Course description
Introduction
This new fast-track route to an MSc Financial Management (Professional Learning and Development) is designed for qualified accountants, who are currently teaching undergraduate, postgraduate or professional accounting students. It will provide them with the opportunity to continue their professional development and develop their careers with the intellectual confidence and research skills that come with a Master's degree. It is an online distance learning pathway, which opens up the degree to qualified accountants throughout the world.
The recent rapid international growth of professional accountancy students has led to a demand for professional educators. The curricula of bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) require professional educators who are not only technically competent but who also can support students in developing an integrated, critical and reflective understanding of financial management. This challenging task is also faced by educators on accounting and finance degree courses. This course provides educators with the opportunity to develop their pedagogic skills and knowledge of the processes of teaching and learning.
Content
As a qualified accountant you are likely to be exempt from studying much of the taught 'substantive' material of the full 180 credit MSc Financial Management programme. This fast track route only requires you to complete 90 credits from taking the following modules:
-Financial Context and Contemporary Issues (FCCI)
-Professional Learning and Development (PLD)
-Research Methods
-Dissertation
The delivery of these modules will be through online distance learning with web-based learning material and synchronous and asynchronous interaction at times to suit you. It is designed to enable students, wherever they are in the world, to complete the degree without disruption to their existing employment.
FCCI, PLD and Research Methods on this pathway will be run as distance learning modules from October of each year. You will typically be able to complete these three modules on a part-time basis by the end of May without disrupting your ongoing career commitments. You will start work on your 50 credit dissertations in the spring and typically submit in November or December, 15 months after registration.
The dissertation is normally between 12,000 and 15,000 words and will address some aspect relating to the education of accounting and finance students. You will develop your theme with the guidance and support of a supervisor.
Teaching and learning
You’ll be studying in a dynamic and innovative learning environment. Emphasis will be placed on creating and sustaining an active and vibrant learning community. We want this to be a stimulating and enjoyable experience for you. Learning activities will take place either on line or via independent study. Learning resources will comprise: an introductory written (or podcast) guide to each learning unit, a range of texts or web-based resources, educational research papers available via UWE library and asynchronous discussion via Blackboard discussion boards.
Formative feedback will be available via tutor e-moderation of discussions and periodic question and answer forums. Students will engage in frequent electronic correspondence with their module leaders and supervisors. In addition, the Programme Director will correspond with students during the autumn and spring terms to review progress and discuss any problems. Tutors will provide academic support and guidance that is appropriate to students’ needs.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a professional accountancy qualification from an institute such as CIMA, the ACCA or the ICAEW, or a UK Master's degree or international equivalent. In addition you will either currently be engaged in, or about to commence, a career in accounting education.
All entry decisions are subject to the discretion of the programme director.
