BUSINESS SCHOOL MSc Corporate Governance PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Version 7.0-0918 January 2017
2014 Bournemouth University Document date: June 2014 Circulation: General Bournemouth University undertakes to encourage the recognition, protection and exploitation of intellectual property rights generated by participants in this programme, to the benefit, as appropriate, of students, staff, industrial/other third parties/partners and the university. Business School Bournemouth University Poole Dorset BH12 5BB
CONTENTS Page No Basic Framework / Programme Data 2 Aims Of The Document 3 Academic And Professional Contexts 3 Aims Of The Programme 3 Intended Learning Outcomes 4 Learning And Teaching Strategies And Methods 5 Assessment Strategies And Methods 6 Programme Skills Matrix 7 Programme Diagram 8 Admissions Regulations 9 Assessment Regulations 9 Programme Profile 10 APPENDIX A - Mapping of Content of the ICSA s Professional 11 Syllabus to the MSc Corporate Governance MSc Corporate Governance Programme Specification Version 7.0-0918 Page 1 of 12
BASIC FRAMEWORK / PROGRAMME DATA Originating institution(s) Award(s) and title(s) HESA JACS (Joint Academic Coding System) Code(s) per programme/pathway External reference points(s) Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) links Place(s) of delivery Mode(s) of delivery Credit structure Duration Bournemouth University MSc Corporate Governance PGDip Corporate Governance PGCert Corporate Governance N100, N300, M100 QAA Chapter A1: The National Level (incorporating the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)) QAA Chapter A2: The Subject & Qualification Level Masters Level QAA Subject Benchmarks General Business & Management 2007 ICSA Chartered Secretary Qualifying Scheme (CSQS) Graduate status of Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators Bournemouth University (closed) Guernsey Training Agency Full-time (closed), Part-time 180 Level M credits (90 ECTS) 12-16 months full-time, 24-27 months part-time Date of original approval(s) Bournemouth 1996, Guernsey 1997, Jersey 1999 Date of first intake September 2014 Student numbers Minimum = 15 Maximum = 50 Optimum = 25 Placements Partner(s) and Model(s) Date and version number of this Framework/Programme Specification Student intake(s)/cohort(s) Not applicable Guernsey Training Agency Off Campus Delivery January 2017, Version 7.0-0918 Relevant to intakes from September 2018 E1314 044 April 2014 FM 1516 067 Full Time route and BU delivery formally closed in April 2016. No students remained on the course. MSc Corporate Governance Programme Specification Version 7.0-0918 Page 2 of 12
AIMS OF THE DOCUMENT The aims of this document are to: a) define the structure of the MSc Corporate Governance programme and how it will be integrated into the existing Postgraduate Finance Framework; b) identify the programme and M level aims and learning outcomes; c) the regulations governing the awards offered through this programme are Bournemouth University s Standard Regulations for taught Postgraduate Programmes. ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL CONTEXTS The MSc Corporate Governance was established with the close collaboration of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA). The course is among the few within the University in its capability of being able to offer qualifying students both an academic award, from the University, and Graduate status of the ICSA (GradICSA). The programme is essentially a mixture of mainly finance, law and governance subjects focussing on the role of corporate administration. In this context corporate is used in its wider sense and therefore includes private, public and not for profit organisations. The review of the programme has ensured that key issues such as morals, ethics, risk, globalisation and tax are appropriately addressed across the programme. For example, morals and ethics are specifically embedded in the Corporate Governance & Ethics unit, as is risk within the Corporate Stewardship unit. Several aspects of globalisation and taxation are included in several units such as International Accounting & Analysis, Corporate Management & Control and International Corporate Finance units. The key theme is as stated in the title Corporate Governance that is, the way organisations manage and regulate themselves to achieve the corporate goals. AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME The aims of the course are: to provide an academically rigorous study, at an advanced level, of corporate governance including major aspects of current thinking and developments to enhance the ability of participants to administer effectively corporate affairs within an organisation, and contribute to corporate performance appropriate to employment at a senior level to examine the interrelationships between the major contributing disciplines and functional specialisms, and the manner in which they interrelate in corporate governance MSc Corporate Governance Programme Specification Version 7.0-0918 Page 3 of 12
