ACCA TUITION ONLY Handbook 2011 - University of Brighton handbooks... · Because of increasing incidents of cases of plagiarism both ... Remember that you are subject to all the ACCA

University of Brighton Brighton Business School

Brighton Business School

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Course Handbook

Part-time Externally Assessed (Tuition Only) Course Fundamental Skills Professional Essentials Professional Options

September 2011

PREFACE

The purpose of this course handbook is to provide you with key information about your course, including administrative and academic procedures, and to give you some practical advice on how to make the most of your studies and to explain what to do if you experience any difficulties. Please read the handbook very carefully and keep it at hand for future reference. Other key documents that you should be familiar with are:

• the University of Brighton Student Handbook;

• the University of Brighton Plagiarism Awareness Pack;

• the Brighton Business School Referencing Handbook;

• the University of Brighton General Examination and Assessment Regulations (GEAR). Copies of all these documents are accessible in electronic format on the University’s student intranet, Studentcentral (see 7.6 below), via your Course Area. You will also find electronic copies of the University Student Handbook and the University Plagiarism Awareness Pack on studentcentral. Because of increasing incidents of cases of plagiarism both in this university and others, you are strongly urged to carefully read the Plagiarism Awareness Pack. Penalties for plagiarism can be very harsh and ignorance is no defence! The University has access to special software which can detect plagiarism and we will be using this at random throughout the year at all levels, so you have been warned. If you would like to see any other items included in your course handbook please contact your course administrator or course leader and, whilst we cannot promise to change things straight away, we will do our best to improve the handbook in future years.

CONTENTS

1. COURSE LEADER INTRODUCTION

2. BRIGHTON BUSINESS SCHOOL 3. COURSE MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION 3.1 Course management team, course board 3.2 Communications between staff and students 3.3 Where to turn for advice and guidance 3.4 Student representation and feedback 3.5 Annual academic health process

4. COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT 4.1 The Course overall 4.2 Course aims and learning outcomes 4.3 Course structure and content 4.4 Academic calendar 4.5 Careers support 5. COURSE ASSESSMENT 5.1 Nature of assessment 5.2 Examination past papers 5.3 Mitigating circumstances

6. COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS 6.1 Admissions 6.2 Progression 6.3 Withdrawal

7. LIBRARY, COMPUTING AND MEDIA SERVICES 7.1 The library service 7.2 Library services to part-time students 7.3 The Online Library 7.4 Computing services for students based at Moulse coomb 7.5 Media Centres 7.6 Studentcentral 7.7 ASK Study Guide 7.8 Useful web addresses

8. STUDENT SERVICES 9. STUDENT ENTITLEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 9.1 Entitlements 9.2 Responsibilities 9.3 Brighton Business School – Attendance and Engag ement policy 9.4 Disability statement 9.5 Fire evacuation 9.6 Observing copyright laws

10. MISCELLANEOUS

10.1 Course Handbook 10.2 ACCA Student Membership 10.3 ACCA Fees 10.4 Students with Disabilities 10.5 The role of the course leader 10.6 The role of the Annual Course Review Board 10.7 Quality Assurance APPENDIX

A Career Planning – wherever you are in the journ ey

1. COURSE LEADER INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the University of Brighton's Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) course. We are delighted that you have chosen to study the ACCA syllabus at the University of Brighton on a tuition only basis. Some of you will have already completed other studies here and will be familiar with the workings of the School and the University. Others of you will have come here from another educational institution. Some of you may be returning to study after a long absence from formal education. Hopefully all of you will have an enjoyable and successful experience of being a student at Brighton. This handbook will attempt to give you the essential information that you need to complete that experience, and should be read in conjunction with the University Student Handbook. These documents are complementary and should be read through carefully at least once during the academic year, and retained for reference. They contain important information which we and the ACCA expect you to know. We are an approved Gold Tuition Provider of the ACCA Fundamentals Knowledge and Professional Essentials and Options modules. Our tuition is year through in preparation for the June sittings of the ACCA examinations. We do not offer any tuition towards December sittings. Remember that you are subject to all the ACCA regulations and it is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of these rules and all ACCA deadlines (for registration, exams etc). At the present time, the University does not allocate personal tutors to part-time students, but requires the course leader to fill this role. If you do not want to see the course leader about a problem, ask in the Professional and Partnership Office (room 140) to see someone else. I hope you have a successful and enjoyable time here. Good luck with your studies. Trish Coffey ACCA Course Leader Brighton Business School Sept 2011

Important Notices

1) During the year could you ensure that you:

• check the noticeboards regularly for timetable and other changes • notify the Professional and Partnership Office of any changes of address and telephone

number (Sharen on [email protected])

2) All students must be registered members of the ACCA. Please see section 9.3 for further

information.

3) Your pigeon holes are situated on the first floor of Mithras House, opposite Room 139 4) You are advised that for all course queries for Fundamental Knowledge and Skills and

professional stages you should, in the first instance, contact the Course Leader. Enquiries about membership, ACCA regulations, examinations, etc should be directed to ACCA Connect, 0141 582 2000

5) If you wish to take the Oxford Brookes degree in Applied Accountancy, please read section 10.10

2. BRIGHTON BUSINESS SCHOOL The Dean of Brighton Business School is Professor Aidan Berry . More information about the work of the School may be found on the school web site at: www.brighton.ac.uk/bbs The Brighton Business School is one of five Faculties at the University of Brighton, in addition to the Brighton and Sussex Medical School. The Vice Chancellor of the University is Professor Julian Crampton . The Business School’s contact details are: Brighton Business School University of Brighton Mithras House Lewes Road BRIGHTON BN2 4AT Tel: (01273) 600900 (Switchboard) Fax: (01273) 643597 or 642153 -------------------------------------------------- The Academic year dates for the School are: AUTUMN TERM 26 September 2011 – 16 December 2011 SPRING TERM 9 January 2012 – 23 March 2012 SUMMER TERM 16 April 2012 – 8 June 2012 w/c 14 May 2012 to w/c 4 June 2011 (examinations for year-through modules) SEMESTER DATES Semester One 26 September 2011 – 3 February 2012 Semester Two 6 February 2012 – 8 June 2012

WEEKLY TIMETABLES Below are typical timetables Stage 2 – Phase 1, Fundamental Skills

Wednesday Subject

09.00 - 11.00 F6 Taxation

11.30 - 13.30 F4 Corporate and Business Law

13.30 - 1400 Lunch

14.00 - 16.00 F5 Performance Management

Stage 2 – Phase 2, Fundamental Skills

Friday Subject

9.00 – 11.00 F9 Financial Management

11.30 – 13.30 F8 Audit & Assurance

13.30 – 14.00 Lunch

14.00 – 16.00 F7 Financial Reporting

Stage 3, Professional Essentials –

Wednesday Subject

09.00 – 11.00 P1 Governance, Risk & Ethics

11.30 – 13.30 P3 Business Analysis

13.30 – 14.00 Lunch

14.00 – 16.00 P2 Corporate Reporting

Professional Options

Thursday Subject

11.00 – 13.00 P5 Advanced Performance Management

13.00 – 15.00 P7 Advanced Audit & Assurance

15.00 – 17.00 P6 Advanced Taxation

Please note that these are the hours of formal cont act teaching time. You should remember that to be successful in the ACCA examinat ions, a substantial amount of private study time in addition to class contact tim e is required.

3. COURSE MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION 3.1 Course management team, course board 3.2 Communications between staff and students 3.3 Where to turn for advice and guidance 3.4 Student representation and feedback 3.5 Annual academic health process _______________________________________________________________________ 3.1 Course management team, course board 3.1.1 Course management team Responsibility for the day-to-day running of your course lies with the course management team, comprising your course leader, your course administrator, and the members of staff teaching on the course. Their contact details are as follows: Responsibility Staff Room no Tel no E-mail address

Course Leader Trish Coffey 127 Ext 2166 [email protected]

Course Administrator Sharen Staines 139 Ext 2572 [email protected]

Module Tutor AA204 Gilliane Williams 223 Ext 2180 [email protected]

Module Tutor AA205 + AAP05 A J Cilliers 127 Ext 2590 [email protected]

Module Tutor AA206 + AAP06 Joanna Armstrong 147 Ext 2579 [email protected]

Module Tutor AA207 Sue Endean / Trish Coffey 147 Ext 2587 [email protected]

[email protected] Module Tutor AA208 + AAP07 + AAP01 Sandra Holmes 102 Ext 2957 [email protected]

Module Tutor AA209 Jenny Robertson 108 Ext 2584 [email protected]

Module Tutor AAP02 Trish Coffey 127 Ext 2166 [email protected]

Module Tutor AAP03 Andrew Grantham/ Graham Clifford 130 2985 [email protected]

[email protected] Profiles of academic staff may be found on the School website at: http://www.brighton.ac.uk/bbs/contact/academic.php 3.1.2 Course board Each course within the School has a course board. The responsibilities of course boards include: • ensuring the smooth operation of the course; • reviewing syllabus content, teaching methods, and resources and generally monitoring the

course in operation; • maintaining effective feedback arrangements between the lecturers and the course members; • planning and recommending policy with regard to the operation of the course; • exercising such other functions as may be requested by the School Board.

