UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Programme Title: Awarding Body: Teaching Institution: BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance Staffordshire University Staffordshire University Final Awards: BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance Two Year Fast Track Intermediate Awards: Mode of Study: UCAS Codes: N/A Full time (2 year) NN34 QAA Subject Benchmarks: Accounting (2007) JACS Code: Professional/Statutory Body: ACCA/CIMA Date of Production: August 2014 Date of Revision: If you require this document in a larger text or a different media please contact us. 1
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME The Accounting and Finance award is designed to develop up-to-date, competent and adaptable graduates who will be suitable for a range of chosen professions. Accordingly, the aims are to: Encourage the development of a range of skills, both subject specific and more general employability skills, which will enhance career opportunities. Provide a stimulating and accessible course of study that gives students a sound grasp of contemporary accounting and finance issues which the student can develop and apply in their future employment. Develop students who have an awareness of financial and business issues, and are willing and able to embrace change and are focused on achievement. To provide students with an opportunity to undertake a year experience through the placement, with support from the Placements Office. The Staffordshire Graduate attributes are integrated into the programme of study. What is distinctive about this programme? This award covers both financial and managerial aspects of accounting. Students will gain an understanding of both the theory and practical application of these disciplines during the award. It covers the in-depth knowledge of the core areas for those intending to move into the Accounting profession. This programme of study benefits from all that is offered by the traditional 3-year BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance award its distinctiveness lies in its provision as an accelerated route to the achievement of an undergraduate award which is professionally accredited. In so doing, it facilitates an accelerated pathway to professional accountancy qualifications and career for highly motivated students. In teaching block one and two, students study common modules to both the 3-year and 2-year Accounting and Finance awards. Adaptation of modules to a blended learning approach, ensure that teaching block three modules contain the same learning outcomes contained on the 3-year route. Whilst the course will be an intensive experience for the students, it is acknowledged in the report Accelerated Learning Programmes (compiled by Sheffield Hallam University, commissioned by the HEA on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills and the Higher Education Funding Council for England, May 2007) that: Some research suggests that learners retain knowledge better without long gaps between study and application of knowledge. intensive learning can offer retention benefits for all students: longer, more intense sessions can stimulate deeper understanding, and in student surveys it was found especially beneficial for higher order learning. The Staffordshire Graduate The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21st century. The Staffordshire Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world of work. 2
The Two Year BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance Award aims to produce graduates who are commercially aware and capable of applying their knowledge and skills to one or more of the many facets of the global, accounting environment. Having provided the opportunities for students to become work ready and employable, students are then able to move forward confidently into their working career and pursue a professional qualification of their choice. Throughout the award we aim to provide our graduates with discipline expertise. A critical knowledge of the discipline is also provided by academic staff who possess extensive and wide ranging business experience and who are also active in research and scholarship. Thus, we aim to prepare our graduates to work effectively within the world s contemporary business environment. Across all levels of the award, social interaction through teamwork and networking events is encouraged and embedded within modules and assessments where appropriate. Thus, students learn to interact appropriately and with confidence with a range of colleagues. We are committed to ensuring that our Two Year BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance Award graduates demonstrate professionalism and we support them in their endeavour to obtain suitable internships and graduate placements. In order to capitalize on the knowledge and understanding that the award aims to develop within students, effective communication and an ability to work in teams and with diverse stakeholders are seen as essential attributes of our graduates. The development of communication, presentation and team working skills lie at the heart of the Two Year BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance Award and are nurtured from the start in the Employability and Study Skills module. In this way, we aim to produce graduates who are equipped to enter the world and who can demonstrate enterprising or entrepreneurial spirit. Integrated accounting software and generic software, frequently used in the accounting environment is incorporated into the award s taught modules. Students are then able to develop and refine