PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION This Programme Specification is correct as of the date indicated; however, minor amendments may be made throughout the year and will be incorporated in the annual updating process. SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE COURSE AND AWARD Programme Title Awarding Body Teaching Institution Faculty School Name of Final Award NQF/FHEQ Level of Qualification BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Buckinghamshire New University Buckinghamshire New University High Wycombe Buckinghamshire New University UCAV Horizon Sri Lanka Mont Rose London Design, Media & Management Applied Management & Law Bachelor of Science with Honours, BSc (Hons) Level 6: Bachelor's degree with honours QAA Benchmark Statement(s) General Business and Management (2007) Finance (2007) Accounting (2007) UCAS Code Course Code(s) Mode and Length of Study Number of Intakes Regime of Delivery Language of Study NN43 BB1AAF1 3 years Full Time 1; September Attendance English Details of Accreditation Publication Date September 2013 Potential Student Profile / Criteria for Admission: What the award is about and who the programme is aimed at: This programme is accredited 1 by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and offers graduates the opportunity to gain a prestigious accounting and finance degree at the same time as qualifying as part-qualified accountants. The latter is achieved by giving graduates the opportunity to gain maximum exemptions from all nine ACCA papers at the fundamentals level. The programme offers a mix of financial accounting, management accounting, financial management, auditing, taxation and strategic management that blend together to give students an understanding of the financial world and the topical issues affecting that world. Students are provided with a thorough grounding in accounting and finance not only in preparation for employment, but also for further study at post-graduate level. Why students should choose this award: 1 Subject to successful accreditation / exemption application BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Page 1
Students attending this programme will be joining a dynamic School and Department within the University and will be working with a team of highly experienced and professional academics and practitioners. Opportunities available for students after completion of the award: On completion of the programme, students will be able to progress to a range of opportunities and careers in the Accounting & Finance profession. Having achieved maximum exemption from ACCA papers, graduates can progress their professional qualifications through the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants or indeed through other equally prestigious accountancy professional bodies, such as the ICAEW, CIMA etc. Recent graduates from this course have gone onto jobs such as: Accounting Assistant, Personal Banker, Financial Analyst, Payroll Assistant and Graduate/Trainee Accountant. The academic strength and rigour of the BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance programme means that students are sufficiently prepared to consider entering the field of academic research. Expected knowledge and skills that the entrant will have on entry to the programme: Students will be expected to have passes in at least 5 GCSE/GCE subjects, of which two must be Advanced Level, or equivalent (BTEC National, GNVQ Level 3 at Merit, International Baccalaureate, Abitur etc.), GCSE passes in Mathematics and English Language, or equivalent, at grade C or above. All applicants will be expected to have a UCAS Tariff score of 200-240. International students will be expected to have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 scores in all areas. Mature students without formal qualifications, but with appropriate experience, may be admitted to the course under University and Faculty APL and APEL procedure and policy. This is in-line with the university s admission statement regarding mature students. For students progressing by entry with advanced standing to Level 6 an overall Merit profile in an HND, a Foundation Degree or a recognised overseas equivalent is required. In other cases, applications for advanced entry with specific credits towards the degree will be dealt with under CATS/APEL regulations and procedures. SECTION B: PROGRAMME AIMS, OUTCOMES, LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS Programme Aims The following have been designed as part of the general aims for all undergraduate programmes offered by the Business Management Department. The main educational aims of the programme are to: Prepare students for a professionally proven career in the accounting and finance sector. This is achieved by giving graduates full exemptions from the ACCA Fundamental levels, enabling graduates to work as part-qualified accountants in public practice, industry or commerce. Prepare students to work as finance professionals, specialising in corporate finance and related areas like equity analysis, derivatives trading or foreign exchange dealing. Enable students to develop a wide range of employability skills by emphasising on a vocational approach to teaching, including student presentations, research oriented assignments and Sage/computer skills. Produce graduates with the skills that link directly with the professional body standards (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW). Students will achieve a broad and professionally recognised grounding in fundamental accounting and finance areas. Develop the confidence and transferable skills in areas that are sought by employers, such as communications, problem solving, critical thinking, and professional development. BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Page 2
