Programme Title

MSc Accounting & Finance

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Master of Science

Programme Code

ACC-MSC-AF

UCAS Code

HECoS Code

100105

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

Interview Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Postgraduate

Length of Programme

1 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

180

Exit Awards available

Awarding Institution/Body

Queen's University Belfast

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Queen's Management School

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 7

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Accreditations (PSRB)

Association of Certified Chartered Accountants

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 01-08-11

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

The MSc Accounting & Finance is based on the University-wide modular framework. The class of degree awarded to the student (Fail, Pass, Commendation and Distinction) is based on his or her performance in the 8 modules (7 compulsory modules and 1 optional module) taught in the first two semesters plus (depending on the route chosen by the student for semester three) (i) a dissertation or (ii) an academic research project.

Module marks are combined over the first, second and third semester and are used to produce an aggregate mark. Marking is based on University agreed marking scale.

Students will be assessed by course work, presentations, and examinations and, depending on their choice, a dissertation or an academic research project. Students will not be permitted to proceed to either of the semester three routes (dissertation or academic research project) until they have successfully completed modules to the value of 105 CATS points which must include ACC7002 Research Methods and Techniques.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

problem solving

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across first and second semester modules. The numerical and statistical components of the modules, particularly in Research Methods module, focus particularly on problem solving, logical reasoning and data management and analysis using statistical packages. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on small group presentations.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course homework, oral presentations, project work and final examinations or class tests.

logical reasoning

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across first and second semester modules. The numerical and statistical components of the modules, particularly in Research Methods module, focus particularly on problem solving, logical reasoning and data management and analysis using statistical packages. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on small group presentations.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course homework, oral presentations, project work and final examinations or class tests.

independent enquiry

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across first and second semester modules. The numerical and statistical components of the modules, particularly in Research Methods module, focus particularly on problem solving, logical reasoning and data management and analysis using statistical packages. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on small group presentations.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course homework, oral presentations, project work and final examinations or class tests.

critical evaluation and interpretation

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across first and second semester modules. The numerical and statistical components of the modules, particularly in Research Methods module, focus particularly on problem solving, logical reasoning and data management and analysis using statistical packages. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on small group presentations.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course homework, oral presentations, project work and final examinations or class tests.

self assessment and reflection

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across first and second semester modules. The numerical and statistical components of the modules, particularly in Research Methods module, focus particularly on problem solving, logical reasoning and data management and analysis using statistical packages. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on small group presentations.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course homework, oral presentations, project work and final examinations or class tests.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

the ability to synthesise information/data from a variety of sources including from databases, books, journal articles and the internet

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Small group teaching sessions, discussions with industry experts, practitioners and more traditional lecture enquiry will be used to guide the learning experience.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines. Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g. worked solutions and proofs, essays, PowerPoint presentations, statistical-based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Students will also acquire the ability to write projects and longer and more structured critical essays (such as the MSc dissertation or the critical literature review), which include the skill of reading and summarising academic articles. Students will be able to analyse financial statements, apply investment strategies and understand the role of accounting and performance measurement in for-profit, public and not-for-profit organisations.

the preparation and communication of accounting and financial ideas in both written and presentational forms

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Small group teaching sessions, discussions with industry experts, practitioners and more traditional lecture enquiry will be used to guide the learning experience.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines. Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g. worked solutions and proofs, essays, PowerPoint presentations, statistical-based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Students will also acquire the ability to write projects and longer and more structured critical essays (such as the MSc dissertation or the critical literature review), which include the skill of reading and summarising academic articles. Students will be able to analyse financial statements, apply investment strategies and understand the role of accounting and performance measurement in for-profit, public and not-for-profit organisations.

the ability to work both independently and in groups

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Small group teaching sessions, discussions with industry experts, practitioners and more traditional lecture enquiry will be used to guide the learning experience.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines. Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g. worked solutions and proofs, essays, PowerPoint presentations, statistical-based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Students will also acquire the ability to write projects and longer and more structured critical essays (such as the MSc dissertation or the critical literature review), which include the skill of reading and summarising academic articles. Students will be able to analyse financial statements, apply investment strategies and understand the role of accounting and performance measurement in for-profit, public and not-for-profit organisations.

organisation and time management

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Small group teaching sessions, discussions with industry experts, practitioners and more traditional lecture enquiry will be used to guide the learning experience.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines. Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g. worked solutions and proofs, essays, PowerPoint presentations, statistical-based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Students will also acquire the ability to write projects and longer and more structured critical essays (such as the MSc dissertation or the critical literature review), which include the skill of reading and summarising academic articles. Students will be able to analyse financial statements, apply investment strategies and understand the role of accounting and performance measurement in for-profit, public and not-for-profit organisations.

problem solving and critical analysis

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Small group teaching sessions, discussions with industry experts, practitioners and more traditional lecture enquiry will be used to guide the learning experience.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines. Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g. worked solutions and proofs, essays, PowerPoint presentations, statistical-based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Students will also acquire the ability to write projects and longer and more structured critical essays (such as the MSc dissertation or the critical literature review), which include the skill of reading and summarising academic articles. Students will be able to analyse financial statements, apply investment strategies and understand the role of accounting and performance measurement in for-profit, public and not-for-profit organisations.

work-based skills; use IT, including word-processing, email, internet and statistical packages

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Small group teaching sessions, discussions with industry experts, practitioners and more traditional lecture enquiry will be used to guide the learning experience.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines. Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g. worked solutions and proofs, essays, PowerPoint presentations, statistical-based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Students will also acquire the ability to write projects and longer and more structured critical essays (such as the MSc dissertation or the critical literature review), which include the skill of reading and summarising academic articles. Students will be able to analyse financial statements, apply investment strategies and understand the role of accounting and performance measurement in for-profit, public and not-for-profit organisations.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of accounting and finance

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Traditional lectures, small group interactive sessions, problem solving classes are all used to guide the students’ learning experience on both theoretical and practice-oriented topics.

Methods of Assessment

End-of-semester unseen examinations, class tests, individual and group projects, take home tests and individual and group oral presentations are used to assess student learning.

financial statement analysis

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Traditional lectures, small group interactive sessions, problem solving classes are all used to guide the students’ learning experience on both theoretical and practice-oriented topics.

Methods of Assessment

End-of-semester unseen examinations, class tests, individual and group projects, take home tests and individual and group oral presentations are used to assess student learning.

investment management decision making

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Traditional lectures, small group interactive sessions, problem solving classes are all used to guide the students’ learning experience on both theoretical and practice-oriented topics.

Methods of Assessment

End-of-semester unseen examinations, class tests, individual and group projects, take home tests and individual and group oral presentations are used to assess student learning.

methods of analysis used to evaluate accounting and financial issues

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Traditional lectures, small group interactive sessions, problem solving classes are all used to guide the students’ learning experience on both theoretical and practice-oriented topics.

Methods of Assessment

End-of-semester unseen examinations, class tests, individual and group projects, take home tests and individual and group oral presentations are used to assess student learning.

the role of performance management and governance in organisations

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Traditional lectures, small group interactive sessions, problem solving classes are all used to guide the students’ learning experience on both theoretical and practice-oriented topics.

Methods of Assessment

End-of-semester unseen examinations, class tests, individual and group projects, take home tests and individual and group oral presentations are used to assess student learning.

how to evaluate basic financial and derivative instruments

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Traditional lectures, small group interactive sessions, problem solving classes are all used to guide the students’ learning experience on both theoretical and practice-oriented topics.

Methods of Assessment

End-of-semester unseen examinations, class tests, individual and group projects, take home tests and individual and group oral presentations are used to assess student learning.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

the ability to construct arguments and exercise problem solving skills in the context of theories of accounting and finance

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Abstraction, quantitative, qualitative and evaluation skills, through theory building, manipulation, application and evaluation, are at the core of this degree programme. Consequently, these skills are built across modules and throughout the duration of the programme through small interactive teaching session, traditional lecture sessions, independent reading and application of theory to practice, worked class examples.

Methods of Assessment

Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules.

Summative assessment takes a variety of forms. End-of-semester examinations or class tests are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into all modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment are employed, such as practical computer-based work and, a mixture of class tests, group and individual presentations and essays.