their transferable skills and build levels of confidence and proficiencies that such skills endow. Graduates therefore enter the employment market technologically, digitally and information literate, with the abilities that employers seek. Employers also value independence of thought and a creative ability to find solutions. The Two Year BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance Award enables students to take ownership of their learning whether individually or in groups and encourages independence of thought and problem-solving across a spectrum of activities in modules such as, Management Accounting, in student-led investigative modules, in critical reading or in tutorial discussions and presentations. Graduates who are enterprising are not only innovative in how they think and go about their business, but are creative in seeking solutions and identifying opportunities for organisations based on the knowledge and skills that the award s curriculum imparts. The attributes described above are essential to the critical, reflective and life-long learners that Staffordshire graduates are expected to become. Throughout the degree, students are encouraged to develop their understanding through critical reflection, to question different views and perspectives and to use both their generic and specialist skills including digital technologies to address problems and communicate solutions. Increasingly those problems are set in a global context and globalisation and global citizenship are central to many decisions made by today s businesses. Throughout the award the themes of corporate social responsibility and aspects of environmental accounting and sustainability are used to explore; how business are regulated in a global context; how those regulations impact upon businesses; and how, as graduates of the Two Year BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance award, they might use their professionalism to work effectively within the global environment of business. 3
The award is accredited by leading international professional accountancy bodies, who work with government departments and leading organisations to ensure that appropriate regulations are developed and applied to businesses operating in today s dynamic business environment. Accreditation evidences that our graduates have benefited from studying a syllabus that is at the forefront of knowledge. 4
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES What will this programme teach me to do? At the end of your studies you should be able to: Knowledge & Understanding Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical evaluation of key aspects of Accounting and Finance including the acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which is at or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of Accounting and/or Finance. Learning Demonstrate an understanding of the uncertainty and ambiguity associated with the study of Accounting and Finance. Enquiry Deploy accurately established techniques of enquiry and initiate and carry out a project within an aspect of Accounting or Finance Analysis Describe and comment on the conflicting, contradictory concepts embedded within the current regulatory financial reporting framework and critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete) to make judgements. Problem Solving Demonstrate the ability to analyse appropriate approaches to solving problems and use decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts including the measurement of business risk, organisational value and return on investment. Communication Communicate and analyse information, ideas, problems, complex issues and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. Application Apply the methods and techniques learnt to review, consolidate and apply knowledge and understanding to devise and sustain arguments. Reflection Demonstrate a high level of competence in independent learning and personal responsibility. 5
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, MODULES AND CREDITS Programme Title Year 1 TB1 TB2 Introduction to Financial Accounting 30 credits Level 4 Two Year BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance Fast track Economic Environment 15 credits Level 4 Financial Services Environment 15 credits Level 4 Fundamentals of Management Accounting 15 credits Level 4 Business Law 15 credits Level 4 Employability and Study Skills 30 credits Level 4 TB3 Personal and Business Taxation FTA 30 credits Level 5 Professional Development FTA Project Management FTA 15 credits Level 5 15 credits Level 5 Year 2 TB1 TB2 Financial Reporting 30 credits Level 5 Advanced Management Accounting 30 credits Level 5 Auditing and Corporate Governance 30 credits Level 6 Computerised Accounting 15 credits Level 6 Contemporary Issues in Accounting 15 credits Level 6 Optional Placement TB3 Financial Strategy FTA 30 credits Level 6 Financial Research FTA 30 credits Level 6 Key: Accounting and Financial focus These modules will provide students with the skills they need to be able to record, summarise, report and analyse the many financial transactions of a business so as to provide an accurate picture of its financial position and performance. Business Management focus These modules will provide students with the skills they need to prepare analyse and interpret management reports and accounts that provide accurate and timely financial and statistical information required by managers to make effective business decisions. Students will also be able to understand different organisational structures and how legal and economic influences impact on a business. Enterprise and Employability focus These modules will enhance the academic, personal and professional development of students to meet the changing needs of employers, the economy and society. Students will gain invaluable skills and knowledge for employment and/or self employment 6
