Experiential Learning

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Longitudinal Student Progression and Graduate Outcomes (2021–2025)

2021–2025 | Student impact achieved by designing an innovative experiential learning model: 610 grassroots undergraduate students progressed through the model | 1,192 hours of applied accounting and tax support delivered to businesses | Student progression outcomes: 87% improvement in technical skills | 54% increase in ethical decision-making | 41% improvement in client communication | 41.8% improvement in problem-solving | 225% increase in module grades | 29.6% graduate employment rate post-graduation

Designing High-Impact Experiential Learning for Professional Readiness

I designed and led a live Accountancy, Tax and Business Clinic that replaces simulation with real client advisory work and scaffolded professional judgement. Following the introduction of this design, first-time pass rates increased in 2023–24, demonstrating a clear link between authentic experiential learning and improved student attainment, progression, and assessment readiness. This model has informed wider curriculum thinking around applied, judgement-based assessment in professional education.

Students Delivering Real Financial Impact for a Local Charity

I supported and guided students as they worked directly with a financially struggling local charity following the withdrawal of local authority funding. Students engaged with senior stakeholders, analysed the organisation’s financial position, and contributed practical recommendations that helped stabilise its operations. Through this live project, students took responsibility for real outcomes, developed confidence in professional decision-making, and experienced the impact of their knowledge beyond the classroom. The work enabled students to move from theoretical understanding to meaningful contribution, while delivering tangible benefit to the local community.

Student Employability Impact Through Authentic Clinical Experience.

A third-year undergraduate student used her experience from the Accountancy, Tax and Business Clinic to secure and perform strongly in a competitive accounting interview. She was able to articulate real client work, professional communication, and applied problem-solving drawn directly from her clinic involvement. The experience enabled her to evidence practical competence, confidence, and workplace readiness beyond standard academic learning. This demonstrates the clinic’s direct impact on student employability, enabling students to translate learning into credible professional narratives recognised by external employers.

Extending Student Impact Through Sustained Engagement with the Regional Enterprise Community.

I enable accounting students to deliver ongoing, high-quality support to entrepreneurs through a weekly presence at the Business & IP Centre, Manchester Central Library. This activity extends student impact beyond individual clients or short-term projects, allowing students to influence a wide and diverse regional enterprise community over time. Students develop advanced professional communication skills by translating accounting knowledge for non-specialist audiences, while entrepreneurs gain consistent access to informed, practical financial guidance. The sustained nature of the engagement amplifies student confidence, professional identity, and employability, while demonstrating meaningful civic and economic impact beyond the University.

Postgraduate Students Delivering Visible, Public-Facing Professional Impact.

MSc Accountancy and Financial Management students provide live financial advice to members of the public in a high-visibility university setting. By operating in an open, professional environment, students move beyond academic competence to demonstrate credibility, confidence, and ethical judgement in real time. This experience transforms postgraduate students from learners into trusted advisors, strengthening their professional identity and readiness for senior accounting and finance roles. The activity also extends the University’s civic impact, making postgraduate expertise accessible to the wider community while evidencing the practical value of advanced study.

Dr Mohammed Sadiq