UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDSchool of ManagementProgramme/course title:BSc(Hons) in Financial Planning
Awarding and teaching institution: / University of BradfordFinal award: / BSc (Honours)
Programme title: / Financial Planning
Programme accredited by: / Chartered Insurance Institute
Duration: / 4 years sandwich full-time
UCAS code: / N390
Subject benchmark statement: / Business Studies
Date produced: / Original: December 2009/May 2010
Last updated : / August 2010
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 courses 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 courses 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 Financial Services Authority (FSA), the UK regulatory body, which also identifies knowledge and skills shortages in the financial services sector, particularly in the distribution of retail investment products and services, as requiring redress. The FSA has been working with the relevant professional bodies on raising the qualification bar for financial planners and independent advisers to the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)’s Regulated Diploma inFinancial Planning. The BSc in FinancialPlanning will offer substantial credits towards the CII’s Regulated Diploma in Financial Planning, thus giving Bradford graduates a fast track route towards Chartered Financial Planning status.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
- deliver a programme of 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 environmental protection or restoration, economic justice, business ethics, human rights, consumer protection and diversity in the context of the financial services sector.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have successfully completed the programme you will be able to:
LO1 systematically and critically understand the key concepts and techniques in disciplines involved in business and management including economics, accounting and finance, marketing, production and operations management, information management, business information systems, organisational behaviour and human resource management.
LO2critically evaluate the techniques applicable to business administration
LO3apply specialist financial knowledge.
LO4analyse situations and problems and apply the appropriate theories and models to develop solutions.
LO5systematically understand and critically evaluate the key issues in financial planning, including the design of comprehensive financial plans, analysis and valuation of investments, risk management, retirement planning, estate planning and tax planning strategies
LO6apply a range of business skills which are of relevance to the management of people, finance, marketing and the production and operations relating to the provision of goods or services e.g. communication skills, teamwork, presentations, use of computers
LO7 act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks.
LO8use initiative and take personal responsibility and show resilience in complex and unpredictable situations
LO9undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.
Curriculum
The map of your studies is detailed below. The first and second ‘Stages’ or ‘Years’ of this Honours course each consists of two semesters with 60 credits being studied in each semester. Stage 1 follows the existing standard Business and Management Studies programme, where you take common modules. In Stage 2, you follow the existing BSc Accounting and Finance degree but will also take a compulsory 10 credit module: Principles of Personal Finance which will be in preparation for the sandwich placement year.
In Stage 3 you will decide which pathway you wish to pursue. Those following the BSc Accounting and Finance degree may opt to go on placement but for the BSc in Financial Planning, it is a compulsory part of the programme. In the final year you will be required to take five compulsory modules and seven optional modules.
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
Stage 1
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodMAN0101M / Business Economics / C / 10 / 1 / 1
MAN0102M / Business Law / C / 10 / 1 / 1
MAN1061L / Introduction to Accounting and Finance / C / 20 / 1 / 1&2
MAN0129L / Organisational Behaviour and the Sociology of Work / C / 20 / 1 / 1&2
