Programme Specification

Programme Specification Title: Accounting Final Award: Master of Science (MSc) With Exit Awards at: Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Master of Science (MSc) To be delivered from: Level Date Masters or Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Masters or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Masters or Master of Science (MSc) Page 1/24

Table Of Contents 1. Introduction... 3 2. Basic Programme Data... 4 3. Programme Description... 5 3.1 Overview... 5 3.2 Aims and Objectives... 5 3.3 Variations to Standard Regulations and Guidance... 6 4. Programme Outcomes... 7 4.1 Knowledge and Understanding... 7 4.2 Subject Specific Intellectual Skills... 7 4.3 Subject Specific Practical Skills... 7 4.4 Transferable Skills and Attributes... 7 5. Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies... 9 5.1. Learning and Teaching Strategy... 9 5.2. Assessment Strategy... 10 6. Programme Structure... 12 Appendix I - Curriculum Map... 13 Appendix II - Assessment Map... 15 Appendix III - Benchmark Analysis... 18 Appendix IV - Benchmark Statements(s)... 22 Page 2/24

1. Introduction This document describes one of the University of Lincoln's programmes using the protocols required by the UK National Qualifications Framework as defined in the publication QAA guidelines for preparing programme specifications. This programme operates under the policy and regulatory frameworks of the University of Lincoln. Page 3/24

2. Basic Programme Data Final Award: Programme Title: Exit Awards and Titles Master of Science (MSc) Accounting Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Master of Science (MSc) Subject(s) Accountancy Mode(s) of delivery Full Time Is there a Placement or Exchange? UCAS code Awarding Body Campus(es) School(s) Programme Leader Relevant Subject Benchmark Statements Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body Accreditation No University of Lincoln Lincoln Campus Programme Start Date Lincoln Business School Jaypal Jain (JJain) Page 4/24

3. Programme Description 3.1 Overview This document describes the University of Lincoln's MSc Accounting using the protocols required by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (the QAA) as defined in The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (second edition revised August 2008, web versions updated October 2008). There is no subject specific benchmark for Masters Programmes in Accounting. Due notice has therefore been taken of the QAA benchmarks for Masters Programmes in Business and Management and Undergraduate Programmes in Accounting. MSc Accounting is a 180 M Level point programme of study offered by Lincoln Business School as part of the University s postgraduate portfolio. The programme is offered in full time mode. The MSc Accounting is guided by the University Postgraduate Regulations passed August 2010. 3.2 Aims and Objectives The current economic crisis has led to growing interest in the subject area of Accounting, from businesses and governments as well as from within the wider context of society. The result has been an increase in international and domestic demand for accounting programmes. The UK, US and Australian education sectors have responded with an increasing provision of generalist as well as specialist Accounting and Finance programmes and modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels within universities. This programme is offered as a response to a growing demand from prospective students who have enquired about accounting programmes whilst visiting our Open Days and Recruitment Fairs overseas. Key factors informing the need for a Masters degree in Accounting include: A growing interest in accounting in society as a whole in the light of the recent financial crisis; A burgeoning interest from students who undertook other degrees to study for a specialist applied career; The demand-side of the international labour market suggests interest in this area from all organisations with Accounting functions; The interest in accounting is a high level skills issue, in that it is focused on enhancing management capability to deal with financial decision making for the whole firm; There has been an increase in the number of institutions offering Accounting and Finance-related Masters programmes, and an increase in the number and sales of accounting textbooks at both graduate and undergraduate level. MSc Accounting aims to provide students with the opportunity to explore practice in the context of relevant contemporary theory and research. The programme is specialised in nature in that it prepares participants with a non-relevant degree for admission to the professional accounting bodies, a career in accounting and improved professional practice. It also concentrates on the analysis of issues in an international context and aims to provide participants with a framework for developing their management skills. To this end, the programme endeavours to provide the participant with both the systematic acquisition of advanced academic knowledge and the support to explore and develop high-level skills in the field of accounting as well as the tools available to meet requirements for professional programmes. The specific aims of this programme are to provide: An opportunity for study of an advanced nature into the theoretical bases of accounting for students emanating from other backgrounds; Page 5/24

