How To Get A Degree In Finance From Highland University

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1 Highlands Opportunities Achievement Success IN Business and Finance Degrees

2 2 IN Opportunities Achievement Success

3 Introduction Plymouth University in Partnership with Highlands College offers extensive expertise and experience in helping you, the learner, gain OPPORTUNITIES, ACHIEVE your goals and enjoy your learning SUCCESS. We understand that you are an individual, with unique aspirations and goals. Studying on our range of business and fi nance degree programmes gives you access to: Tutors with unrivalled industry and academic experience Paid work based learning with leading business organisations Professional networking opportunities with our industry partners COA qualifi cation embedded as part of your studies on both the Financial Services and Finance and Accounting degrees BA Honours in Financial Services The BA (Honours) degree in Financial Services is a 3 year sandwich course with extensive paid work placements in Jersey s fi nance industry. This qualifi cation was specifi cally designed to meet the needs of Jersey s international fi nancial services industry in conjunction with Jersey Finance Ltd and the Jersey Bankers Association. It delivers not only the knowledge but also the skills that industry specialists have identifi ed as being crucial to success in this dynamic and fast paced industry. Students graduate here on the Island after 2 years at Foundation degree level or after 3 years at Honours degree level with a recognised academic qualification and an unrivalled CV. BA Honours in Business and Management The BA (Honours) Business and Management programme is aimed at those who wish to pursue a career at managerial level across a range of business sectors. Many modules are in common with the FdA Financial Services but require students to undertake specifi c modules relating to the analytical and marketing skills necessary for business management. Work placements follow the same pattern as the Financial Services programme but are with employers across a range of industries spanning retail, hospitality and the public sector. Students can top up to an Honours degree in Business and Management here on the Island, or choose from a range of 3rd year options at Plymouth University. BA Honours in Accounting and Finance The FdA Accounting and Finance programme is aimed at those who wish to pursue a career in the accounting sector. It is run in parallel with the FdA Financial Services but requires students to undertake specifi c modules in accountancy to achieve the FdA Accounting & Finance qualifi cation. These modules include management accounting, fi nancial accounting and audit and will offer exemptions from further professional exams. Students can top up to an Honours degree in Financial Services here on the Island, or BA Honours in Accounting & Finance at Plymouth University. 3

4 Why a Plymouth University Degree at Highlands About us With a mission to be the enterprise university, Plymouth is a dynamic and innovative environment within which to work and study, transforming lives through education, world-class research and innovation on a global stage. We are committed to delivering an outstanding student experience and enjoy a reputation for excellence in teaching and learning alongside world-class research. Together with a research-informed curriculum, we embed employability skills throughout a student s journey with us. This approach is replicated at our partner colleges around the UK, including Highlands College. Our students emerge as highly employable graduates with an impressive skills base. Studying for a Plymouth degree in Jersey gives the benefi ts of a Plymouth validated curriculum which is tailored to the local market. Skilled teachers Feedback from current students is universally positive about the high standards and approachability of the teaching team. In the 2011 UPC Undergraduate Student Perception survey, 100% of fi rst year students stated that they found staff are good at explaining things ; 100% of students were satisfi ed with the quality of the course and over 90% agreed that the course has helped me to present my self with confi dence. Our core team are all experienced teachers with over 40 years experience between them. We also draw on a pool of experienced visiting lecturers from the Island s offshore industry. Crucially, we insist that anyone delivering a module on any of our programmes has a nationally recognised teaching qualification, ensuring the highest standards of achievement and academic integrity. Ongoing support We recognise that at degree level students are on a journey toward full independence and this is refl ected in the large amount of support which is delivered in the fi rst year, gradually being reduced as students develop their skills as independent learners. We believe in small class sizes, prioritising quality over the sheep-dip approach favoured by some institutions. Students also have the support of a personal tutor, a work-based learning tutor and, of course, their mentor in the placement organisation. Varied teaching methods Teaching is via a variety of methods from traditional lectures and seminars to small group challenges, including participation in national investment competitions. Teaching and assessment is often linked to the work placement, allowing students to apply and embed what they have learned in the classroom. Classrooms are well-equipped with interactive whiteboards and internet access. Degree students have access to their own study space as well as the College library and Learning Resources Centre. Students also gain access to the Plymouth University Centre portal. 4

