BA Accounting and Business - The Flying Start Degree Programme

Program Overview

The Flying Start Degree Programme is a four-year undergraduate program that combines academic study with paid work placements at PwC. Students gain a thorough grounding in accounting, business, ethics, and law, while earning 12 out of the 15 professional exam modules required for ICAEW Chartered Accountant status. The program offers a fast-track route to becoming a Chartered Accountant and a graduate job offer from PwC.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Flying Start Degree Programme

is a four-year long undergraduate program designed to provide students with a fast-track route to becoming a Chartered Accountant. This program is unique as it offers paid work placements with PwC while simultaneously studying at the University of Reading. The program is ideal for students who want to gain practical experience while earning a competitive salary, and who are aiming to become Chartered Accountants quickly.

Program Objectives:

• Combine academic study with paid professional work placements at PwC.
• Gain a thorough grounding in accounting, business, ethics, and law.
• Earn 12 out of the 15 professional exam modules required for ICAEW Chartered Accountant status.
• Secure a graduate job offer from PwC.

Program Description:

The program consists of three main components:

Academic study:

Students will study at the University of Reading during Year 1, focusing on fundamental accounting, finance, law, and ethics. Subsequent years will involve a combination of academic study and work placements.

Work placements:

Students will undertake three paid work placements with PwC during Years 2, 3, and 4. These placements will offer experience in various areas of accounting and allow students to gain practical skills while applying their academic knowledge.

ICAEW Chartered Accountant qualification:

The program allows students to gain exemptions from 12 out of the 15 professional exam modules required for ICAEW Chartered Accountant status. This significantly reduces the time required to achieve full qualification after graduation.

Outline:

Course Content:

• Accounting: Financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, ethics, and law.
• Business: Business strategy, management, marketing, finance, operations management, and human resources.
• Work placements: Practical experience in various areas of accounting at PwC.

Structure:

• Year 1: Full-time study at the University of Reading.
• Years 2, 3, and 4: Combined academic study and paid work placements at PwC.
• Accounting: Assurance, Governance and Ethics (AC102), Management Information (AC107), Principles of Taxation (AC108), Introduction to Business (AC109), Introduction to Accounting (AC110), Law and Business (LW1LBS), Audit and Assurance (AC205), Financial Accounting (AC206), Accounting work placement 1 (AC209), Business Strategy for Accountants (AC213), Tax Compliance (AC217), Accounting Work Placement 2 (AC212), Financial Management (AC218), Business Essentials: Turning Strategy into Results (AC223), Financial Accounting and Reporting (AC305), Business Tax Planning (AC307), Accounting Work Placement 3 (AC309), Business and Professional Ethics (AC313), Business Analysis (AC314), Contemporary Issues in Accounting (AC315).

Schedule:

• Year 1: Full-time study at the University of Reading.
• Years 2, 3, and 4: Combined academic study and paid work placements at PwC.
• Work placements: Take place during term time, allowing for summer holidays.

Assessment:

• Academic modules: Assessed through a combination of written assignments, in-class tests, group presentations, and formal examinations.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods: Lectures, group projects, interactive classroom lessons, and online learning resources.
• Faculty: Experienced lecturers from the University of Reading and practitioners from PwC.
• Unique approaches: Emphasis on practical application of knowledge, link between theory and practice, and work-based learning through placements.

Careers:

• Potential career paths: Chartered Accountant, auditor, financial analyst, management consultant, tax advisor.
• Opportunities: Work in various sectors including accounting firms, financial institutions, and large multinational corporations.
• Outcomes: Graduates are highly qualified and sought after by leading employers, 100% of graduates are in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

Other:

• Fees: £9,250 per year for UK students, discounted rate for Years 2, 3, and 4 while on placement.
• Entry requirements: AAB from 3 A Levels (excluding General Studies and Key Skills) and grade B or above in English and Mathematics.
Combining academic study with paid work placements, the program provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience necessary to succeed in their chosen career path.

UK/Home International The International Undergraduate 2024/25 fee level for this programme is £22,350. There may be financial support available - consult your local British Council/Education Counselling Service. Work placements with PwC For students taking BA Accounting and Business, which contains placements in years 2, 3 and 4, the fee level will be set at 80% of the full fee in these years. The discount only applies if students are on placement for the whole year.