Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
1. Course
Code
C31IT
2. Course
Title
International Accounting Theory
3. SCQF 11
Level
6. Course
Nick Paisey
Co-ordinator
4. Credits
15
5. School
Management and Languages
7. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Edin
SBC
Orkney
Dubai
IDL
Collaborative Partner
Approved Learning Partner
Sem 2.
Sem…….
Sem………..
Sem……2
Sem….
Name…………………….....Sem..…...
Name …………………………………Sem………..
8. Pre-requisites
9. Linked Courses
(specify if synoptic)
10. Excluded Courses
11. Replacement Courses
Code:
12. Degrees for which
this is a core course
Date Of Replacement:
13. The course may be
delivered to:
UG only
PG only
MSc International Accounting and Finance
UG & PG
14. Available as an Elective?
Yes
No
15. Aims

To develop an understanding of the theoretical framework within which accounting currently operates internationally and the nature and development of accounting
theory in different countries.

To develop an understanding of how a coherent accounting theory requires the justification or refutation of existing accounting practices. The course examines the
process of construction and verification of accounting theory within an international context.

Knowledge of this framework allows the student to critically explore the issue of what purpose accounting serves.

To develop skills of reading, analysing and evaluating original academic papers. Students will become aware of the attitudes and underlying beliefs that have made the
historical development of the subject so controversial.
16. Syllabus

The work of the course explores and analyses a variety of theories of financial accounting and explores their relevance to both the theoretical development and the
practice and regulation of financial accounting internationally. The course involves extensive analysis of published research papers and critical evaluation of
international professional and regulatory pronouncements such as conceptual frameworks of accounting.

Accounting research paradigms and approaches to the development of accounting theory. Students will be able to critically appraise and compare ideas and papers
within traditions such as: empirical inductive approach, deductive approach, positive accounting theory, critical accounting.

Impact of accounting theory on international conceptual frameworks for financial reporting.
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Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive
Skills
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
Students will be able to:
 display knowledge and understanding of the different approaches taken internationally to developing an accounting theory and be able to critically
evaluate and analyse the various approaches;
 display knowledge and critical understanding of the implications of various theories for international frameworks of accounting;
 assess the relevance of academic theory to developments in the practice of accounting internationally;
 compile and synthesise data from a variety of sources;
 analyse and evaluate critically the subject material;
 examine the logic and consistency of particular arguments;
 formulate opinions and conclusions supported by evidence;
 read, analyse and evaluate original academic papers, professional research and professional pronouncements and be aware of the entrenched
attitudes and beliefs which have made the historical development of the subject controversial internationally.
Personal Abilities
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others
Communication, Numeracy & ICT
Students will be able to:
 communicate complex ideas effectively by verbal and written means;
 review and assess complex material in a critical manner;
 recognise, evaluate and comment critically upon alternative points of view;
 plan and organise their own learning through self-management;
 reflect on the implications of theory development for international professional accountancy practice.
18. Assessment Methods
Method
19. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic courses?
Method
(if applicable)
Continuous assessment
End of course exam
2 hours
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
30%
70%
Resit exam
2 hours
20. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Date of
Implementation
Version
Number
2/2
Diet(s)