The membership of course boards is as follows: Course Leader Trish Coffey Student Representative(s) TBA Course Administrator(s) Sharen Staines Information Adviser (or nominee) Pauline Coverdale School Quality Director James MacDonald Each course board will normally meet two or three times a year to hear reports on the progress of each year of the relevant course. The board will discuss both students' and tutors’ reports and take action where appropriate. If an issue arises which is clearly beyond the scope of the course board and requires further consideration, then it will be referred to the School Board. Copies of the minutes of course boards will normally be published on the school area on studentcentral within three weeks of each board on the “My School:Brighton Business School” area.

3.2 Communications between staff and students Effective communication between staff and students is very important, and the School facilitates this in a range of ways. 3.2.1 We contact you

• Through the student notice boards • Through the plasma screen in the student lounge • Through the professional courses student mailboxes • Through Studentcentral • By e-mail – using your University e-mail address (see 3.2.6 below) • By mobile phone

The notice-boards, plasma screen and student mailboxes are all in Mithras House, close to the Professional and Partnership Office (M139). Through them you will be told about changes in timetables, cancellations and re-locations, internal and external mail. Changes are frequent at the start of the academic year so please check them daily. It is your own responsibility to keep up with any announced changes. If you change your personal details (address, name etc) you must notify the Professional and Partnership Office immediately in writing (by letter or e-mail) and change your personal details on-line on Studentcentral. 3.2.2 You contact us

• By knocking on the doors of academic and administrative staff • By slipping messages under our doors when we are not there • By calling us by phone • By e-mail. E-mail addresses of all staff are readily available. • Important messages and official documents can be handed in to the Professional and

Partnership Office (M139)

3.2.3 Professional and Partnership Courses Office The professional courses administrative team is located in the Professional and Partnership Office (M139) and is staffed by Hazel Brown and her team of course administrators. They have responsibility for all initial enquiries: for most queries you should see them first (what to do, where to go, requests for freely available handouts, information sheets, etc).

Opening times during term time Mithras House: 07.00 – 21.00 (Monday- Thursday) 07.00 – 19.00 (Friday) Professional and Partnership Office : 08.30 – 17.00 (Monday to Thursday) 08.30 –16.30 (Friday) 3.2.4 How to locate an office or lecture room Most University room numbers are in two parts each of which convey information. For example, to find room M160, you need to go to Mithras House, then the first floor (the first digit is a “1”) and then look for room M160. Similarly the computer pools will have numbers such as MA201, signifying Mithras Annexe, on the second floor and W321, somewhere on the third floor of the Watts Building. Outside the Professional and Partnership Office (M139) you will find on the wall a list of all the staff with their telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and office numbers. Next to the list is a display of all the staff photographs. 3.2.5 University telephone numbers The standard University telephone exchange number is 01273 600 900. To directly reach a member of staff, once you know their internal extension number you need to add 64 before the internal extension number. For example, the Course Leader’s extension is 2166. To reach him from outside you would need to dial 01273 642166. Alternatively dial 01273 600 900 and ask for a particular member of staff. 3.2.6 Your email address Every member of the university has a central email address usually in the form [email protected]. This is the address that we will use to contact you and it is your responsibility to ensure that the Professional and Partnership Office is kept fully informed of any changes. 3.2.7 Proof of enrolment If you need a letter confirming your enrolment on a University course (e.g. for the purposes of a career development loan from your bank) you must request this from the University Student Office (Registry), Mezzanine Floor, Cockcroft Building. Please note that your office staff are not permitted to produce these letters

3.3 Where to turn for advice and guidance Although every effort is made by staff to ensure that your course runs without problems we recognise that these do occasionally arise. The following notes provide guidance on the procedures to be followed in the event of problems arising during the course or with assessment. At each stage it is expected that the staff involved will try to find a solution to the difficulty. However, you should bear in mind that in some cases it is not within their power to solve them and, as such, it may need to be referred on to another body. It is permissible to miss out a stage in these procedures when a problem is urgent and the appropriate lecturer/tutor is unavailable, or where for other reasons it may be appropriate. 3.3.1 Administrative problems In the first instance, you should contact your course administrator about problems of an administrative nature. If the problem still remains unresolved then you should contact your course leader. 3.3.2 Personal problems In the first instance, you should contact your course leader. 3.3.3 Academic problems Stage 1 Discuss with lecturer concerned Not Resolved Resolved No further action needed Stage 2 Bring to attention of course leader or deputy course leader Not Resolved Resolved No further action needed Stage 3 Bring to attention of the Course Board through your year course representative Not Resolved Resolved No further action needed Stage 4 Bring to the attention of the Head of School The Head of School will take appropriate action directly or if necessary refer the problem on to the School Board, or other appropriate body.

3.3.4 Problems associated with sitting examinati ons Contact the ACCA directly.

3.4 Student representation and feedback 3.4.1 Student representation Each year student representatives are elected for each course, and they are an important formal channel of communication between students and staff. The names and contact details of student representatives are published on studentcentral from early November each year. All students are urged to consider standing for election as a student representative. It can be a very rewarding role, is an excellent personal development opportunity, and looks great on your CV. All newly elected student representatives are offered training for the role by the School, in conjunction with the University of Brighton Students Union, and support is available during the year as required. For further information about standing as a student representative, please contact the School Quality Director: [email protected] 3.4.2 Student feedback The School recognises the importance of formally obtaining and responding to the views of students in a systematic, consistent and transparent manner, taking action where necessary, and “closing the loop” by giving students feedback on resultant action, and the outcomes of student participation in decision making. Feedback is formally obtained from students via annual course feedback forms, the student representative system (see section 3.4.1 above), and operation of the School’s policy for resolving academic problems (see section 3.3). Formal mechanisms for obtaining student feedback are inevitably, and often usefully, supplemented by informal channels and contacts with students. Feedback from students is formally considered, and responded to, at course boards and at the School Board, and as part of the annual academic health process (see section 3.5 below). Copies of the minutes of course boards will normally be published on the school area on Studentcentral within three weeks of each board. 3.5 Annual academic health process The basic building block of the University’s quality assurance system, is the Annual Academic Health process, which ensures that all courses and their constituent modules are reviewed annually, drawing upon a range of data as appropriate. Reports are produced from module through to course level, and are synthesized into school reports which consider the range of courses within their portfolio. Schools’ reports are considered at faculty and university level. External examiner reports and student feedback are a vital part of this process. Within Brighton Business School, all course academic health reports are considered and approved at the School’s Annual Academic Health Afternoon in October, to which student representatives are invited to attend and participate. Copies of all approved academic health reports and the School Academic Health Report will normally be published on the school area by mid-November.

4. COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT 4.1 The Course overall 4.2 Course aims and learning outcomes 4.3 Course structure and content 4.4 Academic Calendar 4.5 Careers Support 4.1 The Course overall The ACCA's examination structure consists of three stages, the first consisting of the Fundamental Knowledge, second the Fundamental Skills modules and the third Professional Essentials and Options modules. You have already completed the three papers of the Fundamentals Knowledge level by the time you join us for this particular course. Fundamental Skills is followed by the Professional Essentials and Options. This course is aimed at people who mainly wish to complete their ACCA studies on a part time basis, who perhaps already have a degree and are maybe working. The ACCA allows students to take as many papers per sitting as they choose, subject to the maximum four paper rule. Our structure encourages the part time route by grouping papers F4, F5 and F6 into one day (Wednesday), F7, F8 and F9 are also grouped into one day (Friday) and so on with the Professional papers. Tuition goes through the full academic year for the June examinations. There is no option to complete the Fundamental Skills papers full time in one year as the ACCA only allow four papers per sitting as a maximum and we teach to only one sitting. Please note, the ACCA transition from the old scheme to the new scheme in 2007 was individually facilitated for each student via the conversion tool provided on line by the ACCA at the web address below; https://www.acca-business.org/pls/ecommerce/online _converter.p _current_ subjects If you wish to gain a degree while studying for the ACCA papers there is now an option of enrolling on the BA (Hons) Accountancy Studies degree. For that qualification you must sit internally assessed papers F7 and F9 and internal exams based on the ACCA professional essential papers. For further information on transferring to the degree course please speak to the course leader or course administrator.

4.2 Course aims and learning outcomes Aims The general aim of the course is to provide tuition for potential accountants, by enabling students:

i) to follow a programme of study in Accounting which has an underlying vocational focus and is designed for students intending to pursue a career as an accountant or in any other area where financial information and decision making are core

ii) to enable students to develop analytical thinking skills and critical faculties within the

accounting area

iii) to acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to an accountant faced with constantly changing professional demands

iv) to analyse and communicate financial and other business information effectively

v) to acquire the confidence and ability to explore and assess alternative courses of action

vi) to know and understand some of the alternative technical languages and practices of

accounting

vii) to know and understand contemporary theories and empirical evidence concerning accounting in a practical context, and be able to critically evaluate such theories and evidence

viii) to acquire the necessary understanding, knowledge and confidence to ensure a reasonable

prospect of success in the final externally set examinations Learning Outcomes On completion of their studies a student should have acquired the following abilities and skills

i) an understanding of the contexts in which accounting can be seen as operating. Knowledge and understanding of the main current technical language and practices of accounting (for example, recognition, measurement and disclosure in financial statements; managerial accounting; auditing; taxation) in a specified socio-economic domain

ii) knowledge and understanding of some of the alternative technical languages and practices

of accounting (for example, alternative recognition rules and valuation bases, accounting rules followed in other socio-economic domains, alternative managerial accounting approaches to control and decision-making)

iii) skills in recording and summarising transactions and other economic events; preparation of

financial statements; analysis of the operations of business (for example, decision analysis, performance measurement and management control); financial analysis and projections (for example, analysis of financial ratios, discounted cash flow analysis, budgeting, financial risks)

iv) knowledge and understanding of contemporary theories and empirical evidence concerning

accounting in at least one of its contexts and the ability to critically evaluate such theories. v) analyse and critically evaluate business and business-related information, apply business

and accounting concepts and principles flexibly in a variety of circumstances. Identify,

define and rank business and business-related problems, interpret the results, criticise proposed solutions or practices and communicate information clearly and succinctly

vi) the capacity for the critical evaluation of arguments and evidence

vii) the ability to analyse and draw reasoned conclusions concerning structured and, to a more

limited extent, unstructured problems from a given set of data and from data which must be acquired by the student

viii) the ability to locate, extract and analyse data from multiple sources, including the

acknowledgement and referencing of sources

ix) capacities for independent and self-managed learning

x) numeracy skills, including the ability to manipulate financial and other numerical data and to appreciate statistical concepts at an appropriate level

xi) skills in the use of communications and information technology in acquiring, analysing and

communicating information (currently these skills include the use of spreadsheets, word processing software, online databases)

xii) communication skills including the ability to present quantitative and qualitative information,

together with analysis, argument and commentary, in a form appropriate to the intended audience

xiii) an ability to work in groups, and other interpersonal skills, including oral as well as written

presentation skills.

On successful completion of Professional Essentials and Options which the ACCA suggests to be the equivalent to a UK Masters Degree1, the successful student will: i) be able to draw on knowledge acquired at all earlier subjects studied and integrate that

knowledge effectively and creatively ii) be able to analyse and interpret data and present reasoned conclusions

iii) be able to diagnose and formulate solutions which display commercial awareness

iv) be able to exercise judgment drawing on technical, political and commercial awareness in developing and evaluating alternative solutions

v) be able to adapt to new systems and circumstances

vi) be able to communicate analyses and conclusions effectively with sensitivity

vii) be able to demonstrate strategic awareness, interpersonal and management skills, and

personal qualities

viii) have developed the capacity for independent and self-managed learning 1 In terms of Masters level qualifications the University of Brighton current position would suggest that a Masters level qualification from the University of Brighton would have to have a substantial dissertation element which the ACCA qualification as currently designated does not have

Curriculum Externally assessed by the ACCA

Module Subject University module code

Skills F4 Corporate and Business Law CL AAXF4 Skills F5 Performance Management PM AAXF5 Skills F6 Taxation TX AAXF6 Skills F7 Financial Reporting FR AAXF7 Skills F8 Audit and Assurance AA AAXF8 Skills F9 Financial Management FM AAXF9

Essentials

P1 Governance, Risk & Ethics GRE AAXP1

Essentials

P2 Corporate Reporting CR AAXP2 Essential

s P3 Business Analysis BA AAXP3

Options P5 Advance Performance Management

APM AAXP5 Options P6 Advanced Taxation ATX AAXP6 Options P7 Advanced Audit and Assurance AAA AAXP7

Students are required to study all the subjects in Skills and Essentials modules and two from Options Module. 4.3 Course structure and content Fundamental and Professional levels

The Fundamental Skills and Professional courses are based around the following framework, which is shown diagrammatically in Figure 1. i) Fundamental Skills runs in part-time mode. The part-time Fundamental Skills course will

normally take two years to complete, while students who wish to take a more intensive route can complete it in one year via an internally assessed route (contact Sharen Staines for more details), subject to the entry requirements identified in section 6.1. It is not recommended that students attempt the one-year course if they have significant work obligations.

ii) For part time students the Fundamental Skills course is divided into two stages of three subjects each. All students have the option of registering for the Oxford Brookes degree in Applied Accounting. See the notes in section 4.3.2, this is external to the University of Brighton and students must make their own enquiries of the ACCA and Oxford Brookes.

iii) Students will normally then go on to take the Professional Essentials study in one year. iv) Students will then study for a further year for the two Professional Options subjects.

Mode of Study The course has been designed as a part-time course. The students will attend on one day a week {see Figure 1 Course Structure with attendance days} Fundamental Skills Phase 1 will run on Wednesdays, Phase 2 of Fundamental Skills on Fridays, the Professional Option subjects will run on Thursdays, and the Professional Essentials subjects will run on Wednesdays. FIGURE 1 - COURSE STRUCTURE Fundamentals Skills, Stage 2 Skills Module - Phase 1

F4 Corporate & Business Law All Subjects Year through

Wednesdays F5 Performance Management

F6 Taxation Skills Module – Phase 2

F7 Financial Reporting All Subjects Year through

Fridays F8 Audit and Assurance

F9 Financial Management Professional Stage Essentials subjects

P1 Governance, Risk & Ethics All Subjects year through

Wednesdays P2 Corporate Reporting

P3 Business Analysis Case Study (ACCA)

Options subjects

All Subjects Year through

P5 Advanced Performance Management

Thursday

P6 Advanced Taxation Thursday P7 Advanced Audit and Assurance Thursday

Students may bring one exemption on to either stage of Fundamental Skills course. Professional Options papers Students are required to complete any two from four options. Two of the subjects, P7 Advanced Audit and Assurance and P6 Advanced Taxation are suitable for students working in or considering a career in accountancy practice. The other two Option subjects, P5 Advanced Performance Management and P4 Advanced Financial Management are more relevant to students working in industry or the public sector. . Please note the P4 Option will not be running this year. (2011-2012)

The following notes have been prepared to give students some guidance when choosing their options. P7 Advanced Auditing and Assurance This subject builds on the knowledge of the processes of auditing examined in F8. The aim of this subject is to enable students to analyse, evaluate and conclude on the assurance engagement and other audit and assurance issues in the context of best practice and current developments. Auditing is not carried out in a vacuum, and students should recognise that they will be required to demonstrate a good understanding of business and accounting, as well as auditing theory and practice. To be successful in this examination, it is not sufficient to merely pick up an auditing manual and learn it. Students who have some practical experience of auditing may be at an advantage, although the wide ranging syllabus will contain elements that will be new material to everyone. The syllabus includes the following topics: professional and ethical considerations, practice management, audit processes including strategy and planning, audit and assurance assignments for companies and groups, and current issues and developments. P6 Advanced Taxation This subject covers all the subject F6 Taxation material and expands into more complex areas. The main new area of study is Inheritance Tax. The subject F6 material will be revised partly through directed self study. Exam questions are largely numerate, but there are always parts of questions which require an explanation of taxation issues. Tax is an important subject for those who work in professional offices and for those in industry and commerce who are concerned with the preparation of statutory accounts, tax returns and business planning. There will be a considerable time gap for most students between the two tax subjects (F6 and P6), so revision is going to be very important. P5 Advanced Performance Management The aim of the module is to ensure candidates can apply judgement and technique in the analysis of relevant data to provide management with the information required to contribute to a range of strategic planning, control and decision-making situations. The syllabus includes the following key areas: management accounting framework, design of management accounting systems, performance measurement, planning and control, and decision making. The module is suitable for students who have enjoyed the management accounting aspects of subject F5, and who are considering following a career involving more specialised management accounting knowledge. It is also a requirement for students who wish to take the ACCA 'top-up' degree. P4 Advanced Financial Management (Not running this year 2011-2012) The aim of this module is to help students to apply relevant knowledge, skills and exercise professional judgement as expected of a senior financial executive or advisor, in taking or recommending decisions relating to the financial management of an organisation. The syllabus includes the following key areas: Treasury and advanced risk management Techniques, advanced investment appraisal, acquisition and mergers, corporate reconstruction and re-organisation The module is suitable for students who did well in Fundamentals Skills F9 Financial Management and see themselves progressing in a strategic financial decision making capacity. Commencement Date The course will commence at the start of the academic year 2011/12

