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 We now have a dedicated area on the CIPFA website, providing information and latest news on the Student Learning Centre.
These pages will be updated regularly. Forthcoming news will include feedback from the two recent workshops as well as a demo model, to give you a flavour of what to expect.
Please use the Contacts link to feedback any comments you have on the Student Learning Centre, or go to the Discussion Forum and join the conversation there.
As well as heralding the launch of the new Student Learning Centre, 2008 will see an updated syllabus for the professional qualification.
In consultation with tuition providers, subject experts and accounting standards bodies, we have identified and removed obsolete material as well as areas of duplication that had existed between some modules.
It is particularly important that anyone who is re-sitting in June 2008 is aware of the new syllabus, but remember, even if you have passed a module, this is a useful list to keep to hand as you approach the Final Test.
If you have purchased the hard copy open learning material for a module, you will be given access to the online 2008 version of the same module.
We have also established a table of standard verbs, along with definitions, to be used across the learning outcomes and by examiners when setting exam papers. The verb table will reduce ambiguity from exam questions, as well as show a clear path of progression in skills development. All modules will have been updated in line with the standard verb table. Have a look at these at www.cipfa.org.uk/students/current/syllabus.cfm and make sure you are familiar with them before you get back to studying in February.
Below is an outline of other significant changes to specific modules.
Certificate level changes
Reflecting the importance of ethical behaviour to today’s financial managers, a new learning outcome has been added to FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING, which considers the consequences of unethical behaviour in the accounting profession.
For those of you studying FINANCIAL REPORTING there is now a requirement to prepare group accounts. Group accounts also feature at Diploma level in FINANCIAL AND PERFORMANCE REPORTING.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND TECHNIQUES has been significantly revised, in part to offer a more focused syllabus. The key changes are:
- Increased coverage of risk management.
- There are less statistical techniques addressed than previously, although some of these have been moved to MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING (MA). If you are exempt Management Accounting, or are re-sitting MA, check you are comfortable with the all the techniques set out in the 2008 version (simple linear regression and correlation and time series analysis).
- More detailed coverage of treasury management, including the treasury management content which used to be in Public Finance.
- Content on information systems has been refined.
- New coverage of e-business and e-government has been added
Diploma level changes
Several changes have been made to FINANCIAL & PERFORMANCE REPORTING, including the removal of some areas on corporate governance which overlapped with GOVERNANCE and PUBLIC POLICY and AUDIT AND ASSURANCE. Increased weighting has been given on the preparation of statements, with a new requirement to prepare group accounts and there is increased coverage of interpretation of financial statements and performance measurement.
FPR will be reviewed again in 2008 to determine the changes flowing from the move to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from 2008/09 onwards.
In GOVERNANCE & PUBLIC POLICY, the areas which previously overlapped with PF have been removed and there is now increased coverage of corporate governance.
In PUBLIC FINANCE, the section on treasury management has been relocated to FMST and further areas which previously overlapped with the Tax module have been removed.
Final Test changes
Within the FINANCE & MANAGEMENT CASE STUDY, there is now an additional requirement for students to demonstrate ethical judgement.
Please also keep in mind the ‘6 month rule’, whereby changes made to the Professional Qualification at Certificate and Diploma level become relevant to the Finance and Management Case Study at the following sitting. This means that you will need to keep abreast of updates to the Professional Qualification syllabus, in case updated material is examined in the Case Study
In STRATEGIC BUSINESS MANAGEMENT content has been added in relation to asset management and mergers and acquisitions.
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The 2008 professional qualification syllabus is now
availaible on the website www.cipfa.org.uk/students/current/syllabus.cfm
The verb tables can be accessed at www.cipfa.org.uk/students/current/syllabus.cf
NWNW Students – John Marriott Bursary
The John Marriott Bursary is awarded by the North West and North Wales Society in order to provide financial assistance to a student, helping them to study for the CIPFA qualification.
