Accounting (Pathways)
BSc (Hons)

About this course

About

This programme has been designed to broaden your opportunities in accounting and utilise our high level employer links to ensure you get excellent employment opportunities.

All our pathways in Accounting give you maximum professional exemptions from many of the professional accounting bodies.

You can specialise in the area of accounting through either the BSc Hons Accounting or BSc Hons Accounting (Forensics) - both of these pathways are highly sought after by employers and following your programme, you will be employment-ready in these fields.

You could decide to maintain a focus on accounting and explore other areas such as financial economics or management through the BSc Hons Accounting (Financial Economics) or BSc Hons Accounting (Management ) - both pathways offering a highly sought after skills-set in the economic, public sector, finance or managerial environment.

Structure: All modules in each pathway of the BSc Hons Accounting (Pathways) are compulsory. The structure of the suite of pathways is such that you can delay choice between these four programmes until the second-year of study in the BSc Hons Accounting (Pathways). This flexibility provides you with the opportunity to experience subject areas, before making a choice between maintaining your specialism in accounting or broadening your interest to financial economics/management.

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

Classes are timetabled per semester for full-time students:

Three years full-time – BSc Hons
Four years full-time if undertaking a placement year between Year 2 and Final Year– BSc Hons with DPP / DIAS

Full-time attendance is up to four days per week with 12-16 teaching hours per week, depending on level.

Each year has a different amount of time allocated to the modules being studied. Normally students are in class for 3 or 4 days per week. On top of this you would be expected to spend approximately 10 additional hours of independent study time per module.

Taking all modules into account this would equate to 40 hours per week over a semester.

Start dates

• September 2021

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods include: lectures, tutorials, seminars, case studies, experiential learning, guest speakers, practitioner master classes, workshops, directed and independent study, computer assisted learning including contemporary interactive learning technology to help enhance your learning.

Assessment Methods include:examinations, class tests, completion of worksheets, reflective logs, portfolios, critiques, reports, subject-specific essays and oral presentations, using both individual and group projects, and interactive technology.

Content

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

• the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor
• the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement
• the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

Attendance and Independent Study

As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.

The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.

Calculation of the Final Award

The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

Academic profile

Over 80% of teaching staff have Fellowship of Advance HE (formerly Higher Education Academy).

The majority of the accounting lecturers have professional body accreditation and previous experience in professional practice and/or commercial business.

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.

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.

Year one

Introductory Accounting

Year: 1

Status: C

Introductory accounting provides the student with an understanding of the concepts underpinning financial reporting for sole traders and partnerships.

Principles of Financial Accounting

Year: 1

Status: C

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

Principles of Management Accounting

Year: 1

Status: C

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.

Academic, Professional and Managerial Awareness

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides students with an opportunity to consider, reflect on, and develop key skills that will provide a strong basis for successful study in higher education and in their future professional life. It provides opportunities to consider personal strengths and learning styles, and develop strategies to maximise their learning potential.

Information Skills for Business

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides the student with a solid understanding of information management principles, applications and value in modern organisations. Particular attention is awarded to technological tools and business process improvement techniques. The opportunity to construct a simple data analytics dashboard system is provided. On completion of the module students will be equipped with the skills necessary to join the workforce having