PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
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AWARD and ROUTE TITLE / MSc International Bank Management
INTERMEDIATE AWARD TITLES / Postgraduate Certificate in Finance
Postgraduate Diploma in International Bank Management
Name of the Teaching Institution / Sheffield Hallam University
Mode(s) of Attendance
(eg. FT/PT/SW/DL) / FT/PT
UCAS CODE / -
Professional/Statutory/Regulatory Body Recognising this Programme / -
QAA Subject Benchmark Statement or other relevant external reference point / -
Date of Validation / November 2010

1PROGRAMME AIMS

  • enable students to develop knowledge and appreciation of bank management, long term bank strategy, financial risk and global financial markets.
  • provide the skills to critically evaluate and apply concepts to problems and issues relating to the management of financial institutions and to financial markets;
  • develop ability to critically analyse current and developing theory and implications of regulatory developments.
  • provide the skills for identifying and managing internal financial issues and addressing corporate governance and ethical considerations within a bank.
  • develop students' capabilities as independent learners and encourage personal responsibility and initiative, provide opportunities for teamwork and co-operation, as means to enhance employability;
  • encourage students to critically examine and reflect upon their knowledge of financial systems (national and global) and their future professional practice within the financial system;
  • develop investigative research skills which enable students to progress to research degrees or undertake consultancy.

2PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

2.1Knowledge and understanding covered within the Programme. By the end of the programme you will be able to

  1. identify and comprehend trends and developments in global financial institutions and markets;
  1. review and critically evaluate issues relating to the functions, operations, strategy and regulation of international financial institutions and markets;
  1. Recognise and evaluate the implications of changing social, economic, and regulatory environments for the development of financial institutions and markets;
  1. Critically discuss ethical considerations which global banks must take into account along with the management of internal risks such as corporate governance and fraud.
  1. transfer knowledge and understanding of the subject into practical settings in financial and non-financial organisations.
  1. To demonstrate an ability to understand and interact with ethical considerations and apply them to current industry issues, developments and products.

2.2 Intellectual/Subject/Professional/Key skills covered within the Programme: by the end of the programme you will be able to

  1. critically analyse and evaluate literature, theory and practice, concepts and processes concerning the functions, organisation, and regulation of financial institutions and markets, and the distinctive issues related to bank management
  1. select, synthesise and integrate essential ideas, recommendations and actions from a wide range of sources and data;
  1. develop and sustain rational and persuasive arguments based upon evidence, new insights and original work where appropriate;
  1. construct and justify decision making approaches through critical appraisal concerning complex and conflicting contexts for managers and users of financial institutions and markets;
  1. apply a range of personal and professional skills and abilities to the management of financial institutions and markets;
  1. convey concisely and persuasively data, theories, ideas and information using verbal, written, visual and electronic means to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
  1. select and apply alternative methodological approaches to research and consultancy in the area of international bank management;
  1. reflect upon professional competence and plan actions for self-development and enhancement of employability.

3LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

3.1The approach to Learning and Teaching within the Programme

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies align with the core principles in the LTA strategy as detailed in the Finance Programme Section. Student centred learner development and reflective practitioner approaches underpin programme delivery. The international and diverse nature of targeted students highlights the need for a LTA strategy acknowledging differences in students and the requirements of diverse.

The programme seeks to enable students to communicate effectively and to solve complex problems through innovative, analytical and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to be innovative and flexible in their demonstration of level 7 outcomes.

The programme encourages learner autonomy. The organisation, administration and management of the curriculum and its delivery will be informed by any changes in best practice of teaching, learning and assessment. Subject skills are developed through tutorials, seminars and workshops. Banking and risk management knowledge will be applied to operational, organisational and system wide processes and issues in a wide variety of contexts. Guest lectures from visiting academics and practitioners from banks, non-bank financial institutions, other organisations and financial markets to further enhance students' knowledge and understanding and to encourage contact with employers.

3.2The approach to Assessment and Feedback within the Programme

Assessment is integral to the learning process. Assessment methods are designed to match the learning outcomes of each module. The type of assessment will reflect the module learning outcomes and will be informed by University guidelines on assessment. A variety of summative and formative assessment methods are used which include, reports, presentations, essays, tests, portfolios, presentations and examinations.

Assessment packages draw on and enhance cognitive skills. The assessments will require students to analyse, evaluate and synthesise literature and ideas in order to make decisions and design innovative solutions to problems. The development of cognitive skills will form an integral part of the assessment strategy. Subject specific skills will be assessed in the core subject modules, in the option module and by negotiation in the dissertation. Feedback will be given as part of the overall assessment strategy and guided by the University's Assessment Policy. However, given the diverse nature of the student body, and the significant differences in prior educational experiences of many international students emphasis is placed on formative feedback.

4PROGRAMME DESIGN AND STRUCTURE

The course runs over a three semester period.

