STUDENT HANDBOOK

2010-2011

MSc Accounting and Finance

International Accounting and Finance Accounting and Financial Management Finance

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Disclaimer: The information in this Handbook may be superseded by recent changes in regulations and other, more recent, particulars. As a guiding principle, the School’s webpages will generally contain the latest, most up-to-date information.

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Contents Page 1. Welcome from the Programme Director 5

2. About the Department 6

Who’s Who in the Department of Accounting and Department of Finance 7/8/9

3. First Steps 10 - Orientation Meeting, MSc Accounting and Finance - AC550 Quantitative Methods for Accounting and Finance 12 - School Registration 14 - School Orientation - Choosing Courses - Course/Module Capping - Courses Requiring Permission and Course Changes 15 - Lectures and Classes - Seminar sign-up system - Lecture Handouts

4. The Programme 16

- Aims of the Programme - Programme Regulations and Specialisation for Degree Certificates - Advice on Choice of Subjects

5. What is Expected of You 19

- Code of Good Practice for Taught Masters Programmes - Academic Advisers - Responsibilities of the Student - Extracurricular Obligations - Teaching and Learning 20 - Teaching Quality

6. Assessment and Examination 21 - Formative Assessment - Summative Assessment

- Assessed Coursework - Marks for Assessed Coursework 22 - Dissertation (Long Essay) - Assessment for Optional Courses 23 - Scheme, Mark/Grade and ‘Local Rules’ 24 - Examination Timetable - Past Examination Papers - Examination Question Papers 25 - Examination Study Skills - Electronic Calculators in Examinations - Adjustment for Students with Disabilities - Mitigating circumstances - Deferral - Results - Appeals 26

- Plagiarism - Self-plagiarism

7. Departmental Services for Students 27

- SU Accounting and Finance Society - Contacting Academic and Teaching Staff - Communicating with Students - Doctoral Studies in Accounting 28 - Events

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- Facebook - Graduate Weekend - Moodle 29 - Staff Office Hours - Staff/Student Liaison Committee - Student Representatives 30 - Student Information Centre - Department Study Room(s) and other Study Facilities 31 - Departmental Suggestions - Department Website

8. School Services for Students 32

- Academic Advisers - Accommodation - Alumni - Auditing Courses - Business Continuity – Contingency Planning for Swine Flu Pandemic - Careers Services 33 - Catering - Chaplaincy - Disability Office 34 - Equality and Diversity - Financial Support Office - Finding your way around LSE 35 - Health & Welfare Services - Internships - IT Services 36 - Language Support - Library - LSE for You - Moodle 37 - Nursery - Paid employment during your studies - Public Lectures - Requesting written references - Research Ethics Policy 38 - Student Services Centre incl Change of Address - Student Study Support - Students’ Union - Timetables 39 - University of London facilities - Vacations - Volunteer to represent LSE - Widening Participation at LSE (incl. Student Mentoring, Student Tutoring Schemes) 40

9. Useful Information Section - Term Dates 41 - MSc Programme Calendar 42

Appendices - Guidance on marked classwork 44 - Further information on the Student Services Centre 47

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Dear MSc Accounting and Finance Student Welcome to the LSE. Excitement, challenge, pleasure and some considerable hard work await you over this coming academic year! You are part of a very select group of individuals admitted to this programme. Each year, graduates from the MSc Accounting and Finance programme take up demanding positions in a diverse range of organisations spread around the globe. Some engage in their own start-ups, others join investment banks, brokerage houses, consultancies, professional accountancy firms, financial boutiques and industrial concerns. Many decide to pursue further graduate study. The “LSE experience” in one way or another influences every MSc candidate’s future possibilities and endeavours. To assist you in making the best use of resources available to MSc students, and to guide your programme of study, the following pages document what you will need to know. Whilst this student handbook is as comprehensive as we could make it, if you have any questions you do not find answers to, please ask at the Student Information Centre, with the MSc Programme Manager (Dorothy Richards) or contact your Academic Adviser. Do not hesitate to contact me if you feel I am better placed to help. Al Bhimani Head of Department of Accounting Programme Director, MSc Accounting and Finance Professor of Management Accounting

July 2010

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2. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Accounting continues to enjoy a reputation as one of the leading groups in the world for teaching and research on the economic, institutional and organisational aspects of accounting and financial management. Maintaining and advancing our leading international reputation for teaching and research is our top priority, and thus, we are committed:

To enhance still further the quality of the student experience in our programmes at both the undergraduate and graduate level, such as by maintaining effective student-faculty ratios and ensuring an appropriate balance and mix of students to maintain diversity and quality of the educational experience.

To strengthen further our outstanding research environment through research seminars, visitors and strong links with other departments, research centres and external constituencies, making it possible to study relevant accounting issues within the rich context of the social sciences in line with the School's intellectual tradition.

We are proud about the diversity in everything we do, as it is the key to our competitive advantage locally as well as globally. We therefore strive to continue to combine 'global appeal' with a distinctive 'European orientation' in terms of institutional knowledge and affiliations as well as intellectual traditions.

The following web pages provide further information about our programmes and research, as well as our faculty, news and events, and links to other organisations. We hope you will find these pages insightful in providing the information you are looking for.

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Who’s Who in the Department of Accounting Head of Department of Accounting; MSc Accounting and Finance Programme Director:

Professor Al Bhimani, Room OLD3.08 , Ext: 7329 Email: a.bhimani@lse.ac.uk Department Manager

Charlotte Knights, Room OLD3.19, Ext: 7230 Email: c.knights@lse.ac.uk The Head of Department has overall responsibility for Departmental administration. Professor Bhimani is supported by an administrative team headed by Charlotte Knights, Department Manager. Chair, MSc Accounting and Finance Sub-board of Examiners

Dr Pascal Frantz, Room OLD3.07, Ext: 7233. Email: p.frantz@lse.ac.uk The Chair has overall responsibility for all communications with the programme Sub-board and School administration . MSc Accounting and Finance - Programme Manager:

Dorothy Richards, Room OLD3.22, Ext: 6603. Email: d.richards@lse.ac.uk. Dorothy is responsible for providing the administrative support for your programme. She is your first point of contact for administrative queries relating to your studies including registration, course choices/changes and exam registration. She also supports the MSc Accounting and Finance staff student liaison committee and acts as a liaison between the home department and student representatives, and between students and School administration.

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Student Services Manager

Rebecca Farrier, Room OLD3.22, Ext: 7737 Email: r.farrier@lse.ac.uk Administrator

Justin Adams, Room OLD3.20, Ext: 6542 Email: j.adams5@lse.ac.uk Justin is responsible for the administration of all accounting courses and for ensuring all materials are loaded onto Moodle course pages. Student Information Centre Assistant

Elizabeth Venning, Room OLD3.20, Ext: 3780, Email: e.f.venning@lse.ac.uk Elizabeth is responsible for the Student Information Centre. She is your first point of contact for queries regarding office hours and will assist you with the collection of course packs and classwork. A full list of academic staff and their research interests in the Department of Accounting can be found on the departmental website at http://www2.lse.ac.uk/accounting/facultyAndStaff/Home.aspx.

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Who’s Who in the Department of Finance Head of Department of Finance

Professor David Webb, Room OLDM3.09, Ext: 7275, Email: d.c.webb@lse.ac.uk

Department Manager photo unavailable Osmana Raie, Room OLD3.01, Ext: 7324, Email: o.raie@lse.ac.uk Student Services Manager photo unavailable Ms Mary Comben, Room OLD3.05, Ext: 7739 Email: m.comben@lse.ac.uk Postgraduate Finance Liaison photo unavailable

Dr Antonio Mele, Room OLDM3.12, Ext: 5371, Email: a.mele@lse.ac.uk

A full list of academic staff and their research interests in the Department of Finance can be found on the departmental website at http://www2.lse.ac.uk/collections/finance/Default.htm.

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3. FIRST STEPS

ORIENTATION MEETING MSc Accounting and Finance

Friday 1st October 2010

10.00am-12.30pm (Old Theatre)

Provisional Programme 10.00am Welcome to LSE

Professor Al Bhimani – Head of Department of Accounting Professor David Webb – Head of Department of Finance

10.10am Orientation Arrangements and Introduction to the MSc Programme

Professor Al Bhimani – Programme Director

10.15am Administration Charlotte Knights – Department Manager

Presentations on Compulsory Courses (Papers 1 and 2)

10.20am FM430 Corporate Finance and Asset Markets; FM429 Asset Markets A; FM431 Corporate Finance A Dr Vicente Cunat and Dr Kathy Yuan

10.30am AC410 Management Accounting, Strategy and Organisational Control Professor Wim Van der Stede AC411 Accounting, Strategy and Control

Professor Wim Van der Stede

10.40am AC420 Financial Reporting in Capital Markets Dr Pascal Frantz

Presentations on Optional Courses (Papers 3 and 4)

10.50am AC412 Accountability, Organisations and Risk Prof Michael Power Management (H)

10.55am AC444 Valuation and Security Analysis (H) Dr Pascal Frantz 11.00am AC470 Accounting in the Global Economy (H) Dr Andrea Mennicken 11.05am GY462 Real Estate Finance (H) Dr Olmo Silva 11.10am ID420 Leadership in Organisations: Theory and Practice (H) Dr Connson Locke 11.15am LL4B9 Corporate and Financial Crime and

LL4K2 Law of International Economic and Financial Sanctions (H) Sorry speaker unavailable. Please see course outline in pack..

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ORIENTATION MEETING

MSc Accounting and Finance

Provisional Programme Continued….. 11.30am Quantitative Methods in Accounting and Finance (AC550)

Dr Stefano Cascino

11.40am Examinations Dr Pascal Frantz - Chair, MSc Accounting and Finance Sub-board of Examiner’s General: Registration, Academic Advisers, Finalising Course Choices Professor Al Bhimani – Programme Director

Administration: Facilities, Activities, Other Forms of Support

11.50am MSc Accounting and Finance Society: 12.00noon LSE Careers Service: Judith Baines 12.10pm Teaching and Learning: 12.15pm Library: Clive Wilson 12.20pm Language Centre: Chris Sciberras 12.25pm Reminders

MSc Programme Design Academic Advisers Quantitative Methods in Accounting and Finance (commences Saturday 2 October) Final date for Michaelmas Term Course Selection (Thursday 14 October 2010) Reception (Shaw Library, at 17.00)

13.30-15.30 Department of Finance : Graduate FM Optional Courses Orientation Meeting 2010

Peacock Theatre

For further enquiries please go to the Department of Accounting, Student Information Centre, Room OLD3.20 or contact Dorothy Richards on 020 7955 6603 or in Room OLD3.22.

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AC550 Quantitative Methods For Accounting and Finance

Provisional Outline 2010/11 Teachers responsible: Dr Stefano Cascino (Course Leader) Dr Pascal Frantz Dr Ane Tamayo Dr Dimitrios Tsomocos Course content This first week course is a reminder of the fundamentals of algebra, analysis and statistics, and of the basic accounting and disclosure principles and practice that are needed for the Masters courses in Accounting and Finance. The course is organized in three sections: Section 1 - “Finance: Quantitative Methods” provides the basic quantitative tools needed for the technical MSc courses. It consists of an introduction to Basic Calculus, Probability and Statistics. Section 2 - “Accounting: Disclosure Principles and Practice” reviews major features of contemporary GAAP under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and the formal structure of, and interrelationships between, published accounting statements. Given the formal structure of financial statement articulation, it indicates some properties of the behaviour of accounting numbers, including the impact of alternative accounting policies and the relationship between book value and market value of firms. This framework underpins the treatment of current problems of, and developments in, financial accounting, reporting and analysis. Section 3 - “Game Theory: Application to Capital Markets” introduces the game theoretical tools required to analyze issues in accounting and finance in settings in which economic agents interact strategically. Recognizing that financial markets are characterized by asymmetries of information between entrepreneurs (or managers) and investors, this section presents the concept of a Perfect Bayesian Equilibrium (PBE) and provides applications in settings characterized by adverse selection. It shows how adverse selection can lead to the collapse of financial markets and provides conditions under which corporate financial reporting can solve this problem. All Masters students intending to take any finance courses should attend the “Finance: Quantitative Methods.” All those intending to take advanced financial accounting courses (e.g. AC420 or AC444) should attend the “Accounting: Disclosure Principles and Practice” section which is recommended for all MSc Accounting and Finance and MSc Law and Accounting students. Those students taking AC420 should also attend the “Game Theory: Application to Capital Markets” section which is recommended for all MSc Accounting and Finance students. Information for current students

Information for current students will be available to you via moodle https://moodle.lse.ac.uk/login/index.php.