5 The University Centre at Highlands Experienced mentors - Julia Anquetil - Director, Business Management, RBC Wealth Management I feel that my role as Mentor is to ensure that the student is provided with guidance, support and feedback to enable them to develop and apply the theory learned in the classroom within a real business environment. The work placement is invaluable as it provides students with the opportunity to develop transferable skills that are valued by future employers, such as team work, communication, customer service and general business etiquette. This provides them with a real competitive advantage when seeking employment, as they are able to draw upon their experience and provide real examples within their CVs and interviews. It also provides the student with a broad view of the organisation or industry, which helps drive and shape their future career path. The added benefi t for me is that it may also provide me with the opportunity to develop a student who may subsequently apply for employment within RBC!!! Creative assessment tools Recognising that learners are all different, we assess students using a range of methods from business reports and academic essays, to group and individual presentations. This helps students to develop their academic skills, as well as developing the soft skills that our partner organisations tell us that they expect in graduate hires. Importantly, the learning log that students keep during their extensive work placement forms a critical part of the overall assessment. Students are encouraged to engage in dialogue, with their mentor and those around them at work, to refl ect on and learn from this unrivalled experience. 5

6 BA (Honours) Degree in Financial Services Bright prospects Employability We want you to be in a good position to face the objectives by:- BA (Honours) Degree in demands of a tough economic environment. Our courses and work experience opportunities allow you to develop Accounting transferable skills needed to meet the and changing needs Finance curriculum; of employers, the economy and society. We seek to strengthen your professional practice by building your own portfolio to help you refl ect and prove your worth to employers. We are committed to providing opportunities for our students to develop abilities and skills which will enhance their employability. These opportunities are available to students at every level of study, regardless of their own personal circumstances. Primary objectives BA Underpinning this (Honours) strategy are fi ve primary objectives: Degree in To maintain the University s position as the Island s leading institution for student employability; Business and Management To improve the overall quality of graduates fi rst employment destinations as evidenced by our success in relation to students gaining jobs with their placement provider; To incorporate employability-related skills and training activities across all academic disciplines and other relevant areas; To establish and maintain high quality, fully coordinated links with leading local graduate recruiters. The University aims to achieve these Continuing to embed higher level, subject specifi c, intellectual and transferable skills within the academic Increasing and enhancing opportunities for workrelated learning; Preparing students for employment in a global economy; Recording personal development. Developing employability attributes A set of core attributes are routinely outlined by employers as indicators of their needs and as ciphers of graduateness. These relate to world of work behavioural practices, such as reliability, good timekeeping, confi dence and complex problem solving, and, no less importantly, to soft skills such as communication, team working ability, the capacity to operate independently and to demonstrate contextual sensitivity, including intercultural awareness. Recognition of the value of these attributes, and of their pertinence to HE learning within and outside the curriculum, underpins the ambitions of the University s Employability Strategy. Our degree programmes in Financial Services has a 90% success rate in graduates securing a job in financial services within 6 weeks of finishing their course. 6

