MSc Accounting and Finance (ADAF) Version 2 June 2018
PROGRAMME APPROVAL RECORD AND CERTIFICATE (PARC)
PART 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
Programme title MSc Accounting and Finance [ADAF Route]
Award title Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Finance and MSc Accounting and Finance
Awarding Body/Institution BPP University
Teaching Institution (if different)
N/A
Language of Study English
UCAS Code N/A
Programme Code
Course Aim (HESA) M00
JACS Code(s) and % N300 – 50%; N400 – 50%
HECoS Code(s) and %
School Business School
Accrediting Bodies (if any) ACCA
Collaborative Partners (if any) None
Interim/Exit Awards Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Finance [ACCA]; Post Graduate Certificate in Business and Digital Studies or Post Graduate Certificate in Business
UAP 23 May 2018
PASP Approval Date 05 July 2018
AC Approval date 05 July 2018
Validation Period of programme
September 2018 – September 2023
Date of cohort from which the PARC applies
September 2018
DELIVERY METHODS AND LOCATIONS1
Approved Locations Load and duration Mode
London Shepherd’s Bush FT – 20-36 months Blended
Birmingham FT – 20-36 months Blended
Manchester FT – 20-36 months Blended
Online FT – 20-36 months Distance Learning
AWARDS
Award Stage(s) Credits
Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Finance [ACCA Route]
1 120
Award Stage(s) Credits
Post Graduate Certificate in Business and Digital Studies or Post Graduate Certificate in Business
1 60
1 Programmes do not always run in all modes and locations
MSc Accounting and Finance (ADAF) Version 2 June 2018
MSc Accounting and Finance 2 180
Key: FTA Full Time Accelerated FT Full Time PT Part Time Contiguous Face to Face delivery (plus materials and online support) Blended Mix of face to face and online delivery Distance Learning Online (but not excluding voluntary attendance at contiguous elements) Block Online but with required blocks of contiguous delivery
MSc Accounting and Finance (ADAF) Version 2 June 2018
PART 2 - PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
Module Title Status Stage Level Credits Assessment (weighting within module)
- Specify when components
Overall weighting towards classification
Stage 1
Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Finance [ACCA Route]
Compulsory 1 4-6 330 See Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Finance [ACCA Route] programme structure
0% - students will be awarded an Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Finance [ACCA]
Stage 2
Strategic Business leader (SBL)
Compulsory 2 7 30 4 hour case study style examination sat, run and managed by ACCA - 50% pass mark required for MSc.
None, pass required for MSc
Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
Compulsory 2 7 30 3 hours and 15 minute examination sat, run and managed by ACCA - 50% pass mark required for MSc.
None, pass required for MSc
Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
Elective 2 7 30 3 hours and 15 minute examination sat, run and managed by ACCA - 50% pass mark required for MSc.
None, pass required for MSc
Advanced Performance Management (APM)
Elective 2 7 30 3 hours and 15 minute examination sat, run and managed by ACCA - 50% pass mark required for MSc.
None, pass required for MSc
MSc Accounting and Finance (ADAF) Version 2 June 2018
Advanced Taxation (AT)
Elective 2 7 30 3 hours and 15 minute examination sat, run and managed by ACCA - 50% pass mark required for MSc.
None, pass required for MSc
Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
Elective 2 7 30 3 hours and 15 minute examination sat, run and managed by ACCA - 50% pass mark required for MSc.
None, pass required for MSc
Business Project (BP)
Compulsory 2 7 30 7,000 word report on the research proposal outlined in the formative assessment – 50% pass mark.
50% of MSc or PG Certificate
Principles of Data Science
Compulsory 2 7 15 3,500 word business style report, structured to communicate aspects of the data science initiative and, if appropriate, an Excel spreadsheet that address a modelling problem, with suitable results – 50% pass mark.
25% of MSc or PG Certificate
The Digital Leadership module is compulsory for students taking the 12 and 24 month route
Digital Leadership (DL)
Compulsory for 12 month route
2 7 30 3,500 word business style report.
This can be undertaken as a case study or using a relevant scenario in an organisation of your choice
25% of MSc or PG Certificate
MSc Accounting and Finance (ADAF) Version 2 June 2018
subject to the approval of the module leader – 50% pass mark.
