Corporate Governance (Fast Track for ICSA Graduates) Top-up MSc

Modules are assessed by a mix of coursework, individual and group presentations and written exams (varies from module to module). A typical 20 credits taught module involves a total of 200 study hours (typically 52 contact hours and 148 group and private study hours).

Core modules

• Creativity Enterprise and InnovationThe module focuses on the rapidly changing world around us, it is imperative that students are able to think creatively, problem solve and create advantage for themselves (be entrepreneurial) and for the businesses they may work for (be intrapreneurial). The module encourages students to question what they see and experience around them with an aim to enhance their creativity and to discover new and improved ways of doing things.
• Curiosity, Creativity and Research
  This module introduces students to the research process, the mindset of the researcher and in particular to the idea of creativity in research and what it means to be a ‘creative researcher’.  In this module, students will identify potential topics for their practice-based dissertation and explore these with the aid of creative thinking techniques.   In this way their research ideas can be refined and expressed in terms of clear research questions and objectives making use of the relevant literature and theoretical concepts.
• Research in Action
  The module focuses on the nature, approaches, methods, tools and techniques of research within relevant disciplines from the business environment.  In doing so it attempts to develop the skills and knowledge required to complete Master’s level research where the emphasis of the research is in improving  aspects of business process and business practice. Thus the module is practically oriented towards the completion of a research proposal that will form the basis of the final practice-based project module.
• Management Consultancy in a Global Environment
  This module is designed to develop professional consultancy skills by studying organisational structure and culture, situational analysis and diagnosis, communication strategies for consulting and group dynamics. Focusing on the development of business research; client handling and project management skills, completion of this module will  enable students to prepare  a succinct, clear, evidence based, persuasive consultancy led project plan , aligned to the strategic vision of an organisation and  which they are able to effectively pitch to a client.
• Capstone Business Project
  This capstone, independent research project draws upon the students’ skills and knowledge gained thus far enabling application of learning to a scenario resulting in added value to an organisation and creating real world impact. This student driven project must address a current issue or opportunity in an organisational or industrial context.  Projects can relate to a student’s current role or internship or students can use this opportunity to deepen their knowledge of different sectors or organisations thus make connections utilising the project as a vehicle to impress future employers creating a possible stepping stone to their next job. Alternatively they may wish to investigate possible entrepreneurial opportunities.
• Company Administration and Compliance
  The module is rooted in the discipline of corporate governance while making sure that company operates within the context of international sustainability. The module focuses on the role of the company secretary or governance professional with respect to the company’s operating and governance framework. It specifically addresses issues around corporate administration, compliance and board effectiveness as a mechanism towards good governance principles, ethics and sustainability.
• Corporate and Business Law
  This module examines the general principles of English Law which have a major impact in the business environment in which corporate governance professionals operate. It introduces the sources of English law, with focus on company and corporate law. It examines the nature of different forms of business organisations and constitution of companies as well as the relationship between the board of directors, shareholders and employees. The legal requirements relating to shares and loan capital are considered as is corporate failure. The different treatment afforded to public companies by legislation is also highlighted, as is the impact of EU law. Director as agents of the company and the business contracts entered by the companies.
• Developing Strategic Direction
  This module challenges concepts of strategy, its scope, purpose and outcomes and provides a practical outline of a number of different approaches to strategic management.
• Effective Boardroom Dynamics This module enables participants to manage people effectively within the dynamics of the corporate boardroom. In a corporate environment, managers come in contact and work with a range of stakeholders, such as senior managers and executives, employees, clients, investors, partners and government officials. Such stakeholders affect the power dynamics in the corporate boardroom. In addition, cultural diversity in the boardroom adds to the complexity of effectively managing such communications. The module is, underpinned byan implicit acknowledgement of the powerful dynamics created by the intersecting themes of organisational politics, organisation culture and organisation behaviour. This module, therefore, explores the importance of corporate boardroom dynamics and enables participant’s to gain skills,which can help them influence and effectchange, which in turn can help ensure that better decisions are made at board level; thereby contributing to the strategic success of the organisation.
• Financial Reporting and Decision MakingThe module is intended to develop a critical appreciation of financial reporting information and the regulatory framework of financial reporting. The module also exposes students to some of the key concepts of business finance and introduces students to the methods/tools used to assess the risks and viability of value enhancing contracts and projects. The module adopts the perspective of a critical user of corporate financial reports and explores the sources of finance for business entities and optimal use of working capital.
• Governance and Leadership
  The module examines the area of governance and leadership within organisations in the broad context of the agency relationship and focuses on the respective roles and responsibilities of directors and officers to organisational stakeholders. The module explores internal review and feedback to implement and support effective governance and leadership. The module also assesses key aspects of responsible management and covers personal and professional ethics, ethical frameworks – and professional behaviour and conduct in a variety of contexts.
• Organisational Risk Management and Internal Controls
  The module explores internal review, control, and feedback to implement and support effective governance, including compliance issues related to decision-making and decision-support functions. The module also examines the whole area of identifying, assessing, and controlling risk as a key aspect of responsible management.
• Regulatory environment of Risk Management
  The module explores the discipline of risk management, including how risk management links to compliance management within organisations. The module also examines the role of the board in terms of the risk management processes and will explore techniques that can be used to ensure the effective assessment, monitoring and control of risk at all levels within an organisation.

