MSc Accounting and Finance Version 2 June 2018
PROGRAMME APPROVAL RECORD AND CERTIFICATE (PARC)
PART 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
Programme title MSc Accounting and Finance [12/24 month] MSc Accounting and Finance [18 month]
Award title Masters in Accounting and Finance
Awarding Body/Institution BPP University
Teaching Institution (if different)
N/A
Language of Study English
UCAS Code N/A
Programme Code
Course Aim (HESA) M00
JACS Code(s) and % N300 – 50%; N400 – 50%
HECoS Code(s) and %
School Business School
Accrediting Bodies (if any) ACCA
Collaborative Partners (if any) None
Interim/Exit Awards Post Graduate Certificate in Business and Digital Studies or Post Graduate Certificate in Business
UAP 23 May 2018
PASP Approval Date 05 July 2018
AC Approval date 05 July 2018
Validation Period of programme
September 2018 – September 2023
Date of cohort from which the PARC applies
September 2018
DELIVERY METHODS AND LOCATIONS1
Approved Locations Load and duration Mode
London Shepherd’s Bush FT – 12 months FT – 18 months PT – 24 months
Blended
Birmingham FT – 12 months FT – 18 months PT – 24 months
Blended
Manchester FT – 12 months FT – 18 months PT – 24 months
Blended
Online FT – 12 months FT – 18 months PT – 24 months
Distance Learning
1 Programmes do not always run in all modes and locations
MSc Accounting and Finance Version 2 June 2018
AWARDS
Award Stage(s) Credits
Post Graduate Certificate in Business and Digital Studies or Post Graduate Certificate in Business
1 60
MSc Accounting and Finance 2 180
Key: FTA Full Time Accelerated FT Full Time PT Part Time Contiguous Face to Face delivery (plus materials and online support) Blended Mix of face to face and online delivery Distance Learning Online (but not excluding voluntary attendance at contiguous elements) Block Online but with required blocks of contiguous delivery
MSc Accounting and Finance Version 2 June 2018
PART 2 - PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
Module Title Status Stage Level Credits Assessment (weighting within module)
- Specify when components
Overall weighting towards classification
Stage 1
Strategic Business leader (SBL)
Compulsory 1 7 30 4 hour case study style examination sat, run and managed by ACCA - 50% pass mark required for MSc.
None, pass required for MSc
Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
Compulsory 1 7 30 3 hours and 15 minute examination sat, run and managed by ACCA - 50% pass mark required for MSc.
None, pass required for MSc
Business Project (BP)
Compulsory 1 7 30 7,000 word report on the research proposal outlined in the formative assessment – 50% pass mark.
50% of MSc or PG Certificate
Principles of Data Science (PDS)
Compulsory 1 7 15 3,500 word business style report, structured to communicate aspects of the data science initiative and, if appropriate, an Excel spreadsheet that address a modelling problem, with suitable results – 50% pass mark.
25% of MSc or PG Certificate
The Digital Leadership module is compulsory for students taking the 12 and 24 month route
MSc Accounting and Finance Version 2 June 2018
Digital Leadership (DL)
Compulsory for 12 and 24 month route
1 7 15 3,500 word business style report.
This can be undertaken as a case study or using a relevant scenario in an organisation of your choice subject to the approval of the module leader – 50% pass mark.
25% of MSc or PG Certificate
The Professional Development in the 21st Century module is compulsory for students taking the 18 month route
Professional Development in the 21st Century (PD21)
Compulsory for 18 month route
1 7 15 Written assessment of 3,500 words in total, with two elements: 1. 2000 words -
Critical reflective learning project
1500 words - Personal career development plan – 50% pass mark.
25% of MSc or PG Certificate
Plus 2 Electives
Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
Elective 1 7 30 3 hours and 15 minute examination sat, run and managed by ACCA - 50% pass mark required for MSc.
None, pass required for MSc
Advanced Performance Management (APM)
Elective 1 7 30 3 hours and 15 minute examination sat, run and managed by ACCA - 50% pass mark required for MSc.
None, pass required for MSc
Advanced Taxation (AT)
Elective 1 7 30 3 hours and 15 minute examination sat,
None, pass required for MSc
MSc Accounting and Finance Version 2 June 2018
run and managed by ACCA - 50% pass mark required for MSc.
Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
Elective 1 7 30 3 hours and 15 minute examination sat, run and managed by ACCA - 50% pass mark required for MSc.