The Professional Development in the 21st Century module is compulsory for students taking the 18 month route
Professional Development in the 21st Century (PD21)
Compulsory for 18 month route
2 7 30 Written assessment of 3,500 words in total, with two elements: 1. 2000 words -
Critical reflective learning project
2. 1500 words - Personal career development plan – 50% pass mark.
25% of MSc or PG Certificate
English Support for Accountancy (ESA) is a non-credit bearing module compulsory for students with English as a second language
English Support for Accountancy (ESA)
Compulsory for students with English as a second language
1 7 n/a Formative:
Written: A short problem / solution report on a topic relating to ethics in business.
Spoken: Participation in a seminar.
None
Students who successfully complete the two compulsory modules plus two of the elective modules (120 credits) can be awarded Affiliate status of the ACCA by the ACCA.
Students who successfully complete BP, PDS and DL may be awarded a Post Graduate Certificate in Business and Digital Studies
Students who successfully complete BP, PDS and PD21 may be awarded a Post Graduate Certificate in Business
Additional Information (e.g. derogations, delivery partners)
A derogation is sought from MoPPs Part H: Examinations and Assessments, Section 2: Assessment Rules: Undergraduate Awards to allow students to progress with more than 30 outstanding credits prior to results being known. Students will complete assessments with ACCA for stages 1 and 2 and waiting for ACCA results to be published would cause unacceptable delay in the student journey.
MSc Accounting and Finance (ADAF) Version 2 June 2018
Programme Regulations2
See the Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Finance [ACCA Route] PARC for these Programme
Regulations.
MSc Accounting and Finance
1. Authority
These regulations are made under the University’s General Academic Regulations and are
validated with the programme leading to the MSc Accounting and Finance.
2. Conflict with the General Academic Regulations
Except to the extent that the Academic Council has specifically approved derogation, in the event
of a conflict between these regulations and the University’s General Academic Regulations the
latter shall prevail.
3. Conditions for Admission
To be admitted to the programme candidates must have:
Membership of the ACCA and have passed, or have exemptions for, the foundation
level ACCA assessments.
4. Conditions of Acceptance
An offer of a place on the programme is subject to the terms and conditions stated in the
documentation accompanying the offer, these regulations and the General Academic Regulations,
as in force at the time of interpretation. The acceptance of the offer is taken as agreement to
these regulations.
5. Changing Modules or Specialisations
Subject to the approval of the Director of Programmes, a candidate may be permitted to change
from one module or specialisation to another at an appropriate point in the programme/This is
not available for this programme.
6. Conditions for Progression
Conditions for progression are complicated by the fact that ACCA exam results are not available to
us until after the start of the following term. In reading these conditions for progression, please
refer to the programme structure diagrams at the start of the handbook.
Basic Principles
Students have a maximum of three attempts at an individual module assessment.
A student should take at least two full terms of teaching of the module within the
three attempts.
2 The mandatory Conditions for Admission are approved during programme validation. Admissions criteria are set at the discretion of Deans of Schools and may be raised from time to time. Please check the programme page on the website for current requirements.
MSc Accounting and Finance (ADAF) Version 2 June 2018
There are two main progression points on the programme. After the 1st term set of
ACCA papers and then after the 3rd term where students either retake the 1st set of
ACCA papers or have their 1st attempt at the 2nd set of ACCA papers.
Progression is also monitored after any resits results are released related to term 1
and term 3 modules
If a student meets the criteria of a Marginal Fail then they are entitled to a free two
day recap course and entry for the next sitting of ACCA exams.
To be considered a Marginal Fail, the requirements are both 80% timely attendance
and 35% achievement in formative and summative assessment for ACCA assessed
modules
If a student fails but does not achieve a marginal fail, they must retake the module
tuition in full at the first available opportunity.
Resubmission of coursework assessed BPP University modules is permitted if it is the
first failed attempt and the mark achieved is above 40%.
1. 12 month full-time programme
Progression Points
The example dates below assumes a September start student. The only change for a March start is
the 1st progression point starts July rather than January, but otherwise follows the same logic.
First progression Point – Mid January – First term results
Failed term 1 module and meet Marginal Fail criteria – Take resit course and exams
at the end of term 2.
Failed term 1 module and do NOT meet Marginal Fail criteria – Retake term 1
teaching in Term 3 replacing one or both of term 3 modules depending on how many
modules outstanding.
Resit & Result Review – Mid April – PDS result and term 1 resit results
Pass resit – Progress as per normal schedule.
Fail resit – Complete term 3 modules and set up to repeat failed modules after term 4,
effectively creating a term 5.
Failed PDS – Resubmission if above 40%, otherwise course repeated in term 4.
Second Progression Point – Mid July – Term 3 results and Term 1 repeat course results
Failed term 3 modules and meet Marginal Fail criteria – Take resit course and exams at
the end of term 4. Student would have to start term 5 on the same module that they take
the resit in whilst awaiting the result. If they fail resit then they would complete the rest
of term 5 in that module towards what will be their third attempt.
Failed term 3 modules and do not meet Marginal Fail criteria – Retake the course in
Term 5 in conjunction with any remaining modules outstanding from term 1.
MSc Accounting and Finance (ADAF) Version 2 June 2018
Failed term 1 modules again – Two full terms completed and two failed attempts.
Progression meeting required as student as had the required two terms tuition and could
either take resit exams at the end of term 4, or full course again in term 5.
Resit & Result Review – Mid October – DL & BRP results and resit results for term 3 and
1 modules
Third fail at term 1 module – Withdrawn
Failed term 3 resit – As per above, continue with term 5
Failed DPS second attempt – No resubmission allowed so repeat again from January
either blended or online.
Failed DL and/or BRP – Resubmit if eligible, otherwise repeat from January.
1. 18 month full-time programme with Work Placement In order to progress onto the Work Placement that starts 10 months into the programme students
need to have:
Passed the two first term ACCA modules at the first sitting or in a resit attempt
Passed the two 15 credit modules in term 2
Passed or Awaiting results from the ACCA examinations at the end of term 3
7. Reassessment of Failed Assessment(s)
a) A student who fails an assessment should resit that assessment at the next assessment
opportunity.
b) Where an assessment is divided into more than one component, a student who fails one
or more assessment component(s) will only be reassessed in the failed assessment
component(s).
c) A student shall be permitted three attempts at each assessment component; one first sit
and two resits. Further attempts may only be permitted in accordance with the
regulations on appeals and the rules on concessions.
d) Where a student resits and passes an assessment component the component mark shall
be capped at the pass mark of 50%. The capped mark shall be aggregated with the original
mark(s) of the other component(s) and the aggregated mark shall appear on the
transcript.
8. Conditions for the Granting of Awards
a) No students shall be entitled to enrol for an award other than the MSc Accounting
and Finance
b) A student, who completes an approved programme of study, as described in the
Diagram of Outcomes Leading to Award and Programme Learning Outcomes, shall be
awarded a MSc Accounting and Finance.
c) Those students who choose to exit the Programme without completing it may
nevertheless be entitled to exit with an award of a:
MSc Accounting and Finance (ADAF) Version 2 June 2018
Post Graduate Certificate in Business and Digital Studies or
Post Graduate Certificate in Business
Candidates will be awarded a MSc Accounting and Finance or Exit award of Post
Graduate Certificate according to the procedures set down in the Manual of
Procedures Part H, Section 1.
9. Condonation
Condonation may only be granted where a student meets the eligibility criteria for condonation.
Please refer to Part H Section 1 of the Manual of Policies and Procedures for detailed guidance.
10. Classification of Award {not required if aligned with the GARs and MoPPs}
The following classification will be adopted for the overall award:
Distinction : 70% and above
Merit : 60% - 70%
Pass : 50% - 60%
11. Confidentiality
A student’s assessment results shall be confidential to the student, however the terms and
conditions of the programme will allow results to be shared with the UKVI for the purpose of
monitoring student progress for visa compliance purposes.
MSc Accounting and Finance (ADAF) Version 2 June 2018
PART 3 - PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
Programme aims
The aim of the Advanced Diploma Accounting and Finance [ACCA] is to develop professional skills at Levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 in the context of an academically rigorous programme of accounting and financial education.
The ADAF stage of the programme equips its graduates to:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the role and function of accounting and how its
various disciplines interrelate and contribute to the effective management of
organisations;
Develop a critical understanding of the key concepts within the main accounting
disciplines to enable their real application at a professional level;
Develop an understanding of professional judgement and professional ethics, including
the competence, confidence and maturity to apply it in the appropriate contexts;
Gain a comprehensive and systematic knowledge of the theories, models and techniques
of accounting, including being able to critically evaluate their effectiveness in different
situations;
Develop a range of skills and attitudes which facilitate effective transitions into the work
environment, including an appreciation of the responsibility of accountants as leaders in
organisations;
Become effective communicators of complex financial findings and reasoned
recommendations.
Develop students written English through support modules.
Programme outcomes: knowledge and understanding; skills and other attributes
ADAF Stage Knowledge and Understanding
Ref A. Students should be able to:
K1 Understand the application and limitations of internationally recognised accounting
techniques including the implications of such limitations
K2 Understand the key concepts of acquired knowledge of taxation issues and recognise the
need to seek further specialist advice where necessary.
K3 Use relevant, internationally recognised, financial and management accounting
techniques for planning, decision-making, performance evaluation and control, within
different business settings.
K4 Understand the general legal framework, apply specific legal principles relating to business
and recognise the need to seek further specialist advice, where necessary.
MSc Accounting and Finance (ADAF) Version 2 June 2018
K5 Understand the ethical responsibilities of professional accountants, including the
principles of a code of conduct from a professional body.
K6 Describe the organisational context of the accountant and of the development of
accounting information systems, and demonstrate understanding of the need for the
efficient use of resources within an organisation.
Cognitive Skills
Ref B. Students should be able to:
C1 Critically evaluate internationally accepted accounting concepts and principles and their
application in solutions to practical accounting problems.
C2 Evaluate and comment on the performance and financial situation of organisations using a
range of data and interpretative techniques.
C3 Evaluate the ethical responsibilities of professional accountants, including the principles of
a code of conduct from a professional body, and reflect on ethical dilemmas and potential
solutions.
Professional Skills and Attitudes
Ref C. Students should be able to:
P1 Select and apply appropriate, accounting and financial management techniques to
organisational business planning, decision-making and control in an international
context.
P2 Prepare financial statements of entities, using relevant financial information, accounting
techniques and standards; and analyse and interpret such financial statements.
P3 Communicate analysis of accounting and financial information and recommendations to
a variety of different audiences
P4 Explain the process of carrying out the assurance (audit) engagement and its application
in the context of the professional (audit) regulatory framework.
P5 Apply financial management techniques to issues affecting investment, financing, and
dividend policy decisions of an organisation in an international context.
General Transferable Skills
Ref D. Students should be able to:
T1 Clearly communicate complex ideas and arguments, to professionally advise or influence
specialist and non-specialist audiences in their decision making processes.
T2 Solve problems through the identification of key issues, synthesis of information and
analytical tools, and the presentation and critical evaluation of a range of options.
MSc Accounting and Finance (ADAF) Version 2 June 2018
These Learning Outcomes reflect those that will be achieved for the Advanced Diploma Accounting and Finance [ACCA].
Learning and Teaching Strategy
The delivery of the MSc Accounting and Finance (ADAF route) programme is as follows:
Teaching Day – Classes start at 9.00am and finish at 4.00pm each day. Generally, an hour is taken for lunch and short breaks are set during the morning and afternoon sessions. Each module taken will generally require one day’s attendance per week, although there are slight variations dependent on the modules.
Contact Hours – The broad guidelines are that there is 2 hours of contact for each credit in a module. These can vary depending on how technical the module is and how much practical exercises are required.
Overall hours – It is expected that students will need to study independently for at least three hours for each contact hour spent in a classroom being taught.
Term structure – For modules assessed by an end of term examination the structure is based around nine weeks of learning new knowledge and four weeks of practice and reflection on this knowledge. For written coursework assessed modules the structure of the term is built round a series of 3 hour lectures and seminars.
Teaching and Learning Strategy:
E-learning – Delivered by BPP Faculty and available via the VLE (Virtual Learning
Environment)
Classroom based learning – Facilitated by BPP Faculty (to include face to face lectures and
facilitate group and individual work, as well as opportunities for individual help and
support.
Self-managed learning – Guided by BPP faculty (to consolidate classroom activity).
Some examples are listed below although the list is not exhaustive:
Group work
Case study exercise
Independent research and analysis
Presentations
Class debate and discussions
Lectures and seminars
Online lectures will be delivered on the main subject areas covering the key concepts and principles of the discipline/field of study and these will be discussed in the classroom. The emphasis of the lectures is on the acquisition of knowledge, with the application skills developed in class. The accounting and finance professions is heavily regulated and it is right that there is a strong emphasis on students’ comprehension of the key practice- based, regulatory and legal frameworks that govern this field. Without such thorough understanding students would not be able to progress as competent professionals.