Learning

Assessment

A range of assessment methods are used throughout the course. You will be required to undertake a variety of group and individually based assessments. These assessments include individual essays, reports presentations and examinations, and group based reports and presentations. The assessments are designed to test knowledge and understanding of the appropriate subject matter, but also to demonstrate the range of skills identified in section 3 above.

The assessment strategy underlines the programmes concern with research and independent thinking, critical knowledge of theory and practice, the ability to make information decisions and communicate these under time pressure and, finally, the all-important skills of teamwork and oral communication of ideas.

The written assignments and group reports contribute to the learning outcomes focusing on your ability to research and critically evaluate elements of the curriculum in depth. They generally allow you to use a variety of named sources to support your viewpoints.

The end of unit examinations focus primarily on critical discussion of theory and current practice and provide the reassurance of guaranteed student authorship, and a true measure of your own ability and understanding.

The time constrained tests will be more cursory in nature, generally assessing awareness, understanding and application of elements of the curriculum.

The significant weighting given to individual and group presentations stresses the primacy of team work and of effective oral communication based on research and creative, holistic thinking about organisational, media and stakeholder issues.

Educational Aims
This programme of study aims to achieve the following:

• To enable you to successfully support a finance related business in a management role within an organisation upon completion of the programme
• To enable you to expand on your undergraduate skills and enable you to gain knowledge and skills relevant to a global knowledge economy
• To enable you to appreciate the integrated nature of business, management and finance study, and to relate both hard and soft issues to decision making
• To emphasise the international nature of finance in business and management study
• To add value so as to make your employment prospects better
• To apply theories to the practice of business, management and finance
• To apply theories to the practice of business and finance
• To undertake studies of people and organisations
• To develop a career in business and management by developing your skills at an appropriate level
• To develop your ability to apply knowledge and understanding of business, management and finance to complex issues
• To enhance your lifelong learning skills and personal development so as to be able to work with self-direction to contribute to business and society at large
• To gain analytical skills and knowledge in emerging corporate finance and financial reporting, bridging the gap between the domains of finance and management
• To understand the key concepts, regarding online business measures, their implications and the role in an organisations online strategic development
• To develop the ability to make an effective contribution at a strategic level in the field of the management of corporate finance and financial reporting

Student support

Students will undergo a number of induction programmes before the formal classes begin. These will cover areas such as administrative arrangements, academic study in the UK, financial regulations and personal safety. If during the course of your programme you have questions or problems with academic matters support is provided by the Course Manager. In the event of an illness during the course or have significant personal or family problems the Student Services offers independent and confidential advice. They are also the only people who can give you extensions to hand in dates for assignments; but they will only do this if you have a good reason. Other support is provided by Student Services, and by the Students Union.


English language and quantitative skills support is also available for students identified as requiring such assistance. For international students there is a Dedicated International Students' support team. The team are here to help you settle in to University life and give advice on a range of issues such as: part-time work, how to open a bank account, places of worship and local places of interest. There is also an international student induction programme designed to enrich your time of study at the University as well as help you settle in, adjust to your surroundings and get to know your way around.


Subject tutors provide support during their surgery hours. Times can be booked by signing in for each tutor.

Team working

Organisations where people do not work together fail. In most units you will find that group work forms a component of the activity. In some units this draws from in class discussions and in others it is a fundamental part of the assessment. We value the diversity of background that participants in the course bring. We try to capitalise on this in class by drawing from your knowledge and background in the in-class group activities and assessments. Tutors facilitate the group and provide feedback and support where necessary. Group working is so important that we use this as the starting point of your finishing point the Advanced Management Project. Here the group is presented with a significant management issue and the team scopes and defines the problem (with support). The team then collects appropriate information and shares this prior to their creation of an individual report and reflection.