MSc Accounting and Financial Management (A&FM)

UNIVERSITY OF YORK POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME REGULATIONS This document applies to students who commence the programme(s) in: Awarding institution University of York Department(s) The York Management School Award(s) and programme title(s) MSc Accounting and Financial Management (A&FM) 2011 Teaching institution University of York Level of qualification Level 7 (Masters) Award(s) available only as interim awards Postgraduate Certificate in Management Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and Financial Management Admissions criteria An undergraduate degree in accounting and/or finance or a management degree with a significant accounting/finance component, with a grade of at least 2i or equivalent. Applicants with relevant work experience in a managerial role without the specified academic qualification may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Students whose first degree was not taught in English should also have an appropriate English language qualification. Minimum acceptable qualifications are IELTS 6.5 with a writing score of no less than 6.5. TOEFL 587 (no less than 58.7 in the writing section) or 237 in the computer-based test (no less than 23.7 in the writing section). Length and status of the programme(s) and mode(s) of study Programme Length (years) and status (fulltime/parttime) Face-to-face, campusbased Distance learning Mode Other MSc A&FM 1 year fulltime Yes No No Language of study English Programme accreditation by Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Bodies (if applicable) Educational aims of the programme(s) For the Masters, Diploma and Certificate: The programme aims to deepen students knowledge and understanding of Accounting and Financial Management, and builds on foundations established in earlier undergraduate degree level work (see admissions criteria). The programme further aims to develop students 1

analytical skills to critically evaluate theory and evidence in Accounting and Financial Management. Students take modules which provide an in-depth examination of accounting management and financial management, supplemented by modules which encourage them to apply economic and behavioural principles to these areas. Additionally for the Diploma (if applicable): The programme aims to develop specialist knowledge of important areas within accounting and financial management, thereby adding further depth to students knowledge. In addition, students knowledge and capabilities in qualitative and quantitative research methods are developed through a combination of lecture tuition and practical hands-on activities such as practical SPSS workshops. Additionally for the Masters: At Masters level, the dissertation element provides students with the opportunity to plan, design, and implement an empirical or conceptual investigation that draws on their knowledge of management topics and research methods. Students undertake a dissertation that focuses on a specialist topic in the area of accounting and financial management, or related subject. This will develop students capacity to undertake a significant research project in these areas. The dissertation will enable and encourage students to develop and demonstrate sustained critical evaluation of relevant literatures, along with the application of appropriate research methods. Students are encouraged to evaluate the strengths and limitations of their approach throughout the dissertation process, thereby encouraging a reflective approach to learning. Intended learning outcomes for the programme and how the programme enables students to achieve and demonstrate the intended learning outcomes This programme provides opportunities The following teaching, learning and assessment for students to develop and methods enable students to achieve and to demonstrate knowledge and demonstrate the programme learning outcomes: understanding qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas: Knowledge and understanding of: 1. Financial accounting 2. Management accounting 3. Financial strategy and governance 4. Critical appreciations of accounting and financial management A: Knowledge and understanding Learning/teaching methods and strategies (relating to numbered outcomes): Learning and teaching for all numbered outcomes will be through lectures and seminars, supplemented where appropriate through practical skills workshops. 2

5. Managerial economics Additionally for the Diploma and Masters: 6. A choice of additional subjects in accounting and financial management that build on the above 7. Qualitative and quantitative research methods in management Types/methods of assessment (relating to numbered outcomes) Points 1 7 will be assessed through a combination of open and closed assessments, case study and presentations. Formative assessment opportunities will be provided through seminar presentations, formative essays and mock exams. Point 8 will be assessed through a dissertation. Additionally for the Masters: 8. The ability to undertake a major piece of self directed study on a specialist aspect of accounting and financial management or a related subject B: (i) Skills discipline related Discipline related skills 1. Review and critically evaluate Learning/teaching methods and strategies (relating to numbered outcomes): relevant social science theory and evidence and understand its relevance to practice 2. Understand, interpret and communicate written, financial and statistical information. 1 to 5 will be taught through lectures, seminars and practical workshops 6 will be taught through workshops and supervision of the dissertation project 3. Analyse the business Types/methods of assessment (relating to numbered environment outcomes) Additionally for the Diploma and Masters: 4. Quantitative and qualitative research methods 5. Additional skills such as advanced financial and accounting analysis will be introduced in optional modules Additionally for the Masters: 6. Undertake a discreet research project into an accounting and finance problem or issue Assessment of skills 1-5 will be incorporated into modules 6 will be assessed through the dissertation 3