Feedback on performance and progress will be provided during class, on written homework assignments, and during office hours. Section 1 Finance: Quantitative Methods Dr Dimitrios Tsomocos will cover the following topics:

Basic Calculus Wednesday 6 and Friday 8 October 2010

Differential Equations Probability Statistics Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 October 2010 Econometrics

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Section 2 Accounting: Disclosure Principles and Practice Dr Stefano Cascino will cover the following topics:

Course overview Accounting regulation Harmonization of accounting standards

Saturday 2 October 2010

Conceptual framework Accounting standards and standard setters Long term assets Monday 4 October 2010 Basics of group accounting IAS 27: Consolidated accounts Tuesday 5 October 2010 Cash flow statement Properties of accounting numbers Thursday 7 October 2010 Basic valuation models

Section 2 Accounting: Disclosure Principles and Practice Dr Ane Tamayo will cover the following topics:

Components of financial reports Saturday 2 October 2010

Fundamental accounting concepts Section 3 Game Theory: Application to Capital Markets Dr Pascal Frantz will cover the following topics:

Game theory (games of incomplete information) Thursday 7 October 2010

Application to capital markets TIMETABLE 2010/11

Details Date Day Time Finish Room Teacher

Accounting and Finance - AC550 lecture 02-10-2010 Saturday 10:00 13:00 NABLG08 CASCINO, DR STEFANO, TAMAYO, DR ANE

Accounting and Finance - AC550 lecture 02-10-2010 Saturday 14:00 16:00 NABLG08 TAMAYO, DR ANE

Accounting and Finance - AC550 lecture 04-10-2010 Monday 09:00 11:00 NABLG08 CASCINO, DR STEFANO

Accounting and Finance - AC550 lecture 04-10-2010 Monday 12:00 14:00 OT CASCINO, DR STEFANO

Accounting and Finance - AC550 lecture 05-10-2010 Tuesday 10:00 12:00 D1 CASCINO, DR STEFANO

Accounting and Finance - AC550 lecture 05-10-2010 Tuesday 13:00 15:00 NABLG08 CASCINO, DR STEFANO

Accounting and Finance - AC550 lecture 06-10-2010 Wednesday 14:00 18:00 E171 TSOMOCOS, DR DIMITRIOS

Accounting and Finance - AC550 lecture 07-10-2010 Thursday 09:00 12:00 NABLG08 FRANTZ, DR PASCAL

Accounting and Finance - AC550 lecture 07-10-2010 Thursday 15:00 17:00 OT CASCINO, DR STEFANO

Accounting and Finance - AC550 lecture 08-10-2010 Friday 09:00 11:00 E171 TSOMOCOS, DR DIMITRIOS

Accounting and Finance - AC550 lecture 08-10-2010 Friday 13:00 17:00 OT TSOMOCOS, DR DIMITRIOS

Accounting and Finance - AC550 lecture 09-10-2010 Saturday 10:00 13:00 NABLG08 TSOMOCOS, DR DIMITRIOS

Accounting and Finance - AC550 lecture 09-10-2010 Saturday 14:00 16:00 NABLG08 TSOMOCOS, DR DIMITRIOS

Accounting and Finance - AC550 Office hour 09-10-2010 Saturday 16:00 17:00 NABLG08 TSOMOCOS, DR DIMITRIOS

Accounting and Finance - AC550 lecture 10-10-2010 Sunday 10:00 13:00 NABLG08 TSOMOCOS, DR DIMITRIOS

Accounting and Finance - AC550 lecture 10-10-2010 Sunday 14:00 16:00 NABLG08 TSOMOCOS, DR DIMITRIOS

Accounting and Finance - AC550 Office hour 10-10-2010 Sunday 16:00 17:00 NABLG08 TSOMOCOS, DR DIMITRIOS

Please check http://www.lse.ac.uk/admin/timetables/confirmed/provtimetable.htm regularly to monitor any changes.

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School Registration Programme registration for new graduate students will take place on the following date: Wednesday 22 September in the Hong Kong Theatre (Clement House) from 2.00pm to 5.00pm Registration means that you are a member of the School and entitled to use the School facilities. At registration you will receive LSE ID card, which is also your library card. You will not be required to choose individual courses at registration. Full information can be found by visiting the following weblink: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/RegistrationPg/registrationpg2010.aspx What do I do if I miss my scheduled registration time?

For students who are not able to attend their scheduled session due to unavoidable circumstances, there will be arrangements for late registration as follows:

i) Thursday 30 September to Friday 1 October in the Hong Kong Theatre (Clement House) from 10.30am to 1.00pm.

ii) Monday 4 October to Tuesday 5 October in the Student Services Centre (Old Building) from 10.30am to 1.00pm.

If for any reason you are unable to register on time, please contact the Student Services Centre - registry@lse.ac.uk.

School Orientation http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/newArrivals/OrientationPg/schoolOrientation.aspx The above weblink provides useful information, including a checklist for your first few days at LSE, the Students’ Union Freshers’ Fair, and the Orientation Events Timetable for Postgraduate students. Choosing Courses All course choices are subject to approval. Choice of any course not offered by Department of Accounting is subject to

availability and timetabling constraints. Students are required to take the number of courses as prescribed by their programme regulations. Students on the MSc Accounting and Finance programme are required to take the equivalent of four full units per year. For information on the syllabus and content of courses available in 2010/11, please consult the link: http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/

Students can make their course choices online via LSE for You (LFY), LSE's web-based self-service student administration system. If you are a new student joining the School in October, information on how to activate your LFY account can be found via the online application tracker system. You can collect your password after your account has been generated in early August. If you would like to discuss your choice of courses and then record your option changes online, please make an appointment to see the Programme Director, Professor Al Bhimani who will be available on Monday 4th October 2010 from 10.00am in case of queries. It is very important that you register for your courses by the deadline Thursday 14 October 2010.. Course/Module Capping A full list of graduate courses with limited places (capped courses) can be found at: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/courseChoicePg/cappedCourses2010-11.aspx. Any student wishing to take a capped course outside the Department must follow the instructions given at the link above

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Courses Requiring Permission If you would like to register for an outside option (that is a course not offered within your programme's regulations), you can do so online. Please note that you are advised to contact the department offering the course to ensure that you are eligible to register for it as an outside option. Selecting it online is no guarantee that you will be allowed to attend this course. Please see your Programme Manager, Dorothy Richards for advice. Course Changes You will not be able to select or change course(s) online from week 3 of the Michaelmas Term (Monday 18 October 2010) to the end of the Michaelmas Term (10 December 2010). Once your course choices have been approved by the department, any changes to full units or Michaelmas Term half units will be processed by the Student Services Centre directly, subject to special permission from the department. From the beginning of the Lent Term (10 January 2011), the 'select' button will be released to all students again so that you can finalise your Lent Term half units by beginning of week 3 (Monday 24 January 2011). The system will then be switched off permanently from Monday 24 January 2011 . Full information about choosing courses is available here http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/studentServicesCentre/courseChoicePg/Default.htm Lectures and Seminars/Classes (Graduate) Lectures for most courses begin in the second week of Michaelmas Term (Monday 11 October 2010).

The full timetable for 2010/11 will be published mid-September. http://www.lse.ac.uk/admin/timetables/confirmed/provtimetable.htm

Seminar sign-up system

All students will need to sign up for their seminar groups via LSE for You. Once students have registered for their corresponding course online you will be given access to Graduate seminar group sign-up software, which will enable you to sign up directly for a seminar group of your choice. Students on programmes offered by the Department of Accounting are encouraged to register for their courses early so that they can have priority over Seminar sign-up. The seminar details will be posted on individual timetables on the web by Monday 18 October 2010. For any queries, please contact your Programme Manager, Dorothy Richards.

For timetabled seminar changes please follow the instructions on the 'Online Graduate Seminar Sign-up' option on LSE for You. Please note that some departments have restricted seminar changes for practical reasons.

Lecture Handouts Handouts and other teaching materials are normally distributed during lectures or classes. If you miss a lecture or class given by a teacher in the Department, spare copies of handouts will normally be available from the Student Information Centre, Room OLD3.20. Where possible, handouts will also be placed on relevant course pages on Moodle.

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4. THE PROGRAMME Aims of the Programme

This degree leads to a Masters of Science in Accounting and Finance. Students typically take four units of taught courses, with examinations at the end of the academic year.

The programme is designed for students interested in a career in business, consulting or government. It also provides a thorough preparation for academic research in accounting or finance.

You may emphasise either accounting or finance in your choice of courses, or may opt for a more balanced programme. Through course selection you will be able to specialise in one of the following areas:

Accounting and financial management

International accounting and finance

Finance

Given the high level of academic performance expected from students, a significant amount of independent study and preparation is required for successful completion of the programme.

More information about this degree can be found by visiting http://www2.lse.ac.uk/graduateProspectus2010/taughtProgrammes/MScAccountingAndFinance.aspx Programme Regulations For information about the MSc Accounting and Finance programme structure please visit the weblink http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/taughtMasters.htm. Here you will find information about how you can elect to have a degree specialisation indicated on your degree certificate. Advice on Choice of Subjects Full course descriptions can be found by visiting the following weblink http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/courseGuides/graduate.htm

Compulsory course (Paper 1): FM430 Corporate Finance and Asset Markets Core syllabus: Aims to equip students with the fundamental concepts and tools underlying modern finance, both in the asset markets and the corporate finance side. Provides a foundation for subsequent courses offered by the Department. Or FM429 Asset Markets A (H) Core syllabus: Aims to equip students with the fundamental concepts and tools underlying the asset markets side of modern finance. Covers asset markets and valuation. Cannot be combined with FM430 Corporate Finance and Asset Markets And FM431 Corporate Finance A (H) Core syllabus: Covers range of topics in corporate finance starting with capital budgeting techniques, in relation to CAPM and other valuation instruments. The course then proceeds identifying the driving forces behind capital structure decisions and choices over debt and equity finance. Cannot be combined with FM430 Corporate Finance and Asset Markets

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Compulsory course (Paper 2): AC410 Management Accounting, Strategy and Organisational Control Core syllabus: Provides an advanced overview of current research and practice in the area of management accounting, strategy and organisational control. Particular emphasis is given to the decision relevance of management accounting and to strategic and organisational aspects of control systems design. Cannot be taken in conjunction with AC411 - Accounting, Strategy and Control. Or AC420 Financial Reporting in Capital Markets Core syllabus: Examines the current approach to Corporate Financial Reporting to investors and other groups in countries with active capital markets (such as the UK and USA). Optional courses (Papers 3 and 4). Students should select the remaining papers from the list below (or one of AC410 or AC420 if not selected as Paper 2) to the total value of two full units. All courses are full-unit courses unless indicated by (H) for a half-unit course: FM402 Financial Risk Analysis (H) Core syllabus: This course aims to provide an overview of the main theoretical concepts underlying the analysis of financial risk and to show how these concepts can be implemented in practice in a variety of contexts. This course shares some topics with FM442 Quantitative Methods in Finance and Risk Analysis. FM404 Forecasting Financial Time Series (H) Core syllabus: This course will examine the techniques involved with forecasting key variables in finance. Students will learn both the theory and the practise of forecasting in finance. AC411 Accounting, Strategy and Control (H) Core syllabus: Aims to provide an advanced overview of current developments in thought and practice in the area of accounting, strategy and control. Particular emphasis is given to strategic and organisational aspects of control systems design. Cannot be taken in conjunction with AC410 – Management Accounting, Strategy and Organisational Control AC412 Accountability, Organisations and Risk Management (H) Core syllabus: This is an advanced course focussing on the organisational and institutional settings within which risk is managed. FM413 Fixed Income Markets (H) Core syllabus: Provides a thorough grounding in recent developments in fixed income securities pricing, hedging and portfolio management. FM421 Applied Corporate Finance (H) Core syllabus: Provides a thorough grounding in recent developments in applied corporate finance. FM440 Corporate Finance Theory (H) Core syllabus: Provides a thorough grounding in recent developments in the theory of corporate finance. FM441 Derivatives (H) Core syllabus: Provides a thorough grounding in the theory of derivatives pricing and hedging. FM442 Quantitative Methods for Finance and Risk Analysis (H) Core syllabus: A graduate level course on the quantitative and statistical tools that are important in applied finance. Students will be exposed to application of these tools and the key properties of financial data through a set of computer-based classes and exercises. AC444 Valuation and Security Analysis (H) Core syllabus: Introduces students to security analysis and valuation from both theoretical and empirical perspectives.

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FM445 Portfolio Management (H) Core syllabus: A topics course on empirical and applied problems in portfolio management. FM447 Global Financial Systems (H) Core syllabus: Examines the academic and policy debates on the operation of the global financial system. The course will aim to be topical, but the analysis of the issues will be based on rigorous economic arguments. AC470 Accounting in the Global Economy Core syllabus: Examines the fast changing international dimensions of financial reporting to external users of financial statements and the impact of those changes on business entities and their stakeholders in different jurisdictions. FM472 International Finance (H) Core syllabus: Examines key issues in international finance, focusing on recent developments and incorporating theoretical, empirical, policy and institutional dimensions. AC499/FM499 Dissertation Core syllabus: The dissertation may focus on analysing the relevant literature and other source material on a particular topic and writing a critical survey or commentary, indicating clearly the main problems and their nature, or investigating and reporting on a selected problem, either by some small-scale empirical research, or by using information derived from secondary sources.

Students may also choose the following options:

GY462 Real Estate Finance (H) ID420 Leadership in Organisations: Theory and Practice (H) LL4B9 Corporate and Financial Crime LL4K2 Law of International Economic and Financial Sanctions (H)

Plus one option from the wide variety of courses available in other departments (with permission)

Optional courses are normally available at the discretion of the Programme Director and the Course Teacher. Some courses may be unavailable due to capping or timetabling constraints. For updated course information please visit the following weblink http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/courseGuides/graduate.htm.

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5. WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR TAUGHT MASTERS PROGRAMMES The School has a Code of Practice for Taught Masters Programmes: Teaching and Learning and Assessment which can be found by visiting the following weblink http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/schoolRegulations/codeOfGoodPracticeForTaughtMastersProgrammesTeachingLearningAndAssessment.htm. Detailed below are the areas in which the Department has developed its own guidance to students to supplement the information provided in the School’s Code. Academic Advisers Your academic adviser is responsible for monitoring your academic progress. Your academic adviser is available to help with any problems which may arise, whether academic or personal. All MSc students will be assigned an adviser by the third week of the Michaelmas Term. You should have no hesitation in consulting your academic adviser when in doubt or difficulty. All students should maintain regular in contact with their advisers on academic and pastoral issues through direct one-to-one meetings and other means of communication, such as emails. The number and nature of meetings may vary. Please note that if you elect to take the dissertation option, your dissertation supervisor will not necessarily be your regular academic adviser. You can check your Academic Adviser’s office hours on the Department website or at the Student Information Centre, Room OLD3.20. Extracurricular Obligations You should note the School recommends that full-time students work no more than 20 hours per week during term time, and, if at all possible, fewer than 15 hours. This is subject to: (1) any restrictions on work placed on you by your funding body (2) your paid work not interfering with your studies at the School (3) you not changing classes or seminars to fit your paid work schedule (4) ESRC students may not be employed for more than 6 hours a week. Full-time students are expected to be available for teaching between 9am-6pm Monday-Friday. All other commitments must be fitted round your MSc lecture, class and seminar times. Extracurricular obligations, such as work, are not valid reasons for requesting a class change. The number of hours given over to extracurricular commitments is often recommended to be less than the maximum to ensure the integrity of your studies. Please note that you may find you have difficulty managing your studies if you commit yourself to too many extracurricular activities. Please consult your academic adviser for advice when needed. Responsibilities of the Student Students are required to attend the School for the full duration of each term. Students who wish to be away for good reason in term time must first obtain the consent of their supervisor. Students away through illness must inform their academic adviser and course teachers/leaders and, where the absence is for more than a fortnight, the Student Services Centre. Students are required to see their academic advisers at least once a term to discuss academic or pastoral matters, including their progress in their studies. It is your responsibility to arrange to see your academic adviser either during office hours or at another mutually convenient time.