Progression on the Award During your studies, you will reach certain progression points. This means that you will need to have passed assessments or achieved the requested grade point in order to progress. Progression points are reached when you have completed all of the assessments for a particular level. Following Teaching Block 2, you must have passed all 120 credits of your level 4 modules and shown a satisfactory attendance record in order to progress onto Teaching Block 3 during the summer. If you do not achieve this, you will normally be required to slow down your pace of study onto the 3-Year route. You may also make a choice at this point as to whether you wish to study over the summer months. Again, if you decide that you prefer a break, you may transfer onto the 3-year route. Note that if a domestic student transfers onto the 3-year route during or immediately after teaching block 2, the fees incurred overall will be increased by the additional year s tuition. This is also the point where students who were made an offer of a 3-year Accounting and Finance place with an option to transfer onto the 2-year route may make this transition providing that they have achieved at least an average of a grade point 9 (57%-59%) for their level 4 modules with a grade point of no less than 6 (47%-49%) for any individual module. Following Teaching Block 3, there is no formal progression point here as you will not have completed all of your intermediate level modules. On completion of Teaching Block 2 of Year 2 (Teaching Block 5 overall), this constitutes the next progression point as although you have been studying modules on two levels, you will have completed all of the level 5 modules. At this point, you may trail a maximum of 30 Level 6 credits into the resit period if you wish to remain on the 2-year route. If you have not passed all of the necessary credits at this point, you will need to slow down your pace of study and will not be able to take your final modules in Teaching Block 3. All remaining credits will need to be completed in the next academic year. Work Placement year There is an opportunity for a 12 month Work Placement between teaching block 2 and teaching block 3 of year 2. Successful placement students achieve the University Certificate Continuing Professional Development in Employment (30 Credits BLB10142-5). 7
HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED? Teaching and Learning There will be a combination of lectures, guest speakers, tutorials, workshops, seminars and technology supported learning to complement and enhance traditional, face-to-face learning experience. Knowledge and skills will be developed through case-studies, role-plays, simulations, presentations, projects (work-based and academic), reflective personal development plans and the extended use of technology supported activities. Students will be guided through their studies through a teaching support network of module tutors, personal tutors, award leaders and supporting academic and business managers, and dedicated and involved support staff Students will be: Engaging with complex, challenging problems and real world issues Proactively using available resources, technical, digital and paper-based to address problems, construct solutions and identify new topics for research Engaging in constructive reflection on learning and new ideas Communicating and sharing with others in effective teams and collaborative activities. Demonstrating a sense of community through active involvement with individuals and groups from differing backgrounds, communities and value systems For certain modules, the learning hours will be extended beyond the standard University guidelines to meet Professional Body accreditation requirements as follows: Module University Requirement Accreditation Requirement Financial Reporting (Level 5-30 credits) - Total Learning Hours 300 hrs 350 hrs Advanced Management Accounting (Level 5-30 credits) - Total Learning Hours 300 hrs 350 hrs Personal and Business Taxation FTA (Level 5 30 credits) - Total Learning Hours 300 hrs 350 hrs Financial Strategy (Level 6 30 credits) - Total Learning Hours 300 hrs 350 hrs Auditing and Corporate Governance (Level 6 30 credits) - Total Learning Hours 300 hrs 350 hrs Assessment Assessment design will reflect the skills needed to engage in business and will include report presentation through a variety of media, case-study analysis and feedback, reflective portfolios, assignments, research projects, examinations (both open and closed-book) podcasts and technology supported presentations. The assessment programme will also build in a timely feedback programme to enable students to engage with and benefit from meaningful and feedback to help develop confidence in meeting the demands of different approaches to assessment. To achieve this we design into our programmes opportunities for formative assessment and feedback and encourage students to reflect and evaluate their contribution and development. 8
