Program Overview

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BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance

The BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree at Robert Gordon University will develop students' academic knowledge and understanding, practical hands-on skills, and broader abilities needed for a successful career in accounting and finance. Established links with professional bodies and employers ensure the course is relevant for today's accounting profession.

Course Overview

Students will learn about key business disciplines by studying a contemporary mix of modules, including management accounting, financial reporting, tax, audit, and ethics. The course offers a unique paid placement opportunity, providing real-life experience and, in some cases, enabling students to qualify as a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland faster than other Accounting and Finance graduates.

Mode of Study and Attendance

• Mode of Study: On Campus
• Mode of Attendance: Full Time
• Start Date: September (and January for international students via the International College)
• Course Length: 4 years

What You Will Study

The course is structured over four years, with each year building on the previous one to provide a comprehensive education in accounting and finance.

Year 1

Students are introduced to basic theoretical and practical financial and management accounting. They develop general management skills, enabling them to apply their knowledge in a general management context, and transferable skills such as writing reports, presenting to peers, and working in a small team.

Year 2

Students study specialist modules in business finance and financial and management accounting, continuing to develop their business acumen through business-focused modules.

Year 3

Students can undertake an optional one-year (minimum 48 weeks) paid work-based learning placement in an accounting or finance position. Alternatively, they can choose to spend a year studying abroad at one of the university's partner institutions or study campus-delivered modules at RGU.

Year 4

Students study compulsory modules in Financial and Management Accounting, Taxation, Corporate Finance, Corporate Ethics, and Business Strategy. The grades achieved in each module this year determine the honours classification.

Student Stories and Events

The university features student stories and graduate experiences, providing insights into the course and its outcomes. There are also on-campus and virtual events to help prospective students find out more about the study, student experience, and future career paths.

Sustainability Commitment

The course integrates sustainability throughout its curriculum, aiming to develop the skills that accounting and finance graduates need to contribute to a more sustainable future. It is committed to the United Nation's Sustainability Goals 8, 10, and 16.

Course and Module Information

Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The university regularly reviews its courses, and course content and structure may change over time.

Learning Methods

Each term has a block of 12 weeks of teaching, with students studying 3 or 4 modules per term. Each module has approximately 3 hours of class teaching per week, supported by tutorials and online resources.

Assessment

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including written exams, assignments, group reports, presentations, and practical skills assessments. The specific assessment methods vary by year and module.

Staff

All staff who lecture on the accounting modules are professionally qualified and have substantial experience working within industry or professional practice. In the Honours year, all staff teaching accounting modules are Chartered Accountants.

Placements

The course offers a unique opportunity for a year-long paid work placement in an accounting or finance position. Previous placements have included Big 4 Chartered Accountant firms, medium and small Chartered Accountants firms, as well as multinational companies and financial institutions.

Study Abroad

As an alternative to placement, students can study abroad at one of the university's partner institutions in Europe.

Job Prospects

Graduates are highly sought after by employers, including the Big Four accountancy firms, multinational companies, investment fund managers, and banks. The course prepares students for careers in chartered accountancy, financial analysis, auditing, taxation, and corporate finance.

Accreditation

The course is fully accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) and receives excellent exemptions from professional bodies such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Association of International Accountants (AIA), and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Facilities

The university offers modern facilities, including the Georgina Scott Sutherland Learning Centre and the Digital Suite, to support student learning.

Entry Requirements

• Standard Entry Requirements:
  • SQA Higher: BBBB
  • GCE A Level: BCC
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: H2H2H3H3
  • IB Diploma: 28
• Minimum Entry Requirements for Widening Access Applicants:
  • SQA Higher: BBC/BCCC
• Alternative Qualifications: The university welcomes applications from those with equivalent qualifications and considers applicants with non-standard qualifications or work experience on an individual basis.

Fees and Funding

• Scottish Students: ｣1,820 per year for four years
• Rest of UK Students: ｣9,535 per year for four years (for the 2023-2024 academic year), ｣7,220 per year for four years (for the 2024-2025 academic year)
• International Students: ｣18,940 per year for four years (for the 2023-2024 academic year), ｣18,300 per year for four years (for the 2024-2025 academic year) The university offers various scholarships and financial awards, and students may be eligible for funding through SAAS or other bodies.

Disclaimer

Course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter.