Programme Specification

Transcription

1 Programme Specification Title: Accounting and Finance Final Award: Master of Science (MSc) With Exit Awards at: Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Master of Science (MSc) To be delivered from: 19 Sep 2016 Level Date Masters or Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Masters or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Masters or Master of Science (MSc) Page 1/26

2 Table Of Contents 1. Introduction Basic Programme Data Programme Description Overview Aims and Objectives Variations to Standard Regulations and Guidance Programme Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding Subject Specific Intellectual Skills Subject Specific Practical Skills Transferable Skills and Attributes Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies Learning and Teaching Strategy Assessment Strategy Programme Structure Appendix I - Curriculum Map Appendix II - Assessment Map Appendix III - Benchmark Analysis Appendix IV - Benchmark Statements(s) Page 2/26

3 1. Introduction This document describes one of the University of Lincoln's programmes using the protocols required by the UK National Qualifications Framework as defined in the publication QAA guidelines for preparing programme specifications. This programme operates under the policy and regulatory frameworks of the University of Lincoln. Page 3/26

4 2. Basic Programme Data Final Award: Programme Title: Exit Awards and Titles Master of Science (MSc) Accounting and Finance Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Master of Science (MSc) Subject(s) Accountancy Finance Mode(s) of delivery Full Time Part Time Is there a Placement or Exchange? UCAS code Awarding Body Campus(es) School(s) Programme Leader Relevant Subject Benchmark Statements Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body Accreditation No University of Lincoln Lincoln Campus Programme Start Date Lincoln Business School Thakur Ghimire (TGhimire) Page 4/26

5 3. Programme Description 3.1 Overview MSc Accounting and Finance provides you with the knowledge, skills and understanding of core accounting and finance principles. By studying this programme you are better prepared for a career in accounting, finance or related areas. You will gain a clear understanding of the joint role of accounting and finance in ensuring successful operations in a range of business settings. The course assumes little or no business knowledge at undergraduate level and aims to help graduates from any discipline break into this highly skilled area of business. Our students come from a wide range of educational backgrounds, including both business and non-business specialisms. It is not expected that students will have a detailed background of Accounting and/ or Finance prior to studying this course. Concepts and theories in the areas of accounting and finance are explored in the context of practical examples. This provides you with the knowledge necessary to succeed in a contemporary business environment. The programme teaches International Accounting Standards which are applicable across the world. You will also examine the core theories of finance and investment, and how they can be used in practical decision-making. The programme offers a balanced curriculum of accounting and finance related topics. The compulsary taught element of the programme consists of six compulsory modules and one optional module. The modules studied are as follows: Term 1 (50% Accounting/50% Finance): - Financial Accounting - Single Entity (30 credits) - Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance 1 (15 credits) - Corporate Finance I (15 credits) Term 2 (50% Accounting/ 25% Finance/ 25% Option): - Financial Reporting - Group Reporting (15 credits) - Current Issues in Governance and Finance (15 credits) - Corporate Finance II (15 credits) - Option (15 credits) In addition, you will undertake a compulsory element comprising Research Methods (15 credits) and Independent Study (45 credits). The following is an illustrative list of options: - Investment Banking (15 credits) - Community Organisation, Sustainability and Development (15 credits) - Global supply strategies (15 credits) - Strategy Making (15 credits) - Comparative human resource management (15 credits) - Quantitative methods for Economics and Finance II (15 credits) - Bond Markets and Investment Analysis (15 credits) - International Entrepreneurship (15 credits) - Social Entrepreneurship (15 Credits) Page 5/26

