2020/21
Master of Science in International
Accounting & Finance
Level 9, 90 ECTS
(with an embedded exit award of Postgraduate
Diploma in Accounting and Finance,
Level 9, 60 ECTS
Programme Handbook
1
Foreword
Welcome to DBS where we will help you realise your ambition. We have an international reputation
for delivering a high-quality student experience and our intention is to do everything we can do to
support you during your time with us.
Dublin Business School (DBS) is Ireland’s largest independently owned, third level institution. Our
campus is in Dublin’s city centre and comprises four buildings where nationalities from over 95
countries participate in a bustling and thriving student life.
We offer programmes across a range of disciplines from business to data science, cybersecurity to
artificial intelligence, marketing to psychology, accounting and finance through law, film and creative
media. We are committed to enabling strong academic outcomes through employer-led programmes
and continuing to deliver an out-standing student experience.
This year coming contains many significant challenges for higher education providers due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. At DBS we will meet this challenge head-on and draw on our experience of
delivering high-quality teaching and learning through hybrid and multi-modal learning. Our utmost
priority is the protection of your health and safety and DBS actively commits to government guidelines
and protocols in order to ensure this. We will also do everything we can to maximise the opportunities
for you to be on campus as much as possible and this will mean that some of your learning will be on
campus and some will be online. You will find the specific details in your online timetable as well as in
your Module and Assessment Guides.
The information contained in this handbook is crucial to your learning. It provides important
information on your programme, your assessments and the key individuals you will meet. For these
reasons we want you to constantly read and refer to this handbook and use it as a key information
source during your time with us.
We are dedicated to ensuring that you have a rewarding and fulfilling experience while studying at
DBS and intend that, through your programme of study, you begin to realise your ambitions and your
career goals.
Good luck on your journey!
Kerry
Dr Kerry McCall Magan
Head of Academic Programmes
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Table of Contents
Foreword 1
Section 1 Programme Information 3
Welcome Message from Course Director 3
1.1 Programme Administration 4
1.2 Main Points of Contact for the programme 4
1.3 Programme Team 5
Section 2 Programme Details 6
2.1 Aims of the Programme 6
2.2 Programme Learning Outcomes 7
2.3 Programme structure 8
2.4 Teaching and Learning Strategy for a multi-modal environment 9
Section 3 Assessment 11
3.1 Introduction to Assessment 11
3.2 Assessment Brief 12
3.3 Reassessment 14
3.4 General Submission Requirements 14
3.5 Awarding Body and NFQ Level 15
3.6 Useful links and tips 15
Section 4 Academic Calendar 17
Section 5 Quality Assurance Handbook 18
5.1 Key Assessment Regulations 18
Section 6 Conclusion 19
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Section 1 Programme Information
Welcome Message from Course Director
Welcome Hello and a very warm welcome to Dublin Business School. My name is Richard O'Callaghan, and I am
the Course Director for your finance programme.
You have made the right choice on deciding to study at Dublin Business School. We are Ireland’s largest
independent third-level intuition, offering a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional
programmes in Business, Arts and Law. Your choice to study international accounting and finance will enhance
your personal, academic, and professional development.
DBS has built on a reputation of “Excellence through Learning” and we pride ourselves on our ability to design
and deliver programmes which are academically rigorous and innovative whilst ensuring they meet the demands
of an ever-changing global business community. All faculty members are experienced tutors who are specialists
in their chosen field. As well as being highly qualified academically, they also bring a wealth of industry
experience to the classroom. Our tutors are actively engaged in consultancy and research and this feeds directly
into your learning experience.
I look after the undergraduate programmes which include the BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance, and the
postgraduate programmes, the MSc in Financial Analytics and the MSc in Financial Technology. I work closely
with your Programme Coordinator Aditya Shankar and your lecturers. Some examples of areas that I can assist
with include:
● Academic planning and choices
● Assignments and Examinations
● Decisions around stream choices.
Your student portal is also a one stop shop for accessing your email, timetables and more. I would like to note
the DBS email assigned to you. It is important that you correspond with DBS staff using this email only. We will
send a number of important communications to this email during your studies. This information and more, is
available in your Student Handbook, which can be accessed via students.dbs.ie/academic operations
It is appreciated that new students each have particular needs. This handbook is designed to provide you with
much of the information you will require in the first few weeks of your programme of study. It will aid your study
immensely if you familiarise yourself with the contents of this handbook and keep it somewhere safe. It is to be
used in conjunction with the Module and Assessment Guides that you will also receive via Moodle. We hope you
enjoy your time with us here in DBS and look forward to helping you during your learning journey. I am here to
help you with the academic side of your programme from now until you graduate, and beyond.
Please do not hesitate to contact me on richard[email protected] if you have any questions.
Best wishes to you all for a great year!
Richard
Acting Course Director for Accounting and Finance
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1.1 Programme Administration
If you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of your course, or a problem relating to any
aspect of your time here at DBS you should contact your Course Director or Programme Coordinator.
If they cannot tackle the question or problem themselves, they can help you identify the person who
can and they will refer you on to them. Below is short description of the people you will meet on your
programme:
● Course Director
The Course Director has responsibility for ensuring academic quality and standards for
learners (particularly in the areas of teaching, learning and assessment). They are the
academic lead in the discipline area and are a key contact point for programme team liaison
and co-operation. They work to ensure programmes contain high quality teaching and
learning and are committed to enabling strong employer-aligned, academic outcomes.
● Programme Coordinators
Programme Coordinators provide administrative support on programmes and ensure all
learners are provided with full details of their programme of study. They are the first point
of contact for learners on a range of issues such as programme queries, deferrals, personal
mitigating circumstances (PMCs) that may affect their learning.
● Module Leader
The Module Leader is the Lecturer responsible for the module. Their primary function is to
lecture and assess learners on subjects or modules according to the programme document.
Their duties and responsibilities relate to teaching, assessment and completion of the
module. Module leaders work hard to ensure a high quality teaching and learning
experience for all students.
1.2 Main Points of Contact for the programme
Name
E-mail
Programme
Coordinator
Aditya Shankar
aditya.s[email protected]
Course Director
Richard O’Callaghan
richard.ocallaghan@dbs.ie
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1.3 Programme Team
In DBS, email addresses for lecturing staff are as follows: firstname.[email protected]
This is an indicative list and is subject to change.
Module Title
Module Leader
Principles of Financial Markets
Enda Murphy
Quantitative Financial Modelling
Lynn Monaghan
International Financial Reporting
James Browne
Ethics & Corporate Governance
James Browne
Advanced Financial Management
Andrew Quinn
Treasury & Risk Management
Philip Hickey
Advanced International Financial Reporting
James Browne
Strategic Performance Management
Richard O’Callaghan
Research Methods
David Mothersill
Dissertation/Applied Research Project
To be appointed
There are also other valuable points of contact and support in DBS such as Student Services, the
Student Engagement and Success Unit, Student Welfare and Support, IT Helpdesk and the award
winning DBS Library. Your DBS Handbook and the DBS website will contain more information on
these and other great DBS services and supports.
This year coming contains many significant challenges for higher education providers due to the
COVID pandemic. At DBS we will meet this challenge head-on and draw on our experience of
delivering high-quality teaching and learning through hybrid and multi-modal learning. Our utmost
priority is the protection of your health and safety and DBS actively commits to government
guidelines and protocols in order to ensure this. We will also do everything we can to maximise the
opportunities for you to be on campus as much as possible and this will mean that some of your
learning will be on campus and some will be online. You will find the specific details in your online
timetable as well as in your Module and Assessment Guides.
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Section 2 Programme Details
2.1 Aims of the Programme
The MSc in International Accounting and Finance is a one year full-time or two years part-time
programme. This broad programme with an integrated delivery from end‐to‐end covering a range of
skills applicable to a wide range of accounting and finance functions. The programme aims to develop
learners' knowledge of the theory and practice necessary for them to secure employment and perform
in a variety of areas in a broad range of companies.
The programme focuses on practical skills in core areas such as the role of capital markets, quantitative
financial modelling, treasury risk management, international financial reporting, and advanced
financial management. Its aim is to create a critical understanding of core accounting, financial, and
quantitative principles whilst also enhancing the practical technical skills of the learners.
The programme incorporates personal and professional development within modules to enhance
learners’ employability, which will enable them to integrate seamlessly into an organisation by
addressing skills such as leadership, self‐management and teamwork that are essential in the financial
services sector. Research Methods focuses on a literature review, research techniques, and their
application to financial services and how applied research and innovation are linked. These modules
will inform the learner’s Dissertation/Applied Research Project, which requires the production of a
traditional written thesis or an artefact.
Guest lectures from industry and the financial services sector will be invited to participate in each
module. Approx. 2–3 hours will be devoted to domain experts in each module. Where appropriate,
industry visits will be organised. Additionally, students will be invited to “Breakfast Briefings” and
various other industry meet-ups and events hosted in DBS.
The programme provides a wide range of transversal or core soft skills as well as vocational skills or
practical skills are continuously developed and challenged and ensures the learner leads and initiates
activity, individual and group, leading to organisational success and solidarity with others in a
corporate and societal context in an innovative, sustainable and ethical way.
The specific programme aims and objectives are as follows:
1. Enable learners to develop in-depth knowledge and analytical skills in current and evolving
disciplines of international finance and accounting.
2. Provide learners with a systematic knowledge of the organisational and regulatory context
of international accounting and finance.
3. Facilitate the learners’ development and application of skills and attributes that are
complementary and relevant to the contemporary workplace.
4. Identify and develop autonomous learning skills for the learner.
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5. Develop in the learner a contextual understanding of evolving financial and economic trends
and technologies.
6. Enable the learner to identify, develop and apply detailed analytical, creative, problem
solving and research skills.
7. Provide the learner with a comprehensive platform for career development, innovation and
further study.
Overall, the programme aims to create in learners a critical understanding of international
accountancy and finance issues, developing learners’ understanding of the demands of the changing
environment through up-to-date and in-depth knowledge of the core and subfields of international
accountancy and finance whilst also providing valuable and necessary practical skills in this field.
2.2 Programme Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the programme, learners will be able to:
1. Critically appraise the operations of financial markets, banking institutions and financial
service providers in the context of the practical application of the core (risk-reward)
fundamentals of finance.
2. Demonstrate a proficiency in the use and application of a range of quantitative tools and
techniques in solving complex problems utilising large data sets in the context of investment
decision making and risk management.
3. Critically evaluate the appropriate regulatory frameworks governing the operation of
financial markets and the distribution of financial services in the context of increasing data
governance and cyber-security challenges.
4. Demonstrate a systematic understanding and specialised knowledge of international
accounting and finance principles, procedures, operations and governance in compliance
with ethical best practice and professional standards.
5. Critically appraise the contemporary issues pertinent to accounting and finance professions,
and the broader commercial/economic environment, incorporating an awareness of the
importance of ethical behaviour and social responsibility.
6. Demonstrate a proficiency in financial statement analysis, investment appraisal, valuation
techniques, financing, and the utilisation of derivatives in managing systematic risk factors.
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7. Interpret the impact of innovation upon the specific sectors of the international financial
services industry and formulate value enhancing strategies utilising new and evolving
technologies.
8. Display a range of personal and interpersonal skills, including the capacity for continuous
learning, initiative taking, performing to deadlines, working in a team, communicating
effectively and utilising these skills to enter a professional career or undertake further study.
9. Synthesise research philosophies, research design and data collection techniques to
assemble qualitative and quantitative data for applied research.
10. Utilise research techniques to ideate, design, construct and present a viable applied
research project in the context of contemporary issues within the international accounting
and finance industry.
2.3 Programme structure
Technological innovation applied to has created a wave of disruptive activity that will change the
shape of the global economic and financial system over the next decade.
Digitisation and ever-increasing volumes of data has created demand for graduates (employees)
from programmes specifically tailored to the skills required for a changing and increasingly
competitive business landscape.
This is an interdisciplinary programme that focuses on accounting, quantification of data, treasury
functions and corporate finance. It is designed to appeal to graduates seeking to gain exposure to
data driven financial decision-making roles.
It is a 1 year full-time, 2 year part-time programme with taught modules and an applied project
which combined lead to a Postgraduate Diploma in International Accountancy and Finance.
Full-Time Programme Structure
Semester One: Total 30 ECTS
● Four mandatory modules:
o Principles of Financial Markets (10 ECTS)
o Quantitative Financial Modelling (10 ECTS)
o International Financial Reporting (5 ECTS)
o Corporate Governance and Ethics (5 ECTS)
Semester Two: Total 30 ECTS
● Four mandatory modules:
o Advanced Financial Management (10 ECTS)
o Treasury and Risk Management (10 ECTS)
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o Advance Financial Reporting (5 ECTS)
o Strategic Performance Management (5 ECTS)
The programme contains a wide range of formative and summative assessments including individual
and group work, projects, presentations, case studies and examinations.
Learners will synthesise their postgraduate studies with experiential learning gaining critical analysis
and self-reflection skills to embrace lifelong learning to progress professionally or undertake further
studies and/or research.
2.4 Teaching and Learning Strategy for a multi-modal environment
The teaching and learning (T&L) strategy refers to the teaching modes, approaches and activities that
the lecturer will use to help you work toward achieving the learning outcomes for the module.
Examples of T&L modes include:
Mode
Description
In-class
Where the lecturer and all the students are in the class
Live Online
Where the lecturer and all of the students are online at the same time
Hybrid
Where some of the students are online and some are in the class and the lecturer
is either in-class or online
Pre-Recorded
Where the lecturer pre-records a session
On Demand
Where the lecturer has prepared teaching content or activities and made it
available to you online for you to engage with at your own convenience
Examples of T&L approaches include:
Approach
Description
Lecture
Where the lecturer presents or talks about concepts, ideas, topics or theories
Tutorial
Where the lecturer and students engage in a discussion
Workshop
Where the lecturer and students engage in activities either collectively or in
groups
Lab Demonstrations
Where the lecturer or students demonstrate processes usually on a computer
Examples of T&L Activities include
Activity
Description
Case Study
Students review real-world examples of what they are learning about
Guest Speaker
A practitioner talks about real-world examples of what students are learning
about
Group work
Students are divided into groups to work on a particular activity
Peer Review
Students review and comment on other students’ work
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Peer discussion
Students engage in a discussion about a topic which the lecturer observes and
can contribute to
Quizzes
Students work through a series of short questions
Practical Exercises
Students carry out an individual task during the class
Peer Presentations
Students present either individually or as a group to their fellow students
Controlled Debate
Students are divided into groups and argue the merits of a specific stance on a
topic usually determined by the lecturer
Reading
Students engage in a reading activity and either write or report back on what
they have read
Watching Videos
Students analyse videos and have peer discussions on what they have seen
Peer Pairing
Students are split into pairs. Individually they carry out a task and then swap their
work for the other student to review.
Role Play
Students act out a scenario from the real world for the whole group
Typically, a timetabled class will take place in one mode or another, for example through online, in-
class, recorded or hybrid mode. Although the on-demand mode can be used on its own or with any of
the other modes.
Usually, the lecturer will adopt the same approach for the length of each timetabled class, so your
class will be a lecture or a tutorial or a workshop or a demonstration. However, the lecturer may mix
approaches during a class. So, for example, the timetabled class may start with a lecture before
moving into workshop and then finishing with a tutorial approach.
Lecturers can also draw on any of the activities above, and others not mentioned above, during a class
whether it is online, hybrid or in-class. However, some activities and approaches are better suited to
some modes.
You will find the specific details of which mode applies to which module in your online timetable as
well as in your Module and Assessment Guides.
Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact your Programme Coordinator or
Module Leader.
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Section 3 Assessment
3.1 Introduction to Assessment
The purpose of assessment is to ensure that you achieve the learning outcomes of each module.
Learning outcomes are statements that specify what you will know or be able to do as a result of
a learning activity. Assessment types will include practical, continual assessment, reports, group
activities and exams.
It is important that you familiarise yourself with the format and number of assessments, assessment
weighting, and due dates. These are published in the Module Guide which is available on Moodle. An
Assessment Brief is also published for each individual piece of continuous assessment. This will give
details on the format, weighting, and due date, as well as set out what task you are required to
complete in the assignment. It also gives the marking scheme for each assignment, and you should
use this to guide your completion of the assignment.
All assessments are marked and graded by your lecturer and are reviewed by an internal moderator
and an external examiner. This is to ensure fairness, consistency of marking and the correct standard
across all assessment. Results are always provisional until they are approved by the External Examiner
and are processed through the programme Exam Board. The purpose of an Exam Board is to formally
ratify results and determine award classification (for more information please refer to the Quality
Assurance Handbook).
The assessment schedule is below and Moodle syncs with the Student Dashboard to provide a
calendar of deadlines. The schedule lists the due dates for all your assessments due over the academic
year. The schedule ensures that the workload is balanced across the academic year. Any extension
requests need to be considered in light of this schedule, as changes might risk clashing deadlines, so
it is very important to be aware of the potential impact of changes to assessment dates. The exam
timetable is published on the exam page in the DBS current student area and is usually available about
four weeks in advance of the exam period.
Your goal is to achieve the highest mark possible in your assessment. In order to do this, it is
expected that learners:
● Complete ALL assessment components.
● Submit all assessment on time as indicated on the assessment specification.
● Complete all parts of each assessment.
● NEVER copy/plagiarise or submit content that is not yours by ensuring that you apply the
correct referencing standard. DBS uses the Harvard Referencing style. A guide to this can be
found here.
● Always ask your lecturer if you are not sure about any requirements, not your fellow students.
● Always complete the required number of questions in an exam.
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● Practice writing out answers for end -of term exams by doing previous papers, in particular
hand writing answers to ensure that your writing is legible.
● Always write/type your ID number on any assessment or exam script.
● If you require support for exams/assessment, ensure that you have completed the
appropriate paperwork and submitted it to the Learner Supports Services well in advance of
any assessment or exam dates.
3.2 Assessment Brief
Assessment Breakdown
Stage
Module
ECTS
Assessment
Award
Principles of
Financial
Markets
10
Formative: 0% - Class assignments, homework & feedback
Summative: 60%
Individual Research & Analysis (reflection included) = 30%
Group Research & Analysis (reflective included) = 30%
Exam: 40%
Quantitative
Financial
Modelling
10
Formative: 0% - Class assignments, homework & feedback
Summative: 60%
ONE: Individual Research & Analysis = 20%
TWO: Individual Research & Analysis = 20%
THREE: Individual Research & Analysis = 20%
Exam: 40%
International
Financial
Reporting
5
Formative: 0% - Class assignments, homework & feedback
Summative: 40%
Individual Research & Analysis (reflection included) = 40%
Exam: 60%
Corporate
Governance &
Ethics
5
Formative: 0% - Class assignments, homework & feedback
Summative: 40%
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Group Case Study (reflection included) = 40%
Exam: 60%
Research
Methods
5
Formative: 0% - Class assignments, homework & feedback
Summative: 2 CAs = 50% each
Two practical (applied) assessments, including applied
project proposal
Advanced
Financial
Management
10
Formative: 0% - Class assignments, homework & feedback
Summative: 60%
Individual Research & Analysis (reflection included) = 30%
Group Research & Analysis (reflective included) = 30%
Exam: 40%
Treasury and
Risk
Management
10
Formative: 0% - Class assignments, homework & feedback
Summative: 60%
Individual Research & Analysis (reflection included) = 30%
Group Research & Analysis (reflective included) = 30%
Exam: 40%
Advanced
International
Financial
Reporting
5
Formative: 0% - Class assignments, homework & feedback
Summative: 40%
Individual Research & Analysis (reflection included) =40%
Exam: 60%
Strategic
Performance
Management
5
Formative: 0% - Class assignments, homework & feedback
Summative: 40%
Group Case Study (reflection included) = 40%
Exam: 60%
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Dissertation/
Applied
Research Project
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Summative: 100%
Dissertation pathway:
(1a) Presentation = 10%
(2a) 15,000 word written thesis = 80%
(3a) Poster Presentation = 10%
Applied Research Project pathway:
(1b) Presentation = 10%
(2b) 10,000 word Project Report = 50%
(3b) Artefact = 40%
All assessment in this programme conforms to the DBS assessment regulations informed by QQI
Assessment and Standards, Revised 2013. Special regulations are defined on the course schedule.
Where a learner is found to require additional learning support, the Learner Support Coordinator Jane
Buggle will identify appropriate support or an alternative assessment instrument. This will be agreed
with the Registrar’s Office and will be in accordance with the DBS Assessment Regulations. Please
refer to DBS Quality Assurance Handbook (QAH) for further details.
3.3 Reassessment
Reassessment must assess the same learning outcomes as the prescribed assessment, and therefore
all reassessments will conform in structure and subject matter to the original assessment, with the
scope of group assessments being reduced as appropriate for individual assessment.
3.4 General Submission Requirements
1. All relevant provisions of the Assessment Regulations (QAH Part B Section 5) must be complied
with, in addition to the requirements set out in the Assessment Brief:
● Students are required to refer to the assessment regulations in their Student
Handbooks and in Part B Section 5 of the Quality Assurance Handbook.
2. Assignments should be submitted through the appropriate link on the module Moodle page
(unless explicitly excepted by the lecturer). Assignments not submitted through Moodle may not
be graded.
3. Online assignments must be submitted no later than the stated deadline:
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● Late submissions (up to 14 days) will receive the Late Submission penalty
(see QAH Section B Part 5.4);
● After 14 days, late submissions will be awarded 0%.
4. Extensions to assignment submission deadlines will be not be granted, other than in exceptional
circumstances:
● To apply for an extension please go to https://students.dbs.ie/registrar-office/dbs-
faq and download the Assignment Extension Request Form, to complete and return, with
supporting documentation, to your Programme Coordinator;
● Ongoing exceptional circumstances can be considered for deferrals. To apply for a
deferral, submit the completed Personal Mitigating Circumstances Form, with
supporting documentation, to your Programme Coordinator
5. Students are required to retain a copy of each assignment submitted.
6. Dublin Business School penalises students who engage in Academic Impropriety (i.e. plagiarism,
collusion, copying, essay mills, etc.):
● Refer to the QAH Part B Section 3.3 for further information on Academic Impropriety
and the potential penalties;
● Refer to the Library for information on correct referencing, and support classes.
3.5 Awarding Body and NFQ Level
This programme has been validated and approved by the Irish state agency, QQI (Quality and
Qualifications Ireland), responsible for validating all third level programmes in Ireland. The programme
is positioned at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), a framework for the
development, recognition and award of qualifications in Ireland.
3.6 Useful links and tips
Door codes for Bow Lane and Balfe Street are available at Reception desks.
Once registered, a learner should use the calendar in their student email account for personalised
timetables.
Timetables can be sync’d with mobile devices, see https://www.dbs.ie/about-dbs/news-and-
events/2018/05/17/dublin-business-school-moodle-app for more information.
. www.dbs.ie
. https://elearning.dbs.ie/ (Moodle)
. www.mydbs.ie (student email)
. tts.dbs.ie for generic timetables
. https://library.dbs.ie/
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. Lorls.dbs.ie (to access your reading list online)
. esource.dbs.ie (repository of student and faculty research)
. servicedesk.dbs.ie (to log support queries or issues
. Moodle App available for download (Play Store and iTunes): https://elearning.dbs.ie/
If you have any problems with your timetable or require technical support, please log a ticket at
servicedesk.dbs.ie.
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Section 5 Quality Assurance Handbook
All programmes delivered by DBS are delivered within a robust and established quality assurance
infrastructure encapsulated by a Quality Assurance Handbook. This is available on the DBS website:
https://students.dbs.ie/registrar-office/qah.
5.1 Key Assessment Regulations
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Section 6 Conclusion
We hope you have found the programme handbook helpful. If you have any queries, please contact
your Course Director or Programme Coordinator. Their contact details can be found in Section 1 of
this handbook.
Enjoy your time at DBS!
