2. CONTENTS
Equal Opportunities
UCE Birmingham promotes equality of
opportunity in respect of every aspect of its
provision. University policy and practice
will seek to provide an environment that
is free from discrimination against
students, staff and others. The University
and its staff will ensure that all prospective
students are treated solely on the basis
of their merits, abilities and potential.
The University will seek to prevent
discrimination on the grounds of race,
colour, ethnic origin, nationality, religious
belief, gender, sexual orientation,
disability, age, marital status, family
circumstances, citizenship, social and
economic status, or any other irrelevant
individual differences.
For full details of the University’s Equal
Opportunities Policy please
log on to www.uce.ac.uk
3 Welcome
4 About Birmingham
5 International Students
6 Learning Resources and Support
7 UCE Business School
7 Academic Staff
8 MSc Audit Management and Consultancy:
An Overview
10 Postgraduate Certificate Stage
11 Postgraduate Diploma Stage
12 MSc Stage
13 Entry Requirements
13 How to Apply
15 How to Find Us
3. WELCOME
This course is accredited by IIA-UK and Ireland and IIA Inc. UCE Business School is working in partnership with the Institute of Risk Management.
Welcome to the Centre for Internal
Audit, Governance and Risk
Management at UCE Business
School. Firstly I would like to
thank you for your interest in
our MSc Audit Management and
Consultancy course. The University
attracts around 25,000 students
every year; 4,000 study business,
computing and management at
the Business School. We are
proud of our reputation as a
progressive school with a focus
on excellent teaching, innovative
course design and unrivalled
student care.
UCE Business School has been one of
the leading providers of Internal Audit
education at Postgraduate level since
1990 and has seen how the role of auditors
has developed and changed. Traditional
roles have widened to include educational
and consultancy roles, assisting
management in these areas and
promoting the best business practice.
This has led to increasing demand for
better qualified auditors who combine
practical experience with professional
education. Auditors need to be
constructive, perceptive, thoughtful and
flexible in providing their consultancy
and advisory service, as well as being
proactive, versatile and innovative in
providing practical workable solutions
to a range of complex problems. This
challenging role requires education
which embodies specialist and general
knowledge and academic and professional
orientation, which is sensitised to
international and multi-cultural
environments. UCE Business School
understands these developments and
has accordingly established a Centre
for Internal Audit, Governance and Risk
Management. It provides a portfolio of
courses, which combine academic and
professional education at postgraduate
level and offers consultancy, research
and associated facilities. The Centre
recognises and values its close ties
with the professional community in
Internal Audit. For many years it has been
a recognised tuition provider for the
Institute of Internal Auditors - UK and
Ireland (IIA) and IIA Inc. More recently,
there has been a world-wide development
of the risk management profession. As
organisations have become more global
and faced a more competitive environment,
there has been an appreciation that the
sound management of risks actually
enhances competitive advantage; it also
provides assurance for stakeholders
that the organisation is well run. The
Centre now works in partnership with
the worldwide professional body in
risk management: the Institute of Risk
Management (IRM), recognising that
Auditors need to extend their professional
skills towards risk management and
risk managers need to extend their
skills towards audit and assurance.
The Centre’s academic staff are comprised
of both long standing professionally
qualified staff, with experience in a wide
range of areas related to audit and risk
management (both in the UK/US and
around the world), as well as some of the
world’s top academics in these fields.
The Centre has close contacts with
several audit and consultancy firms,
as well as audit and risk management
professionals, who regularly present their
aspects of their work to our students.
Within this brochure you should find all
the information you need on our Audit
programme, however, should you require
any further information, please do not
hesitate to contact us on
0121 331 6404/6595 or at
mscaudit@uce.ac.uk.
I know that by choosing to study Audit
Management and Consultancy at UCE
Business School, you will enhance your
career prospects and make a great
contribution to your organisation as well
as to the national and international
society. I very much look forward to
welcoming you to this stimulating and
highly regarded course.
Steven Shackleford
MA, BA, ACMA, MIRM, PGCE
Course Director – Full-Time MSc
Audit Management & Consultancy
03
Disability Services
UCE Birmingham’s Disability Service
aims to enable students with disabilities
or learning support needs to make the
most of their time at university, whether
they have a physical, sensory or hidden
disability, mental health difficulties or
specific learning difficulties. In order to help
you plan and prepare for university life, we
have a range of services and equipment
which can be made available to you.
At UCE Birmingham we think it is
important that you feel you can tell us
about any disability you may have. We
regard disclosure of a disability as a
positive step, because once we are aware
of your disability we can then try to
support your individual needs.
If you have not made us aware of your
disability or you feel you may have a
disability please contact the Disability
Service on 0121 331 5128, or email
disability@uce.ac.uk
4. ABOUTBIRMINGHAM
04
The UK’s second city, Birmingham
is bursting with opportunities. It is
a vibrant (yet harmonious) city
embracing its cultural diversity
with many places of interest to
offer to those who study here.
Over the past few years it has
undergone major regeneration
which has transformed it into one
of Europe’s most exciting cities.
Whatever you want from a city,
you’re sure to find it in Birmingham.