6 Optional modules will run as far as at least 10 students select them. Timetabling arrangements may limit the availability of modules to some students. As the options reflect staff's research interests, they may alter over time due to staff availability. Students who enrol on a February start for this programme will be offered the core modules, but electives will be restricted. Availability of electives will be subject to student numbers, timetabling and staffing constraints. These students will choose one from: Global Supply Strategies International Entrepreneurship The programme is mainly of interest to those candidates with little or no accounting or finance experience, as it offers the opportunity to study modules which assume no prior knowledge. Previous work experience is not required, but students are required to have a good first degree (2.2 or equivalent) and a minimum level of numeracy (at least a grade C in GCSE Level Mathematics, or its equivalent). Students with professional accountancy qualifications may be able to use this experience for partial credit on this degree. Due to the large number of different professional qualifications that may be relevant (e.g. ACCA, CIMA), it is advisable to contact the Programme Leader with individual queries. The Business School organises a series of career events on an annual basis to inspire and support students in securing a job and thinking about their career development in the longer term. The events provide examples of career roles and journeys and create opportunities to network with employers. More information about the University s career services can be found from the following website: Lincoln International Business School will be applying to the U.K. professional accountancy bodies for certain exemptions from their professional examinations for students who successfully complete MSc Accounting and Finance. The exit awards relating to this degree are as follows: MSc Accounting and Finance (180 credits) Postgraduate Diploma in Business Studies (120 credits) Postgraduate Certificate in Business Studies (60 credits) These qualifications will be awarded for the successful completion of any modules on the course. 3.2 Aims and Objectives MSc Accounting and Finance provides the opportunity to study a combination of accountancy and finance modules to prepare you for a career working in the financial arena. The objectives are to: - provide students with the opportunity to explore practice in the context of relevant contemporary theory, research and professional practice - concentrate on both the analysis of financial information and the current thinking in financial accountancy, informed by current research, the International Accounting Standards Board and the professional accountancy bodies - provide participants with a framework for understanding financial management skills and Page 6/26

7 professional accountancy practice - provide the participant with the systematic acquisition of advanced academic knowledge - lend support to exploring and developing high-level skills in the fields of accountancy and finance - help develop the knowledge, skills, research interests and career prospects of those who may wish to work, in finance, treasury management, accountancy, governance or other role related to the discipline The QAA Subject Benchmark statement for Master's programmes in Business and Management 2015 has been used as a reference point in developing the programme. 3.3 Variations to Standard Regulations and Guidance None. Page 7/26

8 4. Programme Outcomes Programme-level learning outcomes are identified below. Refer to Appendix I Curriculum Map for details of how outcomes are deployed across the programme. 4.1 Knowledge and Understanding On successful completion of this programme a student will have knowledge and understanding of: 1 How to define concepts and models in the areas accounting and finance; 2 The need to recognise and critically appraise core concepts and theories within the accounting and finance functions; 3 The general frameworks within which accounting and finance practice takes place and be able to evaluate these; 4 Financial reporting principles and practices and be able to critically apply these to a range of business contexts and situations. 4.2 Subject Specific Intellectual Skills On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 5 Demonstrate an intensive and critical appreciation of relevant literature and theory within the context of accounting and finance; 6 Identify and critically evaluate major problem areas within the discipline of accounting and finance; 7 Employ a theoretical framework for the selection and critical analysis of key accounting and finance themes in research; 8 Design and execute an appropriate critical investigation into financial practices. 4.3 Subject Specific Practical Skills On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 9 Critically analyse evidence using contemporary theoretical perspectives of accounting and finance; 10 Communicate and critically present financial and market related information; 11 Demonstrate the critical application of accounting and finance practices in a range of business contexts; 12 Use appropriate software packages to analyse and interpret financial and economic data; 13 Investigate, report and crtically evaluate on contemporary professional practice in the areas of accounting and finance. 4.4 Transferable Skills and Attributes Page 8/26

9 On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 14 Apply numeracy and quantitative skills to a variety of tasks in order to analyse organisations and their environment in a systematic and original way; 15 Actively synthesise the learning they acquire from a review of theory with that acquired in their critical investigation of practice; 16 Work collaboratively and cooperatively for mutual support and learning; 17 Identify, communicate and critically evaluate research questions, critically outline possible solutions and adopt an appropriate strategy after due examination. For details of each module contributing to the programme, please consult the module specification document. Page 9/26