None, pass required for MSc
English Support for Accountancy (ESA) is a non-credit bearing module compulsory for students with English as a second language
English Support for Accountancy (ESA)
Compulsory for students with English as a second language
1 7 n/a Formative:
Written: A short problem / solution report on a topic relating to ethics in business.
Spoken: Participation in a seminar.
None
Students who successfully complete the two compulsory modules plus two of the elective modules (120 credits) can be awarded Affiliate status of the ACCA by the ACCA.
Students who successfully complete BP, PDS and DL may be awarded a Post Graduate Certificate in Business and Digital Studies
Students who successfully complete BP, PDS and PD21 may be awarded a Post Graduate Certificate in Business
Additional Information (e.g. derogations, delivery partners)
A derogation is sought from MoPPs Part H: Examinations and Assessments, Section 2: Assessment Rules: Undergraduate Awards to allow students to progress with more than 30 outstanding credits prior to results being known. Students will complete assessments with ACCA for stages 1 and 2 and waiting for ACCA results to be published would cause unacceptable delay in the student journey.
Programme Regulations2
MSc Accounting and Finance
1. Authority
2 The mandatory Conditions for Admission are approved during programme validation. Admissions criteria are set at the discretion of Deans of Schools and may be raised from time to time. Please check the programme page on the website for current requirements.
MSc Accounting and Finance Version 2 June 2018
These regulations are made under the University’s General Academic Regulations and are
validated with the programme leading to the MSc Accounting and Finance
2. Conflict with the General Academic Regulations
Except to the extent that the Academic Council has specifically approved derogation, in the event
of a conflict between these regulations and the University’s General Academic Regulations the
latter shall prevail.
3. Conditions for Admission
To be admitted to the programme candidates must have:
Membership of the ACCA and have passed, or have exemptions for, the foundation
level ACCA assessments.
4. Conditions of Acceptance
An offer of a place on the programme is subject to the terms and conditions stated in the
documentation accompanying the offer, these regulations and the General Academic Regulations,
as in force at the time of interpretation. The acceptance of the offer is taken as agreement to
these regulations.
5. Changing Modules or Specialisations
Subject to the approval of the Director of Programmes, a candidate may be permitted to change
from one module or specialisation to another at an appropriate point in the programme/This is
not available for this programme.
6. Conditions for Progression
Conditions for progression are complicated by the fact that ACCA exam results are not available to
us until after the start of the following term. In reading these conditions for progression, please
refer to the programme structure diagrams at the start of the handbook.
Basic Principles
Students have a maximum of three attempts at an individual module assessment.
A student should take at least two full terms of teaching of the module within the
three attempts.
There are two main progression points on the programme. After the 1st term set of
ACCA papers and then after the 3rd term where students either retake the 1st set of
ACCA papers or have their 1st attempt at the 2nd set of ACCA papers.
Progression is also monitored after any resits results are released related to term 1
and term 3 modules
If a student meets the criteria of a Marginal Fail then they are entitled to a free two
day recap course and entry for the next sitting of ACCA exams.
To be considered a Marginal Fail, the requirements are both 80% timely attendance
and 35% achievement in formative and summative assessment for ACCA assessed
modules
MSc Accounting and Finance Version 2 June 2018
If a student fails but does not achieve a marginal fail, they must retake the module
tuition in full at the first available opportunity.
Resubmission of coursework assessed BPP University modules is permitted if it is the
first failed attempt and the mark achieved is above 40%.
1. 12 month full-time programme
Progression Points
The example dates below assumes a September start student. The only change for a March start is
the 1st progression point starts July rather than January, but otherwise follows the same logic.
First progression Point – Mid January – First term results
Failed term 1 module and meet Marginal Fail criteria – Take resit course and exams
at the end of term 2.
Failed term 1 module and do NOT meet Marginal Fail criteria – Retake term 1
teaching in Term 3 replacing one or both of term 3 modules depending on how many
modules outstanding.
Resit & Result Review – Mid April – PDS result and term 1 resit results
Pass resit – Progress as per normal schedule.
Fail resit – Complete term 3 modules and set up to repeat failed modules after term 4,
effectively creating a term 5.
Failed PDS – Resubmission if above 40%, otherwise course repeated in term 4.
