POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES 2013-14 We are a Top 50 UK University* * Guardian University Guide 2014
FULL-TIME POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES Postgraduate programmes offer a chance to upgrade your skills and make you more attractive to employers. Entry onto the programmes require a UK Honours degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent in a relevant subject area. The English language requirement for international applicants is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. Extensive experience in a subject area may be considered as a substitute for formal qualifications in exceptional circumstances. MSc Accounting and Finance Dr Tony Muff MSc IT Service Management Debbie Alexander This programme is relevant for graduates in accounting or finance or a closely related discipline seeking to pursue further study and enhance employment opportunities in this area. It seeks to further knowledge of accounting and finance in a manner which will provide a sound framework for those wishing to pursue further study or enhance employment opportunities. It addresses many of the current accounting issues present in business and how they relate to the wider social, technical and economic challenges that businesses face. Relevant for any graduate wishing to move into IT Service Management, IS Services, Strategic Planning, Service and Support. It is now recognised that information is the most important strategic resource that any organisation has to manage and that this information is not exploited if IT systems and services are below the required quality. The emergence of a Global Body itsmf (Information Technology Service Management Forum) to ensure the adherence of quality and standards in the provision of IT Services underpins the importance of the quality of staff employed in this profession. Applicants must be able to demonstrate an awareness of computing and information systems. MA Human Resource Management (CIPD*) Linda Coles Relevant for graduates with an academic background in HR, sociology, economics, business studies, management and related disciplines wishing to enhance their knowledge and expertise in the area of Human Resource Management. The programme aims to develop specialist knowledge in, and expertise of, HRM and facilitate understanding of the specific issues that pose challenges when managing people in an international and multicultural environment. In addition, the course aims to equip students with the analytical and diagnostic skills to enable them to make enhanced contributions to the strategic management of people in organisations. The goal is to enable graduates to become highly qualified HRM specialists, capable of achieving success as business partners, academic researchers or in teaching, following completion of the course. * Chartered Institute of Personnel Development. MSc International Marketing Strategy Dr Angela Rushton Relevant for graduates in marketing or a business related discipline looking to enhance their career prospects. Successful completion of this course will prepare students for a career in marketing with the potential to achieve success as a senior marketing manager with international organisations. The programme provides comprehensive coverage of the challenging and dynamic discipline of international marketing. The course reflects the key strategic decisions that underpin international marketing; the decision to internationalise; market identification, screening and selection; market entry; tactical action programmes; implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Examples of specific issues that will be covered include; standardisation-adaptation; the effect of culture on marketing theory; country-of-origin effect; international branding and communications.
All Masters Programmes last 12 months full-time. Most programmes commence in both September and February. Students attend lectures, seminars and workshops throughout two taught semesters (14 weeks each). Work on an independent project or dissertation normally commences in the second semester and is submitted at the 12 month point. I chose to return to the University to undertake the MSc Accounting and Finance qualification as the help and support I received from my tutors during my time as an undergraduate was very good. Thanks to the open door policy at the university I can easily meet with my tutors face to face to discuss my work. I believe that the course will be a turning point in my career as I will gain the professional and personal skills needed to succeed in a finance related profession. The sessions provide an open platform to discuss current economic and financial issues which reflect how knowledgeable and experienced the tutors are. At the end of the day it is determination that makes the difference between success and failure. Lobna Benchiri-Habeeb MSc Accounting and Finance MSc Management (Financial Analysis) (International) (Human Resources) (Marketing) Dr Mairi Watson The MSc Management is relevant for recent graduates seeking to develop further knowledge and competences in management. The Programme has pathways in International, Human Resources, Marketing and Financial Analysis. All students enrolled on the programme complete common core subjects, with modules which allow them to specialise in their chosen pathway. If you are uncertain about the pathway on which to enrol, please contact Admissions who will be able to advise. The course provides a rigorous and intellectually challenging programme of study which seeks to develop your understanding of the theory and practice of management. Experience or qualifications in management are neither expected nor required. If you have experience as a manager, you may wish to consider our MBA programme. MSc International Logistics Dr Andrew Gough This programme will develop your knowledge and understanding of key concepts affecting Logistics and Supply Chain Management today including technology, staff, infrastructure and operational processes that define this important business sector. You will investigate and evaluate alternative approaches to Logistics and Supply Chain Management today, looking forward over the next five years, making use of theoretical and industry sources. Every stage of the supply chain, from raw material supply to resource recovery will be covered, as will the many modes of transport, on land sea and in the air. Strategic issues such as multi-channel retailing, supply chain collaboration and lead time compression will be covered in workshop-style sessions led by our experienced teaching staff, many of whom have previously held board-level appointments in globallyrenowned logistics companies.