7 Syllabus IN Course details and progression routes Financial Services Accounting and Finance Business and Management Work Based Learning Year 1 Professional Practice Professional Practice Professional Practice The International Financial The International Financial Business Information Systems & Accounting Sectors & Accounting Sectors Business Relationship Business Relationship Business Relationship 13 weeks on placement Management Management Management x 250 per week Regulation of Regulation of Business Law and Financial Services Financial Services Regulation Financial Markets & Financial Markets & IT and Numerical Investment 1 Investment 1 Analysis Introduction to Accounting Introduction to Accounting Introduction to Accounting OPTIONAL: Study trip to London/New York/Singapore Year 2 Macro and Micro Macro and Micro Macro and Micro Economics Economics Economics People and Organisations People and Organisations People and Organisations Project and Operations Management Accounting Project and Operations Marketing Financial Accounting Marketing 15 weeks on placement x 250 per week Research, analysis Research, analysis Research, analysis and decision making and decision making and decision making Financial Markets & Auditing Human Resource Investment 2 Management Qualify FdA in Financial FdA in Accounting FdA Business and with 2 JFSC table 5 qualifications Services plus COA* and Finance plus COA* Management OPTIONAL: Study trip to London/New York/Singapore EXIT HERE: EMPLOYMENT Year 3 Honours Project Honours Project Financial Sector: Competitive Advantage & Strategic Risk Corporate Strategy Leading People: Achieving Objectives in the Financial Sector Leading People and Managing Change Consultancy Project Specialist Studies in Financial Services Innovation and Enterprise Qualify BA (Hons) in Financial Services BA (Hons) in Business with a JFSC table 4 qualifications (For BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance, progress to Plymouth) and Management EXIT HERE: EMPLOYMENT * COA = Certificate in Offshore Administration, also a JFSC Table 5 qualification For information about other 3rd year pathways at Plymouth University, please contact the University Centre Manager 7

8 Earn while you Learn An integral element of the degree is 28 weeks ex-gratia BA work placements (Honours) ( 250 per week*) in the fi rst two years Degree in of the degree, until industry based consulting project in the fi nal honours year. Financial The work placements are designed Services to enhance your Strong partnerships relevant learning experiences that enhance professional roles and confi dence to practice. To engage in learning in the workplace the learner needs to have a level of determination to be self directed and engage in deep learning, and they can do this through support from CV by giving you practical paid experience in various both the WBL tutor (Highlands) and the WBL mentor organisations, ranging from banks, trust companies and (organisation). fund management companies. When you complete the Work based learning is at the heart of the programme, course you will be ahead of your peers, in terms of your ensuring students understand how the knowledge they professional network, relevant experience and ultimately have gained in the classroom is applied in the workplace. your employability skills. Work based learning is a way of engaging in meaningful, * Subject to meeting both course and organisational requirements. The Foundation/Honours Degree in Financial Services and Accounting and Finance benefi t from an introduction to Jersey s fi nance sector and ongoing support from both Jersey Finance and the Jersey Financial Services Commission. The Foundation/Honours Degree in Business and Management is also fortunate to be provided with an induction into the Jersey Economy do receive ongoing support from the States of Jersey Economic Development Department. We have developed strong partnerships with leading organisations in all sectors of the Jersey Economy to include: Financial Services Partners 2012 Appleby Global Ogier Ashburton Sanne Group Citigroup Santander Private Banking Deutsche Bank State Street DCG UBS HSBC RBC Wealth Managemnet IPES Business and Management Partners 2012 Economic Development Department Highlands College HSBC Hotel de France Jersey Gas company Ltd Jersey Hospice Care Santander Private Banking David Vieira, Jersey Finance Head of Marketing David Vieira, Jersey Finance Head of Marketing, commented: Jersey Finance and Highlands College have established a close working partnership with the formation of the Foundation Degree in Financial Services and subsequent on-island BA (Honours) Degree in Financial Services. The foundation degree has become an important educational option for students making the transition from full-time education to the world of work, as it offers employmentrelated skills and an appreciation of a commercial business environment, as well as highlighting career options and pathways to training, employment and life-long learning. In a challenging job market, these skills become evermore vital and the collaboration between the fi nance industry and Highlands College has empowered undergraduate students to feel more confi dent about their future career paths. 8