Formative assessment takes three main forms. First, weekly homework in most of the modules aims at promoting subject-specific understanding, logic, accurate calculation and good presentation. Secondly, weekly discussion of key theories and academic readings in accounting and finance aims to develop understanding, logical argument and critical assessment. Thirdly, timely feedback is provided on the content and performance of student presentations and tutorials.

the ability to apply computer-based/statistical packages to analyse and evaluate relevant data

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Abstraction, quantitative, qualitative and evaluation skills, through theory building, manipulation, application and evaluation, are at the core of this degree programme. Consequently, these skills are built across modules and throughout the duration of the programme through small interactive teaching session, traditional lecture sessions, independent reading and application of theory to practice, worked class examples.

Methods of Assessment

Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules.

Summative assessment takes a variety of forms. End-of-semester examinations or class tests are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into all modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment are employed, such as practical computer-based work and, a mixture of class tests, group and individual presentations and essays.

Formative assessment takes three main forms. First, weekly homework in most of the modules aims at promoting subject-specific understanding, logic, accurate calculation and good presentation. Secondly, weekly discussion of key theories and academic readings in accounting and finance aims to develop understanding, logical argument and critical assessment. Thirdly, timely feedback is provided on the content and performance of student presentations and tutorials.

the ability to read and evaluate accounting and finance related academic literature

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Abstraction, quantitative, qualitative and evaluation skills, through theory building, manipulation, application and evaluation, are at the core of this degree programme. Consequently, these skills are built across modules and throughout the duration of the programme through small interactive teaching session, traditional lecture sessions, independent reading and application of theory to practice, worked class examples.

Methods of Assessment

Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules.

Summative assessment takes a variety of forms. End-of-semester examinations or class tests are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into all modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment are employed, such as practical computer-based work and, a mixture of class tests, group and individual presentations and essays.

Formative assessment takes three main forms. First, weekly homework in most of the modules aims at promoting subject-specific understanding, logic, accurate calculation and good presentation. Secondly, weekly discussion of key theories and academic readings in accounting and finance aims to develop understanding, logical argument and critical assessment. Thirdly, timely feedback is provided on the content and performance of student presentations and tutorials.

the ability to apply core theories and reasoning in accounting and finance to a selection of applied fields

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Abstraction, quantitative, qualitative and evaluation skills, through theory building, manipulation, application and evaluation, are at the core of this degree programme. Consequently, these skills are built across modules and throughout the duration of the programme through small interactive teaching session, traditional lecture sessions, independent reading and application of theory to practice, worked class examples.

Methods of Assessment

Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules.

Summative assessment takes a variety of forms. End-of-semester examinations or class tests are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into all modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment are employed, such as practical computer-based work and, a mixture of class tests, group and individual presentations and essays.

Formative assessment takes three main forms. First, weekly homework in most of the modules aims at promoting subject-specific understanding, logic, accurate calculation and good presentation. Secondly, weekly discussion of key theories and academic readings in accounting and finance aims to develop understanding, logical argument and critical assessment. Thirdly, timely feedback is provided on the content and performance of student presentations and tutorials.

exemptions (Papers F1-F4 and Paper F7), subject to successful completion of the programme, for the ACCA professional examinations

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Abstraction, quantitative, qualitative and evaluation skills, through theory building, manipulation, application and evaluation, are at the core of this degree programme. Consequently, these skills are built across modules and throughout the duration of the programme through small interactive teaching session, traditional lecture sessions, independent reading and application of theory to practice, worked class examples.

Methods of Assessment

Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules.

Summative assessment takes a variety of forms. End-of-semester examinations or class tests are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into all modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment are employed, such as practical computer-based work and, a mixture of class tests, group and individual presentations and essays.

Formative assessment takes three main forms. First, weekly homework in most of the modules aims at promoting subject-specific understanding, logic, accurate calculation and good presentation. Secondly, weekly discussion of key theories and academic readings in accounting and finance aims to develop understanding, logical argument and critical assessment. Thirdly, timely feedback is provided on the content and performance of student presentations and tutorials.