Programme specification
This programme specification is aimed at prospective students and represents the most current course structure.
SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE COURSE AND AWARD
| Programme: | FINANCE WITH ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES |
|---|---|
| Awarding body: | University of Essex |
| Teaching institution: | University of Essex |
| Department: | International Academy |
| Final award: | DIPL |
| NQF Level of Qualification: | Honours |
| Full / Part Time | Full-time |
| QAA Benchmark Group: | None |
| JACS code: | Q3N3 |
| Publication date: | 04/12/2012 |
| Admission criteria:
if the applicant does not meet the specified criteria, he or she may discuss the application with the Head of Undergraduate or Head of Postgraduate admissions. |
Minimum of IELTS 5.5 with 5 in writing, or recognised equivalent + relevant Bachelor's degree, or three-year higher education qualification from a recognised institution. Decisions on an applicant's academic qualifications will be made in close consultation with the Essex Business School. Students who complete the Graduate Diploma successfully, and pass BE modules with an average of 60% or more, and IA modules with an average of 60% or more, would normally be regarded as qualified to proceed to one of the following Master's degrees: MSc Finance and Investment MSc Banking and Finance |
SECTION B: PROGRAMME AIMS, OUTCOMES, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS
This section provides a concise overview of the programme of study, identifying the aims, learning outcomes and the corresponding methods of learning, teaching and assessment.
Programme: DIPL FINANCE WITH ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES
Programme aims:
1. To develop and acquire the productive and receptive language and study skills needed for successful participation at graduate level in a British university. These include both linguistic and communicative competence skills; academic writing; reading efficiency; summarising, paraphrasing, quoting and referencing skills; avoiding plagiarism; the ability to work independently; 2. To develop an understanding of critical thinking, including how to construct coherent arguments and enhance reflexivity skills; 3. To provide students with a broad foundation in finance relating to financial decision making of companies, institutional investors, and individuals while devoting specific attention to the nature and role of financial markets and with an opportunity to develop expertise in a chosen specialism; 4. To equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in financial markets or corporate careers that involve financial decision making; 5. To encourage and facilitate critical, analytical thinking by students as a vital foundation for subsequent academic study, employment, professional and personal development, and participation in society; 6. To enable students to acquire the personal and key skills they need to develop as autonomous and reflective individuals with the capacity to continue learning; 7. To develop in students the research skills appropriate to the study of finance, and to provide the basis for them to develop the necessary levels of skill and knowledge required to progress to Master's degree level.
Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
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A1 : Improve language accuracy and fluency to C1 level A2 : Recognise and use the appropriate lexical and discourse structures of their subject area A3 : Understand the concept and importance of critical thinking in an academic context A4 : Contemporary theories relating to portfolio analysis, asset allocation and the market efficiency debate A5 : The essential consequences of monetary and fiscal policy for the performance of the economy A6 : Manipulate and analyse numerical (including financial) data and appreciate the nature and limitations of basic statistical concepts A7 : The relationship between financial theory and empirical testing and an ability to evaluate empirical evidence A8 : The major theoretical tools necessary for advanced study in finance |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
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B1 : Use language accurately and appropriately, using a variety of lexis, grammatical structure and communication strategies B2 : Demonstrate an awareness of the language and discourse structure of their subject area B3 : Synthesise information from a variety of sources with appropriate acknowledgement and integrate this into presentations or written work B4 : Create a structured argument based on appropriate research methods B5 : Develop the ability to be reflective and independent learners B6 : Develop the ability to organise their time in an efficient and effective manner B7 : Basic skills in quantitative research B8 : Problem solving and analytical skills in building coherent arguments B9 : A capacity for critical thinking, analysis and synthesis, including an appreciation of the logical structure of academic argumentation and an ability to connect empirical evidence to theoretical debate |
C: Practical Skills