to build outwards from participants' individual fields to foster selfdevelopment and build on participants' capability for effective teamwork, objective analysis and communication to foster an understanding and appreciation of ethics and values relating to the business community and the relationship to corporate governance. INTENDED PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES This M Level programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge as follows: A - Subject Knowledge and Understanding This programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: A1 Providing an effective input, at various levels of an organisation, to management and decision making processes using the appropriate technical and analytical skills. A2 Demonstrating understanding of ethical issues relating to the areas of corporate governance and administration. A3 Generating, interpreting and presenting appropriate financial, legal and other information within and without the organisation relating to professional management and administration. A4 Utilising the appropriate methodology and sustaining the commitment to generate well researched reports. A5 Managing their personal development, showing understanding of how an organisation functions in its internal and external environment. B - Intellectual Skills This programme provides opportunities for students to: B1 Evaluate critically, and apply subject knowledge and skills in the development and implementation of practical solutions to corporate governance problems. B2 Analyse and synthesise information relevant to the programme and display a range of management skills and competencies. B3 Use specialised technical/academic skills across the area of study in collecting, evaluating and utilising relevant financial, legal and technical information associated with corporate governance. B4 Integrate and evaluate critically data from a variety of sources and methodological skills to formulate, analyse and solve complex problems derived from realistic materials drawn from the sector. MSc Corporate Governance Programme Specification Version 7.0-0918 Page 4 of 12
B5 Define problems and devise and evaluate possible solutions, and to solve both routine and unfamiliar problems. B6 Plan and execute a self-managed research project and produce a formal report. C Subject Specific/Practical Skills This programme provides opportunities for students to: C1 Demonstrate knowledge of the special, interdisciplinary nature of corporate governance. C2 Demonstrate understanding of financial and management accounting techniques and issues that affect corporate governance. C3 Interpret, analyse and evaluate the legal and regulatory context in which corporate governance issues arise. C4 Interpret, analyse and evaluate the outputs from relevant financial information systems. C5 Present research findings in a range of effective and appropriate formats. C6 Make effective use of the relevant academic and professional literature and other sources of information. D - Transferable Skills This programme provides opportunities for students to: D1 Communicate effectively. D2 Solve numerical problems using appropriate techniques. D3 Undertake independent work of an original nature in the field of corporate governance. D4 Demonstrate problem solving skills and the application of knowledge across discipline areas. LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGIES AND METHODS Each taught unit of the programme involves extensive in-class discussions and the opportunity in some units to deal with real data derived from recent research and professional practice. MSc Corporate Governance Programme Specification Version 7.0-0918 Page 5 of 12
A variety of lectures, seminars, independent study, individual or group tutorials, support session and the University s virtual learning environment (mybu) will be utilised across the programme. The indicative assessment sections for each unit provide further information on the inclusion and operationalisation of this strategy. ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES AND METHODS The Subject Knowledge, Subject Specific and Intellectual Skills and Transferable Skills are assessed through appropriately structured coursework assignments and examinations. A variety of assessment strategies have been developed by staff delivering the units since the original inception of this programme in 1996. It is envisaged that this process will continue so as to ensure the programme effectively assesses the programmes aims and learning outcomes. For example, a unit may be assessed via a combination of examination and coursework, or purely by coursework. Where units are assessed purely by coursework it is likely that several pieces of work will be required from the student and these may involve elements of online assessment, or timed inclass assessments. Where examinations are used to assess students the majority are likely to be traditional unseen time limited exams, however, on occasion pre-seen case studies may be used. Further information of indicative assessments can be found in the individual unit specifications. Due to the range of assessment methods used across the programme it is not practical to stipulate a particular metric relating to the word limit of coursework or duration of examinations. Typically, however, where a unit is assessed by 50% coursework and 50% examination it is envisaged that the coursework will have a minimum word limit of 2500 words and the examination will have minimum duration of 2 hours. The Unit Tutors will clarify the exact nature of the assessment at the start of the unit and this information will be included in the Unit Guide. MSc Corporate Governance Programme Specification Version 7.0-0918 Page 6 of 12
