UNIVERSITY of Bradfordschool of Managementprogramme Title: Bsc(Hons) Financial Planning

UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDSchool of ManagementProgramme title: BSc(Hons) Financial Planning

Awarding and teaching institution: / University of Bradford
Final and interim award: / BSc (Honours)[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 6]
BSc (Ordinary)[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 6]
Diploma of Higher Education [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 5]
Certificate of Higher Education [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 4]
Programme title: / Financial Planning
Programme accredited by:
Duration: / 4 years
UCAS code: / N390
FHEQ Levels: / 4 - 6
Subject benchmark statement(s): / Accounting (2007) & Finance (2007)
Date produced: / December 2009
Last updated : / October 2013

Introduction

The University of Bradford’s Corporate Strategy ‘Making Knowledge Work’ 2009-2014 states that one of its corporate objectives is to deliver a first-class learning experience within an inspiring physical, intellectual and virtual environment which is underpinned by the concepts and practice of diversity, employability, enterprise and sustainable development across the curricula. To fulfil this aim,the School of Management has a good offering to undergraduates of all backgrounds and invites prospective students to engage with three and four year programmes which are both generalist (e.g. BSc Business and Management Studies) and specific (e.g. BSc Accounting and Finance) in nature, with the availability of both 3 and 4 year sandwich programmes in all subjects.

The BSc in Financial Planning builds on the solid foundations of our current BSc programmes and includes a compulsory year gaining professional experience with a firm of Independent Financial Advisors. A fundamental aim of the BSc programme is to add value to the contribution students make to their organisations. Added value should be evidenced for all students as they apply their learning in their placement year and, in the future, some students could occupy key roles helping shape the direction and nature of the organisation. This in turn will make you highly attractive to future employers.

The School of Management sees the introduction of this programme as a means of addressing the knowledge and skills needs of the financial services sector,particularly theIndependent Financial Advisors Sector.The degree programme is in line with the Retail Distribution Review (2007; 2009) by the FSA, the former UK regulatory body, which also identify knowledge and skills shortages in the financial services sector, particularly in the distribution of retail investment products and services, as requiring redress. The UK regulatory bodies have been working with the relevant professional bodies on raising the qualification bar for financial planners and independent advisers and the subjects taught in degree are in line with the learning outcomes advocated by the relevant professional bodies.

Programme Aims

The programme is intended to:

• deliver a programmeof study giving you the opportunity to experience 10 months of professional experience in the financial sector

• provide a supportive, structured environment in which you are encouraged to develop independent learning skills

• develop an awareness of the broad range of knowledge required in modern management and an opportunity to equip yourself with specialised knowledge to enable you to pursue further programmes of study or to progress in your chosen career
• develop personal transferable and managerial skills fundamental for your career development and future progression
• provide educational opportunities for mature and alternatively qualified applicants, as well as for traditionally qualified applicants.
• develop understanding of the principles of sustainability such as economic justice, business ethics, consumer protection and diversity in the context of the financial services sector.

Programme Learning Outcomes

When you have completed Level 4 of this programme you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of management knowledge within the various key business and management disciplines including, for example, a generalised awareness of business, economics; accounting and finance; marketing; operations, information and data management; and human resource management.

LO2Understand skills for the management of people, finance, marketing and operations.

LO3 Understand the sustainability agenda in its broadest sense.

LO4 Demonstrate information technology skills relevant to an evolving business environment.

LO5 Interpret and relay information to describe business decisions.

LO6 Express confidence in report writing and oral presentation.

LO7 Engage in effective team working skills and demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others.

LO8 Identify your on going professional and career development needs and to take action to maintain your knowledge and skills.

When you have completed Level 5 of this programme you will be able to:

LO9Understand the key concepts, language and practices of accounting, finance and financial planning.

LO10Record accounting transactions;prepare and interpret external accounting reports and evaluate the usefulness of external accounting information.

LO11 Develop an understanding of the theoretical concepts and methods used to prepare internal accounting reports using accurate and timely accounting information in order to assist business managers in decision making.

LO12 Understand how businesses are financed and the financial methods used in project appraisal, asset pricing and risk assessment.

LO13 Learn how to solve complex problems relating to the valuation of the main securities traded in financial markets, and to link investment processes and strategy with valuation concepts.

LO14Understand how the main principles of finance apply to the financing and investment decision of corporations, individuals or family units and how the theoretical principles of finance and accounting support management decision making and the financial planning process.

LO15 Understand the relation between risk and return and analyse the impact of the different types of risk and how risk can be measured and managed.

LO16Understand the organisational framework in which financial instruments are traded including the role of financial regulators.

LO17 Understand the role of the financial planner and the legal and ethical issues associated with the profession. Moreover, you will understand the legal setting in which businesses and financial planners operate and analyse and evaluate the roles, rights and responsibilities of different business stakeholders.

LO18 Develop the ability to access and analyse financial and business information and data from a variety of known sources including newspapers and the world-wide web, and also to independently seek out sources of information and data.

