Graduates from this course are employed in many different roles

  • Assistant Tax Advisor
  • Accountant
  • Chartered Accountant Trainee

Overview

Important notice – campus change This course will move to the Belfast campus.  Students will change campus part way through this course. Find out more

A highly sought after four-year degree qualification which offers students both the equivalent of a degree in law and a degree in accounting.

Summary

The degree is a four-year programme with an equal weighting of accounting and law based modules being covered in each year. It also has an option of an intercalary/placement year after Year 3.

The aim of this degree is to produce professionally focused graduates who have an in-depth knowledge of the theory and practice of accounting and law. The degree prepares students for:

  • a career in accountancy (specialising in those areas which require a more in-depth knowledge of law, such as forensics, due diligence and litigation);
  • a career in law (in particular, corporate law) and/or;
  • postgraduate studies in accounting, law or cognate disciplines.

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About this course

In this section

  1. About
  2. Associate awards
  3. Attendance
  4. Start dates

About

The overall aim of the degree is to:

  • develop students’ core knowledge and understanding of the principles, issues and applications of accounting and law and of the broader financial and economic environment;
  • enable the development of intellectual skills including critical, analytical and problem-solving skills relevant to law, business finance and investment decision-making;
  • highlight the relevance of legal knowledge to the needs of the community whether at a local, regional, national, European or international level;
  • support the development of a range of subject-specific and generic transferable skills;
  • develop students' ability to analyse, interpret and communicate legal and financial information; and
  • develop students' interpersonal, research, computing and communication skills.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Find out more about placement awards

Attendance

Full-time. Four years (five years if optional intercalary/placement year is undertaken).

Start dates

  • September 2018
How to apply

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

In this section

  1. Year one
  2. Year two
  3. Year three
  4. Year four
  5. Year five

Year one

Financial Mathematics and Statistics

Year: 1

This module develops students' quantitative skills and provides the building blocks for subsequent quantitative analysis.

Introductory Accounting

Year: 1

This module forms a foundation for the further study of Accounting in later modules. The aim of the module is to provide students with an academically challenging and intellectually stimulating study of foundation accounting. It focuses on the skills and techniques appropriate to practical accounting, as well as providing an understanding of basic accounting theory.

Principles of Financial Accounting

Year: 1

Principles of Financial Accounting provides the student with an introduction to the concepts underpinning corporate financial reporting for single companies and groups of companies. This provides students with the foundations required for further study in Financial Accounting module.

Academic and Professional Awareness

Year: 1

This module provides students with an opportunity to consider, reflect on, and develop the key skills that will provide the basis for successful study on their programme of study and in their future professional life in accounting and/or law.

Exploring Law

Year: 1

This module introduces basic legal principles and concepts, and enables students to understand the structure and organisation of the legal system in the UK (with a particular emphasis on Northern Ireland). It introduces students to the concepts of reflective and independent learning, and provides them with the necessary information, knowledge and intellectual equipment required for the study of law as a discipline. This module continues the induction process and offers the students an opportunity to obtain information about careers and personal development. Formal assessment on this module is by an online assessment exercise and coursework.

Criminal law

Year: 1

Criminal law provides the ideal vehicle to study both common law and legislation and develop an understanding of the relationship between law in Northern Ireland and the law in England and Wales. Students learn the scope and content of criminal law and understand the need for reform in certain areas through academic commentary and critical discussion and evaluation. In examining the principle and substance of criminal law students also gain the opportunity to develop skills in legal reasoning and analysis.

Law of Tort

Year: 1

The law of tort plays a central role in the modern legal system, and it is important that anyone engaged in a study of law should have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the principles of the law of tort. This module will explore those principles in detail and will enable students to apply the principles to practical problems and real-life situations.

Year two

Principles of Management Accounting

Year: 2

This module provides students with an introduction to the principles of management accounting. It examines the role of the management accountant within an organisation and how management accounting information contributes to making judgements and decisions. The module focuses primarily on the theory and practice of cost accounting and introduces students to various cost accounting concepts, techniques and processes. It provides a firm foundation for further study in the area of Management Accounting.

Financial Accounting

Year: 2

Financial accounting provides the student with an understanding of the concepts underpinning corporate financial reporting for single companies and groups of companies. The role of financial accounting regulation, particularly International Financial Reporting Standards is examined and students are provided with the skills to apply these to practical examples.

Business and the Economy

Year: 2

This module will provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts and applications of economics as they affect individuals, firms and governments, as well as the policy decisions taken in industry, commerce, and local government.

Public Law

Year: 2

Students by the end of this module should have a good grasp of the constitutional arrangements within the United Kingdom including: institutions of government, key principles underpinning the constitution of the United Kingdom, the arrangements for devolved governance in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the importance of European Union Law as a source of law within the constitution of the United Kingdom, the legal protection of human rights and civil liberties, mechanisms of accountability within constitutional law, especially judicial review, and proposed reforms and debates surrounding such reforms.

