ObjectivesThe MRes has been designed for students who wish to undertake education, training and development in the area of social science research, with a specific intention of undertaking doctoral studies in the field of either Accounting or management. The degree aims to develop knowledge and understanding of General research skills, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches Different theoretical stances which underpin positivistic and interpretivist approaches to research Design of a research proposal, including construction of research questions and/or hypotheses Implementation and management of a research programme, including data management The relationship between different research approaches and subject-specific knowledge in the field of either Accounting or Management
Entry requirementsEntry Qualifications 2.1 First degree or equivalent IELTS 6.5, OR TOEFL (PB) 570, OR TOEFL (CB) 230, OR Cambridge Proficiency Grade C OR IELTS 6.0, OR TOEFL (PB) 540, OR TOEFL (CB) 207, OR Cambridge Proficiency Grade C AND Successful completion of a pre-sessional English course offered at the University of Essex of at least 8 weeks.
Academic titleMRes Accounting, Finance and Management
Course description
Course Description
This MRes seeks to provide students wishing to follow a career in research/academia with the skills and knowledge to appreciate the depth and breadth of this within a social science context. It is in direct response to requirements and suggested improvements to research training laid down by the Economic and Social Research Council.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
ASSET PRICING
AUDIT THEORY
BANK STRATEGY AND RISK
BEHAVIOURAL FINANCE
BUSINESS ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Compulsory: PHILOSOPHY OF MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTING
CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN MANAGEMENT
Core: MSC/MA DISSERTATION
Core: RESEARCH EVALUATION PROJECTS
Core: RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES IN ACCOUNTING AND MANAGEMENT
CORPORATE FINANCE
CRITICAL MARKETING
CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON MANAGEMENT KNOWLEDGE
DERIVATIVE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE RATES AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
FINANCIAL MODELLING
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING
INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT
INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENTACCOUNTING
ISSUES IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ISSUES IN FINANCIAL REPORTING MANAGEMENTACCOUNTING MANAGEMENT IN ORGANISATIONS MANAGEMENT PSYCHOLOGY
MODERN BANKING
PERSPECTIVES ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE
PROFESSIONALISM AND THE ACCOUNTANCY PROFESSION
RESEARCH METHODS IN FINANCE: FOUNDATIONS IN FINANCE
STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: A CASE STUDY APPROACH
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : Distinguish between different epistemological positions which provide the context for research
A2 : Understand the rationale underpinning selection of quantitative and qualitative approaches to research
A3 : Understand the relationship between empirical research and generation and testing of theory
A4 : Understand the principles of research design and implementaiton of a research programme
A5 : Understand different approaches to data collection, analysis and interpretation
A6 : Develop understanding of the principles of knowledge in the field of either Management or Accounting
A7 : Detailed understanding of a selected topic within the field of either Accounting or Management
Teaching Methods
Outcomes A1-A7 are acquired through lectures, seminars, group and individual tasks, and directed independent study. The development of the dissertation in consultation with a supervisor provides an additional opportunity for achieving learning outcomes A1-A7
Lectures and seminars introduce the required theories and understandings to facilitate students' exploration, the character, contexts, practices and interpretations of management and organisations, while demonstrating and encouraging a critical and reflexive approach.
Directed independent study and reading, along with individual and group tasks, enable the further exploration of the relevant areas.
Students are expected to extend and enhance the knowledge and understanding they acquire from lectures and classes by regularly consulting library materials relating to the course.
Assessment Methods
Informal assessment:
Outcomes A1-A7 are informally assessed via group work and oral presentations. The associated informal feedback provided enables students to explore and enhance their understandings, and develop presentation skills.
Formal:
Outcomes A1-A7 are formally assessed via coursework assignments, which may take a number of forms, including essays, case studies, theoretical and empirical studies.
Outcome A6 is further assessed by examination.
Outcomes A1-A7 will be assessed in the dissertation.
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B2 : Capacity to appraise theoretical ideas.
B3 : Assimilate and synthesise advanced theories and concepts from a variety of relevant frameworks.