MAN0111M / Quantitative Methods in Information Management / C / 10 / 1 / 1
MAN0116M / Student Self Development / C / 10 / 1 / 1
MAN0105M / Foundations of Marketing / C / 10 / 1 / 2
MAN0110M / Foundations of Production/Operations Management / C / 10 / 1 / 2
MAN0118M / Organisational Information Systems / C / 10 / 1 / 2
MAN0117M / The Macroeconomic Environment of Business / C / 10 / 1 / 2
Stage 2
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodMAN0301M / Practice of Management Skills / C / 10 / 2 / 1
MAN02907L / Financial Accounting / C / 20 / 2 / 1&2
MAN2908L / Management Accounting / C / 20 / 2 / 1&2
MAN0405M / Financial Management / C / 10 / 2 / 1
MAN0201M / Economics of Industry / O / 10 / 2 / 1
MAN0501M / Quantitative Methods for Managers / O / 10 / 2 / 1
MAN0601M / Business Information Systems / O / 10 / 2 / 1
MAN0702M / Consumer Behaviour / O / 10 / 2 / 1
MAN0713M / Marketing Management and Strategy / O / 10 / 2 / 1
MAN0802M / Psychology at Work / O / 10 / 2 / 1
MAN0801M / Organisational Design / O / 10 / 2 / 1
MAN0225M / Employee Relations / O / 10 / 2 / 1
MAN0901M / Resource Planning / O / 10 / 2 / 1
MAN0115M / Company Law and Administration / C / 10 / 2 / 2
MAN2909M / Capital Markets, Investment and Finance / C / 10 / 2 / 2
NEW / Principles of Personal Finance / C / 10 / 2 / 2
MAN2905M / Econometric and Business Forecasting / O / 10 / 2 / 2
MAN0502M / Fundamentals of Decision Support / O / 10 / 2 / 2
MAN0707M / Integrated Marketing Communications / O / 10 / 2 / 2
MAN0708M / Marketing Research / O / 10 / 2 / 2
MAN0211M / Product Innovation / O / 10 / 2 / 2
MAN0228M / The Transformation of Work / O / 10 / 2 / 2
MAN0226M / Organisational Analysis / O / 10 / 2 / 2
MAN0227M / The Firm and Strategic Human Resource Management / O / 10 / 2 / 2
MAN0902M / Management of Service Operations / O / 10 / 2 / 2
MAN2904M / Writing for Academic and Professional Purposes / O / 10 / 2 / 2
Stage 3
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodMAN0212M / Taxation and Personal Finance / C / 10 / 3 / 1
NEW / The Financial Services Sector and its Environment / C / 10 / 3 / 1
NEW / Personal Financial Planning / C / 20 / 3 / 1&2
MAN0402M / Corporate Reporting / O / 10 / 3 / 1
MAN0408M / International Finance / O / 10 / 3 / 1
MAN0205M / Global Business Environment / O / 10 / 3 / 1
MAN0206M / International Tourism Studies / O / 10 / 3 / 1
MAN0208M / Understanding Strategic Management / O / 10 / 3 / 1
MAN3031M / Managing Business in Europe / O / 10 / 3 / 1
MAN0503M / Decision Support A / O / 10 / 3 / 1
MAN0605M / Electronic Commerce / O / 10 / 3 / 1
MAN0710M / Retail Marketing / O / 10 / 3 / 1
MAN0325M / International Marketing / O / 10 / 3 / 1
MAN0326M / Creativity in Marketing / O / 10 / 3 / 1
MAN3012M / Graduate Employment and Development / O / 10 / 3 / 1
MAN0327L / Human Resource Management / O / 20 / 3 / 1&2
MAN0328M / European Employment Policy / O / 10 / 3 / 1
MAN0812M / Ethics in Business and Society / O / 10 / 3 / 1
MAN0904M / World Class Operations / O / 10 / 3 / 1
NEW / Portfolio Investment Management / C / 10 / 3 / 2
MAN0204M / International Business Strategy / O / 10 / 3 / 2
MAN0207M / International Tourism Management / O / 10 / 3 / 2
MAN0209M / Applied Strategic Management / O / 10 / 3 / 2
MAN3024M / International Accounting / O / 10 / 3 / 2
MAN3034M / Auditing / O / 10 / 3 / 2
MAN0308M / Contemporary Issues in Accounting / O / 10 / 3 / 2
MAN0504M / Decision Support B / O / 10 / 3 / 2
MAN0605M / Strategic Information Systems / O / 10 / 3 / 2
MAN0711M / Services Marketing / O / 10 / 3 / 2
MAN0307M / Marketing and Entrepreneurship / O / 10 / 3 / 2
MAN0716M / Corporate Marketing / O / 10 / 3 / 2
MAN0324M / International Comparative Employment Relations / O / 10 / 3 / 2
MAN0329M / Human Resource Development / O / 10 / 3 / 2
MAN0330M / Organisational Change / O / 10 / 3 / 2
MAN0908M / Sustainable Operations Management / O / 10 / 3 / 2
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The approach to teaching and learning aims to integrate applied and theoretical knowledge, taking into consideration the learning outcomes, progression through the levels of study, the nature of the mode of study and the need for you to take greater responsibility for your own learning as you progress through the course.