Contract Law

Year: 2

The module will provide a basis for acquiring knowledge and understanding and developing analysis of the key concepts, problems and issues in the law of contract. The theories, principles and rules of the law of contract will be explained. The module will address the key features of contract law including formation of contract, contractual terms, exclusion and limitation clauses, vitiating factors, discharge of contract and remedies.

European Law

Year: 2

This module provides an overview of the constitutional principles and legal institutions of the European Union. The module also introduces students to the central areas within the market integration process, namely free movement of goods and persons. After the Treaties of Amsterdam, Nice and Lisbon, the impact of EU law has expanded even further than before. This module examines the development of European Law, the institutional structure and processes as well as the relationship between European Law and national law.

Year three

Personal and Business Finance

Year: 3

This module introduces financial decision making for individuals and small- to medium-sized companies. Within the personal finance element students will study the financial lifecycle, the financial plan and the main personal finance decisions. Within the business finance element students will study the role of business finance, ethics in financial decision making, the influence of the environment on financial decision-making, capital investment appraisal and working capital management.

Management Accounting

Year: 3

Having completed this module the student will be able to: understand the role of the management accountant and how this contributes to the achievement of organisational objectives; understand the role of modern management accounting practices which enable organisations to develop and assess performance; and apply appropriate management decision tools to a specified range of scenarios.

Personal and Business Taxation

Year: 3

Knowledge of taxation is essential to students intending to pursue a career in Accounting and is an essential part of most financial and economic decision making. This module provides a fundamental detailed study of the main aspects of the UK tax system covering personal and business taxation, as well as an introduction to capital gains tax and inheritance tax. The integration of the various personal tax elements will be integrated as the students will be engaged in personal tax planning. The module also requires a critical evaluation of modern issues/ethical dilemmas and key topics of academic and professional debate in this discipline.

Land Law

Year: 3

This module provides students with the opportunity to study Land Law (which is considered to be a core subject in the study of law) in respect to both Northern Ireland and England and Wales. The professional bodies require law school graduate entrants to have studied Land Law at Degree Level. This module (together with Introduction to Property Law) satisfies the requirements of the professions in both jurisdictions.

Introduction to Property Law

Year: 3

This module provides students with an introduction to the core concepts of property law in both Northern Ireland and England and Wales. This module will directly prepare you for further detailed study of property law at level 5 (Land Law) and at level 6 (Equity and Trusts) as well as complementing the study of aspects of Tort, Contract and even Criminal Law. Completion of this module and Land Law (LAW311) in semester 2 year 2 allows you to meet the requirements of the professional bodies (in respect of property law) in both Northern Ireland and England and Wales.

Business and Commercial Law

Year: 3

Business activities often create conflicts of expectations and interests between those seeking to profit through enterprise and third parties who interact with business organisations. This module enables students to acquire a thorough knowledge of the legal regulation in key areas such as employment and sales law. The module attempts to give students a clear conceptual understanding of the business and commercial law and to equip students to use their knowledge in the solution of common commercial problems.

Year four

Diploma in Professional Practice

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module enables students who have secured a placement job to complete a period of appropriate work experience in a supportive environment. The Diploma in Professional Practice provides students with 48 weeks of work experience in a professional work environment. The placement option is a complement to and an extension of the work engaged in at the University and provides the opportunity for each student to satisfy specific learning objectives based on organisational, programme and personal development needs. The module helps students fully develop their employability skills for life. Students who successfully complete the module are eligible for the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) or Diploma in Professional Practice International (DPPI).

International Academic Studies

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.

Year five

Advanced Management Accounting

Year: 5

This module is optional

An important role of management accounting is to present accounting information to facilitate decision making which is aimed at key elements of the overall management system, i.e. planning, decision making, performance measurement and control. The module will develop further the students' appreciation of management accounting. This will involve the in-depth study and critical appraisal of advanced practices and theories of the discipline.

Advanced Financial Accounting

Year: 5

This module is optional

The nature and purpose of accounting theory; the theory of capital and income; the role of accounting regulation including the development of the latest accounting standards and advanced group reporting; contemporary issues in accounting.

Advanced Financial Management

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module examines some of the fundamental concepts underpinning managerial finance, including agency theory, EMH, theories on capital structure and dividend policy. The module focuses on financial management decision-making in large companies that interact with the capital markets and have an international presence.

Governance, Risk and Ethics

Year: 5

This module is optional

The module informs and equips students to effectively respond to the governance challenges organisations face today. The module aims to investigate the key components for securing the highest standards of effective corporate governance.