A framework to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge, management skills and experience which will enhance the participants ability to contribute to their own organisation s effectiveness; A foundation for future advanced professional development; The opportunity to engage in reflective debate and practice. MSc Accounting contributes to and builds upon the programmes and expertise already available in the Faculty of Business and Law. For example at postgraduate level there is the MSc Finance, MBA Finance and the MBA degree with focus on Finance at the Diploma stage. The Faculty also offers BA (Hons) Accountancy and Finance and various Business undergraduate programmes, which include accounting and finance. This MSc reaches beyond basic tools and develops critical appreciation of alternative yardsticks in accounting. This MSc programme is offered in three distinct stages: Postgraduate Certificate Accounting Postgraduate Diploma Accounting MSc Accounting MSc Accounting has been designed as a conversion programme for students with a good honours first degree from a variety of subjects. It provides a cohesive and dynamic programme on accounting, underlining the relevance of the material for the solution of practical and theoretical problems. Numeracy levels require at least a grade C in GCSE Level Mathematics, or its equivalent. Previous work experience is not required for admission to this programme. In general, this MSc aims to give students a secure foundation in the concepts and methods of decision-making, accounting and management. The Programme is self-contained going from the fundamentals at the beginning of the Certificate stage to more advanced techniques later in the programme. Exemptions from professional examinations are being discussed with the leading accountancy bodies. The programme will stretch students beyond merely applying tools of practice and will guide them to think critically. In this way the programme will benefit all students; those who wish to pursue a professional career and those who wish to progress to further research. 3.3 Variations to Standard Regulations and Guidance None Page 6/24

4. Programme Outcomes Programme-level learning outcomes are identified below. Refer to Appendix I Curriculum Map for details of how outcomes are deployed across the programme. 4.1 Knowledge and Understanding On successful completion of this programme a student will have knowledge and understanding of: 1 The general frameworks within which accounting practice takes place 2 Management accounting techniques for product and service costing, planning, control and decision making in a range of business contexts and situations 3 Financial reporting principles and practices in a range of business contexts and situations 4 Principles and practices of a specialist area selected from Financial Management, Audit and Taxation. 4.2 Subject Specific Intellectual Skills On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 5 Identify and apply key concepts and models in the area of accounting 6 Demonstrate an intensive and critical appreciation of relevant literature and theory 7 Employ a theoretical framework for the selection and analysis of key accounting themes in research 8 Identify major problem areas within the accounting arena 9 Critically appraise core concepts and theories of accounting. 4.3 Subject Specific Practical Skills On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 10 Investigate and report on contemporary professional practice in the area of accounting 11 Design and execute an appropriate investigation into accounting practices 12 Apply appropriate evidence-gathering techniques in a named area of practice 13 Critically analyse evidence using contemporary theoretical perspectives of accounting; 14 Demonstrate the application of accounting practice in a range of business contexts and situations. 4.4 Transferable Skills and Attributes On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 15 Communicate ideas, opinions and arguments with some sophistication and originality, in a Page 7/24

variety of contexts, demonstrating conformance with academic conventions and professional values 16 Work collaboratively and cooperatively for mutual support and learning 17 Promote the value of working in inclusive and socially-just ways to support full participation and equal opportunity policies and practices 18 Demonstrate confidence and self direction when problem-solving and making decisions in and about practice 19 Work in scholarly ways to research practice and plan for professional development. For details of each module contributing to the programme, please consult the module specification document. Page 8/24

5. Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies 5.1. Learning and Teaching Strategy The learning and teaching strategy adopted within MSc Accounting derives from and builds upon the University s learning and teaching plan. The key goals for Lincoln Business School, driving the Learning and Teaching Strategy, are: Enhancing the student experience Making more innovative use of technology in learning and teaching Developing innovative, flexible curricula Enhance our national and international profile for teaching and research Enhance graduate employability and student enterprise Progressing the Research Engaged Teaching Agenda: Student as Producer Students are expected to move from existing skills and body of knowledge to rapidly assimilate and analyse concepts in accounting. Hence modules commence with basic tools in the practice of accounting and related techniques, but culminate in more decision-based assessment. At the end of the programme, it is expected that students will become autonomous and critically self-reflective individuals equipped with a set of skills, which will enable them to operate effectively in their careers. The modules utilise methods of learning and teaching which are appropriate to Masters level study, as set out in the FHEQ and outlined in principle in the QAA Benchmark statement for Masters programmes in Business and Management, such as case study approach, group discussions, presentations, report writing etc. Although a proportion of the contact time will be spent in didactic teaching, emphasis will also be placed upon the use of the student group as a resource for learning. There will be group discussion of practical management situations and problems, making use of case studies, simulation materials (including real life data and computer technology) and where relevant, the participants' own experiences. The programme employs a variety of learning and teaching methods designed to meet its aims. The style of teaching will vary to reflect individual module objectives. Information relating to the structure of the module, assessment and attendance requirements and reading lists that is in the form of a formal module handbook, which may include indicative lecture notes and problem sheets is given out at the commencement of the module. The programme, in keeping with other postgraduate programmes, expects students to read and be aware of current theoretical debates within the literature. Reading lists will also include current events in the financial sector and from relevant journals. Classes will be interwoven with discussions and debating opportunities regarding the rapidly changing events in this field. Class sizes remain small allowing for the interactive learning and teaching approach that is required, given that students emanate from varied undergraduate backgrounds. This also provides an opportunity for mature students to share prior knowledge and explore inter-linkages. Sessions in accounting information technology, such as Sage, are incorporated within the programme. The programme also endorses the use of on-line learning resources, bulletin boards and discussion groups. Blackboard will be used as a platform for this facility. The Programme Leader is responsible for the overall organisation, development and monitoring of the programme. Every module is evaluated by means of on-going discussion with students and also individual evaluation questionnaires. Programme Committee meetings will take place each term and will comprise the programme delivery team and student representatives. Regular feedback through these means will help to enrich the programme and ensure quality procedures. In line with the underpinning values of the University, there is significant support provided for international students. The International Office Page 9/24

