1. Northampton
Business School
Postgraduate
and Professional
Courses
Transforming lives, inspiring change

2. MSC ACCOUNTING &
FINANCE (LEVEL 7)
(TOP-UP FROM ACCA / CIMA /
AIA / ACA)
The MSc is designed for
AIA, ACA, CIPFA, ACCA or
CIMA graduates and aims
to provide a means by which
the continuing professional
and personal needs of
accounting practitioners
may be met.
Accounting & Finance
01
“I decided to undertake the MSc Accounting and
Finance qualification arising from a partnership
agreement with my Professional Body, the Association
of International Accountants (AIA).
I chose the distance learning method of study as it
gave me an opportunity to study at a high level whilst
continuing to operate my Accountancy Practice.
The Northampton Business School lecturers were very
supportive and generous with their time and gave
excellent advice and guidance, as well as being tolerant
of my many requests! They took their time to be as
attentive as they could be in order to assist me through
periods of numerous competing time demands and,
spells of writer’s block!
This course has helped me to formalise concepts and
principles that probably I was aware of unconsciously
but that have now been integrated by the MSc into a
methodology which is professionally and personally
useful. I have to say that my ego is delighted to add
MSc Accounting and Finance to my business card and
Firm’s letterhead.
Studying at Northampton Business School meant that
I was able to commence my studies immediately and,
that was the primary attraction for me. The course
provided long term benefits which will provide me with
a more profitable consultancy.”
Christopher R Way MSc , BA, AIA, AFA, Dip Bus
Business Development Manager,
CRW Accountants Limited, Devon

3. Course Content
The course aims to extend and enhance
the understanding and competence
gained via professional qualification
and to enhance the ability of students to
think strategically about management
and organisational change. This top-up
course may be taken by part-time study
in Northampton or by distance learning
worldwide. Distance learning students
are supported online.
The module on ‘Managing Strategic
Change’ takes an in-depth look at
both leading edge strategic issues and
change processes. The module covers
the business tools, techniques and
concepts used in scanning the business
environment for potential changes,
analysing the potential implications
of differing scenarios, strategies and
processes before developing responses
to potential changes. ‘Research Methods’
is taught and covers the introduction to
research, types of research methodology,
formulating and planning a research
project, data collection and analysis and
presentation of research findings.
Following successful completion of the
taught modules and research methods,
members undertake a dissertation
related to an aspect of strategic financial
significance for the organisation.
Special Course Features
• Converts professional
qualifications into an MSc
• Networking opportunities with
other professionals
• Distance learning is supported
worldwide by e-learning
Typical Modules
• Managing Strategic Change
• Dissertation & Research
Methods
Entry Requirements
Applicants should be fully qualified (by
examination) members of ACA, ACCA,
CIPFA, AIA, CIMA or equivalent.
Attendance
The complete programme runs over one
year distance learning.
Assessment
The course has a mixture of assessment
involving essays, reports and
examinations, plus a dissertation.
Career Opportunities
The programme is concerned with
broadening your professional knowledge
and aims to provide practitioners with
the necessary skills to contribute to the
effective management and development
of organisations. As such, it will
enhance your professional and
career development.
Distance Learning
Accounting & Finance
MSC ACCOUNTING & FINANCE (LEVEL 7)
(TOP-UP FROM ACCA / CIMA / AIA / ACA)
02

4. POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE/
MSC IT SERVICE MANAGEMENT
(LEVEL 7)
The course is aimed at students
who wish to develop a career
within the many areas of IT Service
Management including Design,
Delivery and Support, Project,
Change and Transition Management.
Exemption for ITIL®
qualifications
is available. Information Sciences
recognises the importance of career-
centred skills and modules are
aligned to ‘Skills Framework For the
Information Age’ SFIA®
.
Business Computing & IT
03
“My line manager was the one who originally
suggested the distance learning MSc IT Service
Management (ITSM) course to me after hearing about
the University of Northampton.
Based in Rome and having to travel all over the
world, I was initially worried that I would have to give
up employment to study. However, as the course is
delivered by distance learning it meant that all of the
course materials were online so I could study wherever,
and whenever, I was able.
Working in IT, this course was ideal as much of the
content directly related to my job.
The course has enabled me to think in new ways and I
now have a greater knowledge of the subject field and
a more in-depth understanding. In fact, I have already
implemented ideas gained from this course into my job.
With so many on-going work projects this qualification
has given me a structure, for how best to do things. It
has enabled me to learn while I work.
Even at a distance, the lecturers are always on hand to
help me, either via phone or email, and have allowed
me some flexibility when needed. Between my full time
job and
studying, my time management skills have definitely
been put to test!
Since starting the course I have visited the UK on a
couple of occasions and have used the opportunity to
sit in on a couple of the classes as well as meet up with
the lecturers. It was nice to put a face to the name! I
also met up with the Course Leader, Susan Bailey, at
the itSMF conference this year and after discussing my
dissertation with her, I now feel able , with the support
of the IS team, to complete this major piece of work
earlier than expected.
Gaining this qualification will really help me with my
career prospects and I am already planning to progress
onto a PhD once I’ve completed.
I have recommended the course and Northampton
Business School at The University of Northampton to
both friends and colleagues.”
Mark Brown
IT Project Manager
United Nations World Food Programme

5. Course Content
This course has been designed to meet
the need for competent and qualified
staff that can enable organisations
to maximise the value of information
communications technology and IT
services. It is suitable for any student
wishing to move into IT service
management, and is particularly
relevant to business strategic planning,
service delivery and support, continuity
planning, application and infrastructure
management, quality management, and
project and change management.
It is now recognised that information is
the most important strategic resource
that any organisation has to manage,
and that this information can not be
managed or exploited if ICT systems and
services are below the required quality.
The emergence of a global body itSMF
to ensure the adherence of quality and
standards in the provision of IT services
underpins the importance of IT service
management and the quality of staff
employed within this profession.
This course addresses the need to
understand the responsibilities,
components and opportunities for
IT service management; an area of
expanding job opportunities and skill
shortages in the modern world of
business computing and service delivery.
The rationale for the course is based on
the recognition that the effectiveness
of all IT services is a vital aspect to the
prosperity of any organisation. The course
embraces good practice, and by continual
reassessment, ensures all material
is relevant to today’s computing and
management expectations.
The course encompasses IT service
management through a series of
progressive units developing the student’s
knowledge from fundamental concepts,
through to units addressing IS strategy,
management information, quality
management, application development,
infrastructure, service support and
delivery, continuity planning, people and
operational issues of implementing IT
Service Management Best Practice, ISO
20000 and ITIL®
.
Special Course Features
• Perfect course for IT students
wishing to move into IT service
management
• IT service management has
expanding job opportunities
Typical Modules
Postgraduate Certificate Stage
• Implementing Service Management
• Project and Change Management
• Quality and IT Service Provision
Postgraduate Diploma Stage
• Information Systems
Development
• Network and Infrastructure
Management
• Strategic Information Systems and
Quality Management
MSc Stage
• Dissertation
Entry Requirements
Candidates will normally hold a
recognised first or second class honours
degree (or equivalent), or a postgraduate
qualification for which a degree or HND
qualification was a necessary entry
requirement. Applicants with relevant
work experience in the IT field and related
professional qualifications (i.e. ITIL®
) will
be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants with professional qualifications
may be eligible for exemptions.
Attendance
Three years distance learning.
Assessment
The course has a mixture of assessment
involving practical work, essays, reports
based on real-world provision, case
studies, portfolios, oral presentations as
well as examinations. The emphasis is on
assessment by coursework.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this course have excellent
career prospects in the field of IT service
management. They are equipped with
the skills for outsourcing, IT and business
strategic planning, service delivery and
support, continuity planning, application
and infrastructure management.
Graduates are prepared for employment
in all areas of service management from
help desk through to second and third
level work in IT support. They have the
knowledge and expertise to lead projects
such as outsourcing management,
contingency planning, strategic
alignment, implementing continuous
improvement, reducing costs, project and
change management.
Distance Learning
Business Computing & IT
POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE/
MSC IT SERVICE MANAGEMENT (LEVEL 7)
04

