EPA Project
| Module title | EPA Project |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEA3035DA |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 20 |
| Module staff |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 50 |
|---|
Module description
Accounts and finance managers need to present accounts and financial data and recommendations communicating clearly in writing, and to plan, deliver and evaluate discrete projects putting organisational requirements into practice. They must be able to devise, apply and explain the rationale behind methods for solving problems, testing ideas and setting out options for stakeholders. They need to demonstrate a practical understanding of the impacts of digital technologies in their organisation.
This capstone module provides you with the opportunity to undertake a significant and defined project that has a real business application and benefit. The project must meet the needs of the employer’s business and be relevant to the apprentice’s occupation and apprenticeship.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module is scheduled at the end of your apprenticeship programme allowing you to utilise and apply the learning gained from your taught project management modules.
The apprentice must complete a project based on any of the following:
- Using technology to improve profitability, driving out inefficiencies such as duplication of effort or inefficient use of systems in accounting and finance services
- Problems within the organisation caused by systems leading to friction between teams or departments and design a solution to help stakeholders needs be met such as inaccuracies within payroll, stock control, customer data or purchasing data
- Implementing new technologies and leveraging automation, machine learning and AI etc to deliver greater efficiency in accounting and finance services
- Communication of financial data moving to cloud based technologies.
- Workflow management using digital systems effectively and delivering efficient accounting and finance services
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Critically evaluates judgements based on interpretation of financial and non-financial management reports
- 2. Critically evaluates how they apply the principles of digital systems management to ensure continued compliance with all relevant frameworks applicable to the organisation including continuous improvement of internal and external relationships and reviewing their own performance and that of their team
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Demonstrates evaluation of internal and external factors relevant to the operational compliance of the organisation with all necessary legal, professional and ethical frameworks
- 4. Critically evaluates how they document organisational manual and digital internal controls, identify weaknesses, and make practical recommendations for improvement and that are creative, innovative and enterprising when seeking solutions to business needs.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Communicate through a written report and presentation
- 6. Be creative, innovative and enterprising when seeking solutions to business needs. Positive and adaptable, responding well to feedback and need for change. Open to new ways of working and new management theories.
Syllabus plan
The syllabus is interwoven with the compulsory modules, drawing from and building on content and materials covered in those modules. The module will include taught masterclasses, one following each set of compulsory modules and associated self-guided learning activities and peer-led action learning groups.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | 69 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 31 | Masterclasses and progress reviews and individual support in the gathering of evidence for the portfolio by Academic Mentors |
| Guided independent study | 69 | Work-based learning: application of knowledge in the workplace and professional development |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project outline | 500 words | 1-6 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project report | 60 | 4000 words | 1-6 | Written |
| Presentation | 40 | 20 minutes | 1-6 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project report | Project report | 1-6 | Next available re-assessment window |
| Presentation | Presentation | 1-6 | Next available re-assessment window |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
- Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). (n.d.). Accounting Finance Manager (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship: Details of the standard. IfATE. https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/accounting-finance-manager-v1-0
- Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). (n.d.). Accounting Finance Manager (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship: Assessment Plan. IfATE. https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/accounting-finance-manager-v1-0
| Credit value | 20 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 10 |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 27/09/2023 |
| Last revision date | 15/04/2025 |