Master of Business Administration (MBA Plus) Dr Holger Siemons MSc International Banking and Finance Dr Tony Muff The Northampton Business School MBA Plus is an internationally recognised postgraduate qualification in management. The programme combines excellent generalist management teaching and learning with highly valuable additional recognition, qualification and activities. We offer a unique combination of opportunities which represent excellent value for money in a competitive and expensive marketplace. Normally, the Programme will begin with the MBA Plus Conference. The MBA award seeks, via a stimulating and intellectually demanding management development programme, to provide managers and potential senior managers with the knowledge, skills and competences across the range of management disciplines in order to enhance their careers. Applicants must have a minimum of two years relevant industrial/commercial experience at management level. Relevant for graduates in accounting, banking and finance or a closely related discipline wishing to further their employment opportunities. This programme provides students with theoretical and practical frameworks as well as analytical techniques and key transferable skills. In addition, it will develop the ability to apply relevant knowledge and skills and to exercise professional judgement in carrying out the role of the manager in relation to international financial regulation; strategic decision making; corporate governance and responsibility to the wider community and the management of risk within an organisation. The degree has a number of modules that reflect the changing nature of international banking in the 21st century. MSc Corporate Governance & Leadership (ICSA*) Ross Thompson This programme is designed for those who hold a finance, accounting, law or business qualification at undergraduate level and who wish to develop knowledge and work in the field of chartered / company secretary or corporate governance. To maintain effectiveness in a constantly changing environment, chartered secretaries have to keep abreast of developments in a variety of fields. This MSc will expose the student to a range of business issues and problems that may require complex solutions. Students will gain a sound understanding of corporate governance and leadership from corporate, investor and stakeholder perspectives. MSc Economics (New for Sept 2014) Dr Shaowei He This programme offers advanced economic study to equip students with an understanding of the theory and practice of economics. Building on participants specialist study in the area at undergraduate level, the programme provides development in the specialist areas of economic theory and econometrics and their application. Students will achieve a sophisticated understanding of policy issues so that they can pursue careers as economists or managers in commerce, industry, banking, financial services or the public sector. The programme offers full exemption from the ICSA examinations and students who pass the programme will also be awarded GradICSA status. * The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators
International students PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH (ESL) For those who meet the academic entry qualifications but whose level of English is below that required. To be accepted onto one of our programmes, you will need to demonstrate an English language level of IELTS 6.5 for postgraduate (or equivalent). If you are not currently at this level this programme is for you. The programme is full-time, providing a minimum of 20 contact hours per week. The programme has start dates in September, January, May and July. The length of the programme is dependent on your level of English at the time of entry and exit. Quite simply, we ensure that our courses excite the interest of our students and meet the need of their future employers. Dr. Ian Brooks, Executive Dean of Northampton Business School Northampton Business School is part of the University of Northampton and is based in a modern building set in 74 acres of attractive park and woodland. The setting combines a campus community with a rapidly growing town that blends its traditional market square and theatre with modern shopping malls and multiplex cinemas. With 35 years experience, Northampton Business School (NBS) is renowned for high quality teaching and research, supported by strong links with industry and commerce. Over 100 staff are able to draw on expertise for teaching, research and consultancy in: Accounting, Business Strategy, Economics, Human Resource Management, Information Sciences, Languages, Management and Marketing. NBS has over 3500 students including 1000 International students. 500 students are studying full-time for a Masters degree. We also employ our own specialist English language tutors.
The course has provided me with an insight into all aspects of business from human resources and effective management, through operational strategy to management and corporate finance. Being a postgraduate degree, the course has applied demands on both my professional and personal circumstance that cannot be overstated and as such has required a disciplined commitment to the course. Aside from the academic aspects of the course provided by the University a real benefit has been the opportunity to interact, collaborate and learn from other like-minded individuals from varied backgrounds. Having the opportunity to actively discuss and often debate the application of the taught theory in real world situations across both the private and public sectors has provided an insight that I would not have found anywhere else and will prove invaluable when considering business challenges in the future. The skills I have gained during my time at university, particularly in strategic and financial aspects of business administration have proven beneficial to my career and resulted in my promotion to the role of Operations Director. If you are considering an MBA qualification I would suggest that you grab the opportunity with both hands and go for it. Craig Molford MBA Northampton is a large market town, centrally located just off the M1 Motorway and on the main rail network between London and Birmingham. Journey time to London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Oxford, and Cambridge is just one hour. Northampton is close to some of the UK s major airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, London (Luton) and Birmingham. To apply or for further details contact: Northampton Business School Park Campus, Boughton Green Road, Northampton, NN2 7AL, United Kingdom T 0800 358 2232 E study@northampton.ac.uk International Office Park Campus, Boughton Green Road, Northampton, NN2 7AL, United Kingdom T +44 (0)1604 735500 E international@northampton.ac.uk