Second Progression Point – Mid July – Term 3 results and Term 1 repeat course results
Failed term 3 modules and meet Marginal Fail criteria – Take resit course and exams at
the end of term 4. Student would have to start term 5 on the same module that they take
the resit in whilst awaiting the result. If they fail resit then they would complete the rest
of term 5 in that module towards what will be their third attempt.
Failed term 3 modules and do not meet Marginal Fail criteria – Retake the course in
Term 5 in conjunction with any remaining modules outstanding from term 1.
Failed term 1 modules again – Two full terms completed and two failed attempts.
Progression meeting required as student as had the required two terms tuition and could
either take resit exams at the end of term 4, or full course again in term 5.
Resit & Result Review – Mid October – DL & BRP results and resit results for term 3 and
1 modules
Third fail at term 1 module – Withdrawn
Failed term 3 resit – As per above, continue with term 5
Failed DPS second attempt – No resubmission allowed so repeat again from January
either blended or online.
MSc Accounting and Finance Version 2 June 2018
Failed DL and/or BRP – Resubmit if eligible, otherwise repeat from January.
1. 24 month part-time programme
The progression rules and timetable are the same as the above outline for the second year of the
programme. In the first year there is not the same pressure at the second progression point for
students with pass assurance. These students can take the resit, in the appropriate paper, whilst
starting to study for a different module, and if necessary the resit module could be studied for a
full term at the next available date.
2. 18 month full-time programme with Work Placement
In order to progress onto the Work Placement that starts 10 months into the programme students
need to have:
Passed the two first term ACCA modules at the first sitting or in a resit attempt
Passed the two 15 credit modules in term 2
Passed or Awaiting results from the ACCA examinations at the end of term 3
7. Reassessment of Failed Assessment(s)
a) A student who fails an assessment should resit that assessment at the next assessment
opportunity.
b) Where an assessment is divided into more than one component, a student who fails one
or more assessment component(s) will only be reassessed in the failed assessment
component(s).
c) A student shall be permitted three attempts at each assessment component; one first sit
and two resits. Further attempts may only be permitted in accordance with the
regulations on appeals and the rules on concessions.
d) Where a student resits and passes an assessment component the component mark shall
be capped at the pass mark of 50%. The capped mark shall be aggregated with the original
mark(s) of the other component(s) and the aggregated mark shall appear on the
transcript.
8. Conditions for the Granting of Awards
a) No students shall be entitled to enrol for an award other than the MSc Accounting
and Finance
b) A student, who completes an approved programme of study, as described in the
Diagram of Outcomes Leading to Award and Programme Learning Outcomes, shall be
awarded a MSc Accounting and Finance.
c) Those students who choose to exit the Programme without completing it may
nevertheless be entitled to exit with an award of a:
Post Graduate Certificate in Business and Digital Studies or
Post Graduate Certificate in Business
MSc Accounting and Finance Version 2 June 2018
d) Candidates will be awarded a MSc Accounting and Finance or Exit award of Post
Graduate Certificate according to the procedures set down in the Manual of
Procedures Part H, Section 1.
9. Condonation
Condonation may only be granted where a student meets the eligibility criteria for condonation.
Please refer to Part H Section 1 of the Manual of Policies and Procedures for detailed guidance.
10. Classification of Award {not required if aligned with the GARs and MoPPs}
The following classification will be adopted for the overall award:
Distinction : 70% and above
Merit : 60% - 70%
Pass : 50% - 60%
11. Confidentiality
A student’s assessment results shall be confidential to the student, however the terms and
conditions of the programme will allow results to be shared with the UKVI for the purpose of
monitoring student progress for visa compliance purposes.
MSc Accounting and Finance Version 2 June 2018
PART 3 - PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
Programme aims
The aim of the MSc Accounting and Finance is to develop postgraduate level 7 skills in the context of an academically rigorous programme of financial education. The programme includes a range of topic areas to prepare graduates for a career in Accounting and Finance in a digital age.
The emphasis throughout will be on the development of skills, competencies and knowledge in a
practical context, passing professional examinations, whilst ensuring appropriate academic and
technical areas are covered.
In particular, the modules on this programme aim to:
Develop critical evaluation skills in students, in order to be able to assess accounting concepts and principles and their application.
Enable students to demonstrate analytical and interpretation skills in order to be able to apply their knowledge in a range of contexts and appreciate risks.
Synthesise knowledge of financial management techniques in order to apply them to issues affecting investment and financing in a range of contexts.
Develop in student’s critical evaluation skills to be able to appreciate the organisational context of the accountant.