10 5. Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies 5.1. Learning and Teaching Strategy Staff teaching on the programme are normally either professionally qualified accountants or research specialists in finance. Teaching will be research informed and will also reflect the latest thinking in the world of finance and accountancy. The modules utilise methods of teaching and learning which are appropriate to Masters level study such as case studies, group discussions, presentations, and report writing. Although a proportion of the contact time will be spent in didactic teaching, emphasis will also be placed upon the use of the student group as a resource for learning. There will be group discussion of practical management situations and problems, making use of case studies, simulation materials (including real life data and computer technology) and where relevant, the participants' own experiences. External academic and professional speakers from the financial world will be invited to address the students to share their experiences. The programme employs a variety of teaching and learning methods designed to meet its aims. The style of teaching will vary to reflect individual module objectives: examples are given in individual modules and range from using lectures and seminars in traditional classrooms to help bring to life cases in financial reporting and corporate finance, to having students prepare seminar papers and presentations to enrich their learning. Information relating to the structure of the module, assessment, attendance requirements and reading lists will be articulated in a formal module handbook, given out at the commencement of the module. The Programme expects students to read and be aware of current theoretical debates within the literature. Reading will also include materials on current events in the accountancy and financial sectors and relevant journals and financial press. Classes will be interwoven with discussions and debating opportunities regarding the changing events in this field. Class sizes remain small (typically less than 25 students per class) allowing for the interactive teaching and learning approach that is required given that students emanate from varied undergraduate backgrounds. This also provides opportunities for students with varied experiences to share prior knowledge and explore inter-linkages between their experiences. Students will also be encouraged to attend the events scheduled for employer engagement activity in the Business School. The University of Lincoln regards students as collaborators in the production of knowledge. This teaching and learning philosophy is referred to as the Student as Producer principle. Accordingly, students learn through their own research as well as through traditional models of teaching. In the Business School, the programmes support this principle through the provision of technologies and learning spaces which may include DATASTREAM, EVIEWS, FT.COM, and STATA. Students also research organisational settings, individual behaviour, and the developments of the markets and the business environment to learn about and produce critical analysis in the business and management area. According to the Student as Producer principle, learning is more effective when it takes place in a collaborative way. On this degree students engage in class discussion and exercises to learn together. There may also be more formal group work that leads to an assessment. The students also embark on an independent study project through which they investigate a topic related to accounting and finance by collecting and interrogating primary or secondary data. The use of technology underpins this programme as real life financial data is being used in some of Page 10/26

11 the modules, which lends itself well to the use of statistical packages. Sessions in information technology related to DATASTREAM//STATA/MATLAB are thus incorporated in the programme. For example, DATASTREAM will be used in Corporate Finance and in Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance modules. The Programme also endorses the use of on-line learning resources, bulletin boards and discussion groups. The University's virtual communication system (Blackboard) will be used as a platform for this facility. The Business School has an excellent Library support network and students are encouraged to make use of the dedicated Library support team. There is also an active English Language Support Centre where students can enhance their English without additional fees. In addition there is Maths and Stats help available in the library Assessment Strategy Students are assesed through a variety of methods that prepare them for the world of work. Student will be given the opportunity for continuous feedback using formative assesments,. Formative assessments will not contribute towards students' grade. Formative assessments may include in-class exercises, peer feedback, and mock examinations/presentations. Summative assesments which do contribute to students grades will include a range of assesments. Exams test ability to resolve problems under time pressure and help students to develop skills for contributing to projects and work in a timely and effective way. Assignments allow students to research and think about a variety of topics over a longer time period and enhance the critical thinking and written communication skills needed in contemporary organisations. Presentations enhance the ability to communicate information and arguments verbally. Even though the majority of the modules are assessed through individual work, students also work in groups on some assessments to develop their team-working skills, a quality desired by many employers. It is planned all formal assessment submissions will be made via Turnitin, (an online plagiarism detection and grading tool) with detailed feedback being made available to participants via BlackBoard promoting continual development into later modules and beyond the programme of study. Page 11/26

12 6. Programme Structure The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) is 60. The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) is 120. The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Master of Science (MSc) is 180. Level 4 Title Credit Rating Core / Optional Research Methods for Banking, Finance and Economics 15 Core Independent Study for Banking Finance and Economics 45 Core Masters Title Credit Rating Core / Optional Bond Markets and Investment Analysis 15 Optional Corporate Finance 1 15 Core Financial Accounting - Group Reporting 15 Core Corporate Finance 2 15 Core Current Issues in Governance and Finance 15 Core Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance I 15 Core Community Organisation, Sustainability and Development 15 Optional Comparative Human Resource Management 15 Optional Global Supply Strategies 15 Optional International Entrepreneurship 15 Optional Social Entrepreneurship 15 Optional Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance II 15 Optional Financial Accounting - Single Entity 30 Core Investment Banking 15 Optional International Macroeconomics and Finance 15 Optional Strategy Making 15 Optional Page 12/26

