programme approval record and certificate (parc) … · msc accounting and finance (adaf) version 2...

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 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


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.


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.


Advanced Performance Management (APM)




Advanced Taxation (AT)



Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)



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.


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



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.


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.


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.


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.


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:


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.


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.


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.


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.

programme approval record and certificate (parc) … · msc accounting and finance (adaf) version 2...

Documents