provides all international students with a Special Welcome Service which includes a meet and greet airport collection service and transfer to accommodation. Accommodation is available to suit various tastes, on or off campus. This is guaranteed for international students providing it is booked by the deadline. Prior to the programme, a pre-sessional English course is available to support international students to gain an IELTS 6.0. During the programme, specific classes are also provided which cover both language and study skills, in terms of how to approach assignments and dissertations. Blackboard is used as a vehicle to provide support materials prior to the taught sessions to give students time to read and understand the content. Support is also provided by the Subject Librarians. 5.2. Assessment Strategy The key objective is that the Programme Learning Outcomes of the programme are appropriately tested through the assessment process. In line with University regulations for taught postgraduate programmes, students may be awarded a distinction if the dissertation stage meets the following criteria: Reviews of existing theory and ideas which are selective and exemplary; Analyses which are well linked to key theoretical and practice debates and perspectives; New syntheses explored and demonstrated between theory and practice; Novel inter-relationships identified through deep and sustained reflection on self and practice; Conclusions which reveal insight and highly developed skills in accountancy thinking and practice. Assessment methods reflect the differing theoretical and practical approaches and learning outcomes of the modules. They include unseen written examinations and individual assignments in order to achieve maximum exemptions from the professional accounting bodies. Assessment on the programme aims to model effective, up-to-date and fair practice and will involve a variety of the following: Essays Reports Group and individual presentations Research into practice Computer-based assessment Multiple Choice Questions Case Studies Examinations Formative assessments, e.g. seminar problem solving or class tests, are integrated into the programme. Whether assessment is formative or summative, students will be offered feedback to ensure that it contributes to the learning process. Some assignments will be marked and returned during the teaching period, providing written feedback to the students and allowing them to identify problems in time to work on them before the final assessment. For the Dissertation, at the Masters stage, participants will produce a research dissertation of approximately 15,000 words. It is intended that the students will work on their research proposal during the Diploma stage, so that by the end of this stage they can start their dissertation. During the Diploma stage, students will be able to discuss their research proposals informally with prospective supervisors.this will enable them not only to explore various topics and their feasibility but will encourage early formulation of research strategy Page 10/24

The total assessment length for the stage will be as follows: Award of the Programme 1. Certificate: 60 points 2. Diploma: 120 points i.e. successful completion of modules over two stages but no dissertation 3. Masters: 180 points for the programme i.e. 120 points for the taught modules and 60 points for the research design and dissertation. Following assignments, detailed feedback is given to students within three working weeks regarding their performance to aid them in enhancing their work. All marked work is subject to moderation and processing in line with University regulations. In each academic year the programme team will meet to review and share views on assessment, levels and standards. This meeting will also consider feedback resulting from the formal module evaluations and Programme Committee Meetings, external examiners and other interested parties. All modules, except Research Design and Dissertation, are 15 M Level points. Assessment Map gives a top-level indication of the scheduling and distribution of assessment modes within the Programme. Details of module assessment strategy are included with each module specification. Page 11/24