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In the event that you wish to change your academic adviser for reasons such as a breakdown in the relationship between you and your adviser, you should contact the Programme Manager, Dorothy Richards. Dorothy will arrange for you to meet with the Programme Director to discuss the problem and how to resolve it. Teaching and Learning Although this will vary according to the nature of the course, the normal pattern of learning for taught postgraduate students in the Department is through attendance at weekly lectures and their supporting classes. During classes, assignments will be set to provide feedback on your progress. Normally one piece of work per term will be collected by your class teacher, marked and returned to you (this is known as formative assessment). On some courses, there is coursework that is graded as part of your final assessment (summative assessment). This coursework will be marked but as this forms part of your final exam grade no detailed feedback will be given and the work will not be returned to you. In addition to the set work, you are expected to undertake a significant amount of reading and independent study throughout the year. A refresher course on Quantitative Methods for Accounting and Finance (AC550) is provided which indicates the level of background knowledge and skill you will need to underpin your studies. If you require further support for your study skill in areas such as time management, presentation skills, essay writing or exams, you should check out what is available on the LSE Learning World website (http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/LSEServices/divisionsAndDepartments/TLC/Home.aspx) Teaching Quality The Department places great emphasis on maintaining and enhancing the quality of its teaching. In recent years, we have had both internal and external teaching quality reviews, which have endorsed the high quality of our teaching and the environment we provide for students. As part of our teaching quality systems, we have introduced coursework cover sheets that enable students to receive feedback on their written work. We have also developed marking guidance to help you understand the meaning of the grades you receive. We organise regular Staff/Student Liaison Committee Meetings which students are encouraged to attend and voice their opinion on matters relating to teaching and administration. We also provide opportunities for students to act as student representatives. In addition to these formal mechanisms, we actively encourage students to speak to their Academic Adviser or Programme Director if there are any issues they wish to raise about teaching delivery and quality, or any aspect of their experience while at the LSE.

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6. EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT

Students at the School are usually expected to do two types of assessment during their studies. Class work or course work is submitted to the class teacher for formative assessment, or help students develop their skills and understanding. This work may well be graded, to give students a feel for how they are progressing. In addition students are also required to produce assessed essays and take unseen written examinations for summative assessment, designed to evaluate the student's current level of academic achievement (for grading). Each LSE course will be summatively assessed or examined, most often by sit-down 2 hour or 3 hour examination, though some departments use some more varied assessments, including essays, projects, dissertations, portfolios and practicals of various kinds. Formative Assessment

In most full-unit MSc courses, in preparation for the assessed components of the course (long essays and/or the examination) you will be expected to submit a minimum of two written papers in the course of the year. You will also be expected to participate in seminar

presentations and discussions. These aspects of your coursework are formative, that is, they do not count towards the final grade. The course teachers will provide you with feedback usually in

the form of written comments and a mark. This feedback is invaluable in your preparation for the formal assessments. Appendix One illustrates the assessment criteria that your course teachers are

employing. Please refer to the equivalent mark for the classification criteria. In planning for their assessed (summative) coursework, students should be aware that teaching staff are not available during the vacations. Queries and advice on coursework assignments should therefore be obtained during term-time office hours. Summative Assessment The award of your degree is calculated on the basis of the results you achieve in the assessed coursework and examinations for each of your courses.

Each of the core courses (AC410, AC420 and FM430) are assessed by 100% examination. The table overleaf summarises the nature of assessment for each of the optional courses available to you. For updated information on this and any changes to assessment and examination structure, please visit the following weblink http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/courseGuides/graduate.htm Submission of Assessed Coursework Assessed coursework is treated in the same way as written exams and the marks you receive will be counted towards your final grade for the course. To ensure that the marking process remains anonymous, your assessed coursework should only be identified by your exam candidate number. You will be given instructions on how and when to submit your assessed coursework by the Administrator of each course. The deadlines for submitting assessed coursework are final, except where an extension has been granted by the course leader. Extensions will normally only be granted where there is a good reason backed up by supporting evidence (such as a medical certificate). Any extension must be confirmed in writing to the student by the course leader. If you fail to submit a piece of assessed coursework by the set deadline (or extended deadline, as appropriate), a penalty will be applied. Five marks out of 100 will be deducted for any piece of coursework submitted within 24 hours of the deadline, and a further 5 marks for each subsequent 24 hour period (working days only) until the coursework is submitted. Please refer to the School regulations http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/schoolRegulations/regulationsForTaughtMastersDegrees.htm.

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Marks for Assessed Coursework You will receive provisional marks for their assessed coursework during the year. The timing of the release of these marks will be communicated to you by the Programme Manager or Course Administrator. All assessed coursework marks are informal, provisional and only given as feedback on your performance on the course. The coursework mark will be combined with your examination mark to give you an overall mark for the course at the end of your programme. All marks are provisional until confirmed in writing by the School at the end of the examination process.

Dissertation (Long Essay) Option – AC499 (or FM499)

Availability This is available for students on the MSc Accounting and Finance programme, who elect to take this as an option in paper 3 or 4. Permission to select this long essay option must be obtained from the Programme Director by week 3 of Michaelmas Term - Monday 18 October 2010. Students wishing to select this option must identify and secure agreement from a member of staff who is willing to provide supervision for the long essay. If you decide to elect this as an option in paper 3 or 4, the deadline for submission is end May each year – ie; Friday 27 May 2011. For further information please visit http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/courseGuides/AC/2010_AC499.htm.

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Assessment for Optional Courses

Optional Courses

Term

Assessment

FM402 Financial Risk Analysis

Michaelmas

100% exam

FM404 Forecasting Financial Time Series

Lent

75% exam, 25% coursework

AC411 Accounting, Strategy and Control

Michaelmas

100% exam

AC412 Accountability, Organisations and Risk Management

Lent

100% exam

FM413 Fixed Income Markets

Lent

100% exam

FM421 Applied Corporate Finance

Lent

70% exam, 30% coursework

FM440 Corporate Finance Theory

Lent

100% exam

FM441 Derivatives

Lent

100% exam

FM442 Quantitative Methods for Finance and Risk Analysis

Michaelmas

75% exam, 20% project, 5% presentation.

AC444 Valuation & Security Analysis

Lent

70% exam, 30% project

FM445 Portfolio Management

Lent

100% exam

AC470 Accounting in the Global Economy

Michaelmas

70% exam, 30% written work

FM472 International Finance

Lent

100% exam

GY462 Real Estate Finance

Lent

100% exam

ID420 - Leadership in Organisations: Theory and Practice

Lent

100% exam

LL4B9 - Corporate and Financial Crime

All

100% exam

LL4K2 – Law of International Economic and Financial Sanctions

Lent

100% exam

For updated information please visit the following weblink http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/courseGuides/graduate.htm

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Scheme for the award of a Taught Masters Degree Please visit the following weblink http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/schoolRegulations/TaughtMastersDegrees.htm. This scheme should be read in conjunction with the General Regulations for Candidates, the Regulations for Masters degrees, and the programme regulations for the Masters degree on which the candidate is registered. Exam Sub-Board ‘Local Rules’ The below Exam Sub-Board 'local rules' apply to the MSc Accounting and Finance programme:

Course critical to assessment: None

Distinction/Merit borderline (scheme paragraph 5.3.2): Classification for students with mark profiles falling into this range will always be determined to the advantage of the student.

Merit/Pass borderline (scheme paragraph 5.3.4): Classification for students with mark profiles falling into this range will always be determined to the advantage of the student.

Mark and Grade for students on the MSc Accounting and Finance: Each candidate shall be given an overall result for each course as follows:

Mark Grade

0 - 39% Bad Fail

40 - 49% Fail

50 - 59% Pass

60 - 69% Merit

70% and over Distinction

Mark and Grade for all courses will be specified by each Department or Institute. Examination Timetable Examinations for all courses take place during the Summer Term. We expect that examinations will take place between the middle of May and the end of June 2011. The provisional timetable is usually made available by the last day of the Lent Term. It is published on the LSE Website, and students can access their personal examination timetables through LSE for You. The final examination timetable will be confirmed early in the Sumner Term and published on the School’s website. The final timetable may require you to sit two exams in one day. For detailed information on the examination and assessment process, see: http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/studentServicesCentre/examsAndResultsPg/Default.htm Past Examination Papers Past exam papers for all courses can be found in the Library or on the School website at http://www.lse.ac.uk/library/. Numerical Solutions to some Accounting past exam papers can be found on the relevant Moodle course pages of the Department of Accounting and the Department of Finance . Please check Moodle for further details.

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Examination Question Papers Examinations are intentionally difficult, and feel more so under the pressure of timed conditions. Exam papers can contain questions that surprise students. This is intentional: the examiners may want to test that students have understood the material well enough to cope with new types of problems. Though a examination can be challenging and difficult, it will also be fair. Examination Study Skills LSE Teaching and Learning Centre (http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/LSEServices/divisionsAndDepartments/TLC/Home.aspx contains details of dissertation writing courses, exam study skills courses and events, which you can attend to help prepare for your examinations. Electronic Calculators in Examinations If you are allowed to use an electronic calculator in an examination it must be of the hand-held type, quiet in operation and compact, and must have its own power supply. You are entirely responsible for ensuring that it is in working order and for providing in advance for alternative means of calculating if it fails during the examination. You must state clearly on the examination script the name and type of machine used. The unauthorized use of information contained in the memory of an electronic calculator or the use of unauthorized software constitutes cheating. Adjustment for Students with Disabilities http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/disabilityOffice/ Students must contact the Adviser to Students with Disabilities and/or Dyslexia so that reasonable adjustments can be made. Applications for special exam arrangements should normally be made no later than 7 weeks before the date of the student's first examination. Mitigating circumstances http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/studentServicesCentre/examinationsAndResults/Mitigation.htm During the examination period, you may need to submit a letter of mitigation, should you become ill or injured, or experience bereavement or other personal circumstances which you feel might have affected your academic performance when completing assessed coursework or sitting examinations. The Sub-Board of examiners for your programme will consider mitigation when it meets to determine your final degree classification. This meeting takes place in late June/ early July after your final year (for Masters students on 10-month programmes). The deadline for submitting your mitigation and documentary evidence is within seven days after your last examination, or seven days after the submission deadline for dissertations. Please refer to the above link for any other information relating to mitigation. Deferral http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/studentServicesCentre/examsAndResultsPg/deferral.htm The School requires you to sit all assessments in the academic year in which you received tuition. Under certain circumstances the School will allow students to postpone one or more assessments to the next academic year. This process is called 'deferral'. For further information on deferrals, please contact the Registration and Assessment team within the Student Services Centre, or consult the FAQ link below: Deferral FAQs NB: Students can only apply for deferral after they have received all tuition for the relevant course/s. Results http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/studentServicesCentre/examsAndResultsPg/Default.htm You will receive your results once your marks have been finalised by your department. Results are never given out over the telephone or via email. Please contact your Programme Manager for further information.

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Once the exam boards have met and the results are finalised, the results are published on LSEforYou (for MSc Accounting and Finance, this will be in mid-July). Official transcripts of results will be sent to you at your permanent home address. In line with School policy, the results of students with an outstanding debt to the School will be blocked. Please ensure that the School's record of your permanent home address is correct using LSE for You. Appeals http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/taughtMasters.htm The regulations for appeals are to be found on the LSE Calendar. The grounds for making an appeal are limited. There is no appeal against the academic judgement of the examiners, and no re-marking of papers. Plagiarism You should note that the School and the Department regard plagiarism as a serious matter. Please take careful note of the definition of plagiarism, which is stated in the LSE Regulations on Plagiarism:

All work for classes and seminars as well as scripts (which include, for example, essays, dissertations and any other work, including computer programs) must be the student's own work. Quotations must be placed properly within quotation marks or indented and must be cited fully. All paraphrased material must be acknowledged. Infringing this requirement, whether deliberately or not, or passing off the work of others as the work of the student, whether deliberately or not, is plagiarism.

You should also take care in the use of your own work. Credit may only be given once for a particular piece of assessed work. Submitting the same piece of work (or a significant part thereof) twice for assessment will be regarding as cheating. Further information regarding assessment offences can be found on the following web page: http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/academicRegulations/RegulationsOnAssessmentOffences-Plagiarism.htm Plagiarism detection tools such as the JISC Similarity Index may be used by the Department if plagiarism is suspected. Self-plagiarism A piece of work may be submitted for assessment only once. Submitting the same piece of work twice will be regarded as an offence of ‘self-plagiarism’; this applies both to work undertaken on the MSc and work submitted for a previous degree. However, earlier essay work may be used as an element of a dissertation, provided that the use of earlier work is properly referenced and does not amount to more than 10% of the total.

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7. DEPARTMENTAL SERVICES FOR STUDENTS

SU Accounting and Finance Society

The Accounting and Finance Societies has developed into becoming one of the largest and successful society at LSE, with the membership base only growing year on year. Membership of the Society is Department-wide, so students from all of our graduate programmes are able to join the Society and take advantage of the opportunity to meet and interact with their peers.

