Module Directory

The objective of this module is to provide a critical appreciation of fundamental auditing concepts, issues and practices.

The aims of this module are:

• To give students an appreciation of the role of audit as a means of accountability in organisations and society.


• To give students with a knowledge and understanding of key elements in the audit process.


• To enable students to critically evaluate the key research and professional literature dealing with the current issues and controversies in auditing.


• To provide students with a firm foundation for further studies and research in auditing.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Discuss key auditing concepts and types of audit.


2. Evaluate the recent developments in the regulation governing the work of auditors and auditor liability.


3. Evaluate and discuss the effect of recent debates on corporate governance on the practice of auditing and the auditing profession.


4. Write essays that show they understand and are able to synthesise the relevant on audit theory and practice.

Skills for your professional life (Transferable Skills)

By the end of this module, students should have attained key transferable and subject specific skills that include:

1. Apply and adapt academic skills such as a professional attitude (e.g. honesty and integrity) and commitment, sound communication and awareness of completing tasks to strict deadlines.


2. Develop and apply analytical skills and critical thinking in the working environment.


3. Analyse information in a logical manner, understand the associated implications and arrive at conclusions.


4. Be aware of, and understand, contemporary auditing debates and developments in an international and practical context.


5. Apply and adapt theory to different audit scenarios and cases.

The module begins with an introduction to the role of the auditor followed by an analysis and evaluation of key audit concepts such as the true and fair view, evidence, independence, and main audit approaches, in particular the risk-based approaches to auditing.

The module will continue with an examination of the role of audit regulation, internal audit and corporate governance as well as discussion of recent developments in auditor liability and auditor's responsibility with regards to fraud.

This module will be delivered via:

• One 1-hour lecture per week.
• One 1-hour seminar class per week.

The purpose of the lectures is to introduce and outline the major issues involved in each week's topic and the discussion of key issues.

In the classes, students will be put into small groups where they will be required to work together in their group outside the class to prepare for the required tasks set for each class involving questions, problems, mini case studies and review of relevant readings.

Students are expected to carry out the required reading and prepare material for presentation with their team in the weekly class sessions.