Program Overview

Introduction to BA (Hons) Accounting with Business Analytics

The BA (Hons) Accounting with Business Analytics degree at Robert Gordon University is designed to equip students with the necessary business competencies and digital skills to future-proof their careers. This course combines core accounting knowledge with an introduction to data science, ensuring graduates have valuable and relevant skills to meet the changing demands of the accounting profession.

Course Overview

The course incorporates a distinctive blend of business, accounting, and data science modules delivered by Aberdeen Business School and the School of Computing, Engineering, and Technology. Students will have the opportunity to undertake a paid placement, providing valuable real-life experience.

Mode of Study and Attendance

• Mode of Study: On Campus
• Mode of Attendance: Full Time
• Start Date: September
• 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 understanding of accounting and business analytics.

Year 1

Students will be introduced to basic theoretical and practical financial and management accounting. They will develop general business skills and cover an introduction to programming, as well as transferable skills such as writing reports, presenting to peers, and working in a small team.

Year 2

Specialist modules in business finance and financial and management accounting will be studied, alongside continued development of business acumen through business-focused modules. Database systems and a further introduction to programming will also be covered.

Year 3

Students can undertake an optional one-year paid work-based learning placement in a degree-relevant position, continuing to develop academic knowledge by studying two modules via distance learning. Alternatively, they can choose to study campus-delivered modules at RGU.

Year 4

Compulsory modules in Financial and Management Accounting, Assurance and Ethics, and Business Strategy will be studied. Additional modules in data visualization, data analytics, and optimization and decision support will also be covered.

Learning Methods

Each term consists of 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, for modules delivered by the School of Computing, interactive lab work.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary by year and module but typically include written exams, written assignments, group reports, portfolios, practical skills assessments, and presentations.

Job Prospects

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Accounting with Business Analytics degree will be highly sought after by employers, including the Big Four accountancy firms, multinational companies, investment fund managers, and banks. The combination of accounting, finance, and business subjects, along with basic programming and data analysis skills, makes these graduates highly valuable.

Placements

In Year 3, students have the opportunity to undertake a year-long paid work placement. Previous placements have included Big 4 Chartered Accountant firms, medium and small Chartered Accountants firms, as well as multinational companies and financial institutions.

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: Considered on an individual basis.
• International Students: Apply through the International College at Robert Gordon University.
• English Language Requirements: IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

Fees and Funding

• Scottish Students: È1,820 per year for 4 years.
• Rest of UK Students: È9,535 per year for 4 years (for the academic year mentioned, but note that fees can vary by academic year).
• International Students: È18,940 per year for 4 years (for the academic year mentioned, but note that fees can vary by academic year).
• Additional Costs: Include books, placement costs, accommodation, and living costs.
• Student Funding: Available for Scottish residents through SAAS, and for students from other parts of the UK through their respective student finance services.

Accreditation

The course is fully accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) and receives excellent exemptions from The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Aberdeen Business School is also accredited by AACSB International (AACSB) and the Small Business Charter (SBC).