an understanding of alternative accounting theories and their application to topical issues in financial accounting.
- Management Accounting 3 (AC3054)
-
15 Credit Points
Building upon the material in Management Accounting 2, the course examines in greater detail behavioural, managerial, and strategic aspects of management accounting and management control. The course content includes management accounting issues pertaining to:
- Strategic management accounting
- Operational management issues including quality management
- Performance evaluation and management systems
- Management control systems, and
- Advance decision making techniques such as decision-trees, learning curves and project evaluation and review techniques
- Audit Practice (AC3560)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to develop the students’ knowledge, understanding and critical awareness of the audit techniques, judgements and practical skills associated with a financial statement audit. The context of the course reflects both the UK and International legal, regulatory and ethical framework.
The course forms an introduction to the 4th year Audit Theory and Evolution course which goes on to explore the historical context and current professional, regulatory, ethical and societal challenges and developments facing the audit and assurance profession.
- Taxation (AC3561)
-
15 Credit Points
The aim of this course is to provide knowledge and understanding of the UK tax system and its administration. Students will gain an appreciation of direct taxes payable on income, profits, and other gains by both individuals and by corporations, and indirect taxes on spending. Knowledge application of the different taxes within the UK taxation system will be achieved by solving tax problems and computing tax liabilities.
- Finance 3: Corporate Finance (FI3004)
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30 Credit Points
This course introduces students to a number of areas of corporate finance including examining capital structure theory, project valuation models, the financing decisions of the firm, and corporate restructuring (including reorganisations and mergers and acquisitions). The main aim of the course is to equip students with good analytical skills in order to understand the implications of corporate financing decisions by understanding why companies behave the way they do with respect to financing choices and how this interacts with the real world financial markets, and to enable students to understand the theoretical underpinnings of corporate finance theory.
- International Financial Management (FI3503)
-
30 Credit Points
Multinational corporations face a range of risks in an international setting, including exchange rate, political and financing risk. The course considers the complexities of financial management in these settings. It aims to develop students understanding and ability to apply finance theory to international financial management. This course will develop student skills in the analysis of issues including globalisation and the multinational corporation; foreign exchange markets and exchange rate determination; international capital markets, debt and banking; risk management and foreign currency derivative securities
- Applied Valuation (PO3006)
-
30 Credit Points
This course applies the principles of valuation taught at level 2 to more complex real world examples. Topics covered include rent reviews, compulsory purchase, property investment, property development and national and local taxation. Numeracy and analytical skills are further developed along with expertise in the use of Excel. In addition, the course also covers professional surveying practice, including ethics, and stimulates students to consider their career path by requiring students to prepare a CV and prepare for a mock interview.
- Real Estate Development & International Investment (PO3513)
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30 Credit Points
The course covers two key aspects of real estate, namely development and international investment. While development is an intrinsically local activity, the drivers of demand to occupy and invest in real estate are increasingly global. Thus, the course first deals with the process of development and then provides the context of globalisation of economies and real estate markets, which underlies the demand for real estate occupation and investment. The course involves a UK field trip.
- Year 4
-
Compulsory Courses
- Contemporary Issues in International Business i (IN4001)
-
15 Credit Points
This course uses student led learning where the lecturer will act as a guide and students will take the lead developing research projects. Below, there is a range of contemporary topics offered in the course from which students will need to choose, develop the topic and present their findings to the rest of the cohort. For example, lecture session could be used for presentations and tutorial session could be used to coach the students in their research. This course is complementary to Contemporary Issues in International Business II and it may be the case that a topic used in this course is expanded subsequently.
- Contemporary Issues in International Business II (IN4501)
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15 Credit Points
This course uses student led learning where the lecturer will act as a guide and students will take the lead developing research projects. Based on a range of contemporary topics students will need to choose, develop the topic and present their findings to the rest of the cohort. For example, lecture session could be used for presentations and tutorial session could be used to coach the students in their research. This course is complementary to Contemporary Issues in International Business I and it may be the case that a topic used in this course is expanded subsequently.
Optional Courses
Plus one of the following specialisms:
Accountancy
- 30 credits from level 4 AC courses
- Dissertation in Accountancy (AC4528)
Economics
- 30 credits from EC courses of choice
- Dissertation in Economics (EC4526)
Finance
- Financial Strategy and Investment Management (FI4002) OR Empirical Methods in Finance (FI4003)
- Dissertation in Finance (FI4501)
Real Estate (select one of the following)
- Real Estate Portfolio Investment (PO4007) AND Real Estate Dissertation (PO4506) OR
- Real Estate Dissertation (PO4006) AND Housing Economics (PO4508)
General degree (no specialism)
- Dissertation in International Business (IN4502)
- 30 level 3 or 4 credits from AC, EC, FI, MS and PO courses of choice.
- Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits
- Dissertations in Accountancy (AC4528)
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30 Credit Points
All Accountancy and Finance students must undertake a dissertation. Students taking a joint degree may undertake the dissertation in either discipline, but not both. It is designed to show that you are able to:
Carry out a substantial piece of research on a chosen subject without close supervision
Critically analyse and evaluate work carried out by others
Reach your own conclusions based upon your analysis and evaluation of relevant evidence, whether this is prior research only or prior research coupled with your own research.
Write-up the results of your work in a clear, coherent and logical way.