Enable a conceptual understanding of the ethical responsibilities of professional accountants and the ability to reflect on best practice in context.
Develop the ability to conduct research into business and management issues which require data analysis and interpretation.
Develop the ability to select and apply appropriate accounting and financial management techniques to facilitate organisational business planning, decision-making and control.
Develop the ability to communicate analysis of accounting and financial information and recommendations to a variety of different audiences in a variety of written formats.
Develop and extend critical and reflective abilities which can be used in a range of problem-solving situations.
Foster in students the ability to make sound judgements in the absence of empirical data.
Foster in students the professional attitudes and the exercise of personal responsibility necessary for practice as a professional accountant.
If necessary to develop students written English through support modules.
This qualification achieves the above by providing grounding in the knowledge of core concepts, principles and key skills associated with the curriculum areas of accounting and finance.
Programme outcomes: knowledge and understanding; skills and other attributes
Knowledge and Understanding
Ref A. Students should be able to demonstrate a:
K1 Systematic understanding of relevant accounting and financial concepts and theories applicable in the global professional context
K2 Knowledge of the complexities of contemporary accounting and finance decisions in an organisational context
K3 Critical appreciation of the ethical and cultural dimensions of professions in order to effectively inform sustainable business.
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K4 Comprehensive understanding of contemporary techniques used for decision making.
Cognitive Skills
Ref B. Students should be able to:
C1 Rigorously evaluate a range of complex finance and accounting situations for the purpose of decisions in a range of business environments and sectors.
C2 Synthesise information from diverse sources to critically evaluate research and advanced scholarship in accounting and finance then where appropriate challenge existing methodologies
C3 Critically evaluate business needs in a variety of business contexts that demonstrate an appreciation of the complex interdependencies within a global control and governance environment
C4 Acquire the skills necessary to become recognised as a provider of specialist financial advice that contributes to improving organisational performance.
Professional Skills and Attitudes
Ref C. Students should be able to:
P1 Undertake quantitative and statistical research and analysis of a high quality in order to solve problems and make decisions in complex situations.
P2 Select from a range of alternative financial techniques and approaches in order to design and implement solutions for specific problems or contexts
P3 Apply financial techniques to inform decisions and support development of business performance.
General Transferable Skills
Ref D. Students should be able to:
T1 Make sound business decisions and provide advice and recommendations in a range of contexts based on financial and operational data
T2 Clearly demonstrate the appropriate ethical standards of behaviour required by professionals
These Learning Outcomes reflect those that will be achieved for the MSc Accounting and Finance. Exceptionally, if a student exits the programme, before they have successfully completed their professional exams, but have completed the other modules, then they may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate.
Learning and Teaching Strategy
The delivery of the MSc Accounting and Finance programme is as follows:
Teaching Day – Classes start at 9.00am and finish at 4.00pm each day. Generally, an hour is taken for lunch and short breaks are set during the morning and afternoon sessions. Each module taken will generally require one day’s attendance per week, although there are slight variations dependent on the modules.
Contact Hours – The broad guidelines are that there is 2 hours of contact for each credit in a module. These can vary depending on how technical the module is and how much practical exercises are required.
MSc Accounting and Finance Version 2 June 2018
Overall hours – It is expected that students will need to study independently for at least three hours for each contact hour spent in a classroom being taught.
Term structure – For modules assessed by an end of term examination the structure is based around nine weeks of learning new knowledge and four weeks of practice and reflection on this knowledge. For written coursework assessed modules the structure of the term is built round a series of 3 hour lectures and seminars.
Teaching and Learning Strategy:
Classroom based learning – Facilitated by BPP Faculty (including face to face lectures, seminars, group and individual work as well as opportunities for engagement and support at an individual level).
E-learning – Delivered by BPP Faculty and available via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Enhancement of knowledge through the use of live case studies and business simulation “games”.
Self-managed, independent learning (guided by BPP faculty in order to help consolidate learning activities).
Online live provision for students on the online programme - Online lectures will be delivered on the main subject areas covering the key concepts and principles of the discipline/field of study and these will be discussed in the classroom. The emphasis of the lectures is on the acquisition of knowledge, with the application skills developed in class. The accounting and finance professions is heavily regulated and it is right that there is a strong emphasis on students’ comprehension of the key practice- based, regulatory and legal frameworks that govern this field. Without such thorough understanding students would not be able to progress as competent professionals.