B4 : Formulate logical and coherent arguments
B5 : Interpret and critically evaluate empirical evidence.
B6 : Plan and undertake a substantial piece of independent research.
Teaching Methods
Skills B1-B4 are acquired and enhanced primarily through directed independent study, reading, group and individual tasks given for their courses, although lectures and seminars provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through examples.
Students' independent study and preparation for tasks involves the reading, interpretation and critical evaluation of relevant frameworks, theories and understandings to facilitate students' assimilation and synthesis of these various theories and concepts, while demonstrating and encouraging a critical and reflexive approach to empirical evidence.
Lecturers provide necessary feedback on student work. Lecturers also engage students outside the classroom through office hours, appointments and email communication.
Skill B5 is acquired through the work that students undertake for the MSc dissertation. The dissertation further provides an opportunity for students to acquire skills B1-B4
Assessment Methods
Informal assessment:
Skills B1-B4 are informally assessed via oral presentations. The associated informal feedback provided enables students to explore and enhance their understandings, and develop presentation skills
Formal:
Skills B1-B4 are formally assessed via coursework assignments. The MSc dissertation provides a further opportunity to assess skills B1-B4.
Skill B5 is assessed through the dissertation.
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C2 : Plan and undertake a substantial piece of independent research.
C3 : Analyse and evaluate empirical data
C4 : Hypothesise about issues and events in the context of either Accounting or Management Hypothesise about issues and events in the context of either Accounting or Management
C5 : Access and retrieve information from a variety of primary and secondary sources.
C6 : Research presentation and written presentation skills.
C7 : Undertake independent research
Teaching Methods
Skills C1-C6 are acquired and enhanced primarily through the work that students do for their courses, although lectures provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through examples.
Research skills will be taught and assessed throughout the programme.
Skill C6 is further acquired through the work that students do for the dissertation. The dissertation further provides an opportunity for students to acquire skills C1-C5
Assessment Methods
Informal assessment:
Skills C1-C5 are informally assessed through group work and oral presentations along with the associated informal feedback. This further enables students to explore and enhance their understanding, and develop research and presentation skills
Formal:
Skills C1-C5 are formally assessed via coursework assignments. This enables the demonstration of the relevant theories and empirical evidence and facilitates the demonstration of a critical and reflexive approach to empirical evidence.
Skill C6 is assessed through the dissertation and course work
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : Communicate ideas and arguments in a coherent and effective manner.
D2 : Use information technology, such as word processing, databases, the web and econometric packages, to download and analyse financial and economic data.
D3 : Basic skills in quantitative research
D4 : Understand the principles of research design and implementaiton of a research programme
D5 : Understand different approaches to data collection, analysis and interpretation
D6 : Develop understanding of the principles of knowledge in the field of either Management or Accounting
Teaching Methods
Verbal communication skills (D1) are developed through group tasks involving oral presentation and group discussion in the lecture.
Written communication skills (D1) are developed primarily through small group project reports and individual tasks.
IT skills (D2) are developed as individual tasks require extensive research involving web based material, internet and various electronic medias.
Numeracy skills (D3) are introduced in Research Methods, and may be developed, if appropriate, in the dissertation.
Problem solving skills (D4) are developed principally through specific problem based exercises and project given to the students.
Planning and organisation, enterprise and resourcefulness (D5-6) are essential to any learning process dependent on independent study and to some extent individual advice from teachers. These skills are further developed as students pursue the learning activities associated with their courses.
Assessment Methods
Informal assessment:
The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the management degree schemes; however the approach to assessment varies. Written communication skills, problem solving, and IT skills are assessed directly throughout the degree programme. Personal skills are assessed through coursework. Verbal communication skills are not formally assessed although feedback on communication skills forms part of the formative feedback provided on small group tutorial presentations.
Formal:
Skills D1-D6 are formally assessed via coursework assignments: in relation both to process and product. Skills D5 and D6 may be demonstrated through process issues, such as meeting submission deadlines, and demonstrating collaborative work with others during the research phase of coursework. Skills D1-D4 will be