LO19 Develop further and apply a range of soft skills which are capital to work in organisations and to be able to provide sound financial advice such as communication skills, teamwork, oral and written presentation skill, project skills, use of information technology;

LO20 Understand specialist knowledge in particular subject areas, which will reflect your choice of modules from the range of options on offer.

When you have completed Level 6 of this programme you will be able to:

LO21 Develop an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of the main theories and methods used in finance, accounting and financial planning. Moreover, you will develop the ability to link theory with practice with a critical perspective which recognises potential imperfections in such link.

LO22 Develop key technical skills to solve complex corporate and personal tax problems.

LO23Integrate technical personal financial planning strategies such as retirement/pension planning, trusts andestate planning, risk management, insurance, investment and tax planning into the financial planningprocess.

LO24 In depth understanding of the UK financial system and of the financial market participants. Moreover you will have an in-depth understanding of the regulation of the financial services sector and the role, power and responsibilities of the different regulators.

LO25In depth understanding of the main investment assets available in financial markets to individual investors and how the combination of these different assets in a portfolio impacts on risk and return outcomes.

LO26Develop the ability to use the evidence before financial planners to extract relevant information – not only numerical and unambiguous information but also information which is qualitative and subject to interpretation. Moreover, you will developthe ability to use data and other information to illustrate concepts, and inform financial advice.

LO27 Understand how finance and accounting theories can be applied to provide sound and ethical financial planning advice and the range of skills needed to provide such advice.

LO 28Appraise and apply advanced specialist knowledge in particular subject areas which will reflect your choice of modules from the range of options on offer.

A Bachelor’s degree (ordinary)may be awarded to students who have demonstrated:

• a systematic understanding of key aspects of their field of study, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge informed by aspects of a general business and management.
• an ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within general business and management.
• conceptual understanding that enables the student:
• to devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques.
• to describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent scholarship, or practice in general business and management.
• an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge.
• the ability to manage their own learning, and to make use of primary sources.

Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

• apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding.
• communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non specialist audiences.

And holders will have:

• the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:
• the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility
• the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

The holders of a Bachelor’s degree (ordinary) will meet the above learning outcomes, but undertake fewer credit requirements as per the University regulations.

Curriculum

The map of your studies is detailed below. Each ‘year’, or Stage, of an Honours programme consists of two semesters. The programme contains a mixture of 20 and 10 credit modules, delivered either over the full teaching year, or over one semester.

A number of modules are core to the programme (compulsory for all students) and have two primary purposes. The first set, found exclusively in stage 1, contains foundational modules, which provide grounding in the basic business and management programme areas.

Stage 1- Framework for Higher Education Level 4

Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study period
MAN0130L / Business Economics / C / 20 / 4 / 1&2
MAN0131L / People, Work and Organizations / C / 20 / 4 / 1&2
MAN0132L / Operations and Information Systems Management / C / 20 / 4 / 1&2
MAN1061L / Introduction to Accounting and Finance / C / 20 / 4 / 1&2
MAN1073L / Foundations of Marketing / C / 20 / 4 / 1&2
MAN0116M / Student Self Development / C / 10 / 4 / 1
MAN0111M / Quantitative Methods in Information Management / C / 10 / 4 / 2

Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 4 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education.

Stage 2- Framework for Higher Education Level 5

Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study period
MAN2012L / Employability and Enterprise Skills / C / 20 / 5 / 1&2
MAN2907L / Financial Accounting / C / 20 / 5 / 1&2
MAN2908L / Management Accounting / C / 20 / 5 / 1&2
MAN0405M / Financial Management / C / 10 / 5 / 1
MAN2011M / Business Law / C / 10 / 5 / 1
MAN2901M / Principles of Personal Finance / C / 10 / 5 / 2
MAN0115M / Company Law and Administration / C / 10 / 5 / 2
MAN2909M / Capital Markets, Investment and Finance / C / 10 / 5 / 2
MAN0201M / Economics of Industry / O / 10 / 5 / 1
MAN0501M / Quantitative Methods for Managers / O / 10 / 5 / 1
MAN0601M / Business Information Systems / O / 10 / 5 / 1
MAN0702M / Consumer Behaviour / O / 10 / 5 / 1
MAN0713M / Marketing Management and Strategy / O / 10 / 5 / 1
MAN0801M / Organisational Design / O / 10 / 5 / 1
MAN0802M / Psychology at Work / O / 10 / 5 / 1
MAN0901M / Resource Planning for Operations / O / 10 / 5 / 1

Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 5 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award ofDiploma of Higher Education.