If you would like to set up a MSc Accounting and Finance Society then please visit the following webpage http://lse.ukmsl.net/activities/howtorunyourclub/howtoguide/#setup A representative from the Students’ Union will give a presentation during the induction session on 1 October and further information is available from the MSc Accounting and Finance Programme Manager, Dorothy Richards, Room OLD3.22, extn 6603, email d.richards@lse.ac.uk. Contacting Academic Staff and Teaching Staff You should always try to resolve any questions by first going to the Student Information Centre. If your question remains unanswered, we have set up the following procedure for you to contact members of staff in order of preference.

1. Office Hours 2. Appointments through admin support staff 3. Email

The names and room numbers of the Department's teaching staff are listed on the Departmental website. You will be able to meet staff at the Departmental Orientation Meeting on Friday 1 October 2010. There will also be an opportunity to meet staff informally at the reception for postgraduate students at 17.00 on the same day in the Shaw Library. Communicating with Students 1. Email Messages and notices are usually emailed to students. It is important that you check your email account on a regular basis. 2. Noticeboards Matters of a general nature are posted on Departmental noticeboards. You should check these regularly. 3. Mail boxes Messages are sometimes left in the student mail boxes, which are located outside Room OLD3.18. These are usually in sealed dated envelopes. 4. Posted to Residence Letters may also be sent directly to term-time or home addresses. Please ensure that your updated address is on line via LFY.

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Doctoral Studies in Accounting The Department will be organising seminars during Michaelmas Term on applying for a PhD in Accounting. These are designed specifically for any MSc student interested in applying for PhD programmes. Further details will be circulated to you early in Michaelmas Term. Overseas Research Students Awards Overseas students are eligible to apply for an Overseas Research Student (ORS) award to help with funding a PhD in Accounting or Finance after completing the MSc. The deadline for submitting ORS award applications is usually January each year. If you are interested in applying for this scheme you should submit applications for both the PhD programme and the ORS award by the beginning of Lent term 2010. Further information on ORS Awards is available from the Financial Support Office http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/studentServicesCentre/financialSupportOffice/ Events Three receptions for staff and students are held each year. 1. Start of Session Reception which gives new students the chance to meet their classmates as

well as members of the academic and administrative staff. 2. Christmas Reception which is normally held in Week 9 or Week 10 of Michaelmas

Term. 3. End of Year Party which is normally held just after the examination period. Details of these events will be advertised within the department and you will also be informed via email. Departmental External Speaker Series In order to show how some of the theory you learn is used in practice, the Department may set up an external speakers series of lectures, where we invite practitioners, and in some cases visiting academics, to make presentations to students. These lectures are generally related to some topical aspect of accounting or finance, or something which students are seeing in their lectures and classes. A schedule of presentations will be announced early in Michaelmas Term. Facebook - MSc Accounting and Finance The Department manages a Facebook page for new students joining the MSc Accounting and Finance programme to help you get to know a bit more about each other before you arrive. For further details about how to join, please contact your Programme Manager, Dorothy Richards. Graduate Weekend We usually organise a Graduate Weekend for staff and postgraduate students in the Department of Accounting to spend time together in a location away from the LSE. This year’s trip is scheduled to take place on Saturday 23 October to Sunday 24 October 2010 in Oxford. Further details on this year’s event will be posted on the Moodle page and made available at the Orientation Meeting on 1 October 2010.

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Moodle http://moodle.lse.ac.uk/ Course specific information is available on Moodle. Available information includes:

Course materials

- lecture handouts - lecture slides - reading lists - class exercises

Supervisor lists Staff office hours

Moodle Course Pages Each individual course page on Moodle contains details of the Lecturer/s and Class Teacher/s who teach on the course, should you need to contact them. Here you will also find links, where possible, to PDF versions of all handouts distributed during the lectures throughout the year, should the Student Information Centre no longer have them. At the bottom of the page, there is a link to the past exam papers held in the Library. Some courses may make numerical solutions to past exam papers available. You will also find links to LSE Timetables on these pages. The Department of Accounting hides its course materials on each Moodle course page from the end of July each year. You will be notified and given advance notice of when this will happen by the Departmental Administrator. By implication, students who wish to retain these course materials for their own records should download them before this date. This is particularly advisable for students who will have to resit the exam for this course. The course materials can be downloaded for personal use by registered students on this course during the 2009-10 academic session. Reproducing, posting, transmitting or disseminating, electronically or in any form or by any means without the written permission from the Department of Accounting, London School of Economics, amounts to an infringement of copyrights. Your use of Moodle must comply with relevant legislation governing copyright and other intellectual property rights. See http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/planningAndCorporatePolicy/legalandComplianceTeam/copyright/Default.htm Staff Office Hours This is the time when academic staff are available in their rooms during term-time to see any student (not just those for whom they are an Academic Adviser) without an appointment. Details of staff office hours will be posted on the Department noticeboard outside Rooms OLD3.20 and OLD3.19 as soon as they are available. They will also be posted on the relevant department webpage http://www2.lse.ac.uk/accounting/Home.aspx If you wish to see your academic adviser at any other time, you should contact them via email. In the event of an emergency, and if your own academic adviser is not available, you should go to the Student Information Centre, Room OLD3.20 and arrangements will be made for another member of academic staff to see you. Faculty and class teachers are expected to be available in their offices during their advertised office hours. If a member of staff is unable to make their office hours for that week, they will normally ask their course administrator to notify students by email and will arrange for a note to be posted on their office door. Information on changes to office hours will also be made available on the faculty member’s web page. However, if you find that a member of staff is not available in their office hours, you should go to the relevant department Student Information Centre to check on any last minute changes to office hours for that week, or contact your Programme Manager. Staff/Student Liaison Committee The Staff/Student Liaison Committee (SSLC) is an open forum for discussing issues of common concern, including issues relating to your programme, administration of the Department, and of the School. Meetings are normally held once a term. The Programme Director chairs the meetings, with the Programme Manager acting as Secretary to the meeting and recording the minutes.

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Students elect year-representatives to coordinate matters, attend these meetings and voice general concerns, although the meetings are open to all. Items can be put on the agenda by any member of the Department, staff or student. Agendas and minutes for these meetings are emailed to students. Students are emailed with meeting dates in advance at which time suggestions for agenda items to be discussed can be submitted. You are strongly encouraged to attend this Committee which meets once a term. Speaking as a representative of the student population in the meetings is one of the most effective ways of initiating change. The Student Representative also attends and represents the department at relevant School’s committee meetings (e.g. the School Committee on Graduate Studies). Student Representatives

At the beginning of each year, students from each of the programmes are asked to select student representatives to act as the interface between the Department and the student body. Student Reps are responsible for presenting the viewpoint of their classmates in both formal and informal settings, and for raising and following up issues relevant to them. To be

effective in this role, student reps attend Staff/Student Liaison Committee meetings (one per term, per programme), contribute to setting the agenda and report on any issues they want to discuss. Student reps also liaise with the Students’ Union to find out about relevant School-related issues. Other activities that student reps are encouraged to get involved with include:

Careers – working with the Department to collect information on employers and to encourage employers to consider our students when making their recruitment decisions.

Graduate Weekend – working with the Department to organise the schedule for the weekend and provide support during the weekend.

Student Yearbook – working with the Department to produce a student yearbook for each programme in time for graduation.

Anyone interested in becoming a Student Representative should contact their Programme Manager. Student Information Centre The Student Information Centre is based in Room OLD3.20, 3rd Floor of the Old Building. You should go to the Centre for queries including:

leaving messages for academic staff (if their administrative contact is unavailable) contacting academic staff staff office hours examination information collecting course handouts collecting formative feedback forms and submitting classwork other general queries

Opening Hours Term Time Monday – Friday 10.00 – 12.30 13.30 – 16.30 The Student Information Centre will not normally be open during vacation time. Study Facilities for MSc Accounting and Finance OLD3.37 – Old Building OLD3.37 is a study room specifically for use of postgraduate students in the Department of Accounting. This room is located on the Third Floor of the Main Building. The code to enter this room can be obtained from your Programme

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Manager. Please note that this code will change each term for security reasons. The room is furnished with study desks, easy chairs, internal access telephone and computers. Login access to the computers in Room OLD3.37 is restricted to postgraduate students. We will arrange for your login to be activated on these computers during week 1 of Michaelmas Term. OLD3.26 - Ann Bohm Room This is a Postgraduate Study Room supervised by the Department of Accounting. It is located within the Department on the Third Floor of the Old Building and is furnished with desks and chairs for quiet study. Again the code for this room can be obtained from your Programme Manager. If you notice any problems with either of these rooms, you should notify your Programme Manager. Find a Study Room If MSc Study Facilities are busy and you need to find space for some quiet personal or group study, you can use the “Find a Study Room” facility on LSE for You. Because official bookings will take priority for most meeting and classrooms in the School, you should login to LSE for You just before you want to use the room to get details of any rooms available. Study space is limited, so you should be prepared to share the room for quiet study if others want to use it at the same time. This study room facility is only for use during term times when the School's buildings are normally all open, i.e. Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 21:30, in term time. During exam periods extra rooms will be allocated for study outside these hours. These can be checked on the daily room bookings list on the web, on the plasma screens and at the Lodge in the main entrance of the Old Building. Departmental Suggestions If you have any ideas or feedback upon how we can improve your time at LSE, please email our suggestion box at accounting.suggestions@lse.ac.uk . Department of Accounting Website http://www2.lse.ac.uk/accounting/Home.aspx The Department of Accounting website is a useful resource for both current and prospective students, detailing the courses we offer and providing information about our faculty, teaching and research. Further information includes:

Staff/Student Liaison Committee Agendas and Meetings Teaching Quality documents Student Noticeboards (listing items such as changes in teaching arrangements, office hours and Departmental

events)

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8. SCHOOL SERVICES FOR STUDENTS

Academic Advisers At the start of term all students will be assigned an Academic Adviser who is a member of the staff of the Department. LSE defines the role of the Academic Adviser as follows: To provide students with academic guidance and feedback on the students' progress and performance and to

discuss any academic problems they may experience. To provide pastoral support on non-academic issues and to refer students, as necessary, to the appropriate

support agencies within the School. To implement the provisions outlined in individual student support agreements (ISSAs) for students with

disabilities in liaison with the School's Disability Office. To maintain regular contact with the student on academic and pastoral issues through direct one-to-one meetings

and other means of communication, such as emails. The number and nature of meetings may vary between departments and programmes as detailed in relevant handbooks.

The onus is on you to make arrangements to see your adviser and you should aim to do so at least twice each term, or more frequently if you are having particular difficulties <department-specific>. As office hours are intended to be used for general student enquiries, you can also see your adviser outside these times by making an appointment. Students should regard their Academic Advisers as their first port of call in relation to both academic and welfare matters. Any issues that cannot be resolved with your Adviser can be taken to a member of your Programme Team, your Programme Director, Departmental Tutor or, ultimately, the Dean of Undergraduate Studies. Accommodation Office http://www2.lse.ac.uk/lifeAtLSE/accommodation/accommodationforStudents.aspx The LSE Accommodation Office (V210, Tower 2) can provide advice on finding accommodation in London for you and your visitors. You can e-mail accommodation@lse.ac.uk or telephone 020 7955 7531. Alumni Services http://www2.lse.ac.uk/alumni/alumniHome.aspx LSE's 92,000 alumni in over 190 countries worldwide provide a lifelong network of support to each other and to LSE. They are a key part of the LSE community and serve the School by making available their time, expertise and networks. They participate in Court, Council and School committees as well as speaking and chairing events in the Public Lectures programme and at careers, departmental and student society events, organising and supporting LSE's 72 alumni country and special interest groups and networks. Alumni offer the School financial support through the Annual Fund for unrestricted giving and through major gifts for School projects such as the New Academic Building. The Annual Fund supports School projects such as departmental initiatives, research and teaching, the Students' Union, student support, events and campus facilities that would not otherwise receive funding. The new Chair of African Development in DESTIN, academic trips for the Grimshaw Club LSESU Society, student hardship and welfare funds, the annual Ralph Miliband lecture series in LSE's Public Events programme and the external café furniture for the forecourt in the New Academic Building. If you would like to find out more about LSE's alumni, please contact us at: alumni@lse.ac.uk or visit our website. Auditing Courses You may wish to audit some courses which are not part of your programme, and for which you will not gain credit. You may audit the lectures of any courses in the School in which you are interested subject to the approval of the teacher responsible, but you may not normally attend the associated seminars if you are not registered on the course. It is courteous to introduce yourself to the teacher responsible for any course you intend to audit regularly.

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Careers Service http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/CareersAndVacancies/careersService/Home.aspx LSE Careers Service offers support and guidance for all stages of your future career via a comprehensive annual programme of careers fairs, presentations, forums, seminars, alongside individual careers advice and extensive information resources. The Careers Service website is the first place to check for up to date information on all events and services, but these are a few highlights: Fairs and Forums - we hold numerous sector-specific fairs and forums which attract a wide range of top employers who come to discuss their opportunities with students. Hundreds of employer presentations take place on campus throughout Michaelmas offering a chance to get the inside track directly from the employer. JobShop and LSE Internships - our online Job Shop advertises part-time work that you could do whilst at LSE, including on-campus positions. We also run internships schemes in parliament, policy and media: www2.lse.ac.uk/LSEInternships Careers advice – our team of specialist careers advisers offer one to one appointments in which you can discuss anything careers related, from application forms, to employer information, to where to start when you don’t know what to do. A team of trained CV checkers will look over your curriculum vitae and cover letter to help you promote yourself to an employer. Careers research - To help you research the world of work our Information Room in W610 has stacks of free brochures and leaflets and a library of invaluable publications. Our extensive website has more information, video and online tests and downloadable pdfs of all our publications. Your personal “My Careers Service” is the place online to find jobs, make appointments and book attendance at events. My Careers Service includes the vacancy board where you can search for JobShop postings, graduate and voluntary positions and internships.