Accessibility
It isn’t difficult to get around Birmingham
without the use of a car. The main
campus is on a regular bus route into
Birmingham city centre and we are a
5-minute walk from the Perry Barr
railway station with a direct train into
New Street Station. Three mainline
railway stations, 130 bus routes, the
national coach network and a Metro
link with Wolverhampton serve the city
centre. Student car parking is available
at the Perry Barr campus.
Your future in Birmingham
Birmingham is a major centre of
commerce and industry offering a
diverse range of graduate opportunities.
Major employers are Cadbury Trebor
Bassett, electrical distributors Newey
& Eyre, HSBC, and the software company
IT Net Ltd. Manufacturing remains a
major employer in the West Midlands,
accounting for 20% of all jobs but the
public sector is the biggest employer.
The big four accountancy & audit firms
are of course well represented in the
city, as well as regional centres for
all of the large UK banks.
Going Out
The National Exhibition Centre (NEC)
is a great venue for concerts. The Rep
theatre is on the West End play touring
circuit, offering discount tickets to
students. If you are keen on movies then
Star City with thirty screens, six of
which are devoted to Bollywood films,
is the place to go. There is plenty to
keep you here after the film including
bars, restaurants, a bowling alley,
gym facilities and a casino.
Days Out
Within easy reach by road or rail you
will find historic Warwick Castle,
Stratford-upon-Avon, and Ironbridge.
For something more adventurous, try
one of the many nearby theme parks:
Alton Towers or the West Midlands
Safari Park. Cadbury World close to the
city centre is a must for chocoholics.
Failing that you can be in London in
under 2 hours!
Sport
An International City of Sport,
A European City of Sport For all,
Birmingham has some of the finest
sports facilities in Britain and has
staged 23 World and 11 European
Championships since 1991- more than
any other UK city - among them the
World Indoor Championships in
Athletics the World Disability Athletics
Championships and World Figure
Skating. Birmingham has football
clubs in both the Premier League and
First Division. International cricket is
played at Edgbaston and the city has
been host to The Ryder Cup and the
major Davis Cup tennis matches.
Birmingham is also to host the World
Cup Judo and the European Athletics
Indoor Championships in 2007 followed
by the World Wheelchair Basketball
in 2010. Villa Park close to the Perry
Barr campus in Birmingham, the home
of Aston Villa Football Club, is planned
to house some of the events at the
2012 Olympic Games.
Eating Out
There are restaurants to suit all budgets
and tastes in Birmingham. You can eat
out at a variety of American, Chinese,
French, Italian, Greek, Mongolian,
Spanish and Thai restaurants.
Shopping
The city is now officially on the UK
shopping map. The new Bull Ring
Shopping Centre, home to big names
such as FCUK, Gap, Selfridges, and the
Nike store is Europe’s largest retail-led
regeneration project. If you’ve got plenty
of money to spend visit The Mailbox,
where you can find designer brands
including Emporio Armani, DKNY,
Ralph Lauren and a Harvey Nichols.
Nightlife
The most vibrant areas in the city are
around Brindley Place, Broad Street
and the Canal Basin. The Risa Bar is
a favourite with most students offering
theme and cheap student nights. For a
pre-club drink, try the Custard Factory
in the Eastside development.
For more information about living
in Birmingham, visit
www.birmingham.org.uk
5. 05
INTERNATIONALSTUDENTS
Each year UCE Business School
recruits a growing number of
Postgraduate students from all
over the world. This enriches the
learning experience as you prepare
for a career in business during
which you will increasingly
operate on a global scale.
We recognise the challenges for all
international students in moving to
study in a new country. At UCE
Birmingham special care is taken to
make the transition into UK university
life a happy and rewarding experience.
The University’s International Advice
Centre, which is a part of the University’s
Students Services, will cater for your
needs from arrival in the UK onwards.
It runs a special Orientation Programme,
provides a central point of contact and
organises a series of social events
throughout the year. Annual events
have included a cultural visit to Paris
and a Summer Ball.
Accommodation
All international students are
guaranteed a place in University
Accommodation for the duration of
their course, on condition that they
apply by the required date. For further
accommodation information visit:
www.uce.ac.uk/accommodation
English Language Requirements
The minimum entry requirement for
suitably qualified students is a minimum
score of 6.0 in all bands of the IELTS
test (or an average score of 6.5) or
TOEFL 575. Equivalents for alternative
English Language qualifications can be
obtained from the Recruitment and
Admissions Unit on 0121 331 5200.
Pre-Sessional English Course
Those students who need slight
improvement to reach the English
proficiency standards given above
can participate in the University’s
Pre-Sessional English Course which
commences in mid August each year
and ends in mid September. For
further information please contact
uceinternational@enquiries.uk.com
Meet & greet scheme
The University operates a Meet and
Greet Scheme for new international
students from early September (exact
dates will be sent out with your
pre-arrival literature). This scheme
means that you can be met on arrival
in Birmingham and you will then be
taken to your accommodation where
staff will help you settle in. Therefore,
when you start to plan your journey to
the UK, you should think about booking
your flight through to Birmingham
International Airport rather than one
of the London airports and let us know
your precise travel arrangements.
A two week induction programme
This is an orientation programme for
all international students and includes
introduction to UCE Birmingham, the
City of Birmingham, the Region,
Business English, UK culture and
institutions, student centred teaching
and learning methods, personal skills
development and use of IT.
Financial Information
It is important to consider very carefully
the financial implications of studying in
the UK. If you are a national of an EU
country you may get support for your
tuition fees. Fees for non-European
students are charged at a higher rate
because the University does not receive
any funding for their teaching from the
UK Government.
As an international student you will
benefit from fixed fees and guaranteed
university accommodation for the
duration of your course (for further
accommodation information visit:
www.uce.ac.uk/accommodation or
telephone: 0121 331 6920). You must also
take into account living costs while in the
UK (estimated at £6000 – 7000 per year).
For further information on fees, entry
and English Language requirements
please contact us on 0121 331 6595/6404,
or email mscaudit@uce.ac.uk.
For further information on funding,
please contact your local British Council
office, or visit www.britishcouncil.org
6. LEARNERRESOURCESANDSUPPORT
06
Along with the provision of high
quality teaching, UCE Business
School recognises the importance
to students of having access to
first-class study support outside
the classroom. These are just
some of the facilities and services
available to you as a UCE Business
School student that will enable
you to get the most from your
study programme.
Learner Support
UCE Business School runs a dedicated
Learner Support Centre which has a team
of staff committed to Learner Support.
Our mission is to place the Learner
Support Centre at the heart of the
Business School where it addresses
the needs and expectations of students
for services that aid their personal
development and learning. The aim is to
be proactive in developing new initiatives
to enhance and develop existing services
and learning environments. We work
closely with all our academic staff to
develop and deliver both individual and
group learner support services. These
range from encouraging the building
of Personal Development Plans
through improving Study and
Communication Skills to assistance
with Literacy and Numeracy. We also
offer assistance with research for
assignments and projects, access to a
wide range of learning materials and
other resources to enable you to excel
at your studies throughout your time in
the Business School.
Three Study Skills tutors are available
to work with students to develop and
improve essential study skills. They
provide academic and practical advice
and guidance both to those who wish
to enhance existing study skills or
who feel they require further learning
support. Their role is to facilitate
effective learning. In September 2006
a brand new purpose built Learner
Support Suite was opened at UCE
Business School offering open plan
and private study areas, counselling
rooms, presentation rehearsal rooms
and much more.
The Learner Support Centre runs a
series of daily workshops designed to
support students in their academic skills
with regular topics such as academic
report writing, referencing, presentations
skills, time management and exam
techniques. Individual sessions can also
be booked with our learner support
staff for more detailed, tailored advice.
Staff will give feedback on coursework
for the English content and give advice
on layout and referencing.
Dedicated Presentation Rehearsal Rooms
are also available for student use which
can be booked in advance. Presentation
feedback is available on request.
The Learner Support Centre is open
throughout the week with late night
opening Mon-Thurs until 7.30pm
during term time. The Centre offers
students access to a range of learning
materials and IT facilities such as:
• Specialist journals
• Detailed company information
• Student dissertations
• Exam papers
• Video and DVD players
• Photocopying, binding, laminating,
colour printing, presentation and
computing facilities
• Specific Course related software
UCE Birmingham Library
Facilities
Close to the Business School on the
Perry Barr campus is UCE Birmingham’s
main library. The library is open from
7.15 am – 11pm Monday – Thursday,
7.15am – 9pm on Fridays and
10am – 5pm on the weekends.
The library houses over 300,000 items
including books, journals, databases,
video, DVD and other multimedia
information sources. Students are able
to access information from the library
electronically, either on or away from
campus, providing you with the flexibility
to manage study time outside the
classroom around other personal
and professional commitments.
The “Digital Library”, UCEEL, is
available to students where they can
access Exam Papers, Journal Articles,
Book Extracts and Student Projects
via a password protected system over
the Internet.
There are also dedicated librarian
staff to look after information needs
of students specifically from UCE
Business School.
Moodle
The Virtual Learning Environment
(VLE), known as 'Moodle', is quickly
becoming an invaluable part of the
learning and teaching experience at
UCE Birmingham.
This entirely web-based environment
supports a huge number of activities,
all aimed at improving access to and
dissemination of programme information
and material. Such activities include
free instant messaging between users,
discussion forums, video lectures
and even testing with instant
automated feedback.
Moodle is ‘open’ all day, every day
and with around 10,000 users, there
are between 3,000 and 4,000 members
logging on daily.
Computer Networks
All Business School students have
access to the computer laboratories
within the Business School. During
student induction, usually at the start
of the first Academic Year, you will be
issued with your own personal secure
computer ID giving you access to use
any computers in the faculty and to all
appropriate Software, email, the
Internet and own secure User space.
Our students can also make use of
the data network and IT facilities of
the University, including access to
multimedia sources and information,
originating internally and externally.
Wireless networks are also available
in the main library and some of the
café areas.
7. 07
UCEBUSINESSSCHOOL
UCE Birmingham offers over
300 courses which are taught
and supported by more than
2,000 staff. With over 25,000
students, it is one of the largest
Universities in the UK.
UCE Business School is one of the
largest faculties within UCE Birmingham
and is a major centre for business,
computing and management education.
It has a strong regional base and a
national and an international perspective.
With around 4,000 students studying
on Full-and Part-Time courses, it is
one of the largest Business Schools
in the UK.
The Centre for Internal Audit,
Governance and Risk Management
was established by UCE Business
School in 1990.