Stage 3- Framework for Higher Education Level 6

Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study period
MAN3041L / You in the Workplace (4-year programme only) / C / 20 / 6 / 1&2
MAN0334L / Personal Financial Planning / C / 20 / 6 / 1&2
MAN3040L / Taxation / C / 20 / 6 / 1&2
MAN0335M / The Financial Services Sector and its Environment / C / 10 / 6 / 1
MAN0336M / Portfolio Investment Management / C / 10 / 6 / 2
MAN0327L / Human Resource Management / O / 20 / 6 / 1&2
MAN0333L / Auditing / O / 20 / 6 / 1&2
CM-0355L / Final Year Project (Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme) / O / 20 / 6 / 1&2
MAN0205M / Global Business Environment / O / 10 / 6 / 1
MAN0208M / Understanding Strategic Management / O / 10 / 6 / 1
MAN0331M / Creativity and Innovation / O / 10 / 6 / 1
MAN0326M / Creativity in Marketing / O / 10 / 6 / 1
MAN0402M / Corporate Reporting / O / 10 / 6 / 1
MAN0408M / International Finance / O / 10 / 6 / 1
MAN0607M / Electronic Commerce / O / 10 / 6 / 1
MAN0710M / Retail Marketing / O / 10 / 6 / 1
MAN0812M / Ethics in Business and Society / O / 10 / 6 / 1
MAN0904M / World Class Operations / O / 10 / 6 / 1
MAN3031M / Managing Business in Europe / O / 10 / 6 / 1
MAN0204M / International Business Strategy / O / 10 / 6 / 2
MAN0209M / Applied Strategic Management / O / 10 / 6 / 2
MAN0307M / Marketing and Entrepreneurship / O / 10 / 6 / 2
MAN0308M / Contemporary Issues in Accounting / O / 10 / 6 / 2
MAN0324M / International and Comparative Employment Relations / O / 10 / 6 / 2
MAN0329M / Human Resource Development / O / 10 / 6 / 2
MAN0330M / Organisational Change / O / 10 / 6 / 2
MAN0605M / Strategic Information Systems / O / 10 / 6 / 2
MAN0711M / Services Marketing / O / 10 / 6 / 2
MAN0716M / Corporate Marketing / O / 10 / 6 / 2
C / Compulsory/Core module / O / Optional module

The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.

Teaching and Assessment Strategies

The School of Management prides itself on providing an educational experience which is informed by the world class research of the School’s academic staff. The School also has a long tradition for ensuring that students develop academically with knowledge, understanding and personal skills that are relevant and fit the needs of contemporary business. Together, the exploration of leading research ideas and the application of knowledge and skills to real business problems pose interesting and appropriate challenges to our students.

We understand you may arrive from school, college or some other route as a tutor dependent learner, following prescribed lesson plans and assessments. Through a transformational educational experience you will graduate as an independent learner, able to identify your own learning needs, sources of information and an ability to critically evaluate, reflect upon and develop your own learning. This process of transformation will be gradual, progressive and supportive. Through each stage of study progressively more advanced skills, experiences and expectations will be introduced, challenging you to mature as a learner within a supportive and developmental environment.

Methods of assessment vary according to the learning outcomes of particular modules and the stage of study. Accordingly, a mixture of closed and open book examinations, essays, programmework will assess you, computer assisted assessment, group work and presentations. Throughout the programme your learning will be supported using various methods of formative assessment and feedback. This is to help you progress your studies and support your continuing development.

For all taught modules your learning will be directed, supported and reinforced through a combination of lectures, tutorials, small group seminars, virtual learning environment activities and guided private studies. The school is also committed to demonstrating the relevance of taught material to real business problems; and you can expect to see guest industry lectures and the use of real industry sponsored business problems for assessment purposes. Generally, for each module, you will attend one lecture and one tutorial each week during which you will be in direct contact with teaching staff. Your learning will be supplemented by private and group study (as appropriate) following the direction of module teaching staff. All teaching will be supported by information and activities provided through the University’s virtual learning environment. In addition, the School of Management offers our Effective Learning Service which helps with the development of study skills both in group sessions and through individual coaching.

One of the School’s main aims is to address major challenges for business and society such as global responsibility and sustainable development. Accordingly, the School seeks to prepare students who are able to contribute in an effective manner to debates about sustainable development and critically appraise the relationship(s) between the social, economic and environmental dimensions. Our intention is to nurture students who can apply the principles of sustainable development in their professional capacity. Whilst there are a number of individual modules that focus specifically on sustainability issues (e.g. Sustainable Operations Management, Ethics in Business and Society), awareness of the importance and principles of sustainability is emphasised in modules.

Assessment Regulations

This Programme conforms to the standard University Regulations which are available at the following link:

Admission Requirements

The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.

If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.

The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these.

A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be 300 pointswith GCSE English and Maths at level C or above. Students wishing to join the programme for whom English is not their first language, must have IELTS at 6 or above, or TOEFL or other recognised language equivalent. However, applications are welcome from mature students (those over 21 years of age on entry) and candidates with non-standard qualifications or who, lacking academic qualifications, have significant relevant experience. On completion of a UCAS form you will be invited to the School for an Open Day when you will have the opportunity to meet staff, view the facilities and discuss “the Bradford experience” with current students.