The Bursary is available to support an open learning CIPFA student to attend a CIPFA provider college to study for the Final Test of Professional Competence (FTPC) modules. The Bursary will cover the course fees, which means that the student or employer only needs to pay for the open learning material and any associated travel expenses.
This is a brilliant opportunity for an open learner to get extra support when studying for the demanding FTPC stage of the qualification.
Every NWNW open learning student who has successfully completed the CIPFA Certificate and Diploma stages is eligible to apply for the Bursary.
To apply, please email the following details by the 11th January, to Natalie Slayman, Chair of the NWNW Student Forum (n-slayman@audit-commission.gov.uk)
- Your name and CIPFA student number;
- Your place of work and job role;
- Confirmation that you have completed the Certificate/ Diploma modules as an open learning only student;
- The date you received/ will receive your final Diploma module(s) exam results;
The name of your line manager who can be contacted by us to ensure that you have the support of your employer to attend a FTPC course at a CIPFA provider college.
Of course the main event is the Student Learning Centre, going live on 1 February 2008 and I’m sure you’ll all be logging on for that. An important part of the new CIPFA Open Learning package are induction days, which are an invaluable opportunity to meet other students, find out what your local course providers can offer you in terms of classroom support and to put a face to at least one member of the CIPFA team!
Induction Days confirmed so far are:
Anglia Ruskin University Monday 4 February 2008
Leeds Metropolitan University Friday 1 February 2008
Nottingham Trent University Wednesday 6 February 2008
Leeds Metropolitan University are now taking applications for CIPFA courses at Based in the heart of Leeds' business and financial
quarter and close to city centre transport links, LeedsMet offers competitively priced professional education delivered by highly experienced tutors.
For more information visit our website or go to their open day on Wednesday 30 January 2008.
 CETC has released the dates for courses leading to June 2008 exams. The CETC Course Dates & Fees June 2008 brochure lists all the dates for courses at the five locations – South East (London), Midlands (Birmingham), West of England (Bristol), East Scotland (Edinburgh), and Wales (Cardiff).
In addition to main day release courses (block at CETC East Scotland) the brochure also lists revision course dates, mock exam dates and information on CETC’s additional services including course materials, progress tests, and tutorials.
To download the brochure visit: http://www.cetc.org.uk/courses/Course_dates.cfm or contact CETC on 020 7403 4300 or enquiries@cetc.org.uk.
New Collage Durham dates here
Nottingham Trent University dates here
Course dates for other providers will be available soon
Exam Results
You will be able to access your results on 25 January, at www.cipfa.org.uk/students/current/results.cfm. Don’t forget to have your student contact number and exam candidate number.
Please note that, under the Data Protection Act, we will not give out results to anyone other than the student without their expressed and written permission. We also do not give out results by phone.
Entering for exams
Exam entry will be open from 1 February 2008 and is included within the price of the open learning module. When you purchase the module, you will need to confirm the date you plan to sit the exam. You do not need to submit an exam entry form
Initial Professional Development Scheme
Students who have sat both final test papers should now submit their IPDS portfolio. The key dates in relation to IPDS for 2008 can be found at www.cipfa.org.uk/students/current/ipds_keydates.cfm.
Have a great break and see you in 2008!
Wondering how best to start with the IPDS? Need some advice and guidance? CETC is offering its hugely popular IPDS Essential Skills course in its London, Birmingham and Bristol locations during January.
The 1-day course, ideal for all CIPFA students but particularly new or certificate level students, will cover:
- The requirements of the IPDS scheme
- A look at each of the elements of the IPDS with hints and advice
- Techniques required to successfully complete the Experience Log
- Tips on how to write reflectively and an opportunity to practice
- The requirements of the IPDS portfolio and what happens after submission
- The pitfalls and how to avoid them
The London course will be held at CETC South East on Tuesday 22 January, the Birmingham at CETC Midlands on Thursday 17 January, and Bristol at CETC West of England on Thursday 24 January.
If you’d like to find out more about the IPDS Essential Skills courses or you’re your place then email enquiries@cetc.org.uk or call 020 7403 4300.
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