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Entry Requirements What qualifications would I need to join this programme? Applications to the award are welcome from students with a wide variety of qualifications, skills and experiences. In addition to the requirements outlined below, all applicants will be expected to have attained a level 2 qualification in Maths and English, eg. GCSE Grade C, or above, Key Skills Level 2 or Adult Numeracy Level 2, Adult Literacy Level 2. Applicants with non-standard qualifications and mature applicants are encouraged to apply. The entry requirements for the award are normally: 3 GCE/VCE A levels Normally 260 tariff points or grades BCC from 3 Advanced GCE/VCE s or a VCE double award or combination. This may include 40 points from AS Key Skills units. Association of Accounting Technicians Level 3 and 4. Access Qualification Pass at the required QAA recognised standard Applications are welcome from students with a wide variety of qualifications, skills and experiences. Evidence of satisfactory English language skills is required for candidates where English is not their first language, such as IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in the writing and listening modules) or above. As part of the application process, all applicants are interviewed. Disability Statement Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/disabled_students/index.jsp AWARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION Further information about the award can be found in the relevant Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes information about optional modules, learning outcomes at levels below honours, student support, and academic regulations. ==================================== 9
THE STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21 st century. The Staffordshire Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world. The table below indicates where, within your award, these characteristics are addressed: AWARD TITLE: BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance Characteristic Award Module(s) Level Credits Method of Assessment 1. Work-ready and employable Employability and Study Skills 4 30 Personal Development Plan, Assignment, IT Skills, Numeracy and Literacy, CV & Job Application Letter Professional Development 5 15 Personal Development Plan, Assignment and Portfolio Computerised Accounting 6 15 Exam and Assignment Contemporary Issues in Accounting 6 15 Assignment Placement Year Work Experience and Portfolio 2. Understanding of enterprise and entrepreneurship Business Law 4 15 Exam Computerised Accounting 6 15 Exam and Assignment Project Management 5 15 Assignment and Course Work Contemporary Issues in Accounting 6 15 Assignment Financial Strategy FTA 6 30 Exam and Assignment 3. Understanding of global issues and their place in the global economy Financial Services Environment 4 15 Assignment - Report Economic Environment 4 15 Exam Financial Reporting 5 30 Exams 10
Financial Research FTA 6 30 Research Proposal and Report Financial Strategy FTA 6 30 Exam and Assignment Contemporary Issues in Accounting 6 15 Assignment 4. Communication skills Employability and Study Skills 4 30 Group Presentation Financial Services Environment 4 15 Assignment - Report Project Management 5 15 Assignment and Course Work Professional Development FTA 5 15 Personal Development Plan, Assignment and Portfolio Financial Research FTA 6 30 Research Proposal and Report 5. Presentation skills Employability and Study Skills 4 30 Group Presentation Professional Development FTA 5 15 Personal Development Plan, Assignment and Portfolio Financial Services Environment 4 15 Assignment - Report Employability and Project Management 5 30 Assignment and Course Work 6. The ability to interact confidently with colleagues Employability and Study Skills 4 30 Group Assignment Employability and Project Management 5 30 Assignment and Course Work Placement Year Work Experience and Portfolio 7. Independence of thought Employability and Study Skills 4 30 Critical Thinking Assignment Employability and Project Management 5 30 Assignment and Course Work Financial Research FTA 6 30 Research Proposal and Report 8. Skills of teamworking Employability and Study Skills 4 30 Group Assignment 11
Professional Development FTA 5 15 Personal Development Plan, Assignment and Portfolio Financial Services Environment 4 15 Assignment - Report Employability and Project Management 5 30 Assignment and Course Work 9. Ability to carry out inquirybased learning and critical analysis Employability and Study Skills 4 30 Critical Thinking Assignment Project Management 5 15 Assignment and Course Work Professional Development FTA 5 15 Personal Development Plan, Assignment and Portfolio Financial Strategy FTA 6 30 Exam and Assignment Auditing and Corporate Governance 6 30 Exam and Assignment Financial Research FTA 6 30 Research Proposal and Report 10. Skills of problem solving and creation of opportunities Project Management 5 30 Assignment and Course Work Advanced Management Accounting 5 30 Exams Financial Research FTA 6 30 Research Proposal and Report Personal and Business Tax FTA 5 15 Exams Placement Year Work Experience and Portfolio Contemporary Issues in Accounting 6 15 Assignment 11. Technologically, digitally and information literate Employability and Study Skills 4 30 IT Assignment Professional Development FTA 5 15 Personal Development Plan, Assignment and Portfolio 12 Computerised Accounting 6 15 Exam and Assignment Project Management 5 15 Assignment and Course Work
12. Able to apply Staffordshire Graduate attributes to a range of life experiences to facilitate life-long learning Employability and Study Skills 4 30 Personal Development Plan allowing for ongoing selfevaluation and improvement Professional Development FTA 5 15 Personal Development Plan, Assignment and Portfolio Financial Research FTA 6 30 Research Proposal and Report Placement Year Work Experience and Portfolio ======================= 13