Skills development - our core programme of careers seminars covers applications, CVs, interviews, assessment centres and more. Employers take the lead in skills sessions, which are designed by recruiters to help you develop what they’re looking for in candidates. When you’ve got an interview, book a practice interview session with an adviser to put your skills into practice. We run a host of other projects, including Venture – the entrepreneurial support zone; the Volunteer Centre, so you can support your local community while developing skills; and many unique events including International Organisations’ Day, City Fast Track, LSE India Day and Development month. To find out more log on to Careers or visit during the week on the 3rd Floor, of Tower Three. Catering http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/LSEServices/divisionsAndDepartments/cateringServices/Home.aspx For details of catering facilities located around the School, please see the above website. LSE Catering Services became the first London university to achieved Fairtrade status in 2004. Fairtrade refreshments are available in all the School's catering outlets. Chaplaincy

The Chaplaincy at LSE is there for everybody, of whatever national, political or indeed religious or non-religious background. You will always be welcome and listened to. Whilst it is certainly true that the Chaplaincy has a core Christian identity, with opportunities for prayer, study and socialising, it also hosts an extensive interfaith programme of events and values its friendship with all the religious societies at the School. We can put you in touch with local mosques, synagogues and temples. It is also a place where students of no faith are welcome to come for confidential conversations and, if they so wish, to explore religious faith. It also provides opportunities for retreats, for visits to London’s many tourist attractions and to meet other students from all over the world. The Chaplaincy room is G9, 20 Kingsway, opposite the Peacock Theatre on Portugal Street. The telephone number is 020 7955 7965.

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Disability equality or students with long-term medical conditions, dyslexia and disabilities http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/LSEServices/divisionsAndDepartments/disabilityOffice/Home.aspx If you think you may need specific arrangements in order fully to access your programme of study at LSE, then do contact the Disability and Well-being Office, if you have not already done so and arrange to see one of the advisers: Together, you can draft an ‘Individual Student Support Agreement’ which will set out what reasonable adjustments need to be put in place and by whom. This includes any alternative arrangements for exams and assessment, alternative resources for fire alarms, emergency evacuation of buildings, hearing support systems, rest rooms, study support and assistance in the library. Practical study and social support for students with disabilities can be provided through peer group support co-ordinated by LSE Circles Network. Confidentiality: information regarding disabilities will not be shared without the explicit, signed permission of the student. You are urged to make an initial appointment with the Disability Office to discuss any disability-related concerns: you should note that it may not be possible to make reasonable adjustments for you unless key personnel are made aware of your situation, but every effort will be made to maintain anonymity and discretion. The Disability and Diversity Consultative Forum meets termly to monitor and advise on disability-related issues as part of the LSE’s commitment to working towards disability equality and fulfilling the duties required by public bodies in the disability discrimination legislation. (DDA, 2005). We are always interested to know how practice and provision can be improved for disabled students and staff, so please make your comments and suggestions known through your student representatives. Further information can be found at: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/LSEServices/divisionsAndDepartments/disabilityOffice/Home.aspx Equality and diversity http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/staff/raceEquality/Home.aspx The Department and the School are committed to promoting equality and diversity in order to deliver the best possible service to its students, staff and the wider community, in accordance with LSE’s Articles of Government. Equality of opportunity means that the School views the diverse origins and backgrounds of its employees positively; and that it seeks to become as varied an employment community as it can. In recognising that everyone is different, equal value is given to the unique contribution that all employees' skills, knowledge and experience enable them to make. The School will seek to ensure that people are treated equitably, regardless of age, disability, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, personal circumstances, political affiliation or trade union membership. Financial Support Office (FSO) http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/financialSupport/Home.aspx LSE expects all students to make adequate arrangements for their maintenance and the payment of their fees before they register. There is no provision to assist students who knowingly register underfunded. Funds are available to assist students who register with sufficient funds for both their tuition fees and living costs but who subsequently experience unforeseen financial difficulties. Hardship Funds Available to Registered Students Full information about the funds that we administer for current students is available at: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/financialSupport/Home.aspx. (LSE username and password required Students who wish to apply for hardship assistance during their programme should complete the “In-course Financial Support” application form, available online and from the Student Services Centre. The School’s two main hardship funds are as follows:

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Student Support Fund Students who have registered with sufficient funding but who later experience unforeseen circumstances which leave them in financial difficulty can apply for help from t the Student Support Fund. Unforeseen circumstances can take a range of guises, but in all cases applicants need to provide supporting documentation. In cases where a student has knowingly registered under-funded, support from a student’s department and/or tutor does not tend to have a bearing on the outcome of the application since this depends solely on whether or not the student can show that their difficulties are unexpected. Access to Learning Fund This is designed to assist Home UK students with their living costs. Funds are limited and priority is given to undergraduates, students with children, disabled students, and final year students. The Students’ Union Advice and Welfare Centre also administer a number of specific funds, and there is more information about these at the following link: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/lifeAtLSE/studentSupportAndServices/studentsupportandservices.aspx Short Term Loan facility A Short Term Loan facility is available for students who are experiencing acute cash flow difficulties whilst awaiting a guaranteed source of funds (e.g., a loan or salary payment). Students may borrow up to £500, repayable within 4 weeks. Short Term Loans normally take between 24 and 48 hours to process and are given in the form of a cheque. Emergency funds of up to £50 cash can be released on the same day. Drop in sessions Registered students are welcome to attend a Financial Support drop in session to discuss their situation with a member of staff from the office. These sessions are held every day during term time and every other day (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) during vacations. No appointment is necessary, Sessions are held in the Student Services Centre between 1 and 2pm. Finding your way around LSE The geography of the School can seem complicated at first, but you will find direction signs spread around the buildings, and maps and diagrams in various School publications. Maps are available at http://www2.lse.ac.uk/mapsAndDirections/findingYourWayAroundLSE.aspx Health and welfare services http://www2.lse.ac.uk/lifeAtLSE/studentSupportAndServices/studentsupportandservices.aspx - St Phillips Medical Centre The Medical Centre is a general NHS practice which LSE students can use if they live within the practice's catchment area. The Centre also provides dental facilities, an osteopath, an acupuncturist, and more general first aid, vaccination, travel and contraceptive advice. Register online at: www.spmc.info for NHS registration - LSE student counselling service http://www2.lse.ac.uk/lifeAtLSE/studentSupportAndServices/studentsupportandservices.aspx There are counselling and psychotherapy services available to all students, including an emergency drop-in service. Further information can be found under ‘counselling’ on the A-Z of Services on the Centre’s web page. Full details are available on registration. Internships Internships are an important part of university life, and opportunities can vary from sector to sector. See the LSE Internships web pages at: http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/LSEInternships/. However, you should be careful not to work more than 15 hours per week during term time and if you are in the UK with a student visa you should ensure that you do not breach the conditions of your visa. IT Services Students are encouraged to make full use of the School’s computing and word processing facilities. LSE has over 1000 computers in computer classrooms, open access computer areas around the School and the student residential halls' computer rooms. All public computer rooms and areas have printing facilities. The opening hours of these rooms and areas vary, but are detailed on the IT Services website. The IT Help Desk is located in the Library on the Lower Ground Floor and details of computer courses for new and continuing students are posted on notice boards. To access IT

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facilities at LSE you need a Username and Password. Following registration, all students can obtain these from the IT Help Desk. The School offers IT training in word-processing, use of email, spreadsheets, graphics packages and the common statistical programmes. Language Support As well as a range of Language & Society and Literature & Society degree options available on most, if not all, undergraduate programmes the LSE Language Centre also offers an extra curricular programme in a range of modern foreign languages which is open to all LSE members. To help you choose the most appropriate course there are a series of information sessions and individual appointments held during the first weeks of term. Courses start in week 5 of the Michaelmas Term. Please see http://www2.lse.ac.uk/language/Home.aspx for information on the Modern Foreign Language (MFL) Certificate Course Programme. If English is not your first language the Language Centre is on hand to give you advice and support throughout your time at LSE. The support is free and starts as soon as your main course starts. There are specific classes for academic units and information sessions are held during the first days of term to advise you on the most appropriate classes to take. Classes begin in week 2 of the Michaelmas Term. Please see http://www2.lse.ac.uk/language/Home.aspx for information on the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Insessional Support Programme. Along with LSE Careers and the Teaching and Learning Centre the Language Centre also contributes to the Study Skills Programme. This programme, including advice on how to prepare for examinations and how to write essays is aimed at those whose first language is English or have no real problems. It is advertised throughout the year on http://www2.lse.ac.uk/language/LearningSupport/LearningSupport.aspx along with many other Academic, Personal and Professional Development Courses. The Library http://www2.lse.ac.uk/library/Home.aspx LSE Library is the world’s largest social sciences library, with over four million printed items and 1,740 study places including 450 networked PCs and over 200 laptop drop-in points. The whole Library is a wireless zone. Library collections include the Main Collection, and the ‘Course Collection’. The Course Collection includes essential texts from course reading lists with texts set aside for short-term loans allowing better access to key titles. Loan periods for the Course Collection vary from one week to 24 hours. The loan periods are the same regardless of who is borrowing and some of the fines for special Course Collection books (set texts) can be high, and so be sure to pay attention to the loan labels when you begin to use this collection. The Library houses 32,000 past and present journal titles in print and also subscribes to over 20,000 online journals. The Library website provides the gateway to a wide range of electronic resources . Special short courses are available in the Library on reference skills (e.g. Endnote bibliographic software, accessing e-journals, using government materials etc.). Check with the Help Desk on the first floor or on the Library’s website for more information. A series of Library Companions are also available via Moodle. The Library is open in the evenings and at weekends, including during vacation. 24 hours opening is available during Lent and Summer terms. The LSE Library is located in the Lionel Robbins Building, at 10 Portugal Street, on the LSE campus. The Shaw Library This is a small lending collection of general literature, daily newspapers and magazines, and a substantial collection of recorded music. It is housed in the Founders’ Room on the sixth floor of the Old Building, serving as a quiet room where lunchtime concerts are held on Thursdays in the Michaelmas and Lent terms. LSE for You LSE for You is an online facility that enables students to view or update their personal details from inside or outside the School. Access is controlled and available content determined by employing the individual’s network login. This safeguards their data from other users. LSE for You enables students to access a wide range of facilities such as searching for accommodation, paying fees online, registering for courses, checking examination timetables and results as well as finding study rooms, and requesting certificates and transcripts. It is accessible via any of the LSE web pages.

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Moodle Moodle is a type of Virtual Learning Environment, which allows for each course to have a protected website bringing together a range of resources and tools. It is available anytime and from anyplace via the Internet. Moodle is flexible and the way individual lecturers use it will vary from course to course. Common features include: - Course information and reading lists - Access to electronic readings - Discussion boards - Online quizzes - Multimedia content including video Moodle is accessed from http://moodle.lse.ac.uk where you will also find information on logging in and using Moodle. Please note: Not all LSE courses use Moodle. If your course(s) use Moodle you will be notified by your lecturers or class teachers or you can check at the website above. Nursery http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/LSEServices/divisionsAndDepartments/nursery/Home.aspx LSE runs a Nursery for babies and children of staff and students from six months to school age. Contact the Nursery directly to discuss fees and access/waiting lists. You should be aware that demand for places is usually very high. The University of London Union (ULU) also runs a nursery. Paid employment during your studies Having to take paid employment during the academic year will not normally be accepted by examiners as a legitimate mitigating circumstance in the event of a performance at a lesser level than could otherwise have been expected. In the event that a student has no choice but to take some paid employment, under School regulations the total hours cannot exceed 15 per week. Public lectures http://www2.lse.ac.uk/publicEvents/eventsHome.aspx Throughout the year there are special School lectures, open to everyone, usually held in the Old Theatre. Upcoming lectures are advertised on the large computer screens around the School and on the School homepage under ‘Events’. You can also keep up to date with the latest information through the LSE Events email information service which enables you to receive email notification of new events and public lectures at LSE when they are announced. Requesting written references If you are asking an academic to write a reference for you, you should be aware of the following guidelines: - Please give referees at least three weeks’ notice before the reference is due. Senior members of staff in

particular may well be asked to write scores of references every term. Often each reference requires updating or adaptation to a specific job or scholarship. It is in your own interest to give the referee enough time to do it justice.

- Never put down someone’s name as a referee without asking them in advance. - Provide all the information needed to write the reference. Make sure that you have filled out your part of any form

you submit. - It is helpful if you include all the information your personal tutor will need in a single email, with a clear subject

line. You might, for example, wish to remind your personal tutor of scholarships awarded or internships undertaken.

- Sometimes an application requires a reference from the programme convener. If so, the usual practice is for your personal tutor to produce a draft which the programme convener will then sign.

- Once someone agrees to be a referee, he or she has the obligation to do the job on time. Inevitably, busy people writing scores of references sometimes forget so gentle reminders are worthwhile.

- By putting your CV on the CV builder on LSE for You, your referee will be able to see your work experience and extra curricular activities, so enabling them to write a fuller reference for you. You should not normally name your personal tutor as a referee for a job unless you have first discussed the matter with him or her, although a general discussion may result in a blanket permission to use his or her name as a referee if you are applying for a number of jobs.

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Research Ethics Policy http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/researchAndDevelopment/home.aspx The School attaches considerable importance to the maintenance of high ethical standards in research undertaken by its research staff and students. Student Services Centre http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/Home.aspx The Student Services Centre offers advice on administrative services relating to admissions, registration, courses and assessment, examinations, ceremonies, paying tuition fees and financial support. If staff are unable to deal with your query, you may be referred to a colleague with more specialised knowledge. Staff can also answer basic queries related to services provided elsewhere in the School.