13 Appendix I - Curriculum Map This table indicates which modules assume responsibility for delivering and ordering particular programme learning outcomes. Key: Delivered and Assessed Delivered Assessed Level 4 Independent Study for Banking Finance and Economics Research Methods for Banking, Finance and Economics PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12 Independent Study for Banking Finance and Economics Research Methods for Banking, Finance and Economics PO13 PO14 PO15 PO16 PO17 Masters Bond Markets and Investment Analysis Community Organisation, Sustainability and Development Comparative Human Resource Management Corporate Finance 1 Corporate Finance 2 Current Issues in Governance and Finance PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12 Page 13/26

14 Financial Accounting - Group Reporting Financial Accounting - Single Entity Global Supply Strategies International Entrepreneurship International Macroeconomics and Finance Investment Banking Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance I Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance II Social Entrepreneurship Strategy Making Bond Markets and Investment Analysis Community Organisation, Sustainability and Development Comparative Human Resource Management Corporate Finance 1 Corporate Finance 2 Current Issues in Governance and Finance Financial Accounting - Group Reporting Financial Accounting - Single Entity Global Supply Strategies International Entrepreneurship International Macroeconomics and Finance Investment Banking Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance I Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance II Social Entrepreneurship Strategy Making PO13 PO14 PO15 PO16 PO17 Page 14/26

15 Appendix II - Assessment Map This table indicates the spread of assessment activity across the programme. Percentages indicate assessment weighting. Level 4 Independent Study for Banking Finance and Economics Research Methods for Banking, Finance and Economics Independent Study for Banking Finance and Economics Research Methods for Banking, Finance and Economics Independent Study for Banking Finance and Economics Research Methods for Banking, Finance and Economics Independent Study for Banking Finance and Economics Research Methods for Banking, Finance and Economics EP 1 (Wk EP 2 (Wks Page 15/26

16 Independent Study for Banking Finance and Economics 100 Research Methods for Banking, Finance and Economics 16) 33, 34, 35) Masters Bond Markets and Investment Analysis Community Organisation, Sustainability and Development Comparative Human Resource Management Corporate Finance 1 40 Corporate Finance 2 Current Issues in Governance and Finance Financial Accounting - Group Reporting Financial Accounting - Single Entity Global Supply Strategies International Entrepreneurship International Macroeconomics and Finance Investment Banking Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance I Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance II Page 16/26

17 Social Entrepreneurship Strategy Making 30 Bond Markets and Investment Analysis Community Organisation, Sustainability and Development Comparative Human Resource Management Corporate Finance 1 60 Corporate Finance 2 40 Current Issues in Governance and Finance Financial Accounting - Group Reporting Financial Accounting - Single Entity 60 Global Supply Strategies International Entrepreneurship International Macroeconomics and Finance Investment Banking Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance I Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance II Social Entrepreneurship Strategy Making Bond Markets and Investment Analysis Community Organisation, Sustainability and Page 17/26

18 Development Comparative Human Resource Management Corporate Finance 1 Corporate Finance 2 60 Current Issues in Governance and Finance 100 Financial Accounting - Group Reporting Financial Accounting - Single Entity Global Supply Strategies International Entrepreneurship 100 International Macroeconomics and Finance Investment Banking 40 Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance I Quantitative Methods for Economics and 100 Finance II Social Entrepreneurship Strategy Making Bond Markets and Investment Analysis Community Organisation, Sustainability and Development Comparative Human Resource Management Corporate Finance 1 Corporate Finance 2 Current Issues in Governance and Finance Page 18/26

19 Financial Accounting - Group Reporting Financial Accounting - Single Entity Global Supply Strategies International Entrepreneurship International Macroeconomics and Finance Investment Banking Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance I Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance II Social Entrepreneurship Strategy Making EP 1 (Wk 16) Bond Markets and Investment Analysis Community Organisation, Sustainability and Development Comparative Human Resource Management Corporate Finance 1 Corporate Finance 2 Current Issues in Governance and Finance Financial Accounting - Group Reporting Financial Accounting - Single Entity Global Supply Strategies International Entrepreneurship International Macroeconomics and Finance Investment Banking 60 Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance I EP 2 (Wks 33, 34, 35) Page 19/26