Forensic Accounting

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module allows students to combine their understanding of accounting, finance and governance structures, with the evidence gathering, investigative techniques, and report writing skills necessary to be a forensic accountant.

Cyber Crime and Forensic Technology

Year: 5

This module is optional

In today's increasingly networked digital age, a knowledge of cybercrime and its impact on the operations of businesses is important. Delivered in association with Grant Thornton's forensic technology specialists this module provides insights into cybercrime and forensic technology from both a theoretical perspective (the legal, professional and ethical issues relating to the cybercrime) and a technical perspective (gathering, reserving and presenting digital evidence).

Law of Evidence

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module will provide students with access to a comprehensive programme of study which will examine fundamental principles of the law of evidence, amd analyse a number of important and controversial issues in the modern law. It will also provide students with an understanding of the operation of evidential rules within the civil and criminal justice systems in a manner which accords with national professional standards.

Surveillance and the Law

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module explores and evaluates the legal framework within which surveillance operates in the United Kingdom. Considering the role of surveillance in society, the relationship between surveillance, privacy rights and fair trial rights is evaluated with specific reference to data protection, interception of communications, directed and intrusive surveillance, official secrecy, the security and intelligence services and recent developments in relation to identity and identity theft.

Employment law

Year: 5

This module is optional

The importance of the employment relationship between employers, employees, unions and other statutory bodies and agencies is such that a thorough knowledge of both the context and the substantive law is necessary for those involved in this area in any capacity. The module attempts to provide the basis for this knowledge and to put students in the position where they may not only have an understanding of the law both conceptually and substantively, but also be in a position to use that knowledge prophylactically and in the solution of problems.

Company Law

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module introduces students to the body of rules and principles of law which regulate public and private companies. It is of practical significance to all those who wish to make a career in, or have dealings with, such companies.

Human Rights Law

Year: 5

This module is optional

The module builds on other law modules in terms of examining fundamental principles underlying the legislative process as a whole. Through an indepth analysis of human rights protection at a range of levels, (internationally, regionally and domestically) students will have the opportunity to explore key areas of concern on both a theoretical level and through case studies on a more practical basis.

Equity and Trusts

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module will explore the history and development of equity and of its maxims, the development of the trust and the various types of trust, its various forms, uses and practical implications today. It will consider how trusts can be varied and set aside, the powers and duties of trustees and the remedies for breach of trust. It will also examine equitable doctrines such as conversion and election and survey the law relating to equitable remedies such as injunctions.

Entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

In this section

  1. A level
  2. BTEC
  3. Irish Leaving Certificate
  4. Scottish Highers
  5. Scottish Advanced Highers
  6. International Baccalaureate
  7. Access to Higher Education (HE)
  8. GCSE
  9. English Language Requirements
  10. Teaching and learning assessment
  11. Exemptions and transferability

A level

A-level grades BBB if including A-Level Mathematics or

ABB if not completing A-level Mathematics.

BTEC

Overall BTEC award profile DMM to include 10 distinctions.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Overall Irish Leaving Certificate profile – H2, H3, H3, H3, H3or H3, H3, H3, H3, H3 to include Maths at Higher level.

Scottish Highers

The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is BBBBC or BBBCC to include minimum of Grade C in Maths.

Scottish Advanced Highers

The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is – BBC or CCC to include minimum of Grade C in Maths.

International Baccalaureate

Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum 27 points (13 points at higher level).

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall Access profile 70%.

GCSE

GCSE Profile to include Maths with a minimum Grade B.

GCSE Profile to include English Language with a minimum Grade C.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Teaching and learning assessment

Teaching methods are instrumental in developing key skills central to academic and professional development, including:

Subject related skills, acquired through lectures, tutorials, seminars, guest speakers, directed and independent study, computer assisted learning, case studies, experiential learning and Interactive technology (Turning Point) as a teaching and learning tool;

Intellectual skills, developed through lectures, tutor directed tutorials, computer assisted learning, student-led seminars, guest speakers, problem-based learning scenarios including coursework assignments, projects and examinations. Intellectual skills are further developed through small group sessions; and

Professional/practical skills, developed mainly through lectures, tutor directed tutorials, student-led seminars, computer assisted learning, problem-based learning scenarios including coursework assignments, moots, projects, examinations and placement (where appropriate). Professional/practical skills are also developed through a variety of other curricular and extra-curricular teaching and learning strategies. For example, at induction, sessions are provided for students on various practical elements such as study skills, reading skills, note taking and retrieval, communication, writing, referencing, preparation for examinations and using information technology within the University's computer laboratories.

These skills are further developed within modules throughout the programme. Transferable and key skills will be developed throughout the programme via lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, computer assisted learning and projects. Module coordinators are encouraged to emphasise the use of information technology within their modules. This emphasis involves the use of online information sources and databases, the employment of technology as part of assessment strategies and the adoption of technology for module information and communication.

Assessment of student’s learning will employ a range of strategies including:
• Unseen/seen examinations
• Investigative reports
• Subject-specific essays
• Oral presentations
• Moots
• Coursework submissions
• Tutorial portfolios
• Report writing
• Memo writing
• Briefing documents
• Business letter writing
• Interactive technology (Turning Point) as an assessment tool
• Case Reports
• Role play
• Group projects.

Exemptions and transferability

The course content has been designed to meet the exemption requirements of Chartered Accountants Ireland (formerly the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland) (CAP1 Exemption criteria) and the requirements of a qualifying law degree for the purpose of entry into the legal profession.

The course is rigorous but the rewards are great - on successful completion of the degree (and on obtaining a minimum mark, typically 50%, in certain modules), the graduate will have similar exemptions from the professional examinations of Chartered Accountants Ireland (CPI) as those on an accounting degree. Graduates will also have a qualifying law degree (QLD) recognised for entry into the legal profession by the Law Society and Bar Council (Northern Ireland) and the Joint Academic Stage Board of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board for England and Wales.

Careers & opportunities

In this section

  1. Job roles
  2. Career options
  3. Work placement / study abroad
  4. Professional recognition

Job roles

Graduates from this course are employed in many different roles. Here are some examples:

  • Assistant Tax Advisor
  • Accountant
  • Chartered Accountant Trainee

Career options

The demand for graduates with accounting and law backgrounds is strong, both in large professional services firms that have forensic accounting departments and from legal firms, in particular from those firms that specialise in corporate law. However, this degree will also be of interest to those who wish to pursue different areas of accounting (for example auditing, taxation, insolvency, etc.) and of law (as knowledge of business and taxation issues influence legal advice given about probate, divorce settlements, etc).

Students may progress to a Postgraduate Diploma / Masters in Advanced Accounting which is unique to Ulster in Ireland. As this course is dedicated to Chartered Accountants Ireland you have to have all the CAP1 exemptions in place before enrolment. For those wishing to pursue their Law studies, there is the LLM in Human Rights Law and Transitional Justice and the LLM in Human Rights Law and Peace Building.

The aim of this degree is to produce professionally focused graduates who have an in-depth knowledge of the theory and practice of accounting and law. The degree prepares students for a career in accountancy (specialising in those areas which require a more in-depth knowledge of law, such as forensic accounting, taxation and business recovery) a career in law (in particular, corporate law) and/or; postgraduate studies in accounting, law or cognate disciplines.

Work placement / study abroad

Students have the opportunity to undertake a one year professional placement in an Accounting, Law or Accounting and Law related role. The professional placement year gives students opportunities such as; applying and contextualising academic studies, developing professional skills and exploring new career opportunities.

Alternatively students can spend one year either working or studying, for example students have taken part in the ‘Study USA’ programme.

Professional recognition

Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI)

Recognised by the Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI) for the purpose of a Qualifying Law Degree.

Bar Standards Board

Accredited by the Bar Standards Board for the purpose of a Qualifying Law Degree.

Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

The qualifying law degree is recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for the purposes of satisfying the academic stage of training.

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.

Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland (ICAS)

Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Chartered Accountants Ireland

Accredited by Chartered Accountants Ireland for the purpose of exemption from some professional exams.

Apply

How to apply Request a prospectus

Applications to full-time undergraduate degrees at Ulster are made through UCAS.

Start dates

  • September 2018

Fees and funding

In this section

  1. Fees information
  2. Scholarships, awards and prizes

Fees (per year)

Important notice - fees information Fees illustrated are based on 18/19 entry and are subject to an annual increase. Correct at the time of publishing. Terms and conditions apply. Additional mandatory costs are highlighted where they are known in advance. There are other costs associated with university study.
Visit our Fees pages for full details of fees

Northern Ireland & EU:
£4,160.00
England, Scotland & Wales:
£9,250.00  Discounts available
International:
£13,680.00  Scholarships available

Scholarships, awards and prizes

  • Best Performing Student in Year 2 - ASM Chartered Accountants Award
  • Best Performing Student in Year 3 - E&Y Accounting and Law Award

Additional mandatory costs

Tuition fees and costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges), and normal living are a part of university life.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses we make every effort to highlight them. These may include residential visits, field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering) inoculations, security checks, computer equipment, uniforms, professional memberships etc.

We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free wifi is also available on each of the campuses.

There will be some additional costs to being a student which cannot be itemised and these will be different for each student. You may choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Printing and binding may also be required. There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Additional costs vary from course to course.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs as well as tuition fees.

Please contact the course team for more information.

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