The module examines the forms of theorising in financial accounting in the UK and international business contexts, including policy-making in financial accounting, conceptual framework projects, market-based accounting research and critical perspectives in accounting.

By the end of the module the student should be able to:

• demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of financial accounting policy-making in UK and international contexts;
• explain financial accounting theory and be able to compare and contrast different approaches to theorising financial accounting;
• critically evaluate the nature and impacts of politicisation of accounting standard setting;
• identify and evaluate the conceptual frameworks of financial accounting;
• critique financial accounting research in the context of capital markets, particularly its relevance to policy-makers;
• critique professionalization of accountants and accounting bodies;
• explain critical perspectives on accounting.