Programme Learning Outcomes A. Knowledge and Understanding On successful completion of the programme a graduate will be able to: 1. Demonstrate and apply understanding and knowledge of accounting systems and processes with a critical interpretation of the main issues and themes that affect the policy and practice of accounting; 2. Explore and evaluate a range of contemporary business and management issues in relation to Accounting and Finance; 3. Analyse empirical evidence concerning financial management, risk, and the operation of global capital markets. B. Intellectual/Cognitive Skills On successful completion of the programme a graduate will be able to: 1. Create, evaluate and assess options to enable effective problem solving and decision-making; 2. Locate, extract and analyse data from multiple sources, including the acknowledgement and referencing of sources. C. Practical Skills On successful completion of the programme a graduate will be able to: 1. Actively engage in financial reporting, financial statement analysis and interpretation, tax planning, investment, financing and dividend policy decision making. D. Key/Transferable Skills On successful completion of the programme a graduate will be able to: 1. Research information about complex business situations using appropriate qualitative, quantitative and ICT techniques and skills; 2. Display a range of personal and interpersonal skills, including the capacity for continuous learning, taking initiatives, performing to deadlines, working in a team, communicating effectively and persuasively, skills which are necessary to enter a career in business organisations or undertake further study. Table 1: Programme Skills Matrix Assessment Module Code Information Acquisition Critical thinking, analysis and synthesis Self-reflection and Criticality Communication Skills: Oral Communication Skills: Written Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Numeracy & Quantitative Skills Problem Solving & Decision Making Independent & Self-managed Learning Working with Others BM412 BM413 BM415 MG405 MG408 BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Page 3
Module Code Information Acquisition Critical thinking, analysis and synthesis Self-reflection and Criticality Communication Skills: Oral Communication Skills: Written Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Numeracy & Quantitative Skills Problem Solving & Decision Making Independent & Self-managed Learning Working with Others MG410 BM517 BM518 BM519 BM521 BM522 BM523 BM525 BM526 MG513 MG520 BM617 BM618 BM619 BM622 BM625 Learning, Teaching and Assessment Methods to achieve the Programme Learning Outcomes Throughout the award, the objective is to develop the knowledge, skills and analytical ability of students to enable them to enter successful careers in business organisations. This objective is met by a combination of tutor and student-led inputs, workshops, self-study and directed research and investigation. Students are required to work both individually and in groups. The assessment tasks include individual assignments, group work, examinations, reflective portfolios and project work in a combination designed to assess and meet the stated aims and the required learning outcomes. The assessment strategy is designed to ensure that learning outcomes are achieved and that there is a progressive development of knowledge and skills. At level 4, students are expected to describe, explain and review concepts theories and models; at level 5, students apply, analyse and evaluate; at BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Page 4
level 6, independent learning is more embedded and students develop a depth of understanding via synthesis, critical analysis and evaluation. Formative assessment is a key feature of the programme enabling early feedback to be given on progress and to help students improve performance. Assessment at all levels is by coursework, practical tasks and examination with some being assessed by 100% coursework. The course is designed to give students opportunities to undertake work based learning and enterprise activities which can form part of the learning and assessment of the programme. SECTION C: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE(S) AND MATRIX MAPPING Table 2: Programme Structure Table Programme structure for the course delivered at High Wycombe & UCAV Course Title Course Code Mode of Study BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance BB1AAF1 (HW) / BB1AAF7 (UCAV) Full Time Credit Value UK 360 credits ECTS 180 credits Module Code Module Title QCF/FHEQ Level Course Stage / Year Status in Award ([C]ore / [O]ptional) Credit Value Written Exam % Assessment Regime Coursework % Practical % Semester Taught Level Four BM412 Accounting Systems and Business Organisations 4 1 C 30 60 40 SB MG405 People and Organisations 4 1 C 30 100 SB BM413 Business Environment 4 1 C 15 60 40 S1 MG408 Graduate Challenge 4 1 C 15 100 S1 BM415 Management Accounting 4 1 C 15 50 50 S2 MG410 Career Viewpoint 4 1 C 15 100 S2 Level Five BM517 Advanced Management Accounting 5 2 C 30 50 50 SB BM518 Enterprise Projects 5 2 C 30 100 SB BM519 International Auditing 5 2 C 30 50 50 SB Students will undertake one of the following 15 credit in Semester One: BM521 Small Business 5 2 O 15 50 50 S1 BM522 Project Management 5 2 O 15 50 50 S1 BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Page 5
BM523 Contemporary Issues in Accounting and Finance 5 2 O 15 100 S1 MG513 B2B and Service Marketing 5 2 O 15 100 S1 Students will undertake one of the following 15 credit in Semester Two: BM525 Business Analytics 5 2 O 15 100 S2 BM526 Economic Analysis 5 2 O 15 60 40 S2 MG520 Future of Work 5 2 O 15 100 S2 Level Six BM617 International Finance 6 3 C 30 50 50 SB BM618 UK Taxation 6 3 C 30 50 50 SB BM619 Financial Reporting & Management 6 3 C 30 50 50 SB BM622 Strategic Decision Making 6 3 C 15 100 S1 BM625 Business Information Systems 6 3 C 15 100 S2 *The Semester taught codes for UCAV are UB, U1 & U2 Programme Structure for the course delivered at Horizon, Sri Lanka: Course Title Course Code Mode of Study BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance BB1AAF1HZ Full Time Credit Value UK 360 credits ECTS 180 credits Module Code Module Title QCF/FHEQ Level Course Stage / Year Status in Award ([C]ore / [O]ptional) Credit Value Written Exam % Assessment Regime Coursework % Practical % Semester Taught Level Four BM412HZ Accounting Systems and Business Organisations 4 1 C 30 60 40 SB MG405HZ People and Organisations 4 1 C 30 100 SB BM413HZ Business Environment 4 1 C 15 60 40 SB MG408HZ Graduate Challenge 4 1 C 15 100 SB BM415HZ Management Accounting 4 1 C 15 50 50 SB MG410HZ Career Viewpoint 4 1 C 15 100 SB BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Page 6
Level Five BM517HZ Advanced Management Accounting 5 2 C 30 50 50 SB BM518HZ Enterprise Projects 5 2 C 30 100 SB BM519HZ International Auditing 5 2 C 30 50 50 SB BM521HZ Small Business 5 2 O 15 50 50 SB MG513HZ B2B and Service Marketing 5 2 O 15 100 SB Level Six BM617HZ International Finance 6 3 C 30 50 50 SB BM618HZ UK Taxation 6 3 C 30 50 50 SB BM619HZ Financial Reporting & Management 6 3 C 30 50 50 SB BM622HZ Strategic Decision Making 6 3 C 15 100 SB BM625HZ Business Information Systems 6 3 C 15 100 SB Course Title Course Code Mode of Study BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance BB1AAF1HZ Full Time Credit Value UK 120 credits ECTS 60 credits Module Code Module Title QCF/FHEQ Level Course Stage / Year Status in Award ([C]ore / [O]ptional) Credit Value Written Exam % Assessment Regime Coursework % Practical % Semester Taught BM603HZ Innovation Quality & the Internet 6 1 C 30 40 60 SB BM607HZ Strategic Management 6 1 C 30 30 70 SB MG603HZ Global Marketing Management 6 1 C 30 50 50 SB MG607HZ Strategic Human Resource Management 6 1 C 30 30 70 SB BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Page 7
Programme Structure for the course delivered at Mont Rose, London: Course Title Course Code Mode of Study BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance BB1AAF1MR Full Time Credit Value UK 360 credits ECTS 180 credits Module Code Module Title QCF/FHEQ Level Course Stage / Year Status in Award ([C]ore / [O]ptional) Credit Value Written Exam % Assessment Regime Coursework % Practical % Semester Taught Level Four BM412MR Accounting Systems and Business Organisations 4 1 C 30 60 40 SB MG405MR People and Organisations 4 1 C 30 100 SB BM413MR Business Environment 4 1 C 15 60 40 S1 MG408MR Graduate Challenge 4 1 C 15 100 S1 BM415MR Management Accounting 4 1 C 15 50 50 S2 MG410MR Career Viewpoint 4 1 C 15 100 S2 Level Five BM517MR Advanced Management Accounting 5 2 C 30 50 50 SB BM518MR Enterprise Projects 5 2 C 30 100 SB BM519MR International Auditing 5 2 C 30 50 50 SB BM522MR Project Management 5 2 C 15 50 50 S1 BM525MR Business Analytics 5 2 C 15 100 S2 Level Six BM617MR International Finance 6 3 C 30 50 50 SB BM618MR UK Taxation 6 3 C 30 50 50 SB BM619MR Financial Reporting & Management 6 3 C 30 50 50 SB BM622MR Strategic Decision Making 6 3 C 15 100 S1 BM625MR Business Information Systems 6 3 C 15 100 S2 BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Page 8
Course Title Course Code Mode of Study BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Top Up) BB1AAF1MR Full Time Credit Value UK 360 credits ECTS 180 credits Module Code Module Title QCF/FHEQ Level Course Stage / Year Status in Award ([C]ore / [O]ptional) Credit Value Written Exam % Assessment Regime Coursework % Practical % Semester Taught Level Six BM617MR International Finance 6 3 C 30 50 50 SB BM618MR UK Taxation 6 3 C 30 50 50 SB BM619MR Financial Reporting & Management 6 3 C 30 50 50 SB BM622MR Strategic Decision Making 6 3 C 15 100 S1 BM625MR Business Information Systems 6 3 C 15 100 S2 Table 3: Mapping of Programme Outcomes to Core Modules Programme Outcome Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 A1 Demonstrate and apply understanding and knowledge of accounting systems and processes with a critical interpretation of the main issues and themes that affect the policy and practice of accounting; A2 Explore and evaluate a range of contemporary business and management issues in relation to Accounting and Finance. A3 Analyse empirical evidence concerning financial management, risk, and the operation of global capital markets B1 Create, evaluate and assess options to enable effective problem solving and decisionmaking, using appropriate qualitative, quantitative and ICT techniques and skills. BM412, BM415 All L4 BM412, BM413 BM415 MG410 MG408 BM413 All L5 All L5 BM517 BM519 BM518 BM517 BM618, BM617, BM619 All L6 BM618, BM617, BM619 All L 6 BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Page 9
Programme Outcome Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 B2 locate, extract and analyse data from multiple sources, including the acknowledgement and referencing of sources. C1 Actively engage in financial reporting, financial statement analysis and interpretation, tax planning, investment, financing and dividend policy decision making. D1 Research information about complex business situations and apply qualitative and quantitative techniques to it, in a project context, using ICT as appropriate. D2 Display a range of personal and interpersonal skills, including the capacity for continuous learning, taking initiatives, performing to deadlines, working in a team, communicating effectively and persuasively, skills which are necessary to enter a career in business organisations or undertake further study. BM415 BM519 All L 6 MG408 BM414 MG408 BM415 BM412 All L4 BM518 BM518 All L5 BM625 BM622 BM617 BM625 All L6 SECTION D: CONTACT HOURS Hours are worked on the basis of full-time study. 1 Academic Credit is equated to 10 notional learning hours. A full-time undergraduate student will study 120 credits in an academic year which is therefore equated to 1200 notional hours. Module Descriptors provide detailed breakdowns of the categories given below. Table 4: Breakdown of Contact Hours Year of course Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities Guided Independent Study Placement / Study Abroad Total Year 1 312 (26%) 888 (74%) 1200 Year 2 360 (30%) 840 (70%) 1200 Year 3 312 (26%) 888 (74%) 1200 Total 984 (27%) 2616 (73%) 3600 Note: The above breakdown is dependent on module choice and so actual hours for an individual student may vary slightly from the numbers shown. SECTION E: ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS This programme conforms to the approved University procedures as detailed on the University website. The calculation of this award will be as follows: Level 5 33% / Level 6 67%. This programme will be covered by the following University regulations: University Framework and Assessment Regulations 2013 Buckinghamshire New University BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Page 10
APPENDIX: OTHER AWARDS AVAILABLE The following Exit Awards are available on this programme: Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) Bachelor of Arts (Ordinary degree) Exit Award Programme Learning Outcomes Certificate of Higher Education On successful completion of a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE), a graduate will be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of key business foundation disciplines and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of accounting & finance Collect information from a variety of authoritative sources in order to develop lines of argument in accordance with basic theories and concepts of accounting & finance Communicate the results of their study/work accurately using a variety of communication styles Display a range of personal and interpersonal skills including effective teamwork and performing to deadlines A Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) will be awarded to a student who has completed the programme learning outcomes specified above. This is measured by achievement of 120 credits at Level 4. The following will count towards achievement of this award: BM412 Accounting Systems and Business Organisations (Core) BM413 Business Environment (Core) BM415 Management Accounting (Core) MG405 People and Organisations (Core) MG408 Graduate Challenge (Core) MG410 Career Viewpoint (Core) The above level 4 count towards exit awards for programmes delivered at High Wycombe and by academic partners Horizon (HZ) and Mont Rose College (MR). Diploma of Higher Education On successful completion of a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), a graduate will be able to: Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles in the field of accounting & finance, and the way in which those principles have developed Apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including the application of those principles Use a range of established techniques to undertake analysis of information and propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis Demonstrate an awareness of different concepts and frameworks and identify those areas where the knowledge base is most/least secure Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms to specialist and non-specialist audiences A Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) will be awarded to a student who has completed the programme learning outcomes specified above. This is measured by achievement of a combined total of 240 Credits comprising 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 Credits at Level 5. For students at the High Wycombe campus all at Level 4 and the following at Level 5 will count towards achievement of this award: BM517 Advanced management Accounting (Core) BM518 Enterprise Project (Core) BM519 International Auditing (Core) In addition students must pass one of the following 15 credit in semester 1 BM521 Small Business (Option S1) BM522 Project Management (Option S1) BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Page 11
BM523 Contemporary Issues in Finance and Accounting (Option S1) MG513 B2B and Service Marketing (Option S1) In addition students must pass one of the following 15 credit in semester 2 BM525 Business Analytics (Option S2) BM526 Economic Analysis (Option S2) MG520 Future of Work (Option S2) For students at the academic partner Horizon all at Level 4 and the following at Level 5 will count towards achievement of this award: BM517HZ Advanced management Accounting (Core) BM518HZ Enterprise Project (Core) BM519HZ International Auditing (Core) BM521 Small Business (Core) MG513 B2B and Service Marketing (Core) For students at academic partner Mont Rose College all at Level 4 and the following at Level 5 will count towards achievement of this award: BM517MR Advanced management Accounting (Core) BM518MR Enterprise Project (Core) BM519MR International Auditing (Core) BM522MR Project Management (Core) BM525MR Business Analytics (Core) Ordinary degree On successful completion of a Bachelor of Arts (Ordinary degree) a graduate will be able to: Critically evaluate the range of activities within the key business functional areas and their interrelationship and interconnectedness Critically analyse theories and concepts of strategic management and financial management within a changing environment Create, evaluate and assess options to enable effective problem solving and decision making using appropriate qualitative, quantitative and ICT techniques and skills Display a range of personal and interpersonal skills including taking initiative, appraising and analysing financial information and communicating effectively and persuasively Take responsibility for personal development using reflection and feedback to analyse own capabilities, appraise alternatives and implement appropriate action An Ordinary degree will be awarded to a student who has completed the programme learning outcomes specified above. This is measured by achievement of a combined total of 300 Credits comprising 120 credits at Level 4, 120 Credits at Level 5, and 60 Credits at Level 6. All at Levels 4 and 5 and the following at Level 6 will count towards achievement of this award: BM617 International Finance (Core) BM618 UK Taxation (Core) BM619 Financial Reporting and Management (Core) BM622 Strategic Decision Making (Core) BM625 Business Information Systems (Core) The above Level 6 count towards exit awards for programmes delivered at High Wycombe and by academic partners Horizon (HZ) and Mont Rose College (MR). Students studying on a Level 6 top-up year only at Mont Rose College, are eligible for an Ordinary degree and will be awarded to a student who has completed the programme learning outcomes specified above. This is measured by achievement of 60 credits at Level 6. The following at Level 6 will count towards achievement of this award: BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Page 12
BM617MR International Finance (Core) BM618MR UK Taxation (Core) BM619MR Financial Reporting and Management (Core) BM622MR Strategic Decision Making (Core) BM625MR Business Information Systems (Core) BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Page 13
APPENDIX: OTHER AWARDS AVAILABLE The following Exit Awards are available on this programme: Bachelor of Science (Ordinary degree) Exit Award Programme Learning Outcomes Ordinary degree On successful completion of a Bachelor of Science (Ordinary degree) a graduate will be able to: Critically evaluate the range of activities within the key business functional areas and their interrelationship and interconnectedness Critically analyse theories and concepts of strategic management and financial management within a changing environment Create, evaluate and assess options to enable effective problem solving and decision making using appropriate qualitative, quantitative and ICT techniques and skills Display a range of personal and interpersonal skills including taking initiative, appraising and analysing financial information and communicating effectively and persuasively Take responsibility for personal development using reflection and feedback to analyse own capabilities, appraise alternatives and implement appropriate action An Ordinary degree will be awarded to a student who has completed the programme learning outcomes specified above. This is measured by achievement of a combined total of 60 Credits at Level 6. The following at Level 6 will count towards achievement of this award: BM607HZ Strategic Management (core) BM611HZ Financial Reporting and Management (Core) BM605HZ International Finance (Core) BM603HZ Innovation Quality and the Internet (Core) BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Page 14