PROGRAMME SKILLS MATRIX Matrix table showing the relationship between ILOs for a programme and its constituent units Units Programme Intended Learning Outcomes A 1 A 2 A 3 A 4 A 5 B 1 B 2 B 3 B 4 B 5 B 6 C 1 C 2 C 3 C 4 C 5 C 6 D 1 D 2 D 3 D 4 International Accounting & Analysis Stage 1 Corporate Management & Control Company Law: Theory & Practice Stage 2 Corporate Stewardship Corporate Governance & Ethics International Corporate Finance Stage 3 Research Project A Subject Knowledge & Understanding C Subject Specific/PracticalSkills A1 Providing an effective input, at various levels of an organisation, to management and decision making processes using the appropriate technical and analytical skills. C1 Demonstrate knowledge of the special, interdisciplinary nature of corporate governance. A2 Demonstrating understanding of ethical issues relating to the areas of corporate governance and administration. C2 Demonstrate understanding of financial and management accounting techniques and issues that affect corporate governance. A3 Generating, interpreting and presenting appropriate financial, legal and other information within and without the organisation relating to professional management and administration. C3 C4 Demonstrate understanding of financial and management accounting techniques and issues that affect corporate governance. Interpret, analyse and evaluate the outputs from relevant financial information A4 Utilising the appropriate methodology and sustaining the commitment to generate well systems. A4 researched reports. Managing their personal development, showing understanding of how an organisation functions in its internal and external environment. C5 C6 Present research findings in a range of effective and appropriate formats. Make effective use of the relevant academic and professional literature and other sources of information. B - Intellectual Skills B1 Evaluate critically, and apply subject knowledge and skills in the development and implementation of practical solutions to corporate governance problems. B2 Analyse and synthesise information relevant to the programme and display a range of management skills and competencies. B3 Use specialised technical/academic skills across the area of study in collecting, evaluating and utilising relevant financial, legal and technical information associated with corporate governance. B4 Integrate and evaluate critically data from a variety of sources and methodological skills to formulate, analyse and solve complex problems derived from realistic materials drawn from the sector. B5 Define problems and devise and evaluate possible solutions, and to solve both routine and unfamiliar problems. B6 Plan and execute a self-managed research project and produce a formal report. D Transferable Skills D1 Communicate effectively. D2 Solve numerical problems using appropriate techniques. D3 Undertake independent work of an original nature in the field of corporate governance. D4 Demonstrate problem solving skills and the application of knowledge across discipline areas. MSc Corporate Governance Programme Specification Version 7.0-0918 Page 7 of 12
PROGRAMME DIAGRAM MSc Corporate Governance Stage 3 Core Unit (Compulsory) Research Project 60 MSc Corporate Governance Requires 180 Level M credits Stage 2 Core Units (Compulsory) Corporate Stewardship 20 Corporate Governance & Ethics 20 International Corporate Finance 20 Progression Requirements: Requires minimum of 80 Level M credits Exit Qualification: PG Dip Corporate Governance Requires 120 Level M credits Stage 1 Core Units (Compulsory) International Accounting & Analysis 20 Corporate Law: Theory & Practice 20 Corporate Management & Control 20 Progression Requirements: No progression requirements to Stage 2 Exit Qualification: PG Cert Corporate Governance Requires 60 Level M credits MSc Corporate Governance Programme Specification Version 7.0-0918 Page 8 of 12
ADMISSION REGULATIONS The regulations for this programme are the University Standard Admissions Regulations for taught postgraduate programmes with the addition that: Applicants for whom English is not their first language, must offer evidence of qualifications in written and spoken English. Acceptable qualifications are a minimum of IELTS (academic) 6.5 with minimum of 6 in writing or direct equivalents. Applicants from Bournemouth University International College programmes which have approved articulation routes must meet the minimum entry requirements in terms of course average and English requirements as stipulated by the Business School at Bournemouth University. Candidates who wish to achieve graduate status of the ICSA (Grad ICSA) via this programme are required to separately apply for registration with the ICSA and pay any separate fees as required at that time by the ICSA. Admissions with Credit Applicants with ICSA (Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators) member status (associate or fellow) will be granted exemptions of up to 60 M level credits. Applicants with CCAB (Consultative Committee of Accounting Bodies) member qualification or equivalent may also be granted exemptions of up to 60 M level credits. Applicants holding other appropriate professional qualifications may be considered on an individual basis for exemptions of up to 60 M level credits. These exemptions will normally only apply when the qualifications were obtained within 10 years prior to the start of the programme, or applicants can demonstrate they have undertaken continuing professional development since qualification. The University s Standard Admission Regulations: Taught Postgraduate Programmes are available on the Staff Intranet at the following link: https://intranetsp.bournemouth.ac.uk/pandptest/3a-postgraduate-admissionsregulations-2014.doc ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS The regulations for this programme are the University s Standard Postgraduate Assessment Regulations. The University s Standard Assessment Regulations: Postgraduate Taught are available on the Staff Intranet at the following link: https://intranetsp.bournemouth.ac.uk/pandptest/6a-standard-assessmentregulations-postgraduate-(2013-14).doc MSc Corporate Governance Programme Specification Version 7.0-0918 Page 9 of 12