6. MA HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
(TOP-UP FROM CIPD DIPLOMA) (LEVEL 7)
The MA is designed for
Chartered Institute of
Personnel and Development
(CIPD) graduates holding
the Postgraduate Diploma
and aims to provide
a means by which the
continuing professional and
personal needs of human
resource practitioners may
be met.
Human Resource Management
05

7. Course Content
The programme aims to extend the
understanding and competence gained
via CIPD professional qualifications to
enhance the ability of students to think
strategically about management and
organisational change.
This top-up course may be taken by
distance learning world-wide. Distance
learning students are supported by
an online virtual environment. The
programme is designed to broaden
your specialist knowledge gained
at professional level. In particular
the module on ‘Managing Strategic
Change’ takes an in-depth look at
both leading edge strategic issues and
change processes. The module covers
the business tools, techniques and
concepts used in scanning the business
environment for potential changes,
analysing the potential implications
of differing scenarios, strategies and
processes before developing responses to
potential changes.
Following successful completion of the
modules course members undertake
a HRM dissertation related to an
aspect of strategic significance for their
organisation. ‘Research methods covers
the introduction to research, types of
research methodology, formulating
and planning a research project, data
collection and analysis and presentation
of research findings.
Special Course Features
• Converts the CIPD Diploma into an
MA/HRM
• Networking opportunities with other
professionals
• Distance learning world-wide
supported e-learning
Typical Modules
• Managing Strategic Change
• Dissertation & Research Methods
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have successfully
completed the Chartered Institute of
Personnel and Development (CIPD)
Diploma.
Attendance
The complete programme runs over one
year. Start dates for the distance learning
programme are either September or
January.
Assessment
Students complete a variety of
assessments including individual written
assignments, a group assignment /
project, and reports as well as the
dissertation. The type of assessments
taken are reviewed regularly and subject
to change. Students are provided with
written feedback for all work completed.
Career Opportunities
This programme is aimed at those
who are already working within the HR
profession at managerial, senior advisor
or (occasionally) director level. The skills
and knowledge gained should enable
successful programme members to
develop and apply strategic thinking and
as such assist with career progression
where such skills are in demand.
Distance Learning
Human Resource Management
MA HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
(TOP-UP FROM CIPD DIPLOMA) (LEVEL 7)
06

8. POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN
MANAGEMENT STUDIES (DMS) (LEVEL 7)
To develop management
expertise through the
examination and application
of modern management
concepts and techniques.
Management
07

9. Course Content
The programme is designed not only to
give students a thorough understanding
of business and management processes,
but also to enable them to develop their
effectiveness as a practising manager.
Normally each stage is taken over one
academic year. You are able to leave with
a qualification at any stage on successful
completion of the appropriate modules
should you decide not to continue.
Special Course Features
• Allows managers the flexibility to study
at a time, place and pace that suits
them
• Online material for each module
studied distance learning which guides
students through the topic and which
contains a number of self assessment
exercises and recommended reading
• The required text books for each
management module is provided as
part of the programme and within its
costs
Typical Modules
Postgraduate Certificate in Management:
• Accounting and Finance for Managers
• Marketing: Principles and
Management
• People in Organisations
• The Effective Manager Postgraduate
Diploma in Management Studies
(DMS):
• Accounting and Finance for Managers
• Management Project
• Managing Operations
• Organisational Strategy
Entry Requirements
Candidates should normally either
hold an honours degree from a UK
(or equivalent) university, or possess
a recognised graduate professional
qualification. They should normally have
two years work experience at supervisory
level or above.
HNC/HND and other Level 5
qualifications such as CMS/ILM/CMI
will be considered along with your
management experience.
Attendance
This course is run on a distance
learning basis, over two years.
Assessment
Mainly coursework, assignment-based.
Career Opportunities
This qualification will enhance the career
opportunities of any manager. A highly
regarded qualification by employers it
reflects the high degree of demand both
in terms of entry qualification and the
rigour and workload associated with the
course.
Distance Learning
Management
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN
MANAGEMENT STUDIES (DMS) (LEVEL 7)
08

10. MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)
(TOP-UP FROM EDEXCEL, DMS, ABE, NCC, ICM) (LEVEL 7)
This is a distance learning
programme designed as
a top-up to the MBA for
holders of the Diploma
in Management Studies
(DMS) and other Level 7
Postgraduate Diplomas.
Management
09

11. Course Content
The MBA is the leading internationally
recognised qualification for practising
managers. This is a distance learning
programme designed as a top-up to the
MBA for holders of Level 7 Management
and Ledership qualifications such as the
Diploma in Management Studies, ABE,
NCC, ICM.
The programme has been designed
to enhance the knowledge and skills
developed on the DMS. As a Masters
degree, this course is demanding both
in terms of the rigour and workload
associated with the course; so will
require commitment and dedication
from participants. The MBA enables
participants to consider issues in an
organisation wide or total business
context. Skills in analysing business and
organisational problems are emphasised.
The MBA top-up programme runs
separately but alongside the now
well-established part-time / distance
learning MBA course and is available
only to those candidates who have
satisfactorily completed a DMS or
equivalent qualification. For those
who have completed a professional
Level 7 management award, the
wider experience gained by practising
management and the opportunity
for reflection and consideration of
the relevance and value of academic
perspectives, will be particularly valued.
The focus of the programme is in
developing holistic strategic thinking
within an organisation. The ability to
recognise and exploit opportunities
and the development of strategies and
plans to cope with managing change
are addressed. Course members will
be instructed in management research
techniques appropriate to Master’s
degree level learning to enable them
to fulfil the demands of the course
assessment scheme and, in particular,
satisfactorily complete a dissertation.
Special Course Features
• Designed to build on learning from
Level 7 professional management
qualifications
• Extend the academic reach of
candidates
• E-learning and books support distance
learning
• A personal supervisor is assigned to
you during dissertation.
Typical Modules
• Managing Strategic Change
• Research Methods and Dissertation
Entry Requirements
Applicants will normally be expected to
hold a Level 7 (postgraduate) Diploma in
Management or Leadership to the value
of 100 or more UK Credits, for example:
• Advanced Professional Diploma from
Edexcel (formally the DMS)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Business
Management from the ABE
(Association of Business Executives),
NCC or ICM
Applicants with Level 7 qualifications
valued at less than 100 UK credits may
be able to join the top-up programme but
would have to study additional credit.
Attendance
Normally one year distance learning.
September and January
Assessment
Coursework assignments, and a
dissertation.
Career Opportunities
With a sound knowledge of the theories
and techniques of management and
increased confidence in dealing with
other management professionals,
graduates’ management competences
will be significantly improved on
completion leading to enhanced career
progression opportunities.
Distance Learning
Management
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)
(TOP-UP FROM EDEXCEL, DMS, ABE, NCC, ICM) (LEVEL 7)
10

12. MASTER OF BUSINESS
LEADERSHIP (MBL)
The MBL is intended as a
developmental experience
that inspires and engages
participants in how to
develop their leadership
approach and philosophy
for the purpose of
sustainable development.
Management
11