Opening times:

Term time: Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm (Wed 10am - 4pm) Vacation time: Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm

Copies of the School's prospectus can be collected at the Student Services Centre as well as forms relating to student administration. Students can also use the convenient drop boxes to pay fees and deliver completed forms. Change of address If you change your term-time address, you must inform the Student Services Centre. This change can be made by you, using LSE for You, located on the front page of the LSE website. Your address is protected information and will not be disclosed to a third party without your permission unless it is for reasons of official School business. It is important that you keep us informed of your private address (and telephone number). For further details on the Student Services Centre, see Appendix Two at the rear of this handbook. Student Study Support

The Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) aim to support teaching and learning across the School, to improve teaching quality and enable both staff and students to get the most from their time at LSE. They are part of the Academic and Professional Development Division (APD) alongside the Careers Department and the Language Centre. They also cover all aspects of academic development including research and academic management.

Their activities are wide-ranging and include training for academic staff, study support for students, advising students with disabilities and dyslexia and supporting researchers. They run a large number of training workshops throughout the year on many different topics - see Central events programme. If you can't find what you need, please get in touch http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/LSEServices/divisionsAndDepartments/TLC/Home.aspx

LSE Students’ Union http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/LSEServices/services/schoolServices/theStudentsUnion.aspx LSE Students’ Union is dedicated to the welfare and representation of its 9,000 students. Responsible not only for representing students, it also runs numerous commercial services, an Advice and Counselling Centre and is home to a vast array of sports clubs and societies. In essence it’s responsible for almost every aspect of the social experience at LSE. Every LSE student is a member and with that membership comes the ability to get involved in all aspects of the Students’ Union. Even if politics isn’t your thing, you can still hold officers to account and make sure they’re representing you on the issues you care most about at the weekly Union General Meeting, the only one of its kind in the country. Beyond this your membership gives you opportunities to write for our weekly newspaper, The Beaver, join societies, or play for any of the sports clubs.

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Student activities With over 170 societies in the Students’ Union, you can be sure that there is something to cater to your interests. From Knitting to Business, the variety of societies and activities change with the interests and initiative of each new group of students. The diverse nature of the LSE student body is also reflected in the wide range of national and cultural societies on offer. The Students’ Union also runs a weekly newspaper, a radio station, TV network and journal. Sports Sports enthusiasts won’t be disappointed by the activities on offer. Our Athletics Union is home to some 30-plus clubs covering a wide range of sports. The standard of sport is high, with teams regularly reaching the final stages of the national BUCS leagues. Many use the School's 25 acre sports ground at New Malden, Surrey, a short train journey away from campus. There are pitches for football, rugby, hockey (both men's and women's), cricket, together with a multi-use games area and grass tennis courts, plus a restaurant and well appointed bar are open on match days. On campus, there are facilities for judo, table tennis, floorball, karate and boxing; a gymnasium and three squash courts. Nearby, there are facilities for basketball, rowing, cricket and swimming. Not for profit, just for students One of the most visible aspects of the Students’ Union is its commercial services and entertainments. The gym, bars, shops and cafés serve a dual function: to provide every one of our members with cheap, friendly and convenient services and - just as importantly - to generate additional money to reinvest in the wide range of welfare services we provide that aim to help and support you through your time at LSE. On Friday nights, the bars provide a venue for one of London’s top student nights, Crush, which is a popular, cheap and fun night out. Student welfare The combination of living in London and studying at a world class institution can at times be a stressful business. The Advice & Counselling Centre is here so that if the worst does happen, there is someone to help you out. From problems with your course and exam results to issues with accommodation and immigration, the ACC is there to offer free and confidential advice and support whenever you need it most. Timetables http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/diaryAndEvents/timetables/Home.aspx Timetables for all courses are available on the LSE Website, listed according to course code. University of London facilities: Lectures and Libraries The LSE is a part of the University of London, and as such has links to some University of London libraries. If the need should arise to research special topics that go beyond the LSE Library collection, students are advised to check if Senate House or School of Oriental and African Studies libraries hold the required items. Readers’ tickets are available by filling out a form distributed through the Library information desk (first floor). Both libraries are within walking distance from the LSE (Russell Square tube station). Students in the past have enjoyed special lectures held by various University of London hosts. Whilst you are studying at LSE, it is worth investigating if there are any particular lectures being given by Goldsmiths, School of Oriental and African Studies or University of London departments. Vacations During LSE vacation periods, academic staff will not be available to meet with students. It is important that you organise your workload to allow time to see your tutor during term-time, especially for dissertation supervision during the summer term. Administrative staff are available all year round, but generally do not hold official office hours during vacations. LSE closes for a few days over Christmas and Easter. During this time, all the Department’s offices will be closed, and there will be minimal facilities available throughout the School. Details will be published online closer to the time. Volunteer to represent LSE Although your graduation day may seem a long way off, over the next year or so your thoughts may turn to what you will do after you leave LSE. Before you forget about your days on Houghton Street, you may be interested to know that, as an alumnus / alumna, you can use your own experience of studying at the School to help advise prospective LSE students. The Student Recruitment Office runs an Alumni Recruitment Volunteer (ARV) programme which supports a network of LSE alumni around the world who have volunteered to offer information to prospective students on what it is

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like to study at the School, to live in London and the UK and to answer general enquiries on particular courses of study. Opportunities for volunteering range from delivering a presentation to students at your old school or university to representing LSE at a recruitment fair. We hope that you will enjoy your time at LSE and that you will want to recommend studying at the School to other potential students. If this is the case, please visit the Alumni Recruitment Volunteers website and complete the application form to join our worldwide network of volunteers: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/CareersAndVacancies/volunteerCentre/Home.aspx Widening Participation at LSE Want to make a difference to the lives of inner city school children? LSE’s Widening Participation team needs you! What is Widening Participation? (WP) WP aims to raise aspiration and attainment in young people from London state schools. They deliver a number of key projects that aim to encourage young people from under-represented backgrounds to aim for a university education. Their projects need enthusiastic LSE students to be inspiring role models and help contribute to the success of the programmes. What Opportunities are there? WP are looking for students to help with 3 particular projects: Student Ambassadors A flexible varied programme. Activities include being a steward at open days, giving campus tours and leading young people in focussed group work. Student Tutoring A regular commitment of ½ a day a week for 12 weeks from November-March in a London primary or secondary school. Working alongside the class teacher, tutors assist pupils in a specific subject area either on an individual or small group basis. Student Mentoring A regular commitment of ½ a day a week for 12 weeks from November-March working with 14-17 year olds. A combination of 1:1 and group work mentoring sessions where pupils are encouraged to think about their next steps and their personal, social and academic development. Previous experience with young people is desirable Why should I get involved? There are many benefits to working with young people and volunteering your time. Here are just a few…

Time-management Communication Interpersonal skills Strengthening your C.V/resume Personal satisfaction Giving back & getting involved in your local community

How do I get involved? You will find WP's stand at the Fresher’s Fair, look out for posters around campus and attend one of their information sessions – details can be found on their website lse.ac.uk/wideningparticipation. If you have specific questions please email widening.participation@lse.ac.uk

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9. USEFUL INFORMATION SECTION Academic Year 2010-11 Orientation Week: Monday 27 September – Friday 1 October 2010

Michaelmas Term Thursday 30 September - Friday 10 December 2010

Lent Term Monday 10 January - Friday 25 March 2011 (N.B eleven week term)

Summer Term Tuesday 3 May - Friday 1 July 2011 (N.B nine week term)

School closures: all School offices closed but some buildings open

The School is also officially closed for Easter and Christmas as follows:

Easter - in addition to the public holidays, the School is closed on the Thursday before and the Tuesday and Wednesday after Easter

Christmas - in addition to the public holidays, the School is closed for the three weekdays which fall between Christmas and New Year, and the two weekdays prior to Christmas; except when Christmas Day falls on a Thursday, when the School is closed for Christmas Eve, the three weekdays which fall between Christmas and New Year and Friday 2 January.

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MSc Accounting and Finance Programme Calendar 2010 22 September School Registration in the Hong Kong Theatre 1 October Department Orientation Meeting, 10.00 in Old Theatre

Reception, 17.00 in the Shaw Library

4 October Michaelmas Term Starts 14 October Deadline for selecting initial Course Options 11 October (Week 2) Optional Course Lectures begin 18 October (Week 3) Deadline date for amendments to Michaelmas Term Course Options

Classes begin. Class Timetable published on Timetables home page (Please check the timetable as some classes begin in Week 4).

23-24 October Graduate Weekend December MSc A&F Christmas Reception 10 December Michaelmas Term Ends 2011 10 January Lent Term Begins January Student to meet with Academic Advisers to discuss Michaelmas Term Class reports 24 January (Week 3) Finalise Lent Term half unit Courses 25 March Lent Term Ends end March Provisional Examination Timetable published by Exams Office 21 April - 27 April Easter Vacation (School closed during Easter week) early May/June Examination Period June MSc Accounting and Finance End of Year Party Early July Examination Provisional Results Released via Department of Accounting 1 July Summer Term Ends Mid-July School Graduation Ceremonies

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APPENDICES

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Appendix One

Guidance on marked classwork for taught postgraduate courses Classwork marks Classwork is set to give students the incentive and opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the course to date and to identify to themselves and their teachers where they need further guidance in their class or at an individual level in office hours. Feedback on work ('formative assessment') is intended to help both you and your teachers to assess your progress. An interpretation of the marking criteria likely to be used by your teachers is given below. Normally, it makes sense for your class teachers to grade your classwork generally on an 'as if this were an examination answer' basis, subject to behavioural modifications to encourage additional effort etc! However, classwork assignment has multiple purposes, so attainment levels in classwork and other work set during a course cannot be expected to give a direct indication of likely examination performance ('summative assessment'). Moreover, you should remember that individual class exercises may not require answers representative of the standard of answer required in an examination. Courses usually get more demanding as the year progresses, and examination questions commonly combine tests of a range of skills (e.g. both quantitative calculations and qualitative interpretation / discussion), and may also test the ability to bring together knowledge and understanding from different parts of the syllabus. Commonly in an exam you may be asked in the qualitative part of a question to offer an interpretation of your calculations or discuss wider issues that arise out of them, but you will normally be given guidance as to the balance of marks between different requirements. Where mock examinations are set and marked on a course, the same conventions will be used, but similar caveats apply (e.g. some mock exams may give ‘progress test questions’ rather than full examination questions.) You should also remember the School's rules on 'plagiarism' which, for examinations or other summative assessment, is an assessment offence (see 2005-06 LSE Graduate Handbook). Class teachers will regard as 'plagiarism' the copying of an exercise solution for submission as classwork (including any solution provided by the course teachers in the current or previous sessions). Please provide feedback to your class teachers and /or through your Staff Student Committee on how useful you find this guidance, or on where it needs adapting in the light of experience. Note that this guidance does not cover the marking of any coursework that is assessed as part of the final summative assessment of the course. Feedback on work The normal requirement for LSE postgraduate courses is that at least 1 piece of work is collected and graded each term for formative assessment. For some courses this work is specified by the course lecturer; in other cases the class teacher makes clear to the class members the basis on which work will be collected (e.g. which particular weeks’ work; or ‘at random’). For some courses a mock examination may be set instead. Work should normally be returned to you not more than 2 weeks after being handed in. Oral and /or group presentations may be assessed on some courses in lieu of written work: you should be given suitable advice and guidance on how to make good presentations and on the criteria by which presentations will be assessed. With specialist options, course teachers may design alternative forms of presentation/submission of work and of feedback which they consider more appropriate to the objectives of the course: these requirements should be made clear to you. Teachers may make use of the formative feedback forms and you should complete these when asked to do so (stocks are available in the Student Information Centre). A record of work assessed, the grades and any other comments will be retained by your class-teacher for use in completing end-of-term student reports. Some samples of student work are also copied and retained by the Department for internal and external Teaching Quality Review purposes.

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Marking of numerical / quantitative exercises / problems (or parts of assignments) Grade

Equivalent mark [degree class]

Numerical answer Quality of structure/approach

A+

80+ [Distinction]

Perfect Extremely clear and logical, showing full understanding e.g. by giving very full explanation of all workings, of formulae applied, and of any assumptions made, and indicating possible alternative approaches (where appropriate)

A

70+ [Distinction]

Near perfect: 1 or 2 minor arithmetic errors

Very clear and logical, showing very good understanding e.g. by giving good explanation of workings, of application of formulae, and of any assumptions made

B

60+ [Merit]

Mostly correct. Some minor or perhaps even 1 or 2 major but not fundamental errors

Generally clear and logical, showing good understanding e.g. by giving clear explanation of workings / formulae and of any assumptions made

GC

50+ [Pass]

Several correct answers / parts of answers but with some major gaps or errors and perhaps even 1 or 2 fundamental errors in some parts of the answer.

Shows gaps in understanding. Workings not always clear and assumptions not always explained or sometimes inappropriate

F

40+ [fail]

Some correct answers / parts of answers but with a number of very serious gaps or errors

Basic knowledge and understanding of straightforward material. Muddled in parts. Workings not clear and assumptions not explained, or often inappropriate

F

<40 [fail]

Little that is correct Extremely muddled. Shows very little understanding

Notes: For purposes of formative assessment anything below ‘B’ is therefore not really satisfactory for MSc students'

coursework with ‘F’ being totally ‘unacceptable’. Plusses and minuses may be interpolated (e.g. 'B-' or 'C+') but for formative assessment it is normally more helpful

to give a clearer message with the broader grades. NB Remember that discussion parts of questions are generally at least as important as the

numerical/quantitative parts

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Marking of essays (or discussion parts of assignments) Grade [LSE student report card grade]

Equivalent mark [degree class]

Characteristics

A+

80+

As 'A' but outstanding / excellent and showing mastery of independent reading and thinking. A joy to read!

A

70+

Addresses question closely and coherently, with some originality of approach/thinking. Very well structured. Very good use of relevant arguments / evidence Very good understanding of relevant accounting principles /finance and their limitations. Only minor errors of fact or argument.

