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: During 2026-27 Academic Year
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.
Further Study Options
This Microcredential is a standalone course and also contributes 10 credits towards the 60 credits required for completion of the PGCert in Executive Management. The suite of Microcredential courses are all 10-credit Online Distance Learning offerings:
- Project Management
- Introduction to Business Analytics
- Operations Management
- Change Management
- Leading Successful Teams
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Executive Management
The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Executive Management at the Adam Smith Business School offers a flexible, fully online route to postgraduate study for working professionals.
Rather than following a traditional postgraduate programme, you'll achieve your PGCert by successfully completing six approved 10-credit Microcredentials. Each module is a standalone learning experience, allowing you to build postgraduate-level credit over time and progress at a pace that fits around your professional and personal commitments.
Every Microcredential carries University of Glasgow academic credit and is designed to deliver practical, career-relevant learning that can be applied immediately in the workplace. On successful completion of each module and passing of the relevant assessment, you'll receive a University of Glasgow credential, recognising your achievement while building towards your PGCert. Once all six Microcredentials have been completed, your credits are combined to award the PGCert in Executive Management, with opportunities to progress to further postgraduate study.
The PGCert in Executive Management is delivered by the Adam Smith Business School, one of the world’s leading business schools, recognised for excellence in teaching, research and industry engagement. As one of the top 1% of business schools worldwide to hold triple accreditation, we are part of an elite group of institutions recognised globally for the quality, impact and excellence of our education.
Why choose the PGCert in Executive Management?
Learn at your pace
Study when it suits you. Take one module at a time, fit learning around your professional and personal commitments, and build your qualification step by step. You can pause between stages and return to your studies within the programme timeframe, picking up where you left off.
Earn as you learn
Every successfully completed Microcredential awards University of Glasgow academic credit and a recognised credential, earning you immediate recognition for your achievement while steadily building towards your PGCert.
Flexible investment
Enrol in and pay for individual Microcredentials as you progress, rather than committing to the full financial investment of a postgraduate degree upfront.
Create lasting impact from the beginning
Each module focuses on practical, evidence-based learning that can be applied directly in your organisation, helping you develop the leadership and management capabilities to make an immediate difference in your role while working towards a respected postgraduate qualification.