Core Modules
International Business Finance 
This module considers the concepts and techniques related to the key decision making areas of financial management, focusing on investment appraisal and financing decision making. The concept of risk underpins financial management and it will be explicitly examined within the topic of foreign exchange risk and its mitigation.

Strategic Management Accounting
Strategic Management Accounting (SMA) is a controversial subject and as such is treated practically and theoretically to reflect the state of the art. Critical assessment of SMA concepts and tools is undertaken in light of the latest research, and using practical contexts to allow students to appreciate the potential pitfalls of this high level concept.

International Business
The module will give students the basic and fundamental knowledge of international business theories and concepts. It will cover selected topics from a wide spectrum of activities in the international business environment. It will also develop students’ skills in applying the theories into practice through experiential learning such as case study analysis and class discussions.

Sustainability Accounting and Accountability
We examine a range of theories and practical methods that underpin sustainability accounting and accountability studies and applications. We go beyond the traditional accounting model to explore and challenge new ways of thinking using real-world data. This allows you to acquire conceptual and practical experiences within the growing field of sustainability accounting and accountability.

International Context of Corporate Reporting
This module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of financial reporting for companies adopting International Financial Reporting Standards. The module is designed to enable individuals to evaluate the effects of financial reporting treatments, on published financial statements of international organisations as well as derive and communicate meaning in order to make or influence economic decisions.

International Taxation and Accounting
This module is designed to enable students to understand the key concepts around accounting and taxation in a global context. The role and evolution of taxation in different global societies including tax avoidance and evasion practices and international tax competition.

Ethics in Academic Practice
This module provides an introduction to the Academic Offence framework. By completing the resources you will understand the key principles underpinning the submission of academic assignments. These principles can then be applied to the rest of the modules studied at the university.

The Aston Global Advantage
The Aston Global Advantage is our professional development programme that runs throughout all MSc programmes at Aston Business School. Focusing on professional development and employability, this integrated module gives you the opportunity to identify, develop and apply the key transferrable skills you will gain throughout the year. 

Business Project or Dissertation
The business project/dissertation is a chance for students to carry out an original piece of work applying material that they have learnt in the taught element of their degree. Specific requirements will be explained relating to different degree programmes but in summary students must demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of their chosen area of specialism. 
The Business Project includes financial and strategic analyses of a company along with two competitors using methodologies such as SWOT, PESTEL, financial ratio analysis discounted and other valuation techniques. Then incorporating the findings into a report which describes the analyses and conclusions reached.

Optional Modules – select two modules:
Research Design, Practice and Ethics

Financial Analysis
This module will focus on providing you with the knowledge understanding and skills to analyse published financial statements. It will develop your ability to critically assess the current stock market valuation of major public companies and make impartial financial recommendations.

Current Issues in Global Audit and Assurance
This module attends to complex issues in auditing and assurance in a global context. Such issues are discussed and evaluated in relation to a wider range of theoretical and regulatory standpoint. In doing so students are equipped and contribute to advanced understanding and critique of the role of auditing and assurance in an ever changing global platform.

Corporate Governance, Regulation and Compliance

Strategic Global Outsourcing  and Offshoring
This module offers a broad perspective on contemporary issues related to outsourcing and offshoring strategic IT and business service functions. During the module we examine the major theories guiding outsourcing decisions and governance. We also evaluate the role of emerging technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence and robotic process automation) and industry trends (e.g. servitisation) on global outsourcing.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies
This module focuses on entrepreneurial ventures and innovative activities of established businesses in emerging economies and how they contribute to economic development and growth. We look at specific processes of new business creation and innovation in this context, and examine case studies to help you to gain an applied understanding.

Data Mining and Web Analytics
We explore data mining techniques and their use in business decision making. You will learn how to uncover patterns and trends hidden in data.

International Business Strategy
This module aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge of the key issues and activities involved in international business strategy. In addition this module aims to develop skills related to interpreting and analysing complex real-world issues using theoretical perspectives concepts and models. The emphasis will be on using theory to inform practice and addressing real-world complex problems.