The portfolio of the Centre’s postgraduate
programmes includes the Full-Time MSc
in Audit Management & Consultancy,
which combines academic and
professional education at postgraduate
level and prepares students for the
Diploma in Internal Audit Practice and
Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing
and Management qualifications from
the IIA - UK and Ireland and the CIA
qualification from IIA Inc. Students
can then undertake the PhD or DBA
(Doctor in Business Administration)
Course in internal or external audit at
their option. Other courses available
include the professional qualifications
of CISA, CGAP, CCSA, CFSA and CFE.
Our principal aims are to ensure that
practitioners and trainees alike:
• realise their full potential as
professionals and can progress to the
highest posts in their organisations
• are able to practice at the leading edge
and excel in any type of organisation,
national, multinational, commercial,
public or voluntary
• develop deep insights into the
contemporary challenges faced by
organisations and management and are
able to assist them in their resolution
• become lifelong learners and researchers
in order to keep their knowledge and
expertise up-to-date in the light of the
rapidly changing environment
For more information on UCE Business
School, please visit our website at
www.business.uce.ac.uk
Professor
Upkar Pardesi
MPhil, PhD, DipM,
FCIM, FRAS, MIOD
Dean, UCE
Business School
Professor
Jeffrey Ridley
FCIS, FIIA, CIA
Consultant
Professor
John Sparrow
BSc, MSc, PhD,
CPsychol, AFBDPsS
Associate Dean,
UCE Business
School
Professor
Harry Matlay
BSc, MEd, PhD
Reader in SME
Development, UCE
Business School
Guy Hillin
MBA, DMS, Cert Ed
Senior Lecturer
Alan Robson
BSc (Hons)
Head of Operations
and Resources
Kelsey Walker
MBA, FIIA
Specialist Lecturer
and Managing
Director, Just
Assured Ltd
Professor
Andrew Chambers
BA, CEng, FCA, FCCA
FIIA, FBCS, CITP, FRSA
Visiting Professor
and Director, Audit
Management Ltd
Frank McGonigal
MA, MSc, BSc
Lecturer
Robin Pritchard
CIPFA
Visiting Professor
of Internal Audit.
Director of
Development
Ronald Lackland
AIA, BBA, MBA, MSc, PGCE,
CIA, CGAP, CFE, MIRM
Course Director
Alan Day
MSocSc, FCCA, CertEd
Course Director
Iain Brown
IPFA
Senior Lecturer
Angela Reynolds
PA/Course
Administrator
Sarah Hopkins
Secretary/Course
Administrator
Contributing specialist input
Steven Shackleford
MA, BA, ACMA, MIRM, PGCE
Course Director – Full-Time MSc Audit Management & Consultancy
ACADEMICSTAFF
UCE Business School has signed a co-operation progression agreement with Nanjing Audit University in China to help their
audit students to progress onto the MSc Audit Management and Consultancy programme.
8. MScAUDITMANAGEMENTAND
CONSULTANCY:ANOVERVIEW
08
This one year Full-Time course
is designed for those working in
Internal Audit or External Audit
Departments of national and
multinational companies, public
and voluntary organisations,
professional accountancy, audit
and consultancy companies, as
well as those who wish to embark
on an audit and consultancy
career. It will open the door
to national and international
opportunities and higher
management tiers in audit,
finance, consultancy and other
functional areas.
Aims of MSc in Audit
Management & Consultancy
To equip students with the knowledge,
skills and attitudes to enable them to
carry out management, operational,
financial, quality, ethical and
environmental audits in accordance
with accepted professional standards,
provide solutions to business problems,
undertake a consultancy and facilitator
role to help promote the best business
practice and manage audit teams,
audit departments and organisations.
Why choose UCE Business School?
The MSc in Audit Management and
Consultancy at UCE Business School
has become a widely recognised
qualification for professional internal
auditors, external auditors and
consultants in public, private and
voluntary sectors across the world.
The uniqueness of this course stems
from the incorporation of UCE Business
School’s distinctive features of vocational
and student centred approach to
business and management education.
The programme has been designed to
meet the needs and aspirations of audit
professionals and trainees who wish to
enhance career opportunities in
national and international organisations,
and offers the following benefits:
• A unique course design which combines
internal audit, external audit, IT audit,
management audit, management and
consultancy
• A twelve month full-time programme
making studying economical for
international students. It is a high quality
and low cost course
• A ladder of qualifications where students
progress through Postgraduate Certificate,
Postgraduate Diploma and finally MSc on
successful completion of the full course
• Innovative teaching, learning and
assessment strategies. A range of student
centred and experiential strategies are
used and our assessment methods
focus on testing whether you can apply
your knowledge
• National and international perspective
• Opportunities to work on real internal or
external audit or consultancy problems,
undertaking organisation based
assignment wherever possible
Teaching and Learning Methods
All learning on the programme is
designed to achieve three learning
objectives, ie increase knowledge and
understanding, re-examine attitudes,
and improve skills. It seeks to enhance
auditing, consultancy, facilitating and
managerial effectiveness at the
strategic and operational levels in a
variety of organisational contexts.
Within this overall learning strategy a
variety of delivery modes are appropriate
for the achievement of the aims of the
course but those approaches which
promote deep learning are extensively
used, in particular shared experiences
through group work, debates, peer
mentoring and peer and self assessment.