20 Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance II Social Entrepreneurship Strategy Making Page 20/26

21 Appendix III - Benchmark Analysis This table maps programme learning outcomes to relevant QAA subject benchmark statements or PSRB guidelines. Knowledge and Understanding PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 BAM01 BAM02 BAM03 BAM04 BAM05 BAM06 BAM07 BAM08 BAM09 BAM10 BAM11 BAM12 BAM13 BAM14 BAM15 BAM16 BAM17 BAM18 PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 BAM19 BAM20 Subject Specific Intellectual Skills PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 BAM01 BAM02 BAM03 BAM04 BAM05 BAM06 BAM07 BAM08 BAM09 Page 21/26

22 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 BAM10 BAM11 BAM12 BAM13 BAM14 BAM15 BAM16 BAM17 BAM18 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 BAM19 BAM20 Subject Specific Practical Skills PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12 PO13 PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12 PO13 BAM01 BAM02 BAM03 BAM04 BAM05 BAM06 BAM07 BAM08 BAM09 BAM10 BAM11 BAM12 BAM13 BAM14 BAM15 BAM16 BAM17 BAM18 PO9 BAM19 BAM20 Page 22/26

23 PO10 PO11 PO12 PO13 Transferable Skills and Attributes PO14 PO15 PO16 PO17 PO14 PO15 PO16 PO17 BAM01 BAM02 BAM03 BAM04 BAM05 BAM06 BAM07 BAM08 BAM09 BAM10 BAM11 BAM12 BAM13 BAM14 BAM15 BAM16 BAM17 BAM18 PO14 PO15 PO16 PO17 BAM19 BAM20 Page 23/26

24 Appendix IV: Benchmark Benchmark Statement(s) Page 24/26

25 BAM01 - Students should demonstrate a systematic understanding of relevant knowledge about organisations, their external context and how they are managed BAM02 - Students should demonstrate application of relevant knowledge to a range of complex situations taking account of its relationship and interaction with other areas of the business or organisation BAM03 - Students should demonstrate a critical awareness of current issues in business and management which is informed by leading edge research and practice in the field BAM04 - Students should demonstrate an understanding of appropriate techniques sufficient to allow detailed investigation into relevant business and management issues BAM05 - Students should demonstrate creativity in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to develop and interpret knowledge in business and management BAM06 - Students should demonstrate ability to acquire and analyse data and information, to evaluate their relevance and validity, and to synthesise a range of information in the context of new situations BAM07 - Students should demonstrate conceptual understanding that enables the student to: A. evaluate the rigour and validity of published research and assess its relevance to new situations. B... BAM08 - Students should demonstrate ability to conduct research into business and management issues that requires familiarity with a range of business data, research sources and appropriate methodologies, and for such to inform the overall learning process BAM09 - Students should demonstrate ability to communicate effectively using a range of media (for example, orally, in writing, and through digital media) BAM10 - Students should demonstrate ability to operate effectively in a variety of team roles and take leadership roles, where appropriate BAM11 - Students should demonstrate ability to take an international perspective including understanding the impact of globalisation on businesses, societies and the environment and the ethical implications BAM12 - Masters Graduates should be able to apply consistently their knowledge and subject-specific and wider intellectual skills BAM13 - Masters Graduates should be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgments in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to a range of audiences BAM14 - Masters Graduates should be able to be proactive in recognising the need for change and have the ability to manage change BAM15 - Masters Graduates should be able to be adaptable, and show originality, insight, and critical Page 25/26

26 Powered by TCPDF ( University of Lincoln Programme Specification - Master of Science (MSc) Accounting and Finance and reflective abilities which can all be brought to bear upon problem situations BAM16 - Masters Graduates should be able to make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations BAM17 - Masters Graduates should be able to behave ethically and with integrity and manage with a strong sense of social responsibility BAM18 - Masters Graduates should be able to evaluate and integrate theory and practice in a wide range of situations BAM19 - Masters Graduates should be able to be self-directed and able to act autonomously in planning and implementing projects at professional levels BAM20 - Masters Graduates should be able to take responsibility for continuing to develop their own knowledge and skills Page 26/26