Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)

Module ACCT2091: Taxation

Department: Accounting

ACCT2091: Taxation

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2021/22 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to N408
Tied to N409

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To enable students to understand the general objectives of tax and to calculate income tax, national insurance contributions, capital gains tax, corporation tax, inheritance tax, and VAT in straightforward scenarios.
  • To enable students to prepare tax computations and provide tax advice to individuals and companies in straightforward scenarios.

Content

  • Objectives and types of tax
  • Ethics, law and administration
  • Income tax and national insurance contributions
  • Capital gains tax and corporation tax on chargeable gains
  • Corporation tax
  • Inheritance tax
  • VAT and stamp taxes

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On completion of this module students should:
  • Have an understanding of the general objectives of tax, the influences upon the UK system of tax and the different types of tax in the UK
  • Have an appreciation of the ethical issues arising in the course of performing tax work and be able to identify the obligations the UK system of tax imposes on taxpayers and the implications for taxpayers of non-compliance
  • Be familiar with capital gains tax, income tax, inheritance tax, National Insurance, corporation tax, stamp taxes and VAT
Subject-specific Skills:
  • On completion of this module students should:
  • Be able to calculate the amounts of income tax owed by or owed to individuals and the amounts of national insurance payable
  • Be able to calculate the capital gains tax payable by individuals and the chargeable gains subject to corporation tax
  • Be able to calculate the corporation tax liabilities of companies
  • Be able to calculate the amount of VAT owed by or owed to businesses
  • Be able to calculate the amounts of inheritance tax due on lifetime transfers and transfers on death by individuals, and personal representatives
  • Be able to calculate the amount of national insurance payable by individuals, businesses and companies
  • Be able to calculate the amount of stamp taxes due in straightforward transactions
  • Be aware of the position of the UK tax system in the context of international tax systems
  • Have a basic understanding of how the UK tax system interacts with other international tax systems
  • Be aware of ethical tax practice
Key Skills:
  • Skills in data handling and synthesis
  • Use of the online learning environment to efficiently access and manipulate relevant information
  • Problem solving skills
  • Critical analysis and judgement skills
  • Consultancy and advisory skills
  • Presenting information effectively, using appropriate tools
  • Ability to take responsibility for their own advanced studies, to undertake and manage independent investigation and adhere to deadlines
  • Developing a range of generic transferable skills relating to library research, synthesis of data, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and reflection on learning
  • Ability to communicate effectively

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Learning will be based on knowledge transfer from blended learning materials, workshops and independent study; workshop activities and discussions will provide technical awareness of topics in a comprehensive form.
  • Formative assessment will provide feedback to students regarding their ability to practice taxation in different scenarios and contexts.
  • The summative assessments address students’ understanding of the main tax concepts and technical treatments.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshops 18 2 per week 2 hours 36
Revision Lecture 1 Once 2 hours 2
Preparation, Reading and Independent Study 162
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 70%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written examination 2.5 hours 100% Same
Component: Online Timed Assessment Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
MCQ and short form online assessment 1.5 hours 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

Practice exam


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University