PROGRAMME PROFILE Originating Institution(s): Bournemouth University School: Business School Partner institution: Guernsey Training Agency, University Centre Unit identification Unit version no. Unit name Place(s) of Delivery: Bournemouth University & Guernsey Training Agency Programme HESA JACS code: N100, N300, M100 Framework Title (in full): MSc Corporate Governance Programme Award and Title: MSc Corporate Governance Interim Award and Titles & required credits: PGCert Corporate Governance 60 credits PGDip Corporate Governance 120 credits HESA JACS Subjec t Code Mode(s) of study: FT (Closed April 2016) PT Expected Length of study: 12-16 months FT 24-27 months PT BU Credit Structure & ECTS : Level M 180 (90 ECTS) Cost Centre(s) Unit Details Assessment Regs: SR CC 1 % HESA JACS Subject Code CC2 % Prog year FT Prog year PT Core / option No of credits Level (C,I,H, PgC, PgD, M) Assessment Element Weightings Exam 1 1.0 International Accounting & Analysis N410 133 100 1 1 C 20 M 100 2.0 Corporate Law: Theory and Practice M100 130 100 1 1 C 20 M 100 2.0 Corporate Management & Control M221 130 50 N300 133 50 1 1 C 20 M 50 50 2.0 Corporate Stewardship N900 133 25 M290 130 75 1 2 C 20 M 100 1.0 Corporate Governance and Ethics N341 133 100 1 2 C 20 M 100 1.0 International Corporate Finance N300 133 100 1 2 C 20 M 50 50 2.0 Research Project N300 133 100 1 2 C 60 M 100 C/Work 1 C/Work 2 Effective from Prog Year / Month / Year Yr. 1 Sept 2014 Contact in School: (tel no. or generic UG/PG/ programme specific email) Fiona Willcocks 65155 Date approved: June 2014 Programme Specification version no: 7.0 Placement: Not applicable Yr. 2 Yr. 3 Yr.4 Name of Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body (if appropriate): ICSA Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators Diploma Supplement Statement regarding PRSB accreditation: MSc Corporate Governance Programme Specification Version 7.0-0918 Page 10 of 12
APPENDIX A - Mapping of Content of the ICSA s Professional Syllabus** to the MSc Corporate Governance ** as released to Collaborative Course Leaders on 2 nd October 2009 ICSA Module Level 1 Financial Reporting & Analysis Financial Statements: the Regulatory & Conceptual Frameworks Financial Statements: Preparation and Presentation The Analysis & Interpretation of Accounts Applied Business Law Commercial Contracts Employment Law Commercial Law Law of Tort Governance Principles of Corporate Governance Application of Governance Rules & Procedures Risk Management & Internal Control Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability Corporate Law * Nature & Structure of a Company Capital & Membership Management & Shareholder Remedies Meetings & Resolutions Company Restructuring & Winding Up * or Optional NHS Module ICSA Module Level 2 Financial Decision Making Financial Governance (including Corporate Objectives & Stakeholders) Long-term Investment (including Capital Budgeting) Long-term Financing (including Cost of Capital & Capital Structure) Working Capital Management Strategy in Practice Key Strategy Concepts Applied Strategic Analysis Strategic Purpose Implementing Strategy MSc Corporate Governance Unit See Indicative Content in: International Accounting & Analysis (Stage 1) International Accounting & Analysis (Stage 1) International Accounting & Analysis (Stage 1) Corporate Management & Control (Stage 1) Corporate Management & Control (Stage 1) Corporate Stewardship (Stage 2) [IP] Corporate Management & Control (Stage 1) Corporate Governance & Ethics (Stage 2) Corporate Governance & Ethics (Stage 2) Corporate Governance & Ethics (Stage 2) Corporate Governance & Ethics (Stage 2) Corporate Law: Theory & Practice (Stage 1) Corporate Law: Theory & Practice (Stage 1) Corporate Law: Theory & Practice (Stage 1) Corporate Law: Theory & Practice (Stage 1) Corporate Law: Theory & Practice (Stage 1) No equivalent option to be made available MSc Corporate Governance Unit See Indicative Content in: International Corporate Finance (Stage 2) International Corporate Finance (Stage 2) International Corporate Finance (Stage 2) Not specifically mentioned Corporate Management & Control (Stage 1) * Corporate Management & Control (Stage 1) * Corporate Management & Control (Stage 1) * * Approximately ¼ Strategy MSc Corporate Governance Programme Specification Version 7.0-0918 Page 11 of 12
Company Secretarial Practice The Secretary the Board & Members Why Compliance & Disclosure is important Meetings Corporate Compliance Public Sector & Not-for-profit Sector Integrative Case Study Corporate Stewardship (Stage 2) Corporate Law: Theory & Practice (Stage 1) Corporate Stewardship (Stage 2) Corporate Law: Theory & Practice (Stage 1) Not specifically mentioned but an awareness across units Research Project (Stage 3) MSc Corporate Governance Programme Specification Version 7.0-0918 Page 12 of 12