Due to their varied knowledge and expertise, qualified chartered secretaries command highly-paid jobs in the private, public and voluntary sectors. A Masters degree in Corporate Governance combined with the internationally recognised ICSA qualification makes graduates highly employable in senior roles within governance, law, finance, strategy, leadership, and administration. For more information refer to the Become a Chartered Secretary section of the ICSA website.

Past employability skills events held include:

"My Employability event"

• My dream job
• Preparing CVs and cover letters
• Using databases to research the company
• IT qualifications for your CV
• Preparing for interviews
• Managing expectations
• Internships

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

This course has been developed in close collaboration with, and accredited by, ICSA, the international membership and qualifying body for chartered secretaries and other governance professionals..

The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) is the international membership and qualifying body for chartered secretaries and other governance professionals, and a recognised world authority on governance, risk and compliance.

Centre of Excellence status is the IoEE’s (Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs) flagship organisational accreditation for organisations that promote and deliver enterprise skills development – and is in recognition of the School’s entrepreneurial culture and leading-edge practice.

Recent guest lecturers:

• Helen Mahy, Group Company Secretary, National Grid plc
• Simon Osborne, Chief Executive, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

Other past events include:

"Customer Focus in Banking: How to implement it?"      

Keynote speaker: Owen Woodley, Managing Director, Lloyds Bank Retail.
Panel: Mark Mullen, Chief Executive, First Direct & Head of UK Contact Centres; Paul Lynam, CEO, Secure Trust Bank; Ashleye Gunn, Consumers Association 'Which?'; Richard Goodman, Policy Director, Financial Ombudsman.
Chairman: Chris Skinner, Chair, the Financial Services Club

"Making Corporate Governance effective in banking"

Keynote speaker: Peter Swabey, Policy and Research Director, ICSA.
Panel: Prof. Andrew Chambers, International Internal Audit Standards Board; Mike Trippit, Director, Equity Research - Banks, Numis; Catherine Howarth, CEO, Share Action; Robert Hingley, Director of Investment Affairs, Association of British Insurers; Charles Middleton, CEO, Triodos Bank.
Chairman: Simon Osborne, CEO, ICSA

"Fixing our banks:  What to fix and by whom?"

Participant Speakers:

• Chris Skinner - Chairman – European Networking Forum. The Financial Services Club
• A bank's perspective: Triodos Bank – Charles Middleton
• Board of Directors and Shareholders' issues: ICSA – Patrick Gonsalves
• Employees' issues: Unite. Finance & Legal – National Officer – Dominic Hook
• Customer's issues: Which? Consumers Association. Head of Money Content – James Daley
• Regulatory issues: Internal Audit Guidance for Financial Services, set up by the FSA and the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors – Professor Andrew Chambers

The conference discussed the different stakeholders' perspectives about the changes that should be introduced in the banking system to deal effectively with the current crisis affecting financial institutions.

