Program Overview

Business Accounting and Finance with Work Placements BSc Honours

This four-year Flying Start degree offers the best of both worlds, mixing traditional academic study with integrated paid work placements at PwC, giving students a fast track route into chartered accountancy.

Course Overview

The 'Flying Start' degree is a collaboration between Newcastle University, PwC, and ICAEW. It combines academic study with integrated paid professional work placements in PwC's Audit practice, allowing students to progress towards the ICAEW Chartered Accountancy qualification, the ACA.

Quality and Ranking

• Global Top 140 University - QS World University Rankings 2026
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 - Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research - Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development - Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

This degree was designed with, and is professionally accredited by, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). It offers exemptions from a number of papers to fast track students' careers to chartered accountancy.

Modules and Learning

The information below is intended to provide an example of what students will study.

Stage 1

• Introduction to Financial Accounting
• Introduction to Management Accounting and Finance
• Sustainability and Ethics
• Introductory Quantitative Methods and Assurance
• Industry Economics
• Professional Skills
• Business Law

Stage 2

• Assurance, Risk and Reporting
• Business and Digital Strategy
• Tax Fundamentals
• Fundamental Case Study
• Stage 2 Placement
• NCL Edge: Business Accounting and Finance Stage 2

Stage 3

• Corporate Financial Strategy
• Tax Compliance and Planning
• Corporate Reporting, Data and Assurance
• Stage 3 Placement
• NCL Edge: Business Accounting and Finance Stage 3

Stage 4

• Contemporary Issues in Business, Accounting and Finance
• Case Studies in Business, Accounting and Finance
• Financial Analysis
• Stage 4 Placement
• Corporate Governance and Ethics
• NCL Edge: Business Accounting and Finance Stage 4

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and professional placements. Assessment methods include assignments, case studies, coursework, dissertations, essays, examinations, group work, presentations, reflective reports, and seminar tasks.

Skills and Experience

Students will complete over 200 days of paid qualifying technical work experience and develop skills in time management, self-motivation, teamwork, and research.

Opportunities

• Work placement with PwC
• Industry links with PwC and ICAEW
• Career support and development

Facilities and Environment

Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest schools in the university, with over 4,000 students from over 85 countries. The school has two buildings, the Business School and the Frederick Douglass Centre, which offer a range of purpose-built facilities, including computer clusters, lecture theatres, seminar and teaching spaces, and a dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space.

Your Future

This course will equip students with the skills, experience, and qualifications needed to become a part-qualified, professional chartered accountant. Graduates have gone into roles such as chartered accountant, financial accountant, senior associate in assurance, and auditor.

Entry Requirements

• A-Level: AAB excluding General Studies
• International Baccalaureate: A minimum of 34 points with three subjects at grade 5 or above at Higher Level
• GCSE mathematics and English Language or Literature at grade 6 or B is required if not taken at A or AS Level

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• Home students: Tuition fees for academic year 2026 have not yet been confirmed
• International students: £25,750 per year
• Scholarships available for EU and international students
• Flying Start financial bursary available for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds

Open Days and Events

The university offers a range of open days and events, including on-campus and virtual open days, to provide students with the opportunity to explore the campus, meet with academic staff, and learn more about the courses and student life.