B

60+

Addresses question clearly Well structured. Good use of relevant arguments / evidence Good understanding of relevant accounting principles /finance. Mostly correct. Several minor and perhaps even 1 or 2 major but not fundamental errors of fact / principle

C

50+

Does not always address specific question clearly and introduces irrelevant material. Use of relevant arguments / evidence but with some contradictions, non sequiturs, and repetition. Shows reasonable understanding of relevant accounting principles /finance, but with some gaps in understanding, argument, and analysis. Tendency to assert rather than argue. Perhaps some major errors of fact / principle.

F ('fail')

40+

Some correct answers / parts of answers which are relevant to the specific question but lacking coherence and with a number of serious gaps or errors. Basic knowledge and understanding of straightforward material and issues. Much repetition and assertion.

F (‘fail’)

<40

Little that is correct or relevant to the specific question

Notes: as above. Also where presentation is very poor (particularly grammar, spelling etc.) this can lower a grade but this will normally be mentioned specifically as a problem as students may need to seek specialist remediation of their writing skills.

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Appendix Two Further information on the Students Services Centre Programme Registration At the start of the academic year you need to register on your programme of study. Each programme / department is allocated a specific registration time slot. You will need to provide proof of your eligibility to study in the UK in order to receive your School ID card. This card will, amongst other things, allow you to access your library account. For more information on programme registration, including registration schedules and information for continuing students, please see: Graduate students: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/RegistrationPg/registrationpg2010.aspx New Arrivals Information and Orientation The New Arrivals section of the School website provides comprehensive information to help you settle in to life at the LSE. The new arrivals pages contain details of all Orientation events taking place at the start of the academic year; including those specific to your department, the Students’ Union Freshers’ Fayre, as well as central School Orientation events. These events are designed to give you essential information to make the most of your time at the School and provide an opportunity to meet other LSE students. The site also includes details of when your registration session will take place and what you need to bring with you to successfully register on your programme. Other New Arrivals information available includes advice on student mentoring, School support services, opening a bank account and setting up your LSE IT account. http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/newArrivals/Home.aspx International Student Immigration Service (ISIS) We can advise you on your immigration options while studying at LSE, for example:

Applying to extend your stay in the UK Switching immigration categories Immigration implications if you need to interrupt your studies or retake your exams Correcting the end date of your visa if there has been a mistake What to do if your application is returned as invalid or is refused Registering with the police What to do if your passport is lost or stolen Travelling in and out of the UK

For more information go to: www.lse.ac.uk/isis Fees The School offers two options for payment of fees. They can either be paid in full in September/October or by Personal Payment Plan using http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/financeDivision/forms/personalPaymentPlan.htm, or as one third at the start of each term. If you do not know the cost of your fees, please see the Table of Fees at http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/tableOfFees/2010-11.htm

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How to pay your Fees You can pay by cheque either by posting your cheque to the Fees Office or by using the drop-box in the Student Service Centre. You can pay by credit/debit card either after you have registered by using the fees page on LSE for You; or you can pay on-line using the following link http://reports.lse.ac.uk/internetbuilder/UIB.asp?goto=WEB_PAY_01 You can pay by Bank Transfer; the full details of our bank account are at http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/financeDivision/FeesandStudentFinance/Student%20Forms/bankTransferForm.pdf Penalties for Late Payment There are penalties for late payment. These may include loss of library rights, de-registration, referral to Credit Control or fines. You will be warned by email if your payments are late and/or if sanctions are going to be imposed on you. At this time you are able to contact the Fees Office directly. Please visit the Fees Office website for more information at http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/financeDivision/FeesandStudentFinance/FeesandStudentFinance.htm Certificate of Registration A certificate of registration provides proof to organisations, such as the Home Office, council tax offices and banks, that you are registered as a current student at the School. It details your full name, date of birth, term time and permanent home addresses, student number, the title, subject, start and end dates of your programme, registration status and expected date of graduation. As a currently registered student you can print out your certificate instantly via LSE for You under the ‘Certificate of Registration’ option. Should you experience difficulties using the LSE for You system, or require a certificate with additional information, please email registry@lse.ac.uk. Your certificate should be available within three working days, although it may take up to five working days during busy periods. Additionally, should you require your certificate to be signed and stamped, staff at the Student Services Centre will be happy to do this for you. Further information is available at: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/currentStudents/certificatesOfRegistration.aspx

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Term dates and School closures Academic year 2010-2011 Michaelmas Term Thursday 30 September - Friday 10 December 2010 Lent Term Monday 10 January - Friday 25 March 2011 (N.B. eleven week term) Summer Term Tuesday 3 May - Friday 1 July 2011 (N.B. nine week term) The School will also be closed on English public holidays. In 2010/2011 these will be Christmas Closure Thursday 23 December – Friday 31 December 2010 New Year's Day Holiday Monday 3 Jan 2011 Easter Closure Thursday 21 April – Wednesday 27 April 2011 May Bank Holiday Monday 2 May 2011 Spring Bank Holiday Monday 30 May 2011 Summer Bank Holiday Monday 29 August 2011 Course Choice You can make course choices using the LSE for You course selection system until Friday 29th October 2010. For postgraduate students, many courses will have restricted access so an application will have to be made to the department teaching the course before it can be selected. If this is required, it will be indicated on the LFY course choice system. All course choices are subject to the approval of your home department. After the online course choice system has been switched off, in order to change a course you will need to fill in a ‘late course change’ form available from the Student Services Centre. More detailed information regarding course choice can be found at: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/courseChoicePg/Home.aspx Class Changes Undergraduate classes are automatically allocated via timetabling software. In order to request a class change you should apply using the LSE for You class change request system. If you have circumstances which prevent you from attending your scheduled class, the dates and times unavailable must be included in the request. Once you have applied, the request will be sent for consideration by the department responsible for teaching the affected course. We may ask you to provide documentary evidence in support of your application. If the request is approved, you will be sent an email informing you of the decision. The change will be reflected on your LSE for You personal timetable within three working days. Seminar registration for postgraduate students is handled directly by the department teaching the course. For further detailed information, please see the following links: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/courseChoicePg/classChanges.aspx

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Student Study Support The Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) offers study support to all students. There is a series of lectures and workshops throughout the academic year covering essay writing, time management, preparing for exams and dealing with stress etc. A limited number of one-to-one appointments can also be booked with a TLC study adviser to discuss strategies for quantitative/qualitative subjects or with the Royal Literary Fund Fellow to improve writing style. Email studentsupport@lse.ac.uk or call 020 7852 3627. You are encouraged to register on the TLC Moodle course Learning World (LW) from the beginning of the Michaelmas term and to regularly check LSE Training (http://training.lse.ac.uk/) for full details of resources and courses to support your learning. LSE Student Counselling Service The LSE Student Counselling Service is part of the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) and is located in our main office on the 5th Floor of 20 Kingsway. This free and confidential service aims to enable you to cope with personal or study difficulties that may be affecting you while at LSE. Throughout the academic year, there are also group sessions and workshops concerning issues such as exam anxiety and stress management. For full details, please see http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/studentCounsellingService/ All counselling sessions need to be booked in advance, but there is a limited number of daily emergency slots available. You can make an appointments by email (student.counselling@lse.ac.uk), phone (020 7852 3627) or by coming in to the TLC office (G507). Services for Disabled and Dyslexic Students Disability equality is the responsibility of the whole School. If you are disabled, dyslexic or have a long term medical condition you are entitled to services from the School to facilitate equal access to services and help with your studies. The Disability and Well-being Office (DWO), headed by Nicola Martin, co-ordinates specialist individual assistance, for example, advice from a mental health adviser or dyslexia specialist. You may be entitled to an individual student support agreement (ISSA). This is created by the DWO and outlines relevant reasonable adjustments. It is disseminated to staff within the school, as agreed by you and the DWO, to meet your needs. For further information please visit http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/disabilityOffice/ or email disability-dyslexia@lse.ac.uk. English Language Support and Foreign Language Courses If English is not your first language the Language Centre is on hand to give you advice and support throughout your time at LSE. The support is free and starts as soon as your main course starts. There are specific classes for academic units and information sessions are held during the first days of term to advise you on the most appropriate classes to take. Classes begin in week 2 of the Michaelmas Term. Please see www.lse.ac.uk/languages for information on the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) In-sessional Support Programme. As well as a range of Language & Society and Literature & Society degree options available on most, if not all, undergraduate programmes the LSE Language Centre also offers an extra-curricular programme in a range of modern foreign languages which is open to all LSE members. To help you choose the most appropriate course there are a series of information sessions and individual appointments held during the first weeks of term. Courses start in week 5 of the Michaelmas Term and the cost of a standard course in 2010-11 is £215.00. Please see www.lse.ac.uk/languages for information on the Modern Foreign Language (MFL) Certificate Course Programme.

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Welfare Services (see also individual entries in this handbook) The Student Counselling Service offers you the opportunity to talk confidentially about any issues that are causing you concern. http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/studentCounsellingService/ The Disability and Well-being Office can set up an Individual Student Support Arrangement for any students with a disability, including dyslexia. This support can cover issues such as travelling to the LSE, getting around campus, coursework deadlines, class materials, and examination arrangements. http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/disabilityOffice/ The Students' Union has an Advice and Counselling Service which provides legal advice on housing, immigration, visa extensions, employment problems, welfare benefits, grants, fee status and disability rights. http://www.lsesu.com/pages/advice_and_support/advice_centre/ The Chaplaincy is available to all students of any faith, or none, to confidentially discuss anything and everything. http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/chaplaincy/ Nightline is a free and confidential listening service run by students for students from 6pm to 8am. http://nightline.org.uk/ St Philips Medical Centre is an on campus NHS medical practice available to students living locally to the School. http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/medicalCentre/Default.htm Careers Service LSE Careers is a very active service offering a wide range of activities about campus, online and in the Careers Service on Floor 3, Tower 6. Find out what is happening right now at: www.lse.ac.uk/careers Our aim is to advise you through the career planning and recruitment process, helping you to research options, acquire employable skills and promote yourself to employers in the best way. We do this through a programme of careers advice sessions, seminars, an extensive information website, fairs, forums, employer-led events and more. LSE is very fortunate in attracting the top recruiters in many sectors which enables us to run an LSE-exclusive vacancy board full of internships, voluntary, part time and graduate positions. LSE Careers also run a series of internships schemes. Internships can allow you to gain practical experience in your chosen sector, can help you develop employable skills and can be the perfect platform to make key contacts for your future job search. We work closely with employers to secure internship opportunities in all sectors with a focus on business and management and with entrepreneurs. We also source a series of graduate internships to help you make the transition from study to employment. You can search for internship opportunities throughout the year on My Careers Service. If you are considering a career in parliament, public and social policy, media policy or corporate social responsibility, look out for the LSE Internship scheme, which offers internships for up to 15 hours per week for postgraduate students. Applications open in early October each year. See www.lse.ac.uk/studentinternships for the latest information.

The LSE Volunteer Centre is also based within the Careers Service and is here to support you in finding voluntary roles while studying. We advertise volunteering opportunities at different charities across London and internationally, with positions ranging from one-off opportunities to part time internships with charities.

The annual Volunteering Fair takes place in the first week of Michaelmas term and is a great opportunity to meet with over twenty charities. Throughout the year, we run skills, training and information events and work with charity partners to support student-focused projects, such as the READ Campus books drive, FoodCycle and the Teach First Access Bus.

Take a look at the Volunteer Centre website for practical information and advice about volunteering while at LSE and then search under ‘volunteering’ to browse through the exciting range of positions available on My Careers Service: www.lse.ac.uk/volunteerCentre

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Booking for all events and appointments at LSE Careers and searching for jobs and opportunities is available in one place on the My Careers Service system via our website. We can work with you whatever role you may wish to pursue and whatever stage you have reached in planning your future after LSE. To get started, take a look at www.lse.ac.uk/careers. Student Services Centre (SSC) The Student Services Centre provides advice and information on the following services

Admissions Certificates of Registration Course choice and class changes Examinations and results Fees – process fee payments and distribute cheques Financial Support – Advice on scholarships, awards, prizes, emergency funding and studentships Information for new arrivals Programme Registration Presentation of Awards Ceremonies Transcripts and Degree certificates Visa and immigration advice

The SSC provides a counter service for students at the following times: 10am–5pm every weekday during term time 10am-4pm during vacation. You can also contact us by telephone. Details of who to contact and more information on advice can be found on our website: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/Home.aspx Financial Support The Financial Support Office is located within LSE's Student Services Centre and is responsible for administering School funds and a variety of scholarships, studentships, prizes and awards. Student Support Fund For students who register with sufficient funding but who subsequently experience unforeseen financial difficulties. In all cases applicants need to provide supporting documentation. PhD students who are in the final stages of completing their thesis are also eligible to apply. Access to Learning Fund To assist Home UK students with their living costs. Funds are limited and priority is given to undergraduates, students with children, disabled students, and final year students. Short Term Loan facility For students experiencing acute cash flow difficulties whilst awaiting a guaranteed source of funds (e.g. a loan or salary payment). Students may borrow up to £500, repayable within 4 weeks. Short Term Loans normally take between 24 and 48 hours to process. Postgraduate Travel Fund For postgraduate research students attending a conference at which they have been invited to give a paper. Further information about all of the above, and application forms, are available from www.lse.ac.uk/financialSupport.

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Presentation Ceremonies Presentation ceremonies are held twice a year: in July for students who have followed undergraduate or nine-month taught postgraduate degree programmes, and in December for students who have followed twelve-month taught postgraduate degree programmes. MPhil/PhD research students are presented at both the July and December ceremonies. Invitations are emailed to all students expected to successfully complete their programme of study around two months before the ceremonies. Tickets can then be booked online. The ceremonies take place in the Peacock Theatre and you are able to bring along two guests. The ceremony itself usually lasts between one and one and a quarter hours and is immediately followed by an on-campus drinks reception. For more information on the presentation ceremonies, please see: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/ceremonies/presentationCeremonies.aspx Transcripts and Degree Certificates For up to date information on obtaining a copy of your results transcript, please see: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/transcripts.aspx The degree certificate details your full name, level of award, programme of study, and class of degree or other award obtained. Your certificates will be available for collection on the day of the School's presentation ceremonies. If you are unable to attend the ceremony, it will be posted out to you within four weeks of the ceremony. Certificates are sent to students' home addresses so please ensure that your home address is complete and up-to-date on LSE for You before the ceremonies. For further information on degree certificates, please see: Graduate students: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/examinationsAndResults/examsAndResultsPg/degreeCertificate.aspx Interruption / Deferral / Withdrawal If you experience any difficulties during your time at LSE then you should make sure that you keep in regular contact with your Academic Adviser. He/she will be able to help signpost you to appropriate services within the School so that you receive the necessary support to hopefully enable you to continue studying successfully. However, with approval from your department you can interrupt your programme by taking an authorised break in your studies, normally from the end of one term and for one calendar year. http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/RegistrationPg/interruption.aspx Withdrawing means that you are permanently leaving the programme. Before withdrawing you may want to consider interruption so that you have some time to consider your options. http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/RegistrationPg/withdrawing.aspx If you complete the teaching year but have difficulties during the examination period then in exceptional circumstances you can apply to defer an examination(s) to the following year. http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/studentServicesCentre/examinationsAndResults/examsAndResultsPg/deferral.aspx

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LSE for You LSE for You is the School's institutional portal. It provides all members of the School community with direct access to their records on the School's various databases. Please visit LSE for You to, amongst other things, progress your application for a place at the School, register, check your fees and enrol for courses For further guidance on how to use LSE for You please consult its individual web pages or email LFY@lse.ac.uk Email The School uses the email program Microsoft Outlook, which is available on every public computer on the LSE network. You may also access e-mail off campus using webmail, remote desktop or a variety of email clients for both personal computers and mobile phones. Students are allocated 200MB for email. We recommend that you develop a filing system, frequently deleting and archiving mail to ensure you stay within your limit. IT Support Student IT Help Desk - first floor, Library Contact the IT Help Desk for support regarding School-owned hardware and software on the LSE network, network and email account issues, and general IT queries. VITA (Virtual IT Assistance) Double click on the 'Virtual IT Assistance' icon on the desktop of a campus PC to get real-time assistance from an IT Help Desk Adviser during opening hours. Laptop Surgery - S198, St Clements Building Visit the Laptop Surgery for free advice and hands on assistance with problems connecting to LSE resources from personally owned laptops and mobile devices. IT Support for disabled students IT Services is committed to providing facilities and support for disabled students, to ensure equality of access to services. Additional PCs and printing facilities for disabled students are provided in the public computer areas in the Library. Other facilities are available in three dedicated PC rooms in the Library (R25,26) and St Clements Building (S073). We also provide one-to-one support for disabled students who wish to become familiar with adaptive technologies and software. For contact details and further information about our services visit www.lse.ac.uk/itservices

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Moodle Moodle is the name of the School's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) run by the Centre for Learning Technology. Moodle is a password protected web environment that may contain a range of teaching resources, activities, assignments, information and discussions relating to your course. The content of Moodle is the responsibility of your teacher and so it will vary from course to course. Not all teachers choose to use Moodle. Moodle can be accessed from any computer connected to the Internet, on and off campus. You can access Moodle using your School user name and password from http://moodle.lse.ac.uk/. This page also has links to help and advice on using Moodle. To get started with Moodle see http://moodle.lse.ac.uk/file.php/1/generic_flyer.pdf . You will also find links to Moodle from a number of web pages including the main School homepage for staff and students. If you have any technical problems with Moodle you should contact the IT helpdesk. Staff-Student Liaison Committees Staff-Student Liaison Committees (SSLCs) take place at a departmental or institute level and typically meet once a term. The meetings provide a forum for students both to share their views about their programmes of study and to discuss issues that affect the student community as a whole. SSLCs are made up of student representatives from each programme of study together with appropriate academic staff. Normally, there is one representative for each year of each programme, although this can vary depending on the number of students in the department/institute. The SSLC also elects one representative to attend the relevant School level Students' Consultative Forum. More information on the Consultative Fora can be found by following the link http://www2.lse.ac.uk/studentRepresentation/home.aspx. Codes of Good Practice: Teaching, Learning and Assessment The Codes of Practice for Undergraduates and Taught Masters Programmes explain the basic reciprocal obligations and responsibilities of staff and students. They set out what you can expect from your Departments – and what Departments are expected to provide – in relation to the teaching and learning experience. The Codes cover areas like the roles and responsibilities of Academic Advisers and Departmental Tutors; the structure of teaching at the School; examinations and assessment. They also set out your responsibilities, i.e. what the School expects of you. Postgraduate students: http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/academicRegulations/codeOfGoodPracticeForTaughtMastersProgrammesTeachingLearningAndAssessment.htm General School and Programme Regulations The School has Regulations and Codes of Conduct covering many aspects of student life and it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the policies which exist. Some of the regulations explain the organisation and conduct of your academic study and you are advised to refer to the General Academic Regulations and Programme Regulations. These include information about the structure of programmes, assessment, graduation and what to do if illness affects your studies. The following web link details the General Academic Regulations. http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/academicRegulations/generalAcademicRegulation.htm

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The following web links detail the School’s Programme Regulations.

Regulations for Diplomas Regulations for Short Courses and Summer School

Regulations for the consideration of appeals against decisions of boards of examiners for taught courses

Regulations for research degrees

Regulations for Taught Masters degrees (before 2009/10)

Regulations for Taught Masters degrees (entering in or after 2009/10)

Research degrees - see Regulations for research degrees

Regulations on assessment offences: other than plagiarism

and the following web link gives you an a-z list of relevant regulatory documents where you can find further details of all School Regulations. http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/schoolRegulations/atoz.htm Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty The work you submit for assessment must be your own. If you try to pass off the work of others as your own you will be committing plagiarism. Any quotation from the published or unpublished works of other persons, including other candidates, must be clearly identified as such, being placed inside quotation marks and a full reference to their sources must be provided in proper form. A series of short quotations from several different sources, if not clearly identified as such, constitutes plagiarism just as much as does a single unacknowledged long quotation from a single source. The examiners are vigilant for cases of plagiarism and the School uses plagiarism detection software to identify plagiarised text. Work containing plagiarism may be referred to an Assessment Misconduct Panel which may result in severe penalties. If you are unsure about the academic referencing conventions used by the School you should seek guidance from your tutor or the Library, see link below. The Regulations on Plagiarism can be found at the following web link. http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/academicRegulations/RegulationsOnAssessmentOffences-Plagiarism.htm http://www2.lse.ac.uk/library/services/training/citing_referencing.aspx. Results Results are published following the meetings of the School Board of Examiners for undergraduate programmes and Graduate School Board of Examiners for graduate programmes. These meetings take place in early July and results are generally published within 48 hours. Precise dates of publication are published on the Student Services Service Website during the course of the year. Results for 12 month taught Master’s programmes are considered at the Graduate School Board of Examiners in November and results published by the end of that month. The School does not release information about marks to students until they are officially ratified by the relevant School Board of Examiners. However, it is open to individual Departments to release provisional marks to students after the examination period. Please contact Departments directly for information about their practice. Please note that provisional marks have no status and may be subject to amendment by the relevant School Board of Examiners.

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Please note: the School will not release your results if you owe any fees. Please check your balance on LSEforYou to see if you have any tuition, halls or library fees outstanding. If you cannot see any outstanding fees on your account, then please contact the Finance Office on fees@lse.ac.uk| for clarification Transcripts of Results After each examination session you will be able to request a transcript of your marks called an 'intermediate transcript' online via LSEforYou. The Student Services Centre aims to despatch all requests for intermediate transcripts within five working days of the request being made online. These are provided free of charge to current students and recent alumni (those who graduated within one calendar year of the official end date of your course). The Student Services Centre will send a full transcript of results to students who have completed their programmes during the Summer following the end of the programme. Transcripts contain the following information:

Your full name

Your date of birth

Your student number

The title and subject of your programme

The class of degree or other award obtained (if applicable)

The details of the courses studied and the marks awarded

Start date

Completion date (or expected completion date)

Graduation date(if applicable)

Language of instruction and assessment Classification Schemes Undergraduate and graduate degrees are classified according to the classification scheme which may vary depending on the year a programme started. Classification schemes are applied by the Boards of Examiners at their meetings in July and November each year. Please refer to one of the following web link for further details. http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/academicRegulations/TaughtMastersDegreesFourUnits.htm Quality Assurance The School’s approach to quality assurance is set out in the document ‘Towards a Strategy for Managing Academic Standards and Quality’: http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/TQARO/TowardsAStrategy.htm. It sets out broad principles for assuring academic standards and for enhancing the quality of educational provision. The School’s Teaching, Learning and Assessment Committee (TLAC) is the body responsible for ensuring that the School and Departments discharge their responsibilities under ‘Towards a Strategy’. It does this by receiving reports on a range of related areas: degree and course outcomes, external examiners’ reports, reviews of Departments and Institutes, and national developments in quality assurance, to name but a few. It also monitors the outcomes of the quality assurance processes that Departments and Institutes operate locally, e.g. Staff-Student Liaison Committees, course and programme monitoring/review, Departmental/Teaching meetings, consideration of teaching surveys, etc.

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TLAC is serviced by the Teaching Quality Assurance and Review Office (TQARO). This office is responsible for supporting the School’s quality assurance infrastructure. This includes acting as the School’s point of contact with the Quality Assurance Agency, a national body that safeguards quality and standards in UK higher education. Student Teaching Surveys The Teaching Quality Assurance and Review Office (TQARO) conducts two School-wide surveys each year to assess students’ opinions of teaching. They provide teachers with important information about the perceived quality of their teaching, and the School with a measure of general teaching standards. The Graduate Teaching Assistant survey covers classroom teaching by hourly paid lecturers and takes place in the Michaelmas Term. The permanent teacher survey takes place in both the Michaelmas and Lent Terms. The surveys produce both quantitative and qualitative results. The paper questionnaires are distributed in classes and lectures to encourage higher response rates. Teaching scores are made available to individual teachers, heads of department, course convenors, the Director of the Teaching and Learning Centre and Pro-Director (Teaching and Learning). In addition to producing reports for individual teachers, TQARO produces aggregated quantitative data for departments and the School, which provide important performance indicators. The Library The LSE student card you receive at registration will also be your Library card. You do not need to register separately with the Library. To contact the Library use the online enquiry form: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/library/enquiriesandfeedback/email.aspx We’re here to help you make the most of the Library: • Visit the Library Welcome Point at the beginning of term for general information, your student guide, the library floor

plan and audio tours. Staff will be available to answer your questions. • Our audio tour is an ideal introduction to Library layout and facilities. Borrow one from the Welcome Point at the start of

term or download the podcast from the Library website. • Get started in the Library – all the information you need is on the website here –

http://www.lse.ac.uk/library/orientation/ • Use our online Library Catalogue to locate books and journals. Locations are illustrated on an electronic map. • Sign up to a course about how to find items from your reading list and other training events via the online training

database http://training.lse.ac.uk/. • Staff at the Help Desk on the first floor are available for any enquiries about using our collections and electronic

resources. When inside the Library building, please remember: • Switch your mobile phone to silent mode when entering the Library building. • Make all mobile phone calls in a designated ‘Mobile Phone Zone’. • Eat and drink in the escape area (before the turnstiles). • Fully vacate your study place for others when taking a break. • Observe the no smoking rule. • Do not leave your bags unattended. • Show your Library card if asked.

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Students’ Union The Students’ Union is run by students, for students and exists to make LSE students’ time at the School the best it can be. It is run by an Executive Committee of five paid, elected student Sabbatical Officers and elected volunteers. Representation and student engagement – the Union exists to represent students to the School and campaign on

student issues through School committees and developing links with key external stakeholders. Student activities – the Union funds and supports over 200 societies, sports clubs, Media Group societies and

Raising and Giving charitable fundraising. Welfare and student support – the Student Support Unit of legally-trained advice workers runs our Advice and

Counselling Centre, which offers free, confidential advice to students on a range of issues. Commercial services – the Union runs the Three Tuns Pub, the Underground Bar, two Shops and the LSE Gym. Elected Representatives (2010-2011) Charlotte Gerada – General Secretary Ashok Kumar – Education Officer Hero Austin – Community & Welfare Officer Charlie Glyn – Activities & Development Officer www.lsesu.com The Chaplaincy The Chaplaincy to the LSE, whilst having a definite Christian identity, is nevertheless here for all students regardless of religious or non-religious background. There is a full-time Anglican Chaplain and part-time Roman Catholic and Free Church Chaplains, all of whom are available for any student to see who would like to have a confidential conversation or some advice. The Chaplaincy provides opportunity for worship with a weekly Catholic Mass and Anglican Eucharist. It also hosts study groups and bible studies as well as a variety of social activities, which change from term to term. The Chaplaincy is also host to an Inter - Faith Forum which incorporates all of the faith communities present at LSE. This Forum is the basis for a great deal of inter-faith friendship, co-operation and mutual understanding. The Chaplaincy can put you in touch with any of these communities. Above all the chaplaincy is here to provide a warm welcome and hospitality to all who come through its doors. The Chaplaincy can be found in G3, on the ground floor of 20 Kingsway. Visit www.lse.ac.uk/chaplaincy or call 02079557965. Timetables The Timetables Offices is responsible for scheduling and allocating rooms to all of the Schools Undergraduate, Masters and Research taught courses. The timings of all taught courses can be viewed on the Timetables web page: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/diaryAndEvents/timetables/Home.aspx Masters students self select seminar groups in LSE for You and you will need to check lecture times on the Timetables website. Where possible you will be notified of changes to scheduled teaching via email.