Business Financial Management Microcredential: Online distance learning
Duration: 10 weeks
Credits: 10 Academic Credits (PG)
Delivery: All course content is delivered on Moodle, our virtual learning platform. You will converse with the tutors and fellow students in online forums.
Timetable: Fully online and flexible, with no scheduled classes to attend.
Fee: £625 per place (See Fees & Funding section below)
College: College of Social Sciences
School: Adam Smith Business School
Next course start date: Monday 26 January 2026
This course considers the importance of the accounting and finance function within organisations in connection with decision making, control and performance management.
Why this course
The course aims to give learners a broad perspective on accounting and finance and its importance in organisations together with an introduction to some of the practical skills involved in the interpretation and usage of financial information and reports for decision-making, control and performance management.
By the end of this course learners will be able to:
- Analyse and interpret corporate financial statements using a range of tools including ratio analysis and common size analysis.
- Evaluate the concept of time value of money, apply investment appraisal techniques, and discuss the limitations of capital investment appraisal techniques.
- Contrast financial accounting and management accounting and apply management accounting techniques in planning and controlling of the business.
The Business Financial Management course will be one of the 10-credit components of the PgCert in Executive Management (ODL 'stackable' programme) scheduled to launch in January 2026.
Course structure
The Business Financial Management course is organised into 3 Units:
UNIT 1: Analyse and interpret corporate financial statements and decision-making. (4 weeks study)
UNIT 2: Evaluate investment appraisal techniques for decision-making. (4 weeks study)
UNIT 3: Apply management accounting techniques for business planning and control. (2 weeks study)
Assessment
Coursework assignment (weighted 40%) of 1,000 words
Written report (weighted 60%) of 1,500 words
Course alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all courses as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a course. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
This course is designed to equip learners with skills to progress into the following roles and industries:
- Financial Planner
- Budget / Financial Analyst
- Project Manager
- Auditor
Completion of this course grants potential for:
- Further academic study
- Promotion
- Increased earning potential
- New career path
Fees & funding
Course fee: £625 per place.
Alumni, volume-based (group) and former UofG SFC Upskilling learner discounts are available (please direct discount enquiries to Keir.Elder@glasgow.ac.uk)
Entry requirements
It is suggested that learners on this course are educated to at least Undergraduate level and have an IELTS equivalent of 6.5. Learners will not be asked to prove their academic or professional history.