- Economics Dissertation (EC4526)
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30 Credit Points
The dissertation presents students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and research skills of Economics to an individual piece of research, focusing on a topic which has been chosen by the student and approved by the Dissertation coordinator and Dissertation supervisor. Over the course of the Dissertation, with guidance from the supervisor, the student will study a particular topic, conduct a literature review of relevant material, select appropriate theoretical and/or empirical methods to address the topic and write a final analysis in the form of the Dissertation of up to 10,000 words.
- Financial Strategy and Investment Management (FI4002)
-
30 Credit Points
Covering the intellectually and commercially fertile ground at the accountancy/finance interface. Considering financial analysis from both theoretical and practical angles. Do you need to understand financial reporting to be an investor? How should we assess the success of an acquisition? Why do accountants think mergers don’t exist? How do companies decide on financing strategies? Does corporate governance and ethics really matter – do share prices react to it? These are some of the questions we will address alongside using DataStream and the ThomsonReuters Eikon system. The course might give you some ideas for your dissertation too.
- Empirical Methods in Finance (FI4003)
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30 Credit Points
This course aims to provide an overview of quantitative methods needed to conduct empirical research in finance and financial economics. The course is intended to enable students
i) To develop knowledge and understanding of the theoretical practical approaches to quantitative methods in finance.
ii) To develop the practical quantitative skills to equip students for dissertations in finance and for on-going work in the finance area.
iii) To develop intellectual skills by understanding of the appropriate use of statistical techniques for various financial problems.
iv) To develop the ability to write extended research reports on original topics in finance
- Dissertation in Finance (FI4501)
-
30 Credit Points
All Accountancy and Finance students must undertake a dissertation. Students taking a joint degree may undertake the dissertation in either discipline, but not both. It is designed to show that you are able to:
Carry out a substantial piece of research on a chosen subject without close supervision
Critically analyse and evaluate work carried out by others
Reach your own conclusions based upon your analysis and evaluation of relevant evidence, whether this is prior research only or prior research coupled with your own research.
Write-up the results of your work in a clear, coherent and logical way.
- Real Estate Portfolio Investment (PO4007)
-
30 Credit Points
The course introduces students to concepts of portfolio management and recent developments regarding real estate investment vehicles. The course takes a financial economics viewpoint and places real estate investments within this context. The course covers such important aspects as securitization of initially illiquid real estate assets, the management of building portfolios and the use of index swap contracts for risk management purposes. The course discusses also real option theory and applies it to land development and the pricing of lease contracts.
- Real Estate Dissertation (PO4506)
-
30 Credit Points
The dissertation can be a rewarding, interesting and challenging exercise, with a process that differs from taught courses. With self-directed study, you are introduced to the process of independent research starting with finding a topic that is both academically interesting and can be covered in the given time frame. In addition to utilising skills acquired during previous years of study, it is an opportunity to develop new skills useful for future employment, such as writing reports. Your dissertation will be judged on evidence of competence in independent research. The greater the degree of competence, the higher the mark awarded.
- Real Estate Dissertation (PO4006)
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30 Credit Points
The dissertation can be a rewarding, interesting and challenging exercise, with a process that differs from taught courses. With self-directed study, you are introduced to the process of independent research starting with finding a topic that is both academically interesting and can be covered in the given time frame. In addition to utilising skills acquired during previous years of study, it is an opportunity to develop new skills useful for future employment, such as writing reports. Your dissertation will be judged on evidence of competence in independent research. The greater the degree of competence, the higher the mark awarded.
- Housing Economics (PO4508)
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30 Credit Points
Housing is a necessity and of interest to economists, policymakers, and investors alike. In this course, students will gain an understanding of the micro and macro-economic dimensions of housing markets. The course will also discuss the many different ways in which governments intervene in housing markets, such as land use regulation, rental law, and social housing support. The positive and normative aspects of these interventions will be discussed. The course has a comparative perspective throughout and discusses housing markets, regulation, and outcomes at hand of the UK, the US and Germany.
- Dissertation in International Business (IN4502)
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30 Credit Points
Students in this course conduct independent research under the guidance of a supervisor. They can select their own dissertation topic or choose one of a range of topics offered by staff within Business Management. Students undertake a qualitative and/or quantitative piece of empirical research and produce a dissertation at the end of the process. This course provides them with an opportunity to develop a range of generic and research-specific skills including critical thinking, argumentation, writing, time management, review of literature, research design, and data analysis.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study International Business with Mandarin?
- You will gain exceptional knowledge and understanding of international business, both its operations and its economic, political and social contexts
- We deliver a learning experience that provides students with confidence and will enable you to add value quickly to employers
- We draw on both our ancient heritage and globally-recognised excellence in teaching and research, to challenge students academically and to connect them with the world of practice
- You will have the option to study a modern language throughout the programme
- Aberdeen is the main European centre for the oil and gas industry, and international accountancy firms, multinational companies and financial services all have offices in the city.
- Professional training facilities, including our virtual trading floor, integrating real activity in financial markets into our students’ courses.
- A Business Management programme which perfectly balances theory and practical work, with strong links to local and global businesses giving you cutting-edge insights in to the subject.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
View the Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEntry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2024 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who achieve BB over S4 and S5 and who meet one of the widening access criteria are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB
Minimum: BBC
Adjusted: CCC
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
- 2025 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB
Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBC
Applicants who have achieved BBC at Higher and meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an unconditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional C grade at Higher.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC
Minimum: BCC
Adjusted: CCC
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Arts and Social Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £20,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year |
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
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Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
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Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX