Programme Specification for the 2020/1 academic year
MSc Accounting and Finance
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Accounting and Finance | Programme code | PTS1SBESBE19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
This programme is suited to anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of accounting and finance with a view to enter a career in either field.
The MSc Accounting and Finance offers you a solid grounding in the fundamentals of financial management, financial accounting, and management accounting and will sharpen your quantitative skills in finance. You will gain insight into the accounting process within a firm (management accounting) and into external reporting and its relevance to company valuation (financial accounting).
One of the main attractions of the degree is the broad spectrum of options available – you can specialise further by selecting subjects such as international taxation, derivatives pricing, domestic and international portfolio management, corporate finance and governance, banking and financial services, international financial management, topics in financial economics, and many others.
We also offer a series of visiting speakers seminars and workshops in which practising fund managers and finance experts from leading banks share their expertise through a combination of seminars, discussions and practical project work.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
1. Provide a thorough theoretical and practical grounding in the tools and techniques of accounting and financial analysis
2. Develop critical awareness of articles in accounting and finance academic journals, and familiarity with the concepts and research methods utilised
3. Develop the facility to engage in and contribute to accounting and finance academic and policy debates
4. Train researchers who are competent to choose between and deploy various alternative research methodologies and techniques, including alternative econometric techniques and software packages
5. Provide specific research training that will enable students successfully to complete masters level dissertations, and provide a sound basis for a decision as to whether or not to embark upon a programme of independent research (under appropriate supervision) for MPhil/PhD
6. Provide an opportunity for advanced study of accounting and finance suitable to a range of career-development motivations
4. Programme Structure
Your MSc Accounting and Finance programme is a 1 year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
Interim Awards
Postgraduate Diploma:
(a) A Postgraduate Diploma is awarded when a student gains at least 120 credits including at least 90 at Level M on a designated programme.
Postgraduate Certificate:
(a) A Postgraduate Certificate is awarded when a student gains at least 60 credits including at least 45 at Level M on a designated programme.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
http://business-school.exeter.ac.uk/programmes/postgraduate/finance/msc_accfi/programmestructure/
This programme is available for study 12 months full-time over three terms and is University-based throughout this time. The taught components of the programme are delivered in the first two terms, leaving the third term and most of the summer to research, write and submit your dissertation. The programme in its entirety runs from October to September.
During the programme you will study modules (including the dissertation) totalling 180 credits. Please note that all options are available timetable permitting and may change.
Please note that programme structures may be subject to change.
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAM056 | Applied Empirical Accounting | 15 | No |
| BEAM024 | Advanced Financial Accounting | 15 | No |
| BEAM047 | Fundamentals of Financial Management | 15 | No |
| BEAM025 | Advanced Management Accounting | 15 | No |
| BEAM027 | Dissertation OR | 60 | Yes |
| BEAM068 | Accounting, Accounts and Accountability: examining its everyday use AND | 30 | Yes |
| BEAM067 | Coding Analytics for Accountants | 30 | Yes |
Optional Modules
You will choose four options totalling 60 credits from a regularly updated selection. Recent modules are shown below:
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAM029 | Topics in Financial Economics | 15 | No |
| BEAM033 | Banking and Financial Services | 15 | No |
| BEAM035 | Derivatives Pricing | 15 | No |
| BEAM036 | Domestic and International Portfolio Management | 15 | No |
| BEAM042 | International Financial Management | 15 | No |
| BEAM046 | Financial Modelling | 15 | No |
| BEAM050 | Advanced Corporate Finance | 15 | No |
| BEAM051 | Principles of International Taxation | 15 | No |
| BEAM052 | Corporate Governance and Finance | 15 | No |
| BEAM053 | Mergers, Management Buyouts and Other Corporate Reorganisations | 15 | No |
| BEAM059 | Introduction to UK Taxation | 15 | No |
| BEAM063 | Advanced Financial Analysis | 15 | No |
| BEAM071 | Advanced Corporate Reporting | 15 | No |
| BEAM065 | Bank Management | 15 | No |
| BEAM031 | Financial Instruments | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. an extensive and in-depth knowledge of research in the areas of accounting and finance, to the extent that they are able to use their knowledge to develop independent analysis of new issues arising in these areas | ILO1&4: developed through compulsory modules with a view to use knowledge gained to complete BEAM027 Dissertation module or BEAM068 Accounting, Accounts and Accountability: examining its everyday use and BEAM067 Coding Analytics for Accountants. ILO2: addressed in particular in modules that require written reports as assignments and ultimately in the BEAM027 dissertation module or BEAM068 Accounting, Accounts and Accountability: examining its everyday use and BEAM067 Coding Analytics for Accountants. ILO3: training courses delivered by external partners from organisations such as Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg. Addressed in BEAM056 Applied Empirical Accounting, BEAM027 dissertation and BEAM067 Coding Analytics for Accountants. | 1. Final exams, coursework assignments and dissertation. 2. Written reports/coursework in BEAM056, BEAM027, BEAM068 and BEAM067. 3. Assessed in BEAM056 through coursework and class test, dissertation in BEAM027 and coursework in BEAM067. 4. Final exams, coursework assignments and dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. an ability to evaluate existing empirical research, appraise critically the assumptions underlying a variety of accounting and finance models and develop an understanding of how to test such assumptions empirically, contributing to knowledge in the area | ILO5: critical thinking is strongly encouraged in most of the modules; in particular, students will critically review substantial amount of empirical research in BEAM024 Advanced Financial Accounting and the contexts within which management accounting operates in BEAM025 Advanced Management Accounting. ILO6: this is covered particularly in BEAM056 Applied Empirical Accounting, BEAM027 Dissertation, BEAM068 Accounting, Accounts and Accountability: examining its everyday use and BEAM067 Coding Analytics for Accountants. ILO7: developed through assignments required in BEAM025 Advanced Management Accounting, BEAM056 Applied Empirical Accounting, BEAM027 Dissertation, BEAM068 Accounting, Accounts and Accountability: examining its everyday use and BEAM067 Coding Analytics for Accountants. | 5 Final exams and coursework. 6 Coursework and class test in BEAM056, dissertation in BEAM027, critical literature review in BEAM068 and coursework in BEAM067. 7 Coursework in BEAM025, coursework and class test in BEAM056, dissertation in BEAM027, critical literature review in BEAM068 and coursework in BEAM067.
|
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
8. A global outlook: Our graduates are engaged and prepared for the demands of global business and society. | 8. BEAM024 Advanced Financial Accounting provides students with a critical lens to view financial reporting theory and practice. BEAM046 Financial Modelling addresses the international aspects of finance through the estimation of the fair value of exchange rates BEAM051 Principles of International Taxation takes an international perspective on taxation and considers examples from all over the world. 9. BEAM047 Fundamentals of Financial Management introduces students to finance theory and financial management, and analyses models and evidence relating to a firm’s optimal capital structure and appropriate dividend policy. BEAM068 Accounting, Accounts and Accountability: examining its everyday use requires students to critically think about and appreciate accounting, accounts and accountability in its wider (e.g., social, economic, political) context through the consideration of topical and real-world issues. BEAM067 Coding Analytics for Accountants equips students with programming knowledge and analytics that can be used to tackle practical complex problems that they may face in their future workplace. 10. BEAM024 Advanced Financial Accounting asks that students build team skills in debating discussion topics and producing team’s solutions to problems and group assignment. BEAM046 Financial Modelling requires that students collaborate on a group assignment to evaluate investment portfolios. 11. BEAM047 Fundamentals of Financial Management states that students will learn about the fair valuation of financial assists which is of interest to those involved in sustainability. 12. BEAM056 Applied Empirical Accounting involves the use of WRDS and STATA to prepare datasets and conduct empirical analysis respectively. BEAM046 Financial Modelling instructs students in the use of Excel and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). BEAM067 instructs students in coding and analytics using up-to-date software and methodology. | 8. BEAM024 – Examination and coursework BEAM047 – Examination BEAM025 – Examination and coursework BEAM046 – Examination and group assignment BEAM051 – Mid-term test and Exam 9. BEAM047 – Examination BEAM024 – Examination and coursework BEAM025 – Examination and coursework BEAM027 – Proposal and Dissertation BEAM046 – Examination and group assignment BEAM051 – Mid-term test and Exam BEAM068 – Critical literature review BEAM067 – Coursework 10. BEAM024 –Problem sets and coursework (group) BEAM046 – Group assignment 11. BEAM047 - Examination BEAM046 – Examination and group assignment 12. BEAM056 – Coursework and class test BEAM046 - Group assignment BEAM067 – Coursework |
7. Programme Regulations
Credit
Postgraduate (PG) Programmes: The programme consists of 180 credits. The pass mark for award of credit in PG modules (NQF level 7) is 50%.
Progression
Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit.
Postgraduate (PG) Programmes: Up to 45 credits of failure can be condoned on the following conditions:
a. You must have completed and been assessed in modules amounting to sufficient credit for the final award (i.e. 180 credits for a Masters; 120 credits for a PGDip; and 60 credits for a PGCert).
b. You must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above.
c. You must achieve an average mark of at least 50% across the full 180 credits of assessment in the stage, including any failed and condoned modules.
d. Condonement can only be applied to failed modules where a mark of 40 – 49 has been achieved.
Classification
The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:
Postgraduate Degrees
Distinction 70%+
Merit 60-69%
Pass 50-59%
Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes and PGT programmes assessment regulations can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website. Generic marking criteria are also published here.
Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
The Postgraduate Student Handbook can be accessed via ELE at the following address: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1645
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data to review the quality of educational provision. The College documents the performance in each of its taught programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Programme Monitoring cycle:
- Admissions, progression and completion data
- In Year Analysis data
- Previous monitoring report
- Monitoring of core (and optional) modules
- External examiner's reports and University and College responses (reported to SSLC)
- Any Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body/accrediting body or other external reports
- Consultation with employers and former students
- Staff evaluation
- Student evaluation
- Programme aims
Subject areas are reviewed every four years through a periodic subject review scheme that includes external contributions. (http://admin.exeter.ac.uk/academic/tls/tqa/Part%209/9JREVISEDPSRSCHEME.pdf)
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MSc Accounting and Finance
19. UCAS Code
C791
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 28/05/2012 |
Date of last revision | 12/10/2020 |
|---|