You'll benefit from the opportunity to take internships, be encouraged to get involved in initiatives that promote links with different firms and companies, and to participate in different programmes and schemes comprising voluntary work.

Lectures cover concepts which underpin and facilitate informed participative approaches to learning. Workshops, seminars, case studies and student led discussion facilitate more active modes of learning.

Assessment is by written coursework.

Lecturers offer a rich profile of academic and professional qualifications backed by professional , teaching and/or research experience. An academic is appointed as your Dissertation Facilitator, to offer guidance and constructive advice on the preparation of your dissertation.

This course is available on a full or part time basis to anyone already holding Grad ICSA or full membership of the ICSA.

• MSc CG (Fast Track for ICSA Gradurates): Completion of Professional Stages Part II of the International Qualifying Scheme of the ICSA.
• Business experience is considered desirable.
• Required English language skills  to undertake this programme IELTS and have a balanced score of 6.5 in IELTS (or equivalent).

International students

International (non Home/EU) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.

Postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system. Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.

See our admissions policy (PDF File 194 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 127 KB).

Accommodation

Students should apply for accommodation at London South Bank University (LSBU) as soon as possible, once we have made an offer of a place on one of our academic courses. Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Finance

It's a good idea to think about how you'll pay university tuition and maintenance costs while you're still applying for a place to study. Remember – you don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as a postgraduate student.

Postgraduate Application Service

Book a session with one of our specialist Postgraduate Advisors. Over a one on one Advice Session they'll advise you on postgraduate degrees at LSBU that match your interests and experience. Book an Advice Session.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 177 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 102 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Postgraduate loan (PGL) for Masters study

If you are starting a Masters course, studying either full- or part-time, you may be entitled to apply for a postgraduate study loan. Find out more at our postgraduate fees and funding section.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on funding your studies on the scholarships and fee discounts page.

Fee status

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read How to apply tab for this course.

Enrolment and Induction

Enrolment takes place before you start your course. On completing the process, new students formally join the University. Enrolment consists of two stages: online, and your face-to-face enrolment meeting. The online process is an online data gathering exercise that you will complete yourself, then you will be invited to your face-to-face enrolment meeting.

In September, applicants who have accepted an unconditional offer to study at LSBU will be sent details of induction, which is when they are welcomed to the University and their School. Induction helps you get the best out of your university experience, and makes sure you have all the tools to succeed in your studies.

Read more about Enrolment and Induction.

Prepare for MSc Corporate Governance

When you are a student you'll be able to access key texts through the Perry Library or purchase. Because this is a fast moving subject area it is important that you are reading the most current editions. We would recommend that you do not buy textbooks until you are on the course. However, there is important reading you can do in preparation.

Your main source in advance will the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) where you should subscribe to email notifications. You should particularly look at the ICSA Guidance on Company Secretaries and Corporate Governance. If you are a member, Graduate or student you should also look online at the ICSA Chartered Secretary Journal.

• 'Governance and Compliance' ICSA monthly magazine
• 'One Stop Company Secretary' David Martin
• 'ICSA Company Secretary's Handbook' 10th Edition Doug Armour ISBN
• 'Corporate Secretarial Practice' 2nd Edition Luke Thomas.
• 'A Practical Guide to the UK Listing Regime' Herbert Smith Freehills 3rd Edition.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument (Palgrave Study Skills) Dr Stella Cottrell:

Websites as follows:
www.frc.org.uk
www.icsa.org.uk

Keep up to date with all events impacting companies generally and specific companies concerning corporate governance and board performance, including director and company secretary responsibilities. This means reading the business section of a serious daily newspaper or the Financial Times.