Able to: 1. Present concepts and ideas to a group of people 2. Project and time management skills 3. Problem solving and decision making skills 4 Present information, analysis and argumentation clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing. 5. Citation and appropriate use of the literature Additionally for the Diploma and Masters: 6. Use software packages commonly used in a business environment Additionally for the Masters: 7. Organise and implement a substantial research project Able to: 1. Reflect and evaluate own performance 2. Identify, and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development Additionally for the Diploma and Masters: 3. Develop research and time management skills B: (ii) Skills - transferable Learning/teaching methods and strategies (relating to numbered outcomes): 1 6 are taught through lectures, seminars and workshops. 7 will be taught through practical workshops and personal supervision Types/methods of assessment (relating to numbered outcomes) 1-6 will be assessed through open and closed assessments, the dissertation and formatively through seminar and workshop participation. 2 and 7 will be assessed by the dissertation C: Experience and other attributes Learning/teaching methods and strategies (relating to numbered outcomes): Academic Supervision Types/methods of assessment (relating to numbered outcomes) Dissertation module Relevant Quality Assurance Agency benchmark statement(s) and other relevant external reference points (e.g. National Occupational Standards, or the requirements of Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Bodies) QAA 158 02/07 4

University award regulations To be eligible for an award of the University of York a student must undertake an approved programme of study, obtain a specified number of credits (at a specified level(s)), and meet any other requirements of the award as specified in the award requirements and programme regulations, and other University regulations (e.g. payment of fees). Credit will be awarded upon passing a module s assessment(s) but some credit may be awarded where failure has been compensated by achievement in other modules. The University s award and assessment regulations specify the University s marking scheme, and rules governing progression (including rules for compensation), reassessment and award requirements. The award and assessment regulations apply to all programmes: any exceptions that relate to this programme are approved by University Teaching Committee and are recorded at the end of this document. Departmental policies on assessment and feedback Detailed information on assessment (including grade descriptors, marking procedures, word counts etc.) is available in the written statement of assessment which applies to this programme and the relevant module descriptions. These are available in the student handbook and are made available to students via Yorkshare. Information on formative and summative feedback to students is available in the written statement on feedback to students which applies to this programmes and the relevant module descriptions. These are available in the student handbook and are made available to students via Yorkshare. Feedback on assessment performance in all modules is provided in comprehensive module assessment reports, released to students immediately after exam boards. Individual written feedback on open assessments is made available to students within five weeks of submission. Feedback on closed exams is provided at the module cohort level via the module assessment report and the provision of model answers where appropriate. 5

Diagrammatic representation of the programme structure, showing the distribution and credit value of core and option modules Masters Autumn term Spring term Summer term Summer vacation Advanced Financial Advanced Management Managerial Economics (10) Critical Perspectives on Accounting (10) Qualitative Research Methods (10) Financial Strategy and Governance (20) ONE Optional Module (20 credit) Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis (10) Dissertation (60) Pg Diploma (Students must accumulate 120 credits across the following modules) Autumn term Spring term Summer term Advanced Financial Advanced Management Managerial Economics (10) Critical Perspectives on Accounting (10) Qualitative Research Methods (10) Financial Strategy and Governance (20) ONE Optional Module (20 credit) Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis (10) Pg Certificate in Management (Students must accumulate 60 credits across the following modules) Autumn term Spring term Summer term Advanced Financial Advanced Management Managerial Economics (10) Critical Perspectives on Accounting (10) Qualitative Research Methods (10) Financial Strategy and Governance (20) ONE Optional Module (20 credits) Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis (10) 6

Diagrammatic representation of the timing of module assessment and reassessments, showing the distribution and credit value of core and option modules Masters Autumn term Spring term Summer term Summer vacation Week 0 Induction Week 1 Teaching Week 10 Reading wk. Week 1 Exams and submission of open assessment Week 5 or 6 interim BoE Week 1 Exams Week 2 Open Assessment submission Week 5 submission of dissertation proposal Week 6 submission of QMDA assessment End July Resits End Sept Submission of dissertation +1 yr Week 5 Final Board Week 10 interim BoE 7

Overview of modules Core module table Module title Module code (2780 ) Credit level 1 Credit Prerequisites Assessment value 2 rules 3 Timing (term and week) and format of main assessment 4 Advanced Financial 362 7 / M 20 No 1 x exam (SpT 1) Accounting Advanced Management 363 7 / M 20 No 1 exam (SpT 1) Accounting Managerial Economics 329 7 / M 10 No 1 exam (SpT 1) Critical Perspectives in 372 7 / M 10 No 1 x exam (SpT 1) Accounting Financial Strategy and 326 7 / M 20 No 1 x 3000 coursework (SuT 2) Governance Qualitative Research Methods 346 7 / M 10 No 1 x 2000 coursework (SuT 2) Quantitative Methods and Data 339 7 / M 10 No 1 x 2000 coursework SuT 6) Analysis Dissertation 330 7 / M 60 No Dissertation proposal (SuT 5) and 12000 word dissertation (SuVac) Independent Study Module? 5 YES 1 The credit level is an indication of the module s relative intellectual demand, complexity and depth of learning and of learner autonomy. Most modules in postgraduate programmes will be at Level 7/Masters. Some modules are permitted to be at Level 6/Honours but must be marked on a pass/fail basis. See University Teaching Committee guidance for the limits on Level 6/Honours credit. 2 The credit value gives the notional workload for the module, where 1 credit corresponds to a notional workload of 10 hours (including contact hours, private study and assessment) 3 Special assessment rules (requiring University Teaching Committee approval) P/F the module is marked on a pass/fail basis (NB pass/fail modules cannot be compensated) NC the module cannot be compensated NR there is no reassessment opportunity for this module. It must be passed at the first attempt 4 AuT Autumn Term, SpT Spring Term, SuT Summer Term, SuVac Summer vacation 5 Independent Study Modules (ISMs) are assessed by a dissertation or substantial project report. They cannot be compensated (NC) and are subject to reassessment rules which differ from taught modules. Masters programmes should include an ISM(s) of between 60 and 100 credits. This is usually one module but may be more. 9

Optional module table Module title Module code (2780 ) Credit level Credit value Prerequisites Assessment rules Timing and format of main assessment Accounting and risk 369 7 / M 20 No 1 x 3000 coursework (SuT 2) Social and Environmental 359 7 / M 20 No 1 x exam (SuT 1) Accounting Public Sector Accounting 347 7 / M 20 No 1 x 3000 coursework (SuT 2) Financial Markets and Investment 325 7 / M 20 No 1 x exam (SuT 1) Independent Study Module? 10

Transfers out of or into the programme Transfers into programme accepted until end AuT 1 as long as entrance requirements are met Exceptions to University Award Regulations approved by University Teaching Committee Exception Date approved Quality and Standards The University has a framework in place to ensure that the standards of its programmes are maintained, and the quality of the learning experience is enhanced. Quality assurance and enhancement processes include: The academic oversight of programmes within departments by a Board of Studies, which includes student representation The oversight of programmes by external examiners, who ensure that standards at the University of York are comparable with those elsewhere in the sector Annual monitoring and periodic review of programmes The acquisition of feedback from students by an annual questionnaire of student opinion about the program, and through focus groups with students. An advisory group made up of HR professionals to ensure that the program has professional relevance. More information can be obtained from the Academic Support Office: http://www.york.ac.uk/admin/aso/ Departmental Statements on Audit and Review Procedures are available at: http://www.york.ac.uk/admin/aso/teach/deptstatements/index.htm Date on which this programme information was updated: Departmental web page: Please note November 2010 http://www.york.ac.uk/management/ The information above provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and learning outcomes that a typical students might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the leaning opportunities that are provided. Detailed information on learning outcomes, content, delivery and assessment of modules can be found in module descriptions. The University reserves the right to modify this overview in unforeseen circumstances, or where processes of academic development, based on feedback from staff, students, external examiners or professional bodies, requires a change to be made. Students will be notified of any substantive changes at the first available opportunity. 11