Programme Specification (Postgraduate) Date amendedmarch 2014

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1 Programme Specification (Postgraduate) Date amendedmarch Programme Title(s): M.Sc./Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate in Accounting and Finance 2. Awarding body or institution: University of Leicester 3. a) Mode of study Full-Time/Part-Time b) Type of study Campus-based/Distance Learning 4. Registration periods: Campus-based The normal period of registration is one year full-time or two years part-time. The maximum period of registration is two years full-time or four years part-time. 5. Typical entry requirements: Candidates should normally have a good second class honours degree from a British University, or its equivalent; or a postgraduate diploma from a recognised institution; or a relevant graduate level professional qualification; or a demonstration of considerable relevant practical experience and evidence of the ability to cope with the demands of the course. When English is not the first language of the candidate, the successful applicant must have either IELTS 6.5 (7.0 in writing preferred) or TOEFL 250 (computer) or 600 (paper) with TWE 4.0, 90 (IBT). 6. Accreditation of Prior Learning: N/A 7. Programme aims: The Accounting and Finance degree programme is a specialist career entry programme, which aims to: Provide students with a thorough grasp of the main theories, tools, methods and techniques of accounting and finance within an international context. This includes the development of an understanding of the advantages, limitations and typical applications of each major method or technique in practice. analyse and evaluate problems and issues in accounting and finance, including contexts in which organizations operate Promote an appreciation of the role of information within a knowledge-based economy. This will include an identification of approaches to data generation, data manipulation, data assessment, analysis and dissemination.

2 Expose students to the current debates in the accounting and financial professional and academic literatures. Enable course members to integrate and apply the knowledge, approaches and methods they have learned to a variety of accounting and financial decisions and their own management and work experiences. enable students to develop a range of transferrable and interpersonal skills, which will allow them to identify problems, evaluate and analyse situations and typical business scenarios, consider alternative solutions, make choices through critically appraising evidence and hence to implement solutions Equip students with the necessary skills to undertake independent research work in either accounting or finance, which is supporting through the completion of a 15,000 word For the PGCert Programme Aim 1 Programme Aim 2 For the PGDip in addition to those above Programme Aim 3 Programme Aim 4 Programme Aim 5 Programme Aim 6 For the MSC in addition to those above Programme Aim 7 8. Reference points used to inform the programme specification: University of Leicester Senate Regulations: of Leicester Code of Practice on Examining: University of Leicester Learning & Teaching Strategy : QAA Benchmarking Statement for Business and Management: -degrees-in-business-and-management.aspx QAA Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications, Annual Developmental Review External Examiners reports Student Feedback (formally through questionnaires and Staff-Student Committees; informally, for example, through student contact with module tutors, personal tutors, and programme leaders)

3 The requirements of the UK Race Relations Act 2000 The requirements of the UK Special Education Needs and Disability Act 2001 The University of Leicester s Widening Participation Strategy The University s Equal Opportunities Statement 9. Programme : Intended Learning Certificate Students graduating with a Certificate should possess a sound knowledge of the key theories and models used across a range of finance and accounting subjects. Diploma In addition to the above, graduates should possess a deeper knowledge of the key theories and models, as well as demonstrating some evaluation of their usefulness in business decision-making scenarios. In addition to the above, students graduating with a should possess an advanced knowledge of these key theories and models, including a critical evaluation of their usefulness in both practical (or organisational) settings and in a research context. Integration and synthesis of knowledge across subjects (a) Subject and Professional skills Knowledge Essays assignments (formative and summative), group discussions facilitated through seminar, computer based, numerically-based coursework assignments and

4 Certificate Enhanced grasp of principles of concepts of accounting and finance. Be able to explain a range of core concepts of finance and accounting and their inter-relationship Understanding of contextual nature of the development of finance and accounting theories and capability of using those theories to analyse organizational situations. Diploma Demonstrate an analysis of principles and core concepts, models and theories of finance and accounting In addition to the above, students should be able to critically analyse the development of finance and accounting theories, concepts and models Students should also be able to explain and critique the methodologies used in finance and accounting research Concepts Techniques Essays assignments (formative and summative), group discussions facilitated through seminar, computer based, numerically-based coursework assignments and

5 Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of core theories, models and concepts; evaluate the usefulness of theories and models in business scenarios. In addition to the above, students should be able to undertake qualitative, numerical and statistical evaluation as a means to develop an analysis of a management, finance or accounting problem, that will form the basis of their Certificate, Diploma and Demonstrate an understanding of core financial and accounting concepts and techniques Reflect critically on the disciplines of accounting and finance and upon the context bound nature of the generation and application of its concepts and techniques. Students will be able to distinguish between relevant and non-relevant materials; and to write up and deliver written work and data-based findings to a professional standard Ability to organise research material in a manner appropriate to the medium that is to be assessed Critical analysis Presentation Essay assignments (formative and summative), examinations, numerically-based coursework assignments In addition to the above, the Essay assignments (formative and summative), examinations, numerically-based coursework assignments In addition to the above, the Essay assignments (formative and summative), examinations, numerically-based coursework assignments In addition to the above, the

6 Ability to analyse and assess a variety of complex accounting and financial issues. Ability to locate, organise and assess data from a range of different primary and literature sources. Students will also be able to analyse a range of accounting and finance concepts and to understand and criticise different arguments. In addition, demonstrate the ability to sustain an independent level of inquiry at an advanced level Appraisal of evidence process) and independent research seminar, computer based, numerically-based coursework assignments, and Students will demonstrate an intellectual independence, through identifying and evaluating relevant evidence for essay assignments, as well as developing time management skills; students will also demonstrate an ability to write structured and coherent written work In addition to the above, students will plan an independent research project based on focused research questions. This also involves conducting literature surveys and reviews, analysing academic writing, collecting and analysing data which is relevant to the research questions and evaluating the data to construct critical argumentation at an advanced level. (b) Transferable skills Research skills seminar, computer based, numerically-based coursework assignments, and