4.4 Academic Calendar

Semester Time table week

Teaching Week No

Week Beg

Monday

Notes

1

26.09.11

9 1

1 10 2 03.10.11 1 11 3 10.10.11 1 12 4 17.10.11 1 13 5 24.10.11 1 14 6 31.10.11 1 15 7 07.11.11 1 16 8 14.11.11 1 17 9 21.11.11 1 18 10 28.11.11 1 19 11 05.12.11 1 20 12 12.12.11 Term Ends Fri 16.12.11 21 19.12.11 22 26.12.11 23 02.01.12 1 24 13 09.01.12 Term Starts Mon 09.01.12 1 25 14 16.01.12 1 26 15 23.01.12 1 27 16 30.01.12 2

28

17 06.02.12

2 29 18 13.02.12 2 30 19 20.02.12 2 31 20 27.02.12 2 32 21 05.03.12 2 33 22 12.03.12 2 34 23 19.03.12 Term Ends Fri 23.03.12 35 26.03.12 36 02.04.12 37 09.04.12 2 38 24 16.04.12 Term Starts Mon 16.04.12 2 39 25 23.04.12 2 40 26 30.04.12 2 41 27 07.05.12 Bank Holiday May 7 2 42 28 14.05.12 2 43 29 21.05.12 2 44 30 28.05.12 2 45 31 04.06.12 Bank Holidays June 4 and 5

Term Ends Fri 08.06.12

46

11.06.12

47 18.06.12 48 25.06.12 49 02.07.12 50 09.07.12

4.5 Careers Support The Careers department will provide a workshop in semester 2 for students. We also advise students to acquaint themselves with the ACCA website (www.accaglobal.com) which is full of useful contact information including the P.E.R requirements. Careers planning agreement A Career Planning Agreement (CPA) for your course has been developed. Having a CPA means that your Course Leader and careers counsellors have identified career-relevant work happening within your course and that your lecturers will make this content explicit to you during your time at Brighton. The Careers Centre is involved as part of the agreement and you can book an appointment for a careers interview. The purpose of the CPA is to help you assess your skills, think about and choose what you want to do on graduation, how to get there, and how to develop the career management skills needed for the rest of your life. The CPA covers four learning outcomes as follows: - competencies in self-assessment and personal review - competencies in researching job ideas and occupational information - competencies in decision making, goal setting and action planning - competencies in the transition to work, self employment, further study and training. Further details of your CPA is available on the School Area of Studentcentral and from there you can explore the many helpful Career links

CLICK STUDENTCENTRAL

CLICK STUDENT LIFE

CLICK CAREERS & PART TIME JOBS

We also have a range of workshops scheduled into your course so if you are interested in these Career Planning workshops please check your timetable. (attendance is optional). We know that some of you are already happy with where you are in your career path, many of you may be sponsored by an employer, or changing your career for reasons of self-actualisation. Wherever you see yourself in terms of your career position, we have plenty of resources here at the University of Brighton to help you. While these notes have been carefully prepared with all the University of Brighton, ACCA and Oxford Brookes regulations taken into consideration, and have been checked independently at the University and by the ACCA, students should remain aware that we advise students in good faith and according to our understanding of a student's options, the final decision will inevitably rest with the Association.

5. COURSE ASSESSMENT

5.1 Nature of assessment 5.2 Examination past papers 5.3 Mitigating circumstances 5.1 Nature of assessment

Students sit their examinations with the ACCA and are responsible for organising this themselves. 5.2 Examination past papers These can be found on the ACCA website www.accaglobal.com 5.3 Mitigating circumstances ACCA Specific rules regarding mitigating circumstan ces (i) Mitigating circumstances are unforeseen incidents which affect a student's performance either in

their coursework or their end-of-course examination. In order to be admissible the circumstances must have:

• materially affected the students' ability either to prepare their coursework, revise for an

examination or to work during the examination • been beyond the student's control • not been predictable in advance and therefore were not able to be compensated for by non-

registration, withdrawal or special provision during the examinations • been corroborated by independent third party evidence e.g. Doctor's Certificate or Police

Incident Report.

(ii) Examples of mitigating circumstances which would be admissible are the recent death of a close relative, the critical illness of a dependent relative, a severe debilitating illness during a critical period of the course or disruption for more than 10 minutes during the examination.

(iii) Examples of mitigating circumstances which would not normally be admissible are pre-existing

long term physical or mental illness, marital (or similar) difficulties, normal pregnancy, moving house, changing employment, work pressure, bad handwriting and English as a second language.

6. COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS 6.1 Admissions 6.2 Progression 6.3 Withdrawal ______________________________________________________________________ 6.1 Admissions Minimum Entry Requirements to Fundamentals Skills Students wishing to join the Fundamentals Skills course to study in part-time mode must, in accordance with ACCA and University regulations: i) be currently registered students of the Association, ii) be able to provide documentary evidence from the ACCA of exemption from or of having

passed a minimum of two subjects at the Fundamentals Knowledge examinations, i.e. students may carry only one subject from Fundamentals Knowledge on to the course. Additionally, students will not be able to take any subjects at the Professional Essentials external examinations until they have registered to sit any outstanding papers at the Fundamental stage.

iii) be competent to read, speak and write in English. This normally requires an IELTS score of

6.0 overall, with 6.0 in the written element, or a TOEFL score of 580. The ACCA expects students to sit for examinations in module order i.e. complete the Knowledge module before commencing the Skills module. The entry requirements for part-time students wishing to enter directly to Fundamentals Skills Phase 2, are the same in all respects to those entering Fundamentals Skills Phase 1, except that in addition documentary evidence would be required of exemption from at least two of the stage 1 subjects F4, F5 and F6, and Fundamental Knowledge papers. In all cases, the final decision for acceptance on to the ACCA Fundamentals Skills course rests with the course leader. Minimum Entry Requirements to Professional level (A CCA) Students wishing to join the course at Professional level would normally be expected to be able to provide documentary evidence from the ACCA of having passed or having exemptions from all of Fundamentals Skills, except that students who have been referred in or have outstanding externally examined subjects may be allowed to join the course, at the discretion of the course leader. Further progress in the examinations will then be subject to ACCA regulations, including the requirement to have cleared all of Fundamentals Knowledge before any Professional Essentials subjects may be taken. 6.2 Progression Regulations

� Normally students would have successfully completed Fundamental Skills Phase 1 before proceeding to Phase 2, but students who have been unsuccessful at no more than one of the Fundamental Skills Phase 1 subjects may be admitted to Phase 2 of the course. The remaining Phase 1 subject would have to be passed before a student can progress to the Professional stage.

� Students may enter directly on to Fundamental Skills phase 2 if they satisfy the entry requirements for entry to Fundamental Skills phase 1 detailed in section 6.1 above.

6.3 Withdrawal from the course Students who wish to withdraw from the course should write to the course leader, informing her/him that they wish to withdraw.

7. LIBRARY, COMPUTING AND MEDIA SERVICES 7.1 The library service 7.2 Library services to part-time students 7.3 The Online Library 7.4 Computing services for students based at Moulse coomb 7.5 Media Centres 7.6 Studentcentral 7.7 ASK Study Guide 7.8 Useful web addresses _________________________________________________________________ The Information Services department provides library, computing and media services in support of learning, teaching, research and administration at the University of Brighton. 7.1 The library service 7.1.1 The University of Brighton libraries � There are six libraries at the University of Brighton; the Aldrich, Falmer and St Peter’s House

libraries in Brighton, the Queenwood and Health Sciences libraries in Eastbourne and the Hastings Campus Library.

� You will be issued with a student identity / library card (Unicard) when you enrol, which will enable you to borrow material from all University of Brighton libraries. Your Unicard will also allow you reference access to the University of Sussex library.

� The Aldrich Library is located in the Cockcroft Building on the Moulsecoomb site. It stocks a broad range of books and other materials relevant to your studies, covering all aspects of business studies, management and law.

7.1.2 Opening hours Full, up to date information the about opening hours for all site libraries can be found at www.brighton.ac.uk/is/students > Libraries > Opening hours. Opening hours for Aldrich Library (on the Moulsecoomb site): Term time: Monday – Thursday 08.30 – 21.00 Friday 08.30 – 19.00 Saturday & Sunday 13.00 – 17.00 Vacations: Monday – Friday 09.00 – 17.30 Saturday Closed Sunday 13.00 – 17.00 (except August) The Ground Floor of the Aldrich Library, which contains a Computer Pool Room and Social Study Space, remains open until 02.00 every night during term time. After the library closes, entrance to the Ground Floor is via the entrance in Queensdown School Road and you will need your Unicard to gain entrance. In addition the upper floors of Aldrich Library have extended opening hours during exam revision periods. For more information about this look out for posters displayed in the library or visit www.brighton.ac.uk/is/aldrich.

7.1.3 Borrowing entitlements You may borrow up to 20 items at any one time. The standard loan period is three weeks but items in heavy demand are seven day loan or for use in the library only (Desk Loan Collection). Desk Loan items can be booked in advance for use in the library or overnight loan. You will normally be charged a fine if you return a short loan item late or retain an item which has been reserved by another user and recalled by the library. 7.1.4 Renewing items It is not always necessary to bring items which you have on loan into the library to renew them. Provided that it has not been requested by another user, any item may be renewed: � in the library on production of your Unicard � by telephoning the library (the Aldrich Library renewals line number is 01273 642770). Outside of

library opening hours there is an answerphone where you can leave a message requesting a renewal.

� online using the My Account tab in the library catalogue (via the Online Library at http://library.brighton.ac.uk). You will need to log in using your Unicard number.

7.1.5 Returning items � If the library is open, take your items to the library so that they can be discharged from your record. � When the library is closed, you can use the secure book-drop bins situated at the site libraries. At

Aldrich there is one on the ground floor adjacent to the computer pool room and a second one outside the main library entrance. These can be used for returning books only when the library is closed.

� Items can be returned by post; however, they remain your responsibility until received by the library.

7.1.6 The library catalogue The library catalogue is available on dedicated terminals in each library and is also accessible online via the Online Library (http://library.brighton.ac.uk). The catalogue has information about the all material held in all of our site libraries. You can use the catalogue to search for books, print journals and audio-visual items and to access your own borrower record for renewing books and to see your current loans. You can also use the catalogue to reserve items when all copies are on loan. 7.1.7 Requesting items from other libraries If you would like an item sent to your local site library from one of our other site libraries you can fill out a request card at your library enquiry desk. If you are a final year undergraduate or a postgraduate student, you are entitled to inter-library loans. This means that we can obtain books or articles from other libraries for you (usually the British Library) when we do not hold them in stock. For more information about inter-library loans, please see Information Services document 434: An Aldrich guide to requesting inter-library loans or ask at your library Help Desk. 7.1.8 Photocopying All the libraries offer self-service photocopying facilities - you should read the notices about copyright to ensure you stay within the legal limits of copying from printed materials. For colour photocopying on the Moulsecoomb site please use the Reprographics Unit on the ground floor of the Cockcroft Building.

7.1.9 Audio-visual material All the libraries have relevant collections of videotapes, DVDs and CDs which you can use in the library or borrow for home use. You can use the library catalogue to search for audio-visual items. 7.1.10 Communications The library uses your university UniMail address for all correspondence (e.g. recalled, loans or notification of reserved items awaiting collection). It is possible to set your UniMail to be forwarded to a personal email account of your choice. This can be done within StudentCentral by clicking on UniMail for full instructions. 7.1.11 Enquiries and further help

A Help Desk can be found in each of our libraries. You can also contact the Aldrich Library: By phone: Aldrich Library Help Desk: 01273 642760 Aldrich Library renewals line: 01273 642770 By email: General enquiries: [email protected] Subject support team for Business and Law: [email protected]. If you have special needs, ask about the services that can be provided to enable you to use the libraries effectively. 7.2 Library services for part-time students If you are studying part time and living away from the university, please ask at your University of Brighton home library about using another university library under the SCONUL Access scheme. Ask at your home library Help Desk for more information and you can also visit http://www.access.sconul.ac.uk/ to check whether the library you want to use is part of the scheme. Part time students may also be eligible to join the University of Brighton’s Extended Library Scheme (ELS), whereby items can be posted to you. For more information go to http://www.brighton.ac.uk/is/els. 7.3 The Online Library The Online Library (available via the Online Library tab in StudentCentral or at www.library.brighton.ac.uk) contains: � Library Catalogue: Links to our library catalogue, the catalogues of other local libraries and the

British Library’s catalogue. � Journal Title Search: search facility for finding the electronic and print journals that we subscribe

to. � Browse by subject area. This contains collections of links by subject, eg Business or Law, that

have been selected by the library subject team supporting your course. These links include databases, Internet gateways, government websites and professional organisations

� Online databases with descriptions in alphabetical order. Use the databases to search for articles and papers relevant to your subject. Many of the databases have a user guide which you can access by clicking on the View user guide link. Many of these databases contain the full text of the documents and this is indicated by the words Full Text in red next to the description. The non-full text databases provide bibliographic detail and often an abstract.

A selection of the databases you may find useful are:

Business Source Premier Emerald FAME (Financial Analysis Made Easy) GMID (Global Market Information Database) Lawtel LexisNexis Newspapers (covers UK broadsheets back to 1996) Westlaw

� CrossSearch , which allows searching across multiple databases using a single search box.

� Reference Shelf , which contains links to online reference resources, for example, National Statistics Online, the UK Government statistical service.

� From the Online Library homepage you will find useful links to Information Services, library opening

times, library and computing documents, etc. The majority of these resources are available both on and off campus using your university username and password. Full instructions for access are available beneath each database description or from your library Help Desk. If you would like more information or assistance with using the Online Library please ask at your library Help Desk or email [email protected]. 7.4 Computing services for students based at Moulse coomb

7.4.1 Locations and opening hours for computer ac cess Aldrich library computer poolroom* Term-time Monday - Friday 08.30 – 02.00 Saturday – Sunday 13.00 – 02.00 Vacation Monday – Friday 09.00 – 17.30 Sunday 13.00 – 17.00 (closed during August) *When the main library is closed the computer poolroom can be accessed from the Queensdown School Road entrance. You will need your Unicard to gain entrance. Mithras Annexe computer poolroom* Term-time Monday – Friday 08.30 – 02.00 Weekends: Closed Vacation Monday – Friday 08.30 – 19.00 *An access card is required after 17.30 for Mithras Annexe and these can be obtained from the Aldrich Library Help Desk.

The Aldrich Library The Aldrich Library has a number of computers on each floor and the majority of study spaces have connection points for laptops. The ground floor and designated areas of the Aldrich Library are wireless enabled. For the opening hours of Aldrich Library see section 7.1 above or go to www.brighton.ac.uk/is/aldrich. NB. LIBRARIES AND COMPUTER POOL ROOMS ARE CLOSED ON ALL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS The information above was correct at time of going to press., However as opening hours can be subject to change, for latest information please check the Information Services website at www.brighton.ac.uk/is/students > Computing > Opening hours. 7.4.2 Usernames and passwords When you have completed your online enrolment / activation, your university username and password will be generated. This can be used to access all the open access computers in libraries and poolrooms, StudentCentral and the majority of resources available via the Online Library. If you wish to change your password to something easier to remember, you can do this in StudentCentral by clicking on Personal Settings. 7.4.3 Student email You will be provided with your university email address when you activate your computer account. You can read your email at https://uni.brighton.ac.uk/ . Email is used as the primary means of communication throughout your course of study. Your lecturers and other staff and students will send email to your Brighton University address. You may wish to look at Information Services document is917: A guide to studentmail If you have another, personal, email account, which you would prefer to use, you can arrange for emails sent to your university account to be forwarded automatically. Full instructions can be found in Information Services document is084: Forwarding your university email. You may also wish to setup unimail on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, instructions on how to do this can be found in the document number is088 7.4.4 Connecting your own computer You can connect your own computer via the network sockets in libraries and most halls of residence using an Ethernet cable or via wireless in some areas on each site. Once connected, your computer is part of the university network and is therefore subject to our conditions of use. Please see Information Services document 907: Conditions of Use of University of Brighton Computing Facilities including Networks. One of these conditions is that Sophos anti-virus software be installed and this can be downloaded from the Information Services website by going to www.brighton.ac.uk/is/students and choosing Anti-virus software from the Quick Links for students box. In order to connect your laptop to the network in one of the university libraries you will need to follow set up instructions. You can ask for these at the library enquiry desk or download them from www.brighton.ac.uk/is/students > Using your own computer > In libraries. For more information on connecting your computer in halls of residence and computer clinics go to www.brighton.ac.uk/is/students > Computing > Using your own computer. Wireless connection is also available on the Moulsecoomb and other sites in selected areas. We are expanding the areas in which wireless connectivity is available so please go to www.brighton.ac.uk/is/wireless for up to date information. Set up instructions for connecting your

laptop to the university’s wireless network can be obtained from your library enquiry desk or from www.brighton.ac.uk/is/students > Using your own computer > Wireless. 7.4.5 The Computer Store The Computer Store in the Watts Building at Moulsecoomb sells blank CDs, USB sticks, cables, software, computers etc. Many items are available at special educational discount rates. The computer store is open 9am – 4.30pm daily during term-time. 7.4.6 Printing Information Services provides a variety of high quality networked laser printers throughout the university. You can use them from computer pool rooms, from libraries and from your laptop on all main sites of the university. A printing account is automatically set up for you once you activate your computer account and you can add credit to your account using the blue Printer Credit Stations which you will find located in the open access computer pool rooms. For more information on using the networked printers see Information Services document number 003: Using the networked printers. To print from your own laptop you will need to be connected to the university network and working inside the university. You will also need to install the correct printer drivers on your laptop which are available for download from www.brighton.ac.uk/is/students and then from the Quick links for Students box choose Printing > Mobile printing service. 7.4.7 Scanners Scanners are located in all open access computer pool rooms. 7.4.8 Software available in the open access compu ter poolrooms

• Adobe Reader • EndNote (bibliographic software) • InfoZip • Internet Explorer • MS Office 2007 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Access 2007) • MindGenius (mind-mapping software) • Minitab • PhotoShop Elements (on machines connected to scanners only) • Sophos (anti-virus software) • SoThink (HTML editor) • SPSS • TextHelp Read & Write Gold (screen reading and reading/writing tool)

In addition there is specialist software available as relevant in the different poolrooms / libraries. For a full, up to date list go to www.brighton.ac.uk/is/students > Computing > Software information 7.4.9 Computing help Online help is available in StudentCentral (see below) and a wide range of guides and help sheets are available in computer poolrooms. Technician help is also available in the poolrooms at advertised

times. For help with username and password problems you can contact your local library enquiry desk. All our guides are also available online from our documents catalogue at http://www.brighton.ac.uk/isdocs. See also www.brighton.ac.uk/is/students > Getting help. 7.5 Media Centres Media Centres offer a range of media services at each site for staff and students including lending a range of equipment such as camcorders, digital audio recorders, digital cameras, overhead projectors etc. The site media centres also sell a range of IT and a/v consumables. On the Moulsecoomb site, the Media Centre is located in the Watts Building. For full details go to www.brighton.ac.uk/is/students > Media Centres.

7.6 Studentcentral

studentcentral is the student intranet for the University of Brighton; it is a one-stop-shop for online information whilst studying here. What's in studentcentral? When you login to studentcentral your personalised home page gives you access to academic and other resources wherever you have internet access – at home, at work, abroad or in the university. Once logged in studentcentral will give you access to information about your school, your course and each of the modules you take. If you have a special need to have your home page personalised even further, please contact the studentcentral team. Content areas for your school , your course and your individual modules , containing:

• Key course information such as your course handbook (see course area) and module descriptors (module areas).

• Timetables and examination schedules (see school area) • School, course and module announcements – these appear in the home page too • Course material – module handbooks, other documents, powerpoint slides images, audio or

video in the module areas (see module areas). • A Learning Resources section with your Reading Lists (see module areas) • Revision quizzes, test and surveys (see module areas) • "Assignments" items for submitting the electronic copy of your assignments (see module

areas). • Past 2 years of examination papers (school area). • Communications tools so you can email everyone in a module, discuss online, communicate in

real time (video conferencing), share files in small groups, etc. • Student rep contact details, course board minutes, and annual academic health reports (see

school area). On your home page you will also see the ASK Study Guide and Student Life. Please have a look around these areas plus the school area when you first log in. Useful links to

• the Online Library (see section 7.3, above) • unimail (see section 7.4 above and IS document is917 : A guide to studentmail ) • Community @ Brighton – see below for more information.

To find out more

Click on the Help icon for information about studentcentral and community. To get started, search for "help" or "started".

Social networking and blogging service Once described as an online school playground, Community @ Brighton is a full social networking and blog service for students and staff at the University of Brighton. Community@Brighton is shaped by the people who use it. It is available to all staff and students via studentcentral or directly by visiting https://community.brighton.ac.uk/. Staff and students are equal members and everyone can contribute in the same way. Community@Brighton may also be used to support your tutors to support learning, so it’s worth logging on and taking a look.

Keep a blog

Your Blog (weblog) is your online diary – simply click "post an new entry" and fill in the boxes.

• You can make your blog private, university-only or public. • You can add links and pictures. • Unless you make posting private, you will become famous for five

minutes as the latest blog tops the list!

Present your profile

Your Profile is your public face, what you want people to know about you. Add keywords / tags for your interests and they become links for you to find out who else used them. Then you can make like-minded people into your online friends.

Find online friends

Add people to "Your Friends" so you can find their blog more easily. Find your friends list in the right-hand panel.

Store your files Keep your files on Community to use in your blogs and share with your friends; you can store up to 10MB.

Create and browse adverts

Buy and sell books and equipment, look for accommodation

Join communities

… or create your own

Join an existing community such as Environmental Action Network, New Students, Gig-Addicts or Chaplaincy. Choose whatever matches your interests and use the community blogs to discuss things. Communities can be public or closed. Set up your own Community to share a group blog (and wiki) with like-minded people, for

• a club or society - to announce events meetings or discuss topics of special interest

• a special interest group - to advertise or comment upon related external events or ideas

• a school, course, module or project group - to share ideas, arrange meetings

RSS feeds Use Community to manage your RSS feeds

Portfolios and CVs

Draw together information to present your CV, your Portfolio or simply a small web site. Make it public if you like.

7.7 ASK Study Guide

In addition to course-specific guidance, online resources to help you study effectively are available through the ASK Study Guide on Studentcentral. You will find the link in the “My tools” menu on the homepage. The ASK Study Guide offers advice on how to make the most of seminars and lectures, reading and notemaking, preparing for exams, tackling stress, essay writing, oral presentations, group work and many other topics. You will also find information about the weekly Study Support workshops held at all university sites, how to book tutorials or groups and specialist services such as the Maths & Stats Support Unit and English Language Support Programme.

7.8 Useful web addresses

• Information Services web site http://www.brighton.ac.uk/is/ • Online Library http://library.brighton.ac.uk • student mail https://uni.brighton.ac.uk/ • studentcentral http://studentcentral.brighton.ac.uk/ • studentcentral help http://student.brighton.ac.uk/help/faq.php • Help Documents www.brighton.ac.uk/is/docs

8. STUDENT SERVICES

Opportunities and support to help you get the most out of your time at university. Student Services is a central department providing a range of services to support you through university and to make sure you get the most from the student experience. We’re separate from your school and are here to help with all kinds of academic and non-academic issues. Our experienced and supportive staff offer advice on a range of issues, including:

- Advice about money worries and how to live on a budget. - Support in finding jobs and volunteering opportunities. - Help accessing academic support if you have a disability, learning difficulty or long-term

medical condition. - One to one support for students with worries or concerns in a safe, confidential space.

Here for you, whatever the issue Below is an outline of some of the ways in which we can help you during your time here.

Career development

Build your employability skills and boost your graduate potential, with careers guidance, enterprise skills and employment and volunteering opportunities. www.brighton.ac.uk/careers

Chaplaincy

There’s more to the Chaplaincy than you think with social events, retreats, worship, discussion, support and listening.

Childcare

With two nurseries, both rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, the University of Brighton is an excellent choice for high quality, affordable and flexible childcare. www.brighton.ac.uk/childcare

Counselling

Whatever the reason, if you are finding academic life is causing you concern, or for personal reasons you need someone to talk things over with, you don't need to feel that you are all alone with your worries. Talk to one of our trained counsellors in a safe and confidential space.

Disability and dyslexia support

If you’ve got a disability, specific learning difficulty or long term-health condition and choose to disclose it in confidence to the Disability and Dyslexia team, you’ll discover the wide range of academic and personal support available. www.brighton.ac.uk/disability

Health and wellbeing

Looking after yourself whist at university helps you to get the most of your experience. Our links to local surgeries give you access to a doctor, while our health and wellbeing workshops and information help you to keep everything in balance – so look after your mind and body.

Student Advice Service

When it comes to your finances at university it pays to be money wise; so for expert advice on financial issues, including fees, grants, bursaries, loans, and money management, contact the Student Advice Service. They can also help if you are an international student needing immigration advice, or support if you’re experiencing culture shock and home sickness. www.brighton.ac.uk/moneymatters

Get in touch

You can find further information about our services and answers to your student life queries at

www.brighton.ac.uk/studentlife You can also access our services at each campus, by visiting our offices or call us to find out more or book an appointment. Eastbourne - Trevin Towers T: 01273 643845 Falmer – E354, Checkland Building T: 01273 643584 Grand Parade – First Floor, main building T: 01273 643187 Moulsecoomb - Manor House, Moulsecoomb Place T: 01273 642895 Hastings – Havelock Road Building, Room 6.06 T: 01273 644636 We can also help answer your questions via email at [email protected]

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9. STUDENT ENTITLEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 9.1 Entitlements 9.2 Responsibilities 9.3 Brighton Business School – Attendance and Engag ement policy 9.4 Disability statement 9.5 Fire evacuation 9.6 Observing copyright laws ______________________________________________________________________________ 9.1 Entitlements You are entitled to:

• guidance and support throughout your time at the University, including referral to Student Services if and when necessary (see 8 above);

• information about the assessment of your programme of study, including any assessed

supervised work experience; which or how many elements must be passed to obtain an award and what weighting each assessment carries, the deadlines for submission of course or other work; and any elements that may in no circumstances be the subject of compensation for failure (see 5 and 6 above);

• information about the regulations for progressing through your programme of study and

achieving the award (see 6 above);

• express your views about your course or other services you receive (see 3.4 above)(although this must be balanced by your responsibility to do so without being defamatory or derogatory to or about individuals whether online, in writing or in person);

• procedure for raising issues and obtaining help and guidance when things go wrong

(see the University Student Handbook and 3.3. and 3.4 above);

• have the right to confidentiality, and compliance with data protection laws (see University Student Handbook) for any personal information, unless you wish it to be communicated further (e.g. to a Course Leader, Exam Board etc).

9.2 Responsibilities It is your responsibility to:

• make yourself aware of University policies and abide by them (see the University Student Handbook);

• make yourself aware of the regulations around plagiarism (see the University Student

Handbook);

• be regular and punctual in your attendance and if you have missed a session find out what you have missed (see the University Student Handbook ) ;

• be aware of the safety rules applying to your course or School; read the safety notices and

know what to do in the event of a fire; familiarise yourself with escape routes; and be aware of at least two escape routes from your place of study or any other area you may occupy (see the University Student Handbook);

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• do not smoke in university buildings, including Halls of residence (see the University Student Handbook), and abide by the terms of any Halls of Residence tenancy agreement;

• make your self aware of and abide by intellectual property laws (see the University Student

Handbook);

• ensure that you are fully conversant with the rules and regulations governing your course;

• make contact with your Course Leader should the need arise;

• attend any meetings with tutors at the time agreed;

• regularly check the post trays, notice board, Studentcentral and your university e-mail;

• notify your Personal Tutor, Year Tutor or Course Leader of any circumstances which may affect your performance on the programme in advance of any deadlines;

• inform the Administrator of any change of address, workplace or contact number including

where you will be living in vacation periods (see 3..2.1);

• be mindful of our guidance on paid employment (see 9.3.2 below)

• registration for electives as required (see 9.3.3 below)

9.3 Brighton Business School – Attendance and Engag ement policy

We expect students to attend all their scheduled lectures, seminars and workshops and to properly prepare themselves for their seminars and assessments. On some modules, if there are no acceptable reasons for a student’s absence, marks may be deducted for non-attendance. Poor attendance may also impact on the Examination Board’s decision to allow a student to be referred in a module.

9.3.1 Brighton Business School - Attendance and Eng agement policy

Engagement with Your Studies

You are expected to engage with all the learning activities which form part of your programme and attend all scheduled course workshops, lectures and seminars. Attendance registers will be maintained by your course team and should your individual attendance fall below an average of 75%, this may be taken into consideration by Examination Boards when deliberating on the granting of referrals.

You may however be unable to attend scheduled workshops, lectures and seminars from time to time due to exceptional circumstances (for example personal illness, family bereavement, hospitalisation etc.). In such cases, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the course management team are informed at the time and that such absence is discussed with and recorded by the course team. Where possible, students are expected to provide evidence supporting their absence and a lack of evidence may limit the decision making options of the course leader and/or examination board.

Should your record of attendance be consistently poor (i.e. fall below the 75% minimum requirement), you may be required to attend a meeting with your Course Leader to discuss your absences. In the event you fail to attend the meeting without due notice, you will receive a further letter inviting you to a re-arranged meeting. If you do not attend this meeting, you will then be considered to have withdrawn from the course.

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Your responsibilities as a student

We encourage you to make use of all the facilities and resources available to you, including libraries and ICT facilities, to enable you to pursue your studies diligently and take responsibility for your own learning. You should familiarise yourself with University and Brighton Business School Rules and Regulations including any relating to your course and should be aware of the requirements of your course. Your course programme team, including the course administrators are available to clarify any questions you may have. Contact details of all the course team are available in your course handbook.

Your lecturers will tell you that experience has taught us that poor attendance at lectures and/ or seminars is likely to lead to you under-achieving. The scatter plot below shows the performance of students against their record of attendance in two seminar groups for a module that shall be nameless, but which, we can assure you, is entirely representative of first year modules in general.

Poor attendance leads to poor examination performance

0

20

40

60

80

0 20 40 60 80 100

% Attendance at seminars and lectures

Exa

min

atio

n M

ark

One has to ask why the students represented on the left of the plot bothered to come to university as the message is clear: You are only likely to perform well if you attend r egularly. And, of course, it is not just about attendance but also about participation in seminars. A closer examination of the marks shown above reveals that the higher marks have ALL been attained by those students who not only attended regularly, but also prepared themselves in advance of the seminars and then actively participated in the seminars. You have been especially selected for your course because we think you have the right aptitude and intelligence to succeed - so heed the warning and do not fall into the trap of under achieving and then being required to withdraw from the course. We want you to succeed, but you need to make it happen. 9.3.2 Paid employment

Students can obtain assistance in finding paid employment from the Job Workshop, Manor House. However, you are here to study so if you do decide to undertake some paid employment during your time here do not take on too much work. We are expecting that the average student will devote some 35/40 hours per week to their studies so there will not be too much spare time for paid employment. You should also note that the University's recommended guideline is no more than twelve hours per week of paid employment on a full time course so do be careful. It is hoped you can find a suitable balance between your studies- which is why you are here- and your responsibilities outside.

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9.3.3 Registration for electives At the beginning of each year, once they have enrolled and arrangements have been put in place for payment of fees, students are automatically registered on to the appropriate modules/papers for their courses. Students intending to study Level 6 Specialist Electives must register their choice of Specialist Electives with their Course Administrator by the end of April of the year preceding the commencement of a particular level of study. Before registering their choices, all students are advised to consult course regulations and to have discussed with a member of staff any restrictions on modules available to them in the following semester(s). Once registered, a student's programme of modules i s fixed for that stage. The following rules will apply:

• A student must register for a module according to the above rules.

• A student will be considered for assessment purposes not to have taken a module if (s)he formally de-registers from that module by the end of Week 2 of the Semester in which it is being offered (i.e. by the end of the second week of study). You will not be allowed to make any changes after this date except in exceptio nal circumstances and then only with the written permission of the Assistant Head U ndergraduate Programmes.

• If a student does not formally de-register from a module by the end of Week 2, and does

not undertake or complete the assessment associated with that module (without mitigating circumstances), (s)he will be deemed by the Examination Board to have taken but failed that module.

9.4 Disability Statement

The University of Brighton is fully committed to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Act 2001 (SENDA), which extended to educational institutions the provisions of the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act. The booklet entitled Access and Support for Disabled Students summarises the University’s approach to and provision for students with all types of disability, including long-term conditions, mental health difficulties, sensory impairments and specific learning difficulties. A copy of the booklet is available from Student Services, and a reference copy is held in the School Office. Fuller information about relevant services can be found at: http://www.brighton.ac.uk/disability/ Staff who co-ordinate support for students with disabilities and special needs are based in the Disability & Dyslexia Team in Student Services located in the Manor House. They can be contacted by phone 01273 643799 fax 01273 643669 email [email protected] If you have special needs please also raise this with Donna Clark in the Undergraduate Office (M160) who can make you aware of student support available. 9.5 Fire evacuation On hearing the fire alarm Leave the building by nearest route Close all doors behind you.

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Report to assembly point as shown on nearest fire action notice. At all times: Use the nearest available exit. Do not stop to collect personal belongings. Do not run or try to pass the person in front. Do not use the lift. Do not re-enter the building. Do not congregate outside the main entrance. NB These are generic procedures, please refer to any additional specific procedures associated to individual buildings. Students with a disability or mobility problems sho uld notify their personal tutor or course leader or the Special Needs Officer (Donna C lark, Room M160), so that evacuation arrangements can be set up for them. For further information on health and safety procedures at the University go to: http://staffcentral.brighton.ac.uk/safety/ 9.6 Observing copyright laws Under UK copyright law, you must not copy someone else’s copyright material unless (a) you have their permission or (b) it falls within the limits of what is known as ‘fair dealing ’. Most works remain in copyright for 70 years after the death of the author/creator.