13. Course Content
The course provides a rigorous education
in the concepts and techniques of
business and management. From
this base are developed the skills and
analytical tools of relevance to a senior
manager, enabling such managers
to perform effectively within their
organisations and predict potential
issues. Of key significance will be
encouraging participants to perceive
their organisations holistically enabling
strategic issues to be identified, analysed
and appropriate plans implemented.
The course seeks to enhance the ability
to learn and acquire new leadership
skills including the ability to critically
evaluate appropriate academic literature.
Similarly participants will be encouraged
to identify their personal continuing
learning and development needs beyond
the provisions of the course through
their ability to critically reflect upon
issues impinging upon their personal
circumstances.
Special Course Features
The aims for the MBL programme are as
follows to:
• Provide a stimulating and intellectually
demanding leadership development
programme to managers from private,
public and third sector organisations.
• Enhance the participant’s ability to
apply knowledge, skill and
analytical tools to enable them to
perform effectively as leaders.
In addition to the above, the course seeks
to provide a stimulating and intellectually
demanding Leadership Development
Programme of value to senior, or potential
senior managers in private, public and
third sector organisations.
Typical Modules
• Module 1: Business Fundamentals for
Leaders
• Module 2: Leading Business in a
Global Society
• Module 3: Leadership Capabilities
• Module 4: In-company Leadership/
Change Project.
Entry Requirements
• Applicants for the postgraduate MBL
awards are normally expected to have
achieved a first or second class
honours degree or Post Graduate
Diploma, at a UK University, or
equivalent. Recognition of Prior
Learning assessed on a case-by-
case basis, may be granted to selected
applicants who have no formal
qualifications but who have at least
10-15 years of relevant management
and leadership experience.
• Applicants for the MBL must have 10
15 years managerial and/or
leadership experience.
• Submission of a personal essay (in a
word processed document) addressing
three critical questions (approximately
200-250 words per each question), will
be required.
• Have recommendation from employer
or supervisor.
Attendance
The delivery of teaching in blended terms
will adopt three approaches:
• Concentrated periods of two day
teaching blocks (Thursday
evening until Saturday evening) every
six weeks.
• Directed learning activities via the web
• Self directed learning resources also
delivered via the web
Assessment
Project work, portfolios, presentations and
group work
Career Opportunities
Will enable career progression
and promotion to senior levels of
management
Blended Learning
Management
MASTER OF BUSINESS
LEADERSHIP (MBL)
12

14. MA MARKETING (LEVEL 7) (TOP-UP FROM CIM
PROFESSIONAL POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA)
The MA is designed for
holders of the Chartered
Institute of Marketing (CIM)
Professional Postgraduate
Diploma and aims to
provide a means by which
the continuing professional
and personal needs of
marketing practitioners may
be met.
Marketing
13

15. Course Content
The course aims to extend the
understanding and competence gained
via professional qualification, and to
enhance the ability of students to think
strategically about management and
organisational change. This top-up
course may be taken by distance learning
worldwide. Distance learning students
are supported by e-learning material and
an online virtual learning environment.
The top-up programme consists of two
modules and is designed to broaden
your specialist knowledge gained at
the professional level. The module on
‘Managing Strategic Change’ takes an in-
depth look at both leading edge strategic
issues and change processes. The module
covers the business tools, techniques and
concepts used in scanning the business
environment for potential changes,
analysing the potential implications
of differing scenarios strategies and
processes before developing responses to
potential changes.
The Marketing Dissertation and Research
Methods module extends your knowledge
and understanding of methodological
issues, leading to the production of a
research proposal. The dissertation
gives you the opportunity to complete a
substantial piece of independent research
on a topic of strategic significance for the
organisation.
Special Course Features
• Converts professional qualifications
into an MA
• Networking opportunities with other
professionals
• Distance learning is supported
worldwide by e-learning
Typical Modules
• Managing Strategic Change
• Marketing dissertation and Research
Methods
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have successfully
completed the Chartered Institute
of Marketing (CIM) Professional
Postgraduate Diploma.
Attendance
The complete programme runs over one
year distance learning. Course starts in
September and January.
Assessment
The course is assessed by reports,
examination and a dissertation.
Career Opportunities
The programme is concerned with
broadening your professional
qualifications and aims to provide
practitioners with the necessary skills to
contribute to the effective management
and development of organisations. As
such, it will enhance your professional
development.
Distance Learning
Management
MA MARKETING (LEVEL 7) (TOP-UP FROM CIM
PROFESSIONAL POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA)
14

16. Park Campus
Boughton Green Road
Northampton
NN2 7AL
T 01604 892036
E business@northampton.ac.uk
W www.northampton.ac.uk/professional
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