7 Demonstrate clarity, fluency and coherence in written expression of management issues and debates. Develop and sustain arguments in. response to essay assignments. In addition, students will produce a that is coherently structured and written Students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate and synthesise data and evidence into coherent and sustained written arguments. Students will also be able to arrange and present numerical financial and/or accounting data into appropriate formats, interpreting and summarising this data where relevant As part of the, students may gather, evaluate and present research data into statistical formats, and summarise this data, where appropriate. Communication skills Assignment feedback (both formative and summative), selfdirected private study, seminar In addition to the above, the Data presentation Written skills will be assessed using essays assignments and The ability to communicate numerical data will be assessed using numerical-based coursework assignments seminar, computer based, numerically-based coursework assignments, and

8 Ability to construct and present quantitative data, including accounts, effectively using IT resources where appropriate. Specialist elective modules allow students to further develop these abilities using particular software and statistical packages In addition, students, if necessary, may use data analysis software and statistical databases that is relevant to their Certificate, Diploma and Master Ability to identify, analyse, evaluate and formulate solutions to a range of problems Certificate, Diploma and Ability to work collaboratively and responsibly in groups. Information technology process) and research methodology module Problem solving Working relationships Formative lectures in the Foundations of Knowledge module Participation in seminar and discussions which may involve working in small groups to assess problems or academic papers. In general, consultation with a personal tutor is also available to all students. In addition, the and supervision process, which will involve the development of a working relationship with their supervisor. seminar, computer based, numerically-based coursework assignments, and seminar, computer based, numerically-based coursework assignments, and seminar, and the formative assessment based on informal qualitative feedback on content and performance from a personal tutor.

9 Planning and constructing responses to and essay assignments, which us supported through evaluating a range of management, finance and accounting literature and subject-specific debates. Self-directed study to ensure completion of essay assignment tasks and to manage the programme workload Managing learning Seminar, computer, essay assignments, examinations and the research proposal Successful completion of the In addition: identify and complete an independent research project this also includes the necessary time management to conduct independent research Ability to reflect upon behaviour and skills with a view to personal and professional development. Elective modules allow students to develop skills in chosen areas that may be relevant to the student's career preferences. In addition: to research an area, through the, which may be relevant to the student s career preferences Career management Teaching methods provide the relevant knowledge and context to encourage self-reflection on personal development. Personal Tutor system, and selfreflection on essay assignment feedback In addition: The supervision process Essay assignment feedback and personal development planning Dissertation 10. Special features: 11. Indications of programme quality: External Examiner reports 12. Scheme of Assessment Senate Regulation 6: Regulations governing taught postgraduate programmes of study applies: Progression points

10 Candidates who have failed modules and/or failed to engage sufficiently with the programme at milestone points will be identified at the Board of Examiners and counselled concerning their position. Similarly those candidates with a high proportion of credits at 60% or above, or 70% or above, at such points will be encouraged by informing them that if they continue to perform at such a level that a degree with merit or distinction, respectively, could be within their grasp. In cases where a student has failed to meet a requirement to progress he or she will be required to withdraw from the course and a recommendation will be made to the Board of Examiners for an intermediate award where appropriate. 14. Rules relating to re-sits or re-submissions: See 12 above. Candidates may be required to re-submit a failing research proposal. A passing research proposal, either at first or second submission may be required to progress to the. 15. Additional information Full time and part time students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, along with the external speaker series and the careers and study skills strands of provision. They are also expected to fully participate in their study groups. Full time students should spend at least 500 hours during their total programme of study in these forms of interaction. Participation in these activities will be robustly monitored and a failure to achieve this extent of interaction on the part of a candidate will have significant impact upon Boards of Examiners decisions on the outcome of their studies. Appendix 1: Programme structure (programme regulations) Campus-based Curriculum: In addition to the taught modules candidates for the degree also undertake a or project on an approved topic. In addition to the core modules, candidates must also study one finance related optional module from the list marked ^ and one other module from the optional module list. Notes: (i) The list of optional modules available on individual programmes may be subject to change during the academic year. A full list of all optional modules within the School of Management is maintained by the Quality Office, Student and Academic Services. Module Code Module Title Credits Compulsory MN7022 Foundations of Financial Analysis and Investment 15 MN7024 Financial Modelling 15 MN7240 Foundations of Knowledge & Professional Skills 0 (MSc Finance) MN7241 Financial Statements: Theory, Practice & Critique 15 MN7262 Accountability, Representation and Control 15 MN7244 Accounting Representations: Public and Private 15 Sectors MN7032 Corporate Finance (MSc Finance) 15 MN7033 * Dissertation and Research 60 Optional MN7028 ^ Public Finance 15 MN7035 ^ Management Accounting 15 MN7037 ^ Social and Environmental Accounting 15 MN7038 ^ Advanced Applied Quantitative methods in 15

11 * compulsory only for degree of M.Sc. Appendix 2: Module Specifications Finance MN7351 ^ Developments in Business Finance 15 MN7354 ^ Financial Option Pricing 15 MN7361 ^ Finance and Society 15 MN7353 ^ Investment and Portfolio Analysis 15 MN7365 ^ Social Studies of Finance 15 See module specification database