9 The student experience BA Honours/FdA Financial Services Ellie Stannard When I fi rst made the decision to stay in Jersey and study I was more than a little apprehensive. I wondered what I d be missing out on not going over to the mainland and experiencing life away from home. Upon refl ection however I believe I have gained more; through staying in Jersey I have built new relationships not only with my peers and tutors but my work placement the Royal Bank of Canada. In lectures we learn a variety of fi nancial aspects from Accountancy to International Relations all of which have really broadened my mind and allowed me to learn about areas that I was unaware of. I believe this will really benefi t me in the future when undertaking a job. Through being a Student Representative for the Financial Services degree I have also gained a better understanding of how the University Centre runs as well as being made to feel like the opinions and suggestions of fellow students really do matter. To anyone considering the degree I would strongly recommend it due to gaining knowledge from experienced fi nancial lecturers along with an amazing opportunity to learn fi rst hand on work placement. BA Honours/FdA Business and Management Robert Timoney As a mature student I was apprehensive of returning to studying after such a long break but the support and guidance from the Highlands staff has been fantastic. The course is well structured and has a rounded set of subjects that are all interesting and relevant to the workplace. The course also provides a 13 week placement which, for me, has been an insight into the Economic Development Department of the States of Jersey and has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of work I ve had and I was able to put my new knowledge into practice. BA Honours/FdA Accounting and Finance Scott Conneely Initially I had an interest in International Business, but was unsure on a specifi c degree/ university to study at. It was around this time that Highlands came to Victoria College and outlined the courses available. The opportunity to gain vital work experience and get my foot in the door for a potential career, whilst achieving the recognised qualifi cations that will advance me in that career was what sold it for me, not to mention the placements were paid also! The course so far has been extremely interesting and, at times, challenging. I think it has given me a solid foundation to the next step in my education, supplying me with a broad knowledge of the fi nancial services industry, whilst allowing for deeper analysis of specifi c areas through the modules and coursework. I have chosen to do my fi nal year at Plymouth as an opportunity to gain the university experience and excel in my passion for accountancy and upon my return I am to pursue the accountancy route further through the ACCA course. 9

10 Application process Admissions For 2012 the minimum entry requirement is 160 UCAS points from a minimum of two A Levels or equivalent (e.g. BTEC Extended Diploma) or 27 International Baccalaureate points plus GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above. Other level 3 qualifi cations will be considered and mature applicants with relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. All candidates will need to have a successful interview. You will need to demonstrate a clean police record check for your work placement. Cost Tuition fees for new students for the accademic year will be 5,550. How to apply All applicants are required to complete an application form and submit a personal statement. A specifi c task relevant to the degree applied for will also be set which will be discussed at the interview stage. Grant means tested support for fees and living expenses is available from the Education, Sport and Culture Department - please contact Tel for more information. Application forms can be downloaded from or can be collected from Student Services at Highlands College. For further information on any of our degrees direct your questions and queries to the team. Ben Bennett Curriculum Manager Business Related Degrees Ben.Bennett@highlands.ac.uk Glenda Rivoallan Business Development & Work based Learning Manager Glenda.Rivoallan@highlands.ac.uk Jane Herlihy University Centre Administrator Jane.Herlihy@highlands.ac.uk Innes MacLagan University Centre Manager Innes.MacLagan@highlands.ac.uk 10

11 Cost Comparison Tuition Living Sub total Income Total Expenses Earned Cost Plymouth in partnership 11,100 5,000 16,100 7,000 * 9,100 with Highlands Foundation Degree (2 years) Plymouth in partnership 16,650 7,500 24,150 7,000 * 17,150 with Highlands Honours Degree (3 years) UK Degree 27,000 27,200 54,200-54,200 * This fi gure is based on 13 weeks of work based learning in year one and 15 weeks in year two. 11

12 7956 Design & Print by Energy Media Tel Highlands Opportunities Achievement Success Highlands College, PO Box 1000, St Saviour, Jersey, JE4 9QA Tel: ( )