Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BSc (Hons) Applied Accounting (Non- Apprenticeship) (Part-Time, Online)
1. Programme Details
Programme name | BSc (Hons) Applied Accounting (Non- Apprenticeship) (Part-Time, Online) | Programme code | UFS4SBESBE73 |
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Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
This programme has been designed to meet the requirements of the Institute for Apprenticeship and Technical Education’s (IFATE) Accounting Finance Manager (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship Standard. Developed with our industry partners to blend academic and professional practice in its curriculum design. The programme combines the academic rigour of Exeter’s long tradition of teaching excellence into a blended learning format with applied learning elements embedded throughout each stage of the programme.
The broad purpose of the Accounting Finance Manager Integrated Degree Apprenticeship is for those who currently or aspire to manage and implement accounting, finance systems and processes that support decision-making in-line with strategy by applying technical and technological knowledge and skills to all aspects of accounting and finance within an organisation.
Through this programme you will use principles of problem-based and inquiry-led learning to demonstrate effectiveness in applying Accounting knowledge and developing relevant skills and behaviours.
Each stage of study is structured to incorporate masterclasses, webinars, online learning, academic coaching and workplace mentoring. Assessment is ongoing and is relevant to the work tasks of students, measuring the higher-level thinking skills demonstrated in a variety of problem-based assignments. Throughout the programme of study you will collate an evidence portfolio demonstrating your application and competency of accountancy.
The final element of this programme the synoptic End-point Assessment (EPA). This is an impartial assessment of whether you have developed the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard. The EPA consists of a work-based project report with associated documentation and a professional review based on the evidence portfolio.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
This programme is designed to increase access and widen participation into higher education through a programme which uses blended learning and blended assessment. We acknowledge that participants are employed and have consciously chosen to ‘earn whilst they learn’ (QAA, 2004) and as such this programme has been designed to recognise the knowledge, skills and understanding that an applicant has already developed in their current job role.
The programme is designed around the assumption that the most authentic and powerful pedagogy is one that focuses on the identification, analysis and resolution of immediate problems in the learners’ world, and so links learning directly to accounting.
Apprentices in this role will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between strategic and operational levels of an organisation by employing a broad range of knowledge and skills: technical, technological, and interpersonal. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for contributing to and implementing business plans and strategy, as decided upon by senior management, as well as managing the systems and operations used to realise them. This involves: overseeing operations, monitoring, analysing, and controlling systems and procedures, ensuring the efficient, economic, and effective use of resources; managing the budgetary process, analysing variances, researching and explaining change, and making recommendations; the monitoring and controlling of cash flows, spotting trends, and forecasting requirements; and will be involved in training and recruiting staff in line with strategy. They will conduct regular and detailed analysis of data and provide regular financial and management information as required by internal and external stakeholders.
In a larger organisation the accounting and finance manager may report to a finance director (a professional accountant), whereas in a smaller organisation they could be the most senior technical specialist, reporting to a (non-technical) senior manager such as a chief executive. In a professional practice environment, they may report to a senior manager, director or partner.
Typically they will be responsible for the accounting and finance function and oversee the operations thereof. This may mean they lead a team of accounts, finance and tax technicians managing day to day operations as required.
4. Programme Structure
The BSc (Hons) Applied Accounting (IDA) is a 4 year Integrated Degree Apprenticeship programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 4 stages. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.
The Accounting Finance Manager Integrated Degree Apprenticeship is designed to cover the Knowledge Skills and Behaviours identified in the IfATE apprenticeship standard.
Assessment:
There are a range of assessments within this programme which seek to draw on both the experiences of the participant in the workplace, and enable them to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviours acquired through the formal programme of study. The programme utilises both 'assessment for learning' (formative) and 'assessment of learning' (summative) assignments throughout. Each module includes distinct elements of formative assessment which assist in the preparation of summative assignments.
Each module has at least two summative assessment methods: one of these will be a measure of knowledge and academic skills (including presentations, reflective essays, position papers, problem-based essays and examinations) and the other a practice based measure of understanding skills and behaviours (including projects, proposals, evaluations, and/or reports. Mark ranges, standard to modules at undergraduate level are applied within the assessment process
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.
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Faculty website:
Stage 1
Stage 1: 90 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits at Level 4
Compulsory Modules
Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
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BEA1019DAZ | Introduction to Accounting and Financial Management | 30 | No |
BEA1020DAZ | Preparing Financial Statements | 30 | No |
BEA1021DAZ | Budgeting and Financial Management | 30 | No |
Stage 2
Stage 2: 90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits at Level 4 and 60 credits at Level 5
Compulsory Modules
Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
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BEA1023DAZ | Credit Control and Cash Management | 30 | No |
BEA2021DAZ | Management Accounting | 30 | No |
BEA2028DAZ | UK Financial Reporting | 30 | No |
Stage 3
Stage 3: 90 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits at Level 5 and 30 credits at Level 6
Compulsory Modules
Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
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BEA2025DAZ | Accounting systems and controls | 30 | No |
BEA2026DAZ | Taxation | 12 | No |
BEA3036DAZ | Human Resource and Stakeholder Relationship Management | 30 | No |
Stage 4
Stage 4: 90 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits at Level 6 (50 credits pre-gateway and 40 credits part of End Point Assessment
Compulsory Modules
Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
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BEA3037DAZ | Ethics Governance and Law | 20 | No |
BEA3038DAZ | Audit and assurance | 15 | No |
BEA3039DAZ | Digital Financial Reporting | 15 | No |
BEA3040DAZ | EPA Portfolio | 20 | No |
BEA3041DAZ | EPA Project | 20 | 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... | |
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...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Process financial transactions using double entry bookkeeping (K1) | Learning and Teaching activities (in/out of class) Teaching is centred on problem-based and inquiry-led learning. There are three main components to the teaching methods: 1. Seminars These sessions contain three elements:
2. Online learning platform All modules are delivered in a blended format; day or residential or virtual masterclasses are supported by significant online resources. Each student has the benefit of both a module lead (subject specialist) and an academic mentor, with whom they can develop their study skills, critical thinking skills, application of new knowledge, evaluate own progress and plan own development.
3. E-Portfolio This portfolio is built up over the academic year and is submitted at the end of each stage of study. It contains elements which capture the student’s engagement with learning and reflections upon skills and behavioural development. E-Portfolio constitutes of the following:
Learning is enhanced through a teaching/ learning philosophy which partners with employer to blend academic and professional practice. | There will be a range of regular formative assessment which seeks to build the skills and confidence of learners whilst keeping them engaged with the programme. Summative assessment will include, but is not limited to: closed-book examinations, applied exercise, case studies, presentations, portfolios, reflective essays, position papers, business improvement projects, proposals, problem-based essays, book and article reviews, visual images, videos, infographics, academic essays, reports and peer assessment. Where elements of the integrated modules have not been completed or passed successfully, learners will be asked to retake the assessment component or complete a modified assignment tailored to specifically measure the relevant ILO/s |
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... | |
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...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
27. Identify and use the technology available for financial accounting, reporting, and internal controls.(K3) | See details in Section A Learning and Teaching Activities. | See details in Section A Assessment Methods |
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... | |
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...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
56. Use technology to collect, analyse and communicate quantitative and qualitative data (K25) | See details in Section A Learning and Teaching Activities. | See details in Section A Assessment Methods. |
7. Programme Regulations
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
Professional and Workplace mentoring: Students will be allocated an academic mentor whose role it is to support you in your professional development. There will be work-based quarterly meetings, known as progress reviews, between the employer, the student and the academic mentor. At each of these meetings your progression and personal development is discussed, reviewed and recorded in the E-Portfolio.
You will also benefit from advice and support from your workplace mentor whose role extends to providing you with opportunities to identify projects, evidence and ongoing professional development.
The academic mentor will provide details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties related to being a student of the university. They are able to liaise with the module leads and programme director on your behalf, and will provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme
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.
All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to learners from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.
Entry requirements: Most candidates will have A levels (or equivalent) or existing relevant Level 3 qualifications, and English and Maths at Level 2. Other relevant or prior experience may also be considered as an alternative. In addition, candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter
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.
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
BSc (Hons) Applied Accounting (Non- Apprenticeship) (Part-Time, Online)
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
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22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
Origin Date | Date of last revision |
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