6. Programme Structure The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) is 60. The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) is 120. The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Master of Science (MSc) is 180. Masters Title Credit Rating Core / Optional Introduction to Accounting 15 Core Financial Accounting - Single Entity 15 Core Management Accounting - Product and Service Costing 15 Core Management Accounting - Planning and Control 15 Core Financial Accounting - Group Reporting 15 Core Contemporary Issues in Financial Reporting 15 Core Management Accounting - Decision-Making 15 Core Financial Management (Masters) 15 Optional Taxation 15 Optional Audit 15 Optional Research Design and Dissertation 60 Core Page 12/24

Appendix I - Curriculum Map This table indicates which modules assume responsibility for delivering and ordering particular programme learning outcomes. Key: Delivered and Assessed Delivered Assessed Masters Audit Contemporary Issues in Financial Reporting Financial Accounting - Group Reporting Financial Accounting - Single Entity Financial Management (Masters) Introduction to Accounting Management Accounting - Decision-Making Management Accounting - Planning and Control Management Accounting - Product and Service Costing Research Design and Dissertation Taxation PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12 Audit Contemporary Issues in Financial Reporting Financial Accounting - Group Reporting Financial Accounting - Single Entity Financial Management (Masters) PO13 PO14 PO15 PO16 PO17 PO18 PO19 Page 13/24

Introduction to Accounting Management Accounting - Decision-Making Management Accounting - Planning and Control Management Accounting - Product and Service Costing Research Design and Dissertation Taxation Page 14/24

Appendix II - Assessment Map This table indicates the spread of assessment activity across the programme. Percentages indicate assessment weighting. Masters 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 Audit Contemporary Issues in Financial Reporting Financial Accounting - Group Reporting Financial Accounting - Single Entity 50 Financial Management (Masters) Introduction to Accounting 50 50 Management Accounting - Decision-Making Management Accounting - Planning and Control Management Accounting - Product and 50 50 Service Costing Research Design and Dissertation Taxation 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Audit Contemporary Issues in Financial Reporting Financial Accounting - Group Reporting Financial Accounting - Single Entity 50 Financial Management (Masters) Page 15/24

Introduction to Accounting Management Accounting - Decision-Making Management Accounting - Planning and Control Management Accounting - Product and Service Costing Research Design and Dissertation Taxation 50 50 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Audit 50 50 Contemporary Issues in Financial Reporting 50 50 Financial Accounting - Group Reporting 50 50 Financial Accounting - Single Entity Financial Management (Masters) 50 50 Introduction to Accounting Management Accounting - Decision-Making 50 50 Management Accounting - Planning and Control Management Accounting - Product and Service Costing Research Design and Dissertation 25 Taxation 50 50 Audit Contemporary Issues in Financial Reporting Financial Accounting - Group Reporting 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 Page 16/24

Financial Accounting - Single Entity Financial Management (Masters) Introduction to Accounting Management Accounting - Decision-Making Management Accounting - Planning and Control Management Accounting - Product and Service Costing Research Design and Dissertation 75 Taxation Audit Contemporary Issues in Financial Reporting Financial Accounting - Group Reporting Financial Accounting - Single Entity Financial Management (Masters) Introduction to Accounting Management Accounting - Decision-Making Management Accounting - Planning and Control Management Accounting - Product and Service Costing Research Design and Dissertation Taxation 49 50 51 52 EP Page 17/24

Appendix III - Benchmark Analysis This table maps programme learning outcomes to relevant QAA subject benchmark statements or PSRB guidelines. Knowledge and Understanding PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 Acct01 Acct02 Acct03 Acct04 Acct05 Acct06 Acct07 Acct08 Acct09 Acct10 MDBM01 MDBM02 MDBM03 MDBM04 MDBM05 MDBM06 MDBM07 MDBM08 MDBM09 MDBM10 MDBM11 MDBM12 MDBM13 MDBM14 MDBM15 MDBM16 MDBM17 PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 MDBM18 MDBM19 Subject Specific Intellectual Skills Page 18/24

PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 Acct01 Acct02 Acct03 Acct04 Acct05 Acct06 Acct07 Acct08 Acct09 Acct10 MDBM01 MDBM02 MDBM03 MDBM04 MDBM05 MDBM06 MDBM07 MDBM08 MDBM09 MDBM10 MDBM11 MDBM12 MDBM13 MDBM14 MDBM15 MDBM16 MDBM17 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 MDBM18 MDBM19 Subject Specific Practical Skills Acct01 Acct02 Acct03 Acct04 Acct05 Acct06 Acct07 Acct08 Acct09 Page 19/24

