Introduction to UK Taxation
Module description
In this module you will explore the mechanics of how the tax system in the UK operates including how it is administered and practical aspects of providing tax advice to clients. The module covers, at an introductory level, the key direct taxes in operation in the UK, specifically income tax, capital gains tax and environmental taxes.
Full module specification
| Module title: | Introduction to UK Taxation |
|---|---|
| Module code: | BEAM059 |
| Module level: | M |
| Academic year: | 2019/0 |
| Module lecturers: |
|
| Module credit: | 15 |
| ECTS value: | 7.5 |
| Pre-requisites: | None. |
| Co-requisites: | This module is only available to students on the Accounting and Tax Masters programme
|
| Duration of module: |
Duration (weeks) - term 1: 11 |
Module aims
The aim of this module is to develop your analytical and critical thinking skills with particular reference to UK tax policy. You will learn through a combination of taught sessions and activities in which you will develop an understanding of how the UK tax rules operate and how various planning techniques can be used to reduce tax liabilities.
ILO: Module-specific skills
- 1. Analyse the historical development of the UK taxation system.
- 2. Evaluate key features of different forms of taxation in the UK.
- 3. Compute tax liabilities under the current UK rules for income tax, capital gains tax and corporation tax
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
- 4. Explain the design of the UK tax system.
- 5. Advise on tax planning options and strategies for individuals.
- 6. Apply tax techniques in assimilated case studies to appreciate tax in the workplace environment
ILO: Personal and key skills
- 7. Use analysis and critical thinking to evaluate arguments, assumptions, concepts and data, to make judgments, recommendations or to frame appropriate questions
- 8. Identify key problems and then use relevant qualitative and quantitative information to solve them.
- 9. Professionally present information in a variety of written formats aimed at different specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 120 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 30 | Attending taught sessions |
| Preparation for taught sessions | 60 | Preparation for taught sessions |
| Reflection, reading and preparation for assessment | 60 | Reflection, reading and preparation for assessment |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-class exercises | Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length | 1-8 | Tutor feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 100 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly MCQ tests | 20 | 8 weekly MCQ tests. 6 questions per test. Weeks 2-10. | 1-5, 8 | Online individual feedback and general cohort feedback after test date |
| Final Examination | 80 | 2 hours | 1-8 | Solutions uploaded to ELE with examiner's report on overall performance. |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ tests and Final Examination | 2 hour examination | 1-8 | August exam week |
Re-assessment notes
Two assessments are required for this module. If you do not pass the module then you will be required to sit the August examination as above.
Syllabus plan
The syllabus covers the following areas:
- Historical development of the UK taxation system
- Tax administration
- Introduction to Income Tax
- Taxing employment income in the UK and National Insurance contributions
- Taxing business income in the UK
- Taxing capital gains in the UK
- Tax planning for UK resident taxpayers
- Providing tax advice including ethical issues
- Environmental Taxes
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Textbook: Lymer, A. and Oats, L. (2019) Taxation Policy and Practice, 26th edition, Birmingham: Fiscal Publications.
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
You will have access to an online searchable and resources database, with links to several eBooks available through the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE). Within this environment, you will also be supported through online discussion forums and activities.
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
Relevant academic journals
- British Tax Review
- International Tax Review
- International Tax and Public Finance
- Tax Law Review
- Tax Adviser
- European Taxation
Origin date
01/01/2016
Last revision date
30/08/2019