Link with the IIA-UK and Ireland,
and IIA Global
UCE Business School’s MSc in Audit
Management & Consultancy, because
of its high quality, is one of the few
programmes to have been accredited
by both the IIA-UK and Ireland and IIA
Global, and prepares students for the
IIA examinations. UCE Business School
students satisfying PG Cert assessments
can gain entry to the Advanced Diploma
in Internal Auditing and Management
or exemptions from three modules of
the Diploma in Internal Audit Practice.
UCE Business School is a member of
the Internal Auditing Education
Partnership (IAEP) at Partner level.
STEVEPHILLIPSPROFILE
–usenewphotograph
Steve Phillips
The course has without doubt
increased my audit knowledge but
has also given me a far greater
appreciation of the business world as
a whole. It inspires me to go the extra
mile because it is challenging, it
makes me think, and it’s not just about
reciting information to pass an exam.
It encourages you to seek out best
practice, rather than auditing what is
already in place. It may not be as easy
as conventional auditing but it is the
way to drive organisations forward.
The course has been a lot better than
I expected, I’ve regularly been able to
relate a work issue to something I’ve
covered in the course. I have some
textbooks on my desk right now,
which I’ve been using to support
a work- based project.
Hard work is the key and it has paid
off as I achieved the highest UK score
for the IIA exams in 2004.
Steve Phillips, from Wolverhampton
is Operational Risk Officer for Legal
& General in Birmingham. Achieved
the highest score in the UK for the 2004
IIA Professional Examinations of
Advanced Diploma in Internal
Auditing and Management
9. 09
STRUCTUREOFTHEFULL-TIMECOURSE
Terms 1 & 2: Postgraduate
Certificate and Postgraduate
Diploma in Audit Management
& Consultancy
This will consist of a two week induction
programme, and ten core modules
studied over an additional 24 weeks
- details of the modules are on the
following pages.
The successful completion of these
modules leads to the award of
Postgraduate Certificate and
Postgraduate Diploma.
Terms 3 & 4: MSc in Audit
Management & Consultancy
This will consist of one double module
and a dissertation. The aim of the
dissertation is to provide you with an
opportunity to further your intellectual
and personal development by undertaking
a significant project. The dissertation
can be defined as a scholarly inquiry
into a professional problem or issue,
involving a systematic approach to the
gathering and analysis of information/data,
leading to the production of a structured
report. Students are encouraged to
bring a project from their country of
origin. Students completing this stage
successfully will be awarded MSc in
Audit Management & Consultancy.
Terms 3 & 4
Corporate Governance & Risk Management
Organisation & Management – Concepts and Practices
Internal and External Audit
Business Information Systems Audit
Accounting and Financial Systems
Risk and Assurance
Strategic Management
Advanced Internal Audit Case Study
Financial Management
Personal & Professional Development
Consultancy and Applied Research
Dissertation
Term 2
Term 1
Induction Programme (2 Weeks)
PGDiploma
inAuditManagement
&Consultancy
PGCertificate
inAuditManagement
&Consultancy
MScinAudit
Management&
Consultancy
This course is accredited by IIA-UK and Ireland
and IIA-Inc.
UCE Business School is working in partnership
with the Institute of Risk Management.
10. POSTGRADUATECERTIFICATESTAGE
INCORPORATINGTHEIIA’SDIPLOMAININTERNALAUDITPRACTICE
10
This stage covers an introduction
to all elements of audit
management. In addition, this
syllabus covers the Diploma
in Internal Audit Practice of the
IIA-UK and Ireland professional
syllabus. Successful completion
of these modules leads to the
University Postgraduate Certificate.
Modules at Certificate
Stage include:
Corporate Governance and
Risk Management
The principles of sound corporate
governance are synonymous with the
best management practice and apply
to all types and sizes of organisations.
This module provides a sound foundation
by providing a comprehensive conceptual
understanding of the principles of
sound corporate governance. It then
introduces the concepts of risk in
organisational decision making and
how organisations can manage their
risk to improve stakeholder value and
achieve objectives. Finally it introduces
the theory of internal control as a
response to risk management.
Internal/External Audit
This module is designed to equip
students with a repertoire of
competences, skills, and attitudes
to enable them to provide a truly
professional internal and external audit
service. The module specifically covers
the review, consultancy, educational
and communications strategies to
promote the best management and
business practice in all functions.
Business Information
Systems Audit
The significance of information
technology and information systems
in all sectors of the economy and for
virtually all types of organisations
means that both internal and external
auditors need to acquire both a deep
and wide repertoire of knowledge and
skills. This module introduces computer
auditing to enable them to both audit
such systems and carry out pre-event
audits of developing systems with a
view to ensuring that the new computer
systems incorporate strong controls.
Organisation and Management
– Concepts and Practices
As the modern ethos of internal
and external audit includes being
management consultants as well as
auditors, it is important for them to learn
theory and practice of organisation and
management. This module provides
crucial underpinning for advanced
studies in management, management
audit and consultancy at later stages.
Accounting and Financial Systems
Since the audit of financial statements
and financial systems clearly constitutes
an important element of the work of
auditors, the inclusion of the module is
designed to underpin further studies at
an advanced level. It enables the auditors
to understand financial systems and
interpret accounting information and
enhances the auditor’s analytical,
numerical and business skills.
PAYINGATTENTIONTO
SIMPLELITTLETHINGS
THATMOSTMEN
NEGLECTMAKES
AFEWMENRICH.HENRYFORD
Marsha Meade
The course has been much more than
I expected; a true learning curve. It has
taught me how to view issues from
various perspectives, analyse and think
critically and it has shown me what
it takes to become a leader. Also the
dissertation element gave me the
opportunity to specialise, research
and develop an area of current
interest facing audit in Montserrat.
This course has given me the tools,
techniques and breadth of knowledge
that I require to make an effective
contribution to my working environment.
Since completing the course, I have
achieved my goal of becoming the
next Deputy Auditor General within
the OAG.
Marsha Meade is Audit Manager
in the Office of the Auditor General
in Montserrat, West Indies.
11. 11
This stage enables students
to study more advanced and
specialist modules. While
incorporating the Advanced
Diploma in Internal Auditing and
Management of the IIA-UK and
Ireland syllabus, this stage also
provides students with a much
deeper opportunity for group
work and different styles of
assessment and it includes a
reflective practice option to this
effect. These more practical and
transferable skills, built on top of
the more theoretical and
intellectual knowledge and
understanding are an essential
ingredient to the development of
a professional auditor. The
combined Postgraduate Certificate
and Diploma also cover the
professional contents of the
IIA Global syllabus in the USA.
Successful completion of these
modules leads to the University
Postgraduate Diploma.
Modules at Diploma
Stage include:
Financial Management
& Business Analysis
Financial management and business
analysis for corporate management is
of crucial importance. This module
aims to enhance your knowledge and
understanding of the financial planning
process and the place of finance
function in relation to corporate
objectives and corporate strategy
and the use of analytical tools.
Strategic Management
The Strategic Management module is
designed to provide the internal auditor
with a theoretical understanding of
Strategic Management models,
environment appraisal techniques and
models of decision making. The format
in which strategic management issues
will be examined is based on the
three major aspects of the strategic
managing process - ‘Pathfinding’,
‘Strategising’, ‘Implementing’.
Advanced Internal Audit
Case Study
This module introduces a case study,
which integrates all of the core subject
areas covered in the previous modules
throughout the academic year. A Case
study presents an account of what
happened to a business or industry
over a period of time. It chronicles
the events that auditors must address,
such as, risk assessment, governance
and internal controls.
This module comprises a case study,
which focuses on the main issues of
an operational, management and
consultancy audit. It enables the
student to apply their knowledge and
skills and experience of internal audit
and consultancy as well as methods
and techniques to review and evaluate
controls, risk and governance. It also
focuses on how to assist management
in solving business problems and
offers constructive proposals for
improving performance.
Risk and Assurance
Students should achieve an awareness
of uncertainty and risk in organisations
and an understanding of the way in
which effective and efficient risk
assurance and audit management
processes can contribute to sound
corporate governance.
While the material covered in this
module draws on a wide range of topics,
there are just two key objectives.
The first, achieving an awareness of
uncertainty and risk in organisations,
is vital for effective and efficient risk
assurance and audit management.
This goes beyond common practice of
thinking only in terms of standard
types of exposure, or brainstorming to
identify key threats to performance and
organisation assets.
Personal & Professional
Development (Reflective
Practice Option)
The aim of the module is to equip
students with the knowledge and skills
to engage in reflective practice within
their professional sphere, in order to
develop their professional competence
as auditors.
Personal & Professional
Development (CAATs Option)
This skill module is designed to enable
the students to meet changing demands,
i.e., auditors can use a variety of
Computer Assisted Audit Techniques
(CAATS), which are computerised tools
or techniques that increase the
efficiency and effectiveness of the
audit. CAATS originally supports a
systems-based approach that tested
controls using embedded techniques,
such as Interactive Data Extraction and
Analysis (IDEA). Internal and external
auditors view CAATS, especially IDEA
software, critical to the day-to-day
operations and success of the internal
audit function.
Charles Hannaford
Having moved to Internal Audit after
many years working in IT, I needed a
course of training to prepare me for
the Institute of Internal Auditors
Practitioner exams. Talking to
colleagues, UCE Business School
seemed the most effective option and
had the added bonus of allowing me
to proceed and obtain the MSc, giving
me a wider range of qualifications.
The course has been very enjoyable
to date and the input from
international students has been
invaluable giving an insight into
Internal Audit issues around the
world. The diverse experience of the
tutors has also been very useful; they
take a keen interest in your progress
and are always willing to help.
Charles Hannaford from Surrey.
Senior IT Auditor for the Department
of Environment
POSTGRADUATEDIPLOMASTAGE
INCORPORATINGTHEIIA'SADVANCEDDIPLOMAININTERNAL
AUDITINGANDMANAGEMENT
12. MSc STAGE
12
After the successful completion
of the Diploma stage, the Master’s
stage requires students to study
and pass the Consultancy and
Applied Research double module
and to undertake a substantial
piece of research for their
dissertation. The dissertation
is an integral part of the MSc
programme and students are
required to carry out a research-
based dissertation in their chosen
subject topic within either an
audit management and
consultancy or related area.
Modules at Masters
Stage include:
Consultancy and Applied Research
The module is designed to equip
participants with a repertoire of
consultancy strategies, methods and
techniques. In addition it will enable
participants to appreciate and execute
appropriate research for changes in
practice. Through an Action Learning
Set (ALS) sharing insights, uncertainties,
challenges and dilemmas, participants
will be expected to develop skill and
knowledge in a brief individual or
group consultancy, researching a
specific workplace issue.
Dissertation
A dissertation on an audit or counselling
related subject of your choice with
agreement with the Academic Director
of approximately 15,000 words will be
undertaken in the 3rd and 4th terms.
This provides the professional, academic
and theoretical focus for the MSc.
THEWORLDISCHANGING
VERYFAST.BIGWILLNOT
BEATSMALLANYMORE.
ITWILLBETHEFAST
BEATINGTHESLOW.RUPERTMURDOCH
Jin Yuzhi Profile
I chose to study the MSc Audit
programme at UCE Business School
as it closely matched my requirements
for career advancement, especially in
internal controls and risk management.
It also took a shorter period of time to
complete than similar programmes in
other parts of the world.
The course has proved to be very
enjoyable, especially the modules
on risk management, corporate
governance and internal audit. I’ve
gained a much deeper understanding
of these areas, learned academic
writing and research as well as the
ability to conduct independent studies
in an audit capacity.
The tutors are very supportive and
helpful in passing on both academic
and professional knowledge through
classroom teaching and after-class
discussions, as well as providing
guidance on whatever individual needs
we have to enable us to complete
the programme.
In particular, the professional value of
the research at the Masters stage was
enormous. The encouragement of
academic supervisors to apply theories
learned in class to the real world
business environment not only greatly
enhanced my professional development
in risk management and audit but also
had the potential to significantly add
value to the organisation in which I am
employed. Moreover, I was impressed
with the tutors’ interest in knowing and
understanding more about the audit
and risk management needs of
the employer.
In summary, the MSc qualification has
provided me with a solid foundation
from which I can proceed further in the
risk management and audit profession
and has already opened up new
opportunities for career advancement.
It is well worth the money I have
invested and would recommend that
students considering this course to
begin as soon as possible.
Jin Yuzhi, 43 from China
13. 13
Entry Requirements
Whilst the normal entry qualification is
a recognised honours degree, students
with other qualifications and/or
appropriate experience will be
considered. The normal entry
requirements are one of the following:
• A recognised degree (normally second
class honours or above) or a qualification
recognised as equivalent by the University
• A student member of the IIA-UK and
Ireland, and/or is 24 years of age or over
and has at least five years relevant
experience prior to the commencement
of the course
In addition, an English language
qualification for anyone who studied
at undergraduate level outside the UK
- a minimum TOEFL score of 575 or
a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in all
bands or 6.5 average.
Also, applicants with suitable work
experience and/or relevant qualifications
other than the standard ones may be
considered for entry. Exemptions may
be given on a case-by-case basis for
individual modules.
Students embarking on these
programmes have normally been in
full time employment for several
years, with the vast majority occupying
managerial positions in an Internal
Audit Department. Their admission is
thus also based on experiential and
associated learning rather than just
academic qualifications.
English Language Requirements
All candidates must demonstrate
proficiency in English and basic numeracy
and should develop their personal
computing skills to an appropriate
standard. Where it is considered that a
candidate needs additional preparation
for certain aspects of the course,
before being eligible for admission,
they will be counselled accordingly.
For international students whose first
language is not English you must have
one of the following:
• The International English Language
Testing Service (IELTS) Test administered
by the British Council. Students will need
to achieve a minimum score of 6.0 in all
bands, or an average score of 6.5
• The Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL) administered by the Education
Testing Service, USA. Students will need
to achieve a minimum score of 575
• The Hong Kong Use of English Test:
a minimum of Grade C
• The JMB University Entrance Test
in ESOL: Pass
• The Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency
in English: a minimum of Grade C
Where a candidate requires some
improvement in their English to reach
these standards a Pre-Sessional
English Course (see page 5) is provided
free of charge.
Funding sources:
• British Council Office in your country
Address in the UK: British Council,
Medlock Street, Manchester, UK M15 4AA.
Telephone: +44 (0)161 957 7755
Fax: +44 (0)161 957 7762
• Employers
• Information on funding sources:
The Grants Register (Macmillan)
• Awards for Postgraduate Study at
Commonwealth Universities
(Association of Commonwealth Universities)
• Study abroad (UNESCO)
• For overseas students within the UK:
EGAS, C/o FWA, 501-505 Kingsland Road,
London E8 4AU
How to Apply
For further information & an
application form contact:
Angela Reynolds
PA to the Director, Course Administrator
Centre for Internal Audit, Governance
and Risk Management
UCE Business School
Galton Building
Perry Barr
Birmingham
B42 2SU
T 0121 331 6404/6595
F 0121 331 6366
E mscaudit@uce.ac.uk
or apply on-line at
www.business.uce.ac.uk
Sharmain Solomon
After my first year of working as an
Auditor in St Lucia, I decided that I
wanted to enhance my professional
development and contribute
meaningfully to my organisation.
I was looking for a course that provided
more than just a theoretical approach
to auditing but one that would offer
practical solutions to organisational
problems.