Stage One provides a foundation in management subjects. You will acquire knowledge of the functional areas of business and management and the theoretical underpinning of these.
Stage Two provides the foundation in accounting and finance studies and also introduces the student to the principles of personal finance, which will prepare the student for the placement year.
The 10 month placement provides the opportunity of gaining professional experience with a firm of Independent Financial Advisors.
The final year builds on the financial planning work undertaken on placement. It provides the student not only with an understanding and knowledge of personal financial planning, but will also develop understanding of the concept and practice of sustainable development in relation to the financial services sector. The final year compulsory modules will address principles of sustainability such as environmental protection/restoration, economic justice, human rights, consumer protection and diversity.
Methods of assessment are varied and linked to learning requirements. They will include examinations, essays, coursework, case studies, practical exercises, computer assisted assessment, group work and presentations. Group work is an integral part of this programme and hence you will be required to work in groups during tutorials or seminars and in assignments. The maximum group size will be five people. Group work better simulates practice and therefore prepares you for the environment in which you will be working as a professional financial planner. The ability to work effectively in teams is an essential skill in financial planning. The role of financial planner involves working with supporting teams of other professionals within your organisation to develop financial products that suit different individual and/or organisational clients. In this context, the programme will enable you to develop personal transferable skills of team work, communication, presentation, problem-solving, delegation and leadership, skills that are essential in the financial planning profession.
The School will ensure that curricula reflect the integration of practice through personal and social understanding of responsible and ethical behaviour. This will be achieved through evidence of understanding of the role of financial planning in ensuring equality and social justice for clients and the ethical promotion of products to people as individuals, families and socially and corporate groups.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations which are available at the following link:
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- To pass and proceed from each Stage to the next, and also to be eligible for a classified Honours award, you must achieve at least 40% in 100 credits and 35% in the other 20 credits. The class and division of the Honours degree that you are awarded is based on the overall weighted mark that you receive for Stage Two (30%) and Stage Three (70%). The degree is awarded on the basis of the following minimum final overall weighted average marks (the Board of Examiners has discretion of +/- 2%):
70% or above:First Class Honours
60% or above:Second Class Honours – First Division
50% or above:Second Class Honours – Second Division
otherwise:Third Class Honours.
If you complete Stage One successfully you are eligible for a Certificate of Higher Education and if you complete Stage Two successfully you are eligible for a Diploma of Higher Education. The learning outcomes for these awards are consistent with those of the English Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and its descriptors.
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. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme leader before you apply.
A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be 280points. 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.
All candidates for admission to the School of Management’s taught programmes must satisfy the University’s General Entrance Requirements. For applicants whose first language is other than English a recognised English language qualification is required for example, a score of 550 paper based on The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an overall band of 6.0 in the International English Language Testing Service Test (IELTS). Other qualifications can be checked on request. However, if you have previously studied and achieved acceptable qualifications that have been taught and assessed in English, an English language waiver can be given.
A student may be permitted by the School to import specific academic credit for prior certificated or experiential learning up to a maximum limit of 50% of the balance of the award for which the student wishes to be registered, consistent with the University’s Regulations which can be accessed on the Bradford website at
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist libraries in the School of Health Studies and the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and course-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available.
Student Support and Guidance
The Undergraduate Office within the authority of the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programmes, will support you in your studies. A Personal Tutor and an Effective Learning Officer are available for your personal support and guidance. The Staff/Student Liaison Committee offers a forum for discussion relating to programme matters and a student information handbook is provided. Study guides are provided in the form of Blackboard, a virtual learning environment, to assist your academic learning. You are also able to access CD-ROM and online databases, including business and management periodicals and company information, through the School of Management Library.
Course Team
Support for you personally and in your course of study, will be provided both by the University and the Course Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your course tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of course representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (based in the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union.
Careers and Employability
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career Development Services including help to find part time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the web site
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops. These may take place as early as year 1, or may be achieved through a customised Career and Personal Development module in year 2 or 3 which is developed in close cooperation with the academic department. An annual First Destination Survey leads to compilation of a report on the outcomes of all programmes and to the development of an annually updated Traffic Light Analysis of Employability which is used as a performance indicator.