Objectives
The role of financial experts within organisations has changed significantly in recent years and the emphasis nowadays is less on processing data and more on the intelligent interpretation of it within a strategic context. This programme will enable you, a qualified practitioner, to enhance your ability to contextualise, evaluate and communicate financial information, adding significant value to your organisation at a senior management level. It recognises that you will be a competent specialist, keen to continue your professional development, possibly with a view to taking on increased managerial responsibilities. Students bring with them a diverse range of practical experience, and student interaction and networking is an enjoyable and beneficial aspect of the programme. This programme is designed to enhance the depth, value and contemporary relevance of professional accounting qualifications. It will develop your knowledge and critical understanding of financial issues and enhance your research and analytical skills, balancing academic rigour with practical relevance. The programme will contribute towards your career development by providing an opportunity for you to: -Re-engage with the fundamentals of your profession -Become a recognised expert in a specialist topic of your choosing -Evaluate contemporary developments in context and prepare for future trends -Build on your key transferable skills such as information accessing, analysis and interpretation, giving presentations and writing reports -Meet your professional institute's CPD requirements.
Course description
Content
As a qualified accountant you are likely to be exempt from studying the taught 'substantive' modules of the full-time MSc Financial Management programme. This fast-track route therefore only requires you to complete the Financial Context and Contemporary Issues module, the Research Methods module, and a dissertation.
The modules will, in total, involve around 38 hours at Bristol Business School, mostly on Tuesday evenings with one or two sessions on Saturdays between October and April. From April you will concentrate on your dissertation, which is normally between 12,000 and 15,000 words, and may be an academic research study or address a practical problem from your workplace. You'll develop your theme with the guidance and support of a supervisor and you should aim to submit your dissertation in the autumn.
Teaching and learning
You'll be studying in a dynamic and innovative teaching and learning environment. Your study will combine seminars, student presentations and workshops. Assessment is based on a report, an essay, coursework presentations and your dissertation.
Study time
The induction, the Financial Context and Contemporary Issues module, and the Research Methods Module will involve a total of approximately 38 hours' attendance at Bristol Business School. The actual timing of sessions will be determined in consultation with the students in any particular year, but most of the sessions will take place on Tuesday evenings through the autumn and winter. These modules will be completed by the end of April after which fast-track students who have maximum exemptions will concentrate on their dissertation.
Entry requirements
This programme is only available to professionally qualified accountants such as members of the ICAEW, CIMA, ACCA, or CIPFA