The course isfor those who wish to work in bank management.It has a clear focus on banking supervision butit is also relevant for those wanting to work in other areas, such as investment and financial markets. Employers increasingly require staff to be aware of the key ethical and regulatory principles in banking.This coursegives students the key topical debates and knowledge to impress future employers. The dissertationallows students to focus upon aparticular topic of bank management which willaid the future career development of students by enabling them to develop their expertise in a particular area.

We have consulted industry practitioners and professional bodies to ensure that the course prepares students for an associated career. The course sets out to develop students’ analytical skills and knowledge of the key products, investment strategies and risks present in financial markets. It is ideal for individuals wishing to work in financial markets and investment and wanting to progress their career rapidly.

Students will be invited to apply for either a September or January start. The course has been carefully structured to ensure no pre-requisite learning is required and provide a good student experience.

September Start / January Start
S1 Core / Finance / Financial Regulation & Supervision
S1 Core / Methods of Enquiry / International Management Competencies
S1 Core / Banking and Financial Markets / Risk Management in Banking
S1 Core / Financial Risk Management / Methods of Enquiry
S2 Core / Financial Regulation & Supervision / Finance
S2 Core / International Management Competencies / Financial Risk Management
S2 Core / Risk Management in Banking / Banking and Financial Markets
S2 Option / Global Business Strategy
Corporate Governance & Ethics
Islamic Banking
Consultancy Project 1
International Treasury Management / Global Business Strategy
Consultancy Project 1
S3 Core / Research Methods / Research Methods
S3 Core / Dissertation / Dissertation

Students joining in September will study 4 modules in their first semester and then sit any module examinations the following January. Students will then study a further 4 modules From January until April with exams sat in May. From May students will study the research methods module alongside those undertaking their dissertation. The dissertation can be submitted in either late August to graduate in October that year or as a final deadline, to be submitted the following January.

Students joining in January will study 4 modules in their first semester and then sit any module examinations in the following May. From May students will study the research methods module alongside those undertaking some initial work on their dissertation. Students will then study a further 4 modules from September and sit examinationsin January. The dissertation can then be submitted in either January or April, with students encouraged to submit at the latter of these 2 dates to enable time after the final exams for further work on the dissertation

5PROGRESSION/CAREER ROUTES

Possible progression or career routes after you have completed this programme include

  • A wide range of opportunities in all countries within the banking and financial services sectors as well as within government and regulatory organisations;
  • A career in Bank risk management, global Bank strategy and senior Bank management
  • Opportunities in financial analysis and management consultancy;
  • Progression to PhD study on successful completion of the course to Masters' level.
  • Further professional study opportunities with organisations such as the Chartered Insurance Institute, The Institute of Financial Services, the Association of Corporate Treasurers, The Chartered Securities and Investment Institute and the Society of Chartered Financial Analysts.

6ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND ENTRY PROFILE

6.1Specific Entry Requirements for entry to the initial stage of this programme are

Academic Qualifications (including A / AS level grades and subjects, where applicable) / Lower-second class undergraduate degree, or international equivalent, in one of the following subject areas; accounting, finance, economics, banking, financial services, or risk management; from a recognised institute. Students with a degree in a quantitative subject will also be considered subject to it having a business component and their demonstration of an interest in this field.
Level of English language capability / IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5 in each of the four categories);
or
TOEFL score of 550 (paper based) or 213 (computer based), 79 (Internet based).
Any other specific, formally certified qualifications / None
Previous relevant work or work-related experience / See section 6.3
Any specific articulation arrangements recognised for this programme / None
Professional qualifications / A degree equivalent professional qualification obtained by examination from an internationally recognised professional body in accounting, banking or corporate treasury management. In some circumstances such students will be granted credit for prior learning subject to successful mapping of learning outcomes and topics.
Any other specific entry requirements / None

6.2APPLICANT ENTRY PROFILE: the knowledge, skills and qualities etc. required to enable you to benefit from, and succeed on the programme of study are

A good standard of educational attainment, as indicated by the admissions criteria for the Programme, plus a genuine enthusiasm and commitment to the subject area of the Programme of study for which you are applying. In addition, you should possess a desire to develop the skills and competencies required to succeed at masters' level, and subsequently in their chosen professional or vocational area.

6.3The University will select non-standard entrants to the programme in the following ways

Exceptionally, candidates with extensive relevant employment experience at a managerial level in accounting, banking or insurance will be considered for admission to the programme, if, in the opinion of the appropriate Course Leader, there is sufficient evidence to indicate that the individual has the potential to successfully complete the chosen course of study. Where this is the case additional suport can be put in place.

6.4Use of Prior Credit (APCL/APEL): prior certificated credit or prior experiential credit may be used within the Programme in the following ways

Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accreditation of Prior Experience (APEL) to allow applicants to use credit gained on another qualification towards this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In these cases the standard University procedure will apply.

Disclaimer

Programme Specification produced by
School / SBS
Division/Programme Area / Postgraduate Finance Programme