So far the course has challenged me
to think critically and has developed
my interest in the area of IT audit. It
will take hard work and commitment
but with the help of supportive tutors,
the course will definitely prepare me
to become an expert in this field.
There is a need for flexibility in
meeting the challenges of being an
international student, however there
are memorable friendships that are
developed, as well as a wealth of
knowledge drawn from diverse work
experiences and cultural backgrounds.
Sharmain Solomon, 30, from St Lucia.
Currently working as an Auditor for
the Office of the Director of Audit
14. PROFESSIONALQUALIFICATIONS
INAUDIT
To complement our existing
portfolio of courses, we are
pleased to announce the
introduction of a new range or
short courses to supplement
your MSc qualification or to
take on a stand alone basis
(see details below).
All courses will be held on a
weekend or block release basis.
Course length will be 2 – 5 days.
For confirmation on course
length, available dates and costs
or to apply, please contact us
on 0121 331 6595 or email
angela.reynolds@uce.ac.uk
Certified Internal Auditor – (CIA)
This is the only globally accepted
designation for internal auditors and
remains the standard by which
individuals demonstrate their
competence and professionalism in
the internal auditing field. By studying
for the CIA exam, an individual gains
professional insights and a working
knowledge of The IIA’s International
Standards for the Professional
Practice of Internal Auditing.
See www.theiia.org for further details
Certified Government Auditor
Practitioner – (CGAP)
This exam tests your knowledge of
auditing practice, not in a generalised
way, but specific to the government
sector. The exam covers IIA and
government auditing standards,
various control and risk models,
government auditing practices,
auditing methodologies, and the
government auditing environment.
Whether you are new to the
government sector or a seasoned
practitioner, the CGAP certification
offers benefits by verifying your
capabilities and providing an avenue
for improving your skills and knowledge.
See www.theiia.org for further details
Certified in Control Self
Assessment – (CCSA)
This is the speciality certification for
practitioners of control self-assessment
(CSA). It identifies the skill sets needed
by successful practitioners of CSA,
measures understanding of CSA, and
provides guidance for CSA initiatives.
Candidates at any CSA experience level
can benefit from this course, gaining
the required knowledge of areas such
as risk and control models, often
considered the realm of auditors only.
See www.theiia.org for further details
Certified Financial Service
Auditor – (CFSA)
This is IIA’s specialty certification
programme that measures an
individual’s knowledge of, and
proficiency in, audit principles and
practices within the banking, insurance,
and securities financial service industries.
The CFSA qualification is recognised
globally and is a symbol of an
individual’s knowledge and proficiency
in financial services auditing.
See www.theiia.org for further details
Please note that earning the CGAP, CFSA and
CCSA will exempt you from Part IV of the CIA
Certified Fraud Examiner – (CFE)
Obtaining this qualification positions
you as a leader within the anti-fraud
profession. It is awarded to those who
have the proven ability to detect and
deter a wide range of fraudulent conduct.
Many major corporations, businesses,
government agencies and global
entities regard CFE as an indicator
of excellence among the profession.
See www.cfenet.com for further details
Certified Information Systems
Auditor – (CISA)
The CISA certification programme
(sponsored by the Information Systems
Audit and Control Association®
(ISACA®)), is the globally accepted
standard of achievement among
information systems (IS) audit, control
and security professionals. With a
growing demand for professionals
possessing IS audit, control and
security skills, CISA has become a
preferred qualification by individuals
and organisations around the world.
Visit www.isaca.org for further details
14
15. HOWTOFINDUS
15
By road from
Birmingham City Centre
Take the A34 towards Birchfield,
Perry Barr and Walsall (signposted).
After approximately 2.5 miles, passing
through traffic lights and an underpass,
keep in the left hand lane and filter off
the dual carriageway signposted to
One-Stop Shopping Centre. Turn right
at the traffic island (along Aston Lane)
to the first set of traffic lights. Turn left
onto Wellhead Lane, over the hump-
backed bridge to UCE main entrance
and car parks.
6
8
8
8
M5
7
5
A38(M)
M6
1
Birmingham
A34A435
A38
A41
A45
West
Bromwich
A4040
A4040
A4040
A4040
A34
A456
A41
A4540
A441
A453
A4040
Manchester
Birmingham
London
Terms and Conditions
This information is intended as a general guide
to the University’s Business School courses and
facilities and forms no part of any contract
between you and the University. Although
reasonable steps are taken to provide the
courses as described, the University cannot
guarantee the provision of any course or
facility. Any course may be altered or
withdrawn owing to circumstances beyond the
University’s control. It is strongly recommended
that prospective students contact the (relevant)
faculty to obtain the most up-to-date course
information. For full terms and conditions
please log on to
www.uce.ac.uk/web2/misc/legal.html
6
8
8
8
M5
7
5
A38(M)
M6
1
Birmingham
A34A435
A38
A41
A45
West
Bromwich
A4040
A4040
A4040
A4040
A34
A456
A41
A4540
A441
A453
A4040
Manchester
Birmingham
London
16. UCE Business School
Galton Building
Perry Barr
Birmingham
West Midlands
B42 2SU
T +44 (0)121 331 5200
F +44 (0)121 331 6366
E business.school@uce.ac.uk
W www.business.uce.ac.uk