PO10 PO11 PO12 PO13 PO14 PO10 PO11 PO12 PO13 PO14 PO10 PO11 PO12 PO13 PO14 Acct10 MDBM01 MDBM02 MDBM03 MDBM04 MDBM05 MDBM06 MDBM07 MDBM08 MDBM09 MDBM10 MDBM11 MDBM12 MDBM13 MDBM14 MDBM15 MDBM16 MDBM17 PO10 PO11 PO12 PO13 PO14 MDBM18 MDBM19 Transferable Skills and Attributes PO15 Acct01 Acct02 Acct03 Acct04 Acct05 Acct06 Acct07 Acct08 Acct09 Page 20/24

PO16 PO17 PO18 PO19 PO15 PO16 PO17 PO18 PO19 PO15 PO16 PO17 PO18 PO19 Acct10 MDBM01 MDBM02 MDBM03 MDBM04 MDBM05 MDBM06 MDBM07 MDBM08 MDBM09 MDBM10 MDBM11 MDBM12 MDBM13 MDBM14 MDBM15 MDBM16 MDBM17 PO15 PO16 PO17 PO18 PO19 MDBM18 MDBM19 Page 21/24

Appendix IV: Benchmark Benchmark Statement(s) Page 22/24

Acct01 - Knowledge and understanding - basic knowledge and understanding is characterised by knowledge of a topic in outline, together with an understanding that demonstrates some limited ability to make comparisons and critical evaluations... Acct02 - Cognitive abilities and skills - basic levels of attainment are characterised by achieving a minimum level of proficiency in the ability or skill... Acct03 - Demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of some of the contexts in which accounting operates. Acct04 - Demonstrate a basic knowledge, understanding and an ability to use the current technical language to describe practices of accounting and an ability to apply them in simple structured situations from given data generated for the purpose. Acct05 - Demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of some alternative technical language and practices and, where relevant within the context of a particular degree programme, an ability to apply them in simple structured situations from given data... Acct06 - With reasonable accuracy, be able to record and summarise straightforward transactions and other economic events and prepare financial statements complying in outline with relevant regulatory requirements; will be able to analyse the operations of a... Acct07 - Demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of theories and empirical evidence concerning the effects of accounting in at least one of its contexts. Acct08 - Where the programme has a substantial finance content, demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of theories and empirical evidence concerning financial management, risk and the operation of capital markets. Acct09 - Demonstrate possession of the required cognitive abilities and non-subject specific skills to a basic level of achievement. Acct10 - Typical graduates can distinguish themselves from threshold graduates by displaying a more thorough knowledge and understanding and enhanced technical abilities... MDBM01 - Demonstrate a systematic understanding of relevant knowledge about organisations, their external context and how they are managed. MDBM02 - Demonstrate application of relevant knowledge to a range of complex situations taking account of its relationship and interaction with other areas of the business or organisation. MDBM03 - Demonstrate a critical awareness of current issues in business and management which is informed by leading edge research and practice in the field. MDBM04 - Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate techniques sufficient to allow detailed investigation into relevant business and management issues. MDBM05 - Demonstrate creativity in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to develop and Page 23/24

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) University of Lincoln Programme Specification - Master of Science (MSc) Accounting interpret knowledge in business and management. MDBM06 - Demonstrate ability to acquire and analyse data and information, to evaluate their relevance and validity, and to synthesise a range of information in the context of new situations. MDBM07 - Able to evaluate the rigour and validity of published research and assess its relevance to new situations. MDBM08 - Able to extrapolate from existing research and scholarship to identify new or revised approaches to practice. MDBM09 - Ability to conduct research into business and management issues that requires familiarity with a range of business data, research sources and appropriate methodologies, and for such to inform the overall learning process. MDBM10 - Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, using a range of media. MDBM11 - Able to operate effectively in a variety of team roles and take leadership roles, where appropriate. MDBM12 - Able to consistently apply their knowledge and subject-specific and wider intellectual skills. MDBM13 - Able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to a range of audiences. MDBM14 - Able to be proactive in recognising the need for change and have the ability to manage change. MDBM15 - Able to be adaptable, and show originality, insight, and critical and reflective abilities which can all be brought to bear upon problem situations. MDBM16 - Able to make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations. MDBM17 - Able to evaluate and integrate theory and practice in a wide range of situations. MDBM18 - Able to be self-directed and able to act autonomously in planning and implementing projects at professional levels. MDBM19 - Able to take responsibility for continuing to develop their own knowledge and skills. Page 24/24