‘Fair dealing’ for ‘private study or research for a non-commercial purpose’ permits you to make a single copy of a ‘reasonable proportion’ of a copyright work. ‘Reasonable’ is not legally defined but it is recommended that you keep within the following limits:

• one complete chapter or up to 5% of a book;

• one article from any one issue of a periodical or set of conference

proceedings;

• up to 10% (up to a maximum of 20 pages) per shor t book (without chapters), report, standard or pamphlet;

• one poem or short story (maximum 10 pages) from a n anthology;

• one separate illustration or map up to A4 size;

• short excerpts only from musical works (not whol e works or movements) and no copying for performance purposes.

In all cases, you should acknowledge the source of the work.

Multiple photocopies Should you need to make multiple copies of copyright material for classroom use, please first read the notice ‘Copyright – multiple copies’ which should be on display near each university photocopier and is also available online at http://www.brighton.ac.uk/is/copyright. Copyright and the internet Do not assume that just because something appears on the internet, it must be in the public domain. All material on the internet is protected by copyright. Look for a copyright statement (often on the website’s home page under ‘copyright’, ‘terms and conditions’, ‘disclaimer’ or similar) and unless copyright has been explicitly waived, seek permission before re-using it in any publicly-accessible document (web page, poster, etc). Taking a single paper copy of a ‘reasonable proportion’ for ‘private study or research for a non-commercial purpose’ (using the fair dealing

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limits outlined under ‘single photocopies’ above) is OK but cutting and pasting from someone’s web page to add to your own website or to send to a group is not. For more guidelines on electronic fair dealing, see http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/services/elib/papers/pa/licence/fairnote If you are looking for an image to use in your coursework, remember that images retrieved from Google, Yahoo, etc are often subject to copyright. Start by checking the sources listed on the Online Library’s ‘film, image and sound sources’ page on the Reference Shelf http://library.brighton.ac.uk/pages/Film__Image_and_Sound_Sources/index.php Many of these collections are available for non-commercial use without payment. Scanning You may scan a ‘reasonable proportion’ of a printed document for ‘private study or research for a non-commercial purpose’ (using the fair dealing limits outlined under ‘single photocopies’ above) but it must remain for your personal use only. Do not put scanned copyright material on a computer network and do not distribute it by email. If you use any scanned copyright material in your course work, do not alter it, always put text between quotation marks, and always acknowledge your source. Remember, unacknowledged use of scanned material in your course work could make you liable to accusations of copyright theft and plagiarism. For further information on copyright The UK Intellectual Property Office website (http://www.ipo.gov.uk/) is a useful starting point for copyright information but much of the university’s use of copyright material is determined by individual licence agreements covering material such as print materials, digitised texts, OS maps, newspapers, tv and radio programmes, e-journals etc. If you need any further information on this subject, please check out the documents on copyright at http://www.brighton.ac.uk/is/copyright

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10. MISCELLANEOUS 10.1 Course Handbook 10.2 ACCA Student Membership 10.3 ACCA Fees 10.4 Students with Disabilities 10.5 The role of the course leader 10.6 The role of the Annual Course Review Board 10.7 Quality Assurance 10.8 Oxford Brookes Degree ______________________________________________________________________________ 10.1 Course Handbook This Course Handbook contains course-specific information which you will need as an ACCA student. On entry to the University of Brighton, all students have access to the University Student Handbook, which contains information on general University matters. Both handbooks are important and should be read very carefully, and retained for future reference. The University Student Handbook contains, among other things relevant to being a student in Brighton, important information on the following: i) Extracts from examination and assessment regulations. Please note exceptions to GEAR

noted in the previous section; ii) Disciplinary procedures; iii) Library services; iv) Computer services and facilities; v) Guide to Students Services, including Careers, Welfare, Special needs, Counseling services,

the Chaplaincy, Medical services, and Childcare; vi) Guide to the Students Union; vii) Information on the personal tutor system. 10.2 ACCA Student Membership You should be a current registered student of the ACCA at the start of the course and have already passed or be exempted from the Fundamentals Knowledge module of the Association's examinations. Documentary evidence of this will be required. If, exceptionally, you are not already a registered student of the ACCA then information about membership may be obtained from: ACCA 2 Central Quay 89 Hydepark Street Glasgow. G3 8BW Tel: 0141 582 2000 Problems or queries involving exemptions should be directed to Glasgow.

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Any problems encountered in obtaining student membership or exemption from Fundamentals Knowledge should be brought to the attention of your course leader as soon as possible. Please however see the notice in the course leader introduction section. 10.3 ACCA Fees The fees you pay to the University of Brighton cover the tuition you receive from the University and all other university support. They do not include any stationery or books, nor do they cover ACCA membership, examination or exemption fees, or any other ACCA charges. You will therefore be expected to pay separately to the ACCA: • registration fees • annual membership fee • examination fees for all exams. Details of all these will be sent to you separately by the ACCA, along with any other charges they may make. 10.4 Students with Disabilities A summary of the University of Brighton's policies towards students with disabilities is given in Access and Support for Disabled Students booklet. You can in addition, help us in the following ways: • If you have a disability, please disclose this to a member of university staff (the course

leader, course administrator or any other member of staff), so that we can then make any additional arrangements that are necessary.

• Please let us know of any other ways in which we can help you. Remember, though, that any arrangements made with the university will have to be separately organised with the ACCA when you come to take the external examinations. 10.5 The role of the course leader The course leader is expected to: • oversee the academic integrity of the course; • provide the academic leadership of the course; • review the academic content of the course; • review the student progression by subject/cohort etc including comparison with previous

years; • produce an annual review to form part of the Monitoring and Evaluation report; • work with the course team; • ensure intra-subject integration takes place. • ensure that all specific ACCA-related procedures are satisfactorily completed, in

accordance with Appendix C of the Requirements for Accreditation of ACCA Internally Assessed Fundamentals Skills Courses.

In addition to providing academic leadership of the award, the course leader is also responsible for the day-to-day management of the course, assisted by the course teaching team, the Course Administrator and the Courses Assistants. The course leader is also responsible for holding meetings with student representatives, which in the case of the ACCA/BA (Hons) Accountancy Studies course, take the form of Course Boards.

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10.6 The role of the Annual Course Review Board The university will arrange an annual course review board to appraise critically: • issues arising from students' questionnaires; • student enrolment and withdrawals, analysed by each separate cohort; • student performance by subject, analysed as above; • student performance at Professional levels; • course structure and content; • assessment methods; • views of tutors and Internal Examiners; • External Examiners' reports; • any other administrative matters. The membership of the Annual Course Review Board will consist of

• The Head of Professional and Post-experience Programmes at the University of Brighton; • The Course Leader • The ACCA representative • All staff teaching on the course • The Information Services Advisor

10.7 Quality Assurance ACCA policies for quality assurance are adhered to. There is an annual course review board as requested by the ACCA. Student participation in the evaluation process is viewed as essential at all stages. Within Brighton Business School, students are asked to complete a Module Evaluation Form at a convenient point during the course and the ACCA course leader will convene a Course Board, at least once a term, to meet with elected student representatives from the course at each institution. Also, more generally, student representatives have places on the ACCA Annual Course Review Board, Course Boards, Programme Boards, Boards of Study, Faculty Boards, Academic Board and its committees, and the Board of Governors. 10.8 Oxford Brookes Degree Students have the option to register for the ACCA Oxford Brookes BSc Degree in Applied Accounting, to be awarded the degree you must:

• be registered with Oxford Brookes University ie opted-in to the BSc degree scheme before passing any of the three ACCA Fundamental papers F7, F8 and F9

• pass the three ACCA Fundamental papers F7, F8 and F9 ad pass other papers required to successfully complete all nine Fundamentals levels papers

• complete the ACCA Professional Ethics module • to submit your Research and Analysis Project in the May submission period this

must be completed by 15 April of the same year • to submit you Research and Analysis Project in the November submission period

this must be completed by 15 October of the same year • compete and pass the Oxford Brookes University Research and Analysis Project

The degree must be completed within 10 years of your initial registration onto ACCA’s professional qualification otherwise your eligibility will be withdrawn. For full details on the Oxford Brookes degree scheme please go to the ACCA website http://www.accaglobal.com/students/bsc/eligibility/

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APPENDIX A

CAREER PLANNING – WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE JOURNEY

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