Course Summary

If you have an undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or other related areas and want to further your academic aspirations especially with a view to developing your career then this programme is for you.

This course delivers a broad foundation of analytical skills essential for accounting and finance in a range of organisations. The technical knowledge gained from this programme is enhanced by the application and integration of theory and practice with particular focus on quantitative and research skills. The development of applicants theoretical foundations in accounting and finance will enhance employment opportunities for a career in a finance-related field.

A core aim of the course is to provide you with the ability to synthesis information from different sources, from different contextual approaches and from different perspectives in order to solve complex problems and implement solutions. The international nature of today's markets and reporting requirements mean that accounting and finance must be viewed from a global perspective; this course provides both theory and practice within an internatonal context to enable the development of your skills as a postgraduate scholar. Accounting and finance must also be treated as international in context, to ensure relevance to accounting regulations and to the global economy.

The course will be delivered at the historic Putteridge Bury management centre, which is situated near Luton in a pleasant country location. Some specialist activities will take place at Luton campus, Park Square, Luton town centre.

Why choose this course?

This course is designed to prepare you for senior management through technical expertise in aspects of accounting and finance. Many applicants will aspire to work in the capital markets of their county, whilst others will wish to work in specialist areas of accounting and finance such as corporate governance or financial reporting. Graduates of this course find career opportunities in investment, banking institutions and insurance, audit and corporate governance, risk management and financial and management accounting.

During this course you will:

• Have access to a range of Financial Databases (e.g. Datastream, FAME) and statistical software (Eview, STATA and SPSS) to enable you to access the data you need for your projects and to provide you with the tools necessary to analyse your data.
• Be located close to the City of London for study and placement opportunities
• Experience an international teaching team that have presented at conferences throughout the world
• Mix with other postgraduate students from around the world in a unique environment
• Work in a university location that is 50 kilometres north of London with regular trains to take you to the capital for interest or for study

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Advances in corporate finance
• Corporate governance and accountability
• Advanced management accounting
• Quantitative and research methods
• Financial risk management
• International finance and markets
• Financial statement analysis and security valuation
• Dissertation

MSACFAAF

Assessment

There will be a range of assessment methods on the programme that permit you to reflect your strengths and address your weaknesses. Each unit will be assessed separately, using different mixes of assessment and modes of learning including: individual and group presentations and reports, essays, and exams. Assessment will be carried out using a mixture of approaches including written essay, group work, time-constrained written examinations, oral presentation, project design, and written dissertation. The details of these assessments are given in the individual Unit Information Forms.

The assessment approach strongly links with the overall teaching approach, which aims not only to test knowledge, but to prepare them for careers beyond the university. Each unit has a variety of assessments, which may take the form of peer group presentations, combinations of both written and group assignments, case study and research approaches. In some cases students are examined under time constrained conditions, which may also come by way of case study examinations or computerised testing.

Educational Aims

This MSc programme delivers a broad foundation of analytical skills essential for accounting and finance in a range of organisations.

The technical knowledge gained from this programme is enhanced by the application and integration of theory and practice within decision contexts. The development of applicants theoretical foundations in accounting and finance will enhance employment opportunities for a career in a finance-related field.

Thus at postgraduate level the study aims to provide applicants with the ability to synthesis information from different sources, from different contextual approaches, from different perspectives in order to solve complex problems and implement solutions. Accounting and finance must also be treated as international in context to ensure relevance to accounting regulations and to the global economy.

In keeping with the universitys general aims and the more specific scheme aims for post-graduate courses, the MSc in Accounting and Finance is designed to introduce students to the complexities and challenges of the modern world of accounting and finance.

• The course aims to cover theoretical, regulatory and practical aspects of accounting and finance. It aims to introduce a wide range of topics, which develops a detailed understanding of the governance and reporting activities


• To critically examine the role of financial institutions and the economic environment on financial decision making and the cost and availability of funds


• To combine mathematical rigour and practical applications


• This course aims to introduce financial regulations, theoretical framework of financial market to the students

Student support

You will have a number of induction sessions before the formal classes begin. These will cover areas such as administrative arrangements, academic study in the UK, financial regulations and personal safety. If you have questions or problems with academic matters support is provided by the Course Manager and Academic Director. In the event that you have an illness during the course or have significant personal or family problems the Student Services offers independent and confidential advice. They are also the only people who can give you extensions to hand in dates for assignments; but they will only do this if you have a good reason. Other support is provided by Student Services, and by the Students Union.

For international students, there is a Dedicated International Students' support team. The team are here to help you settle into University life and give advice on a range of issues such as: part-time work, how to open a bank account, places of worship and local places of interest. There is also an international student induction programme is designed to enrich your time of study at the University as well as help you settle in, adjust to your surroundings and get to know your way around.

In addition to the general support supplied by the University in relation to e.g. disability advice, international student support, financial support etc., specific support for the course can be divided under two headings:

Academic / Programme Support:

In terms of academic issues in the programme, and specifically day to day issues the Academic Director will be the first point of contact. The Academic Director will provide advice on the following important areas:

• Whether students are on the right programme


• Whether students are taking the right units


• Whether a students results are correct


• Whether students are entitled to APEL or APL


• Whether students have the necessary course handbook, an induction schedule and handbooks for each of the units


• Whether a student has a missing grade because of a fault in the University system or as a result of a student related problem (i.e. failure to submit an assignment)

This type of advice will be available throughout the year, and the Academic Director, alongside the Academic Advice Team in the Faculty Office would be the first point of contact as soon as any of the above becomes a problem.

However, if you have issues to do with a particular unit of the course, then the coordinator of that unit is likely to be the first point of contact, rather than the Academic Director. However, the Academic Director may need to be involved if the unit coordinator cannot answer a query.

Team working

Students engage with their peers and form teams that present material and PowerPoint presentations to other student members. These types of seminar activities and discussion encourage and engender team building and working together effectively.

Career Management Skills

A number of competent managers from industry will visit and actively engage in seminar discussions. These sessions introduce students to the outside world of industry and the public sector. Students will have the opportunity to discuss and practice the skills set industry demands.

Career/Further study opportunities

Career

Students who complete this course find career opportunities in:

• Investment, (Banking Institutions and Insurance)


• Audit and Corporate Governance


• Risk Management


• Financial and Management Accounting

The information is a guide and further information about your subject can be found at the link:

Further study:

Students which complete this course are well prepared for further research study either the MPhil, or PhD.

Entry

Additional:

Students first degree studies (or equivalent) should have covered sufficient quantitative / numerical skills. For example, students with engineering, mathematical, and science backgrounds. The university also considers those students from other disciplines such as business and marketing provided they can demonstrate an ability to cope with mathematical units.

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Professional, Statuatory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

N/A

Students with disabilities

We welcome applications from disabled students and make sure that our campuses are accessible and welcoming to all. Our disability advice team is available to discuss any issues you may have and can provide advice and a range of support and services. On this course there are no foreseeable issues that may discriminate against students with disabilities, and all such students are able to undertake any element of the course. Unit tutors have undertaken awareness programmes provided by the University.

The course will follow the general guidelines set out by the University policy on disability.

During the application process disabled students will be able to discuss their needs with individual members of the academic staff, as well as staff from the Disability Advice Team. In relation to other courses in the Division, it has normally been the case that disability has not provided an obstacle to students participating Hence no major issues are envisaged concerning disability and the course. The only possible concern is in relation to field visits. However there is no proposed residential aspect to these visits they will be on a day visit basis only.

Skills Development

Communication

To help with the development of this you will:

Engage in seminar activities and interact with your peers to increase the level of communications and awareness within the context of foundations of accounting and finance and similarly, participate in the communication of finding clear solutions to problems presented.

Information Literacy

To help with the development of this you will:

Be expected to gain insights into the areas of study through independent reading and research, heightening your awareness of the theoretical materials and case journal papers; also to make full use of the resources provided to increase and widen your perspectives and views

Research and Evaluation

To help with the development of this you will:

Present your findings both in-group form and individually. You will research appropriate material relevant both in lectures and seminars through the resources provided and independently.

Creativity and Critical Thinking

To help with the development of this you will:

Discuss and challenge both the practicality of investment decision analysis and the underlying principles of corporate finance theory; also bring your own perspectives to the unit studied.

Improving learning and performance

Nowadays, communicating in industry and the public sector to a large audience is commonplace. As students, you will design and present a number of powerful presentations. This aspect of the course will provide you with these necessary skills and equip you for your career in management. Students actively participate in a number of group sessions, some of which encourage lively debate and discussion, whereas, other might include group work and presentations. Peer group reviews facilitates in students awareness and self-assessment. Similarly, individual awareness of progression is improved through a series of feedback and discussions with course team tutors. Our experience taken from the banking course generally shows that these types of debates, presentations are proven to increase the confidence of students.

Progress files

Further guidance and support on Progress Files is available on the CETL web site: http://bridgescetl.beds.ac.uk/curriculum/curriculum_guides

Professional standards

Teaching faculty / tutors and students will work with professional integrity at all times, though students will be encouraged to reflexively examine the cultural, disciplinary, and other notions which may be assumed within dominant standards of professionalism.

Teaching faculty / tutors and students will abide by the Code of Conduct as stated in this university's Student Regulations.

Teaching faculty / tutors and students should ensure that contact details are current and maintained, teaching faculty / tutors should ensure that their availability is publicised and that appropriate communication channels are agreed upon.

You are expected to attend all classes in each unit (and at special sessions such as The Dissertation Day. Where you have mitigating circumstances, the teaching faculty / tutors must be informed promptly.

Teaching faculty / tutors and students must arrive on time for classes.

In all situations, students and teaching faculty / tutors should dress and act appropriately;

Teaching faculty / tutors and students should work to sustain a culture of mutual respect,

All assessed work should be your own effort, and should be correctly referenced where material is taken from other sources.

Electronic devices must not be used during classes without express permission and mobile telephones must be switched off during all course sessions and unit classes;

Student concerns should be raised promptly, through the appropriate channels.

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

The (above) professional standards are included in the course handbook for reference, or otherwise given to you at the programme induction. A range of the issues covered should be explicitly covered during the said induction sessions particularly those which have significant impact in terms of the potential outcomes for students (e.g. those relating to plagiarism). Many of the above professional standards should are reinforced explicitly within unit handbooks; implicitly through the operation of the programme units; and through the behaviours given / shown by unit leaders.