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C1 : Demonstrate a range of academic skills, including effective note-taking, summarising, paraphrasing and quoting, accurate listening skills and active participation in class discussion C2 : Identify, select and gather information using relevant sources, including the library and online searches C3 : Read and evaluate sources critically and offer views based on evidence C4 : Present an argument in oral presentations; plan, draft and revise written assignments in an appropriate style, referenced according to academic conventions C5 : Present data in an appropriate format C6 : Ability to locate, extract and analyse data from multiple sources, including the acknowledgement and referencing of sources C7 : Communication skills, including the ability to present quantitative and qualitative information together with analysis, argument and commentary in a form appropriate to a different intended audiences |
D: Key Skills
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Communication: D1 : A fundamental aim of the course is effective communication in English; orally, through class participation and presentations, in writing and reading. Skills in the communication of arguments and ideas in a range of different contexts is a specific objective. Students must be able to write clear, concise, structured reports and to present ideas and arguments in a coherent and effective manner. IT Skills: D2 : An ability to perform a variety of word-processing operations and to use the Internet for research. Students use PowerPoint for presentations and communicate with tutors by email e.g. sending drafts of work as attachments. Students are also required to use Moodle. Ability to locate and use on-line catalogues and databases. Ability to use appropriate Information Technology to locate, acquire and analyse data. Numeracy: D3 : An ability to manipulate numerical data and apply basic statistical concepts Problem Solving: D4 : An ability to identify and analyse problems and apply appropriate knowledge and skills to develop effective solutions. Ability to evaluate various source materials, to apply concepts and solve problems, and to work out objectives and priorities. Students should be able to apply knowledge and understanding in order to make judgements and offer solutions in a range of contexts. Working with Others: D5 : Pair and group work are an integral part of the course, and peer evaluation is also built in. There are opportunities for group projects in some modules. Self Learning: D6 : Students are encouraged to keep both learner diaries and records of their own learning and to work independently. Students should have the ability to work to briefs and deadlines; take responsibility for their own work; reflect on their own learning and performance and make constructive use of feedback. |
Learning, Teaching & Assessment Methods or Strategies for the following:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
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Learning Methods Lectures and classes Directed reading Individual and group tasks Modules are taught through lectures, classes, laboratory classes, seminar discussions, tutorials and student presentations, with both peer and tutor feedback. Where feasible, input in the EAP modules will be based on material provided by language and content module lecturers, and some classes may be team-taught. Knowledge of A4-A8 is acquired through lectures, classes, independent reading and coursework. Assessment Methods Unseen written examinations Assessed essays Class tests Class assignments and presentations Assessment tests both basic understanding of concepts and issues and a range of approaches and interpretations. A1-A3 outcomes are assessed via an extended project in IA933. This is designed to examine students' ability to produce an extended piece of writing which demonstrates the ability to present a coherent argument based on a range of sources drawn from key texts in the target academic discipline. A4-A8 outcomes are assessed by a range of methods including unseen written examinations, assessed essays, in-class tests and other forms of coursework such as case study analysis, and presentations. |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
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Learning Methods Intellectual and cognitive skills B1-B6 are practised in discussion and presentations, as well as through assessed written work. Students are given advice in tutorials on research skills and have the opportunity to analyse model assignments. The ability to develop a coherent argument, supported by evidence, is practised in group discussion and is also a requirement of all assessed written work. All of these skills are taught and reinforced continually by a variety of methods - classes involving pair and group work, individual tutorials, taped lectures and student-led workshops. Input ranges from print to audio and video materials. Students also use interactive web-based teaching materials. Oral presentations are video-recorded and students are given group and individual feedback, from peers and tutors. B4-B6 are addressed explicitly in classes and included in oral or written feedback. All skills are introduced and developed through lectures, in-class discussions, essays, and other written and oral assignments. The teaching environment of seminars, which emphasises student-focused discussion, enables students to develop all skills through discussion and practice, and to receive feedback from peers and tutors. Essays prepare students for exams. As the summative assessment for any given module, the exam tests their ability both to demonstrate and to sustain their skills in controlled conditions. Intellectual and cognitive skills B7, B8 and B9 are practised in discussions, presentations, and tutorials. Assessment Methods B1-B3 students are assessed by two end-of-module class tests on knowledge of grammatical structures, listening and note-taking, and there is also an integrated English for Academic Purposes skills class test covering reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing and academic conventions. B1-B6 outcomes are assessed via an extended project in IA933. This is designed to examine students' ability to produce an extended piece of writing which demonstrates the ability to present a coherent argument based on a range of sources drawn from key texts in the target academic discipline. B7, B8 and B9 are assessed through unseen written examinations, assessed essays, class tests and pre-published class assignments. |
C: Practical Skills
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Learning Methods C1 IA 931-933: students practise these skills using audio and video materials. They are also expected to make notes during classmates' presentations. They are then required to write up a selection of these notes at a later date, to check their accuracy and effectiveness. The teaching materials and methodology place great emphasis on pair and group work and student participation - this is explicitly addressed in tutors' reports and students are encouraged to discuss these reports in tutorials. C2-C3 IA932, IA934: students select texts from a variety of sources for class discussion - these texts are then read for content and also evaluated for the quality and reliability of the evidence they contain and the structure of their argument. There is also some analysis of the varying requirements of specific academic genres. C4 IA933: preparation for project work in plenary sessions and in 1:1 tutorials and feedback on process, editing and drafting. C5 is taught through lectures and reinforced through data analysis exercises. Students are trained in data analysis using excel. C6 is taught through lectures and reinforced through data analysis exercises. C7 is taught in lectures, classes and tutorials. Assessment Methods Assessment of IA modules is based on a mixture of oral and written assignments which test students' ability to implement these skills effectively. C5, C6, C7 are assessed through unseen written examinations, assessed essays, class tests and pre-published class assignments. |
D: Key Skills
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Learning Methods IA: D1 There is a continuous emphasis on effective communication. Awareness of audience and appropriate linguistic and discourse choices is the focus of all work, especially in writing. D2 Students are trained in the use of PowerPoint for presentations and in using the Internet for research purposes. D4-D6 Students are expected to work in pairs and groups on a variety of information- and opinion-gap tasks and analysis of texts. In presentations students give and receive peer feedback, both oral and written. Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning, especially in individual tutorials. Reflective tasks are also part of the coursework requirement. EBS: D1 is taught through lectures, tutorials and assignments. D2 Students are trained in the use of excel. D3 is taught through lectures and reinforced through data analysis exercises using excel. D4 Lectures and tutor-led seminars, directed reading. D5 Group tasks. Assessment Methods D1-D5 are assessed as an integral part of class work and assignments in both IA and BE modules. D1-D5 are assessed through unseen written examinations assessed essays, class tests and pre-published class assignments. Students are required to word process their work and to use PowerPoint for oral presentations. Peer evaluation and feedback are an important part of the informal assessment of students' performance. D6: IA931-IA933 include reflective tasks within the assessed work. |
SECTION C: COURSE STRUCTURE
Please refer to your option list as issued by the department where necessary,
and view module details in the module directory.
Components
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award | Status in PG Diploma | Status in PG Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | IA931-6-AU | ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES (EAP) 1 | Core | Core | |
| 02 | IA932-6-SP | ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES (EAP) 2 | Compulsory | Compulsory | |
| 03 | IA933-6-SU | ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES (EAP) 3 | Compulsory | Compulsory | |
| 04 | IA934-6-FY | CRITICAL THINKING | Compulsory | Compulsory | |
| 05 | BE333-6-SP | EMPIRICAL FINANCE | Core | Core | |
| 06 | BE313-5-AU | PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS | Core | Core | |
| 07 | BE311-5-SP | CORPORATE FINANCE | Core | Core | |
| 08 | BE334-6-AU | FINANCIAL MARKETS AND MONETARY POLICY | Core | Core |
SECTION D: RULES OF ASSESSMENT
See also: details of individual modules in the module directory and links to course materials and resources in the Course
Materials Repository.
External Examiner Information
- Name: Ms Mary Davis
- Institution: OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY
- Academic Role: Senior Lecturer
NOTE
The University of Essex Programme Specifications Catalogue is updated annually in April/May. The specifications represent the most current course structures and may be subject to review and change. Should you have any queries about the Catalogue's pages, please contact the Course Records Team, Systems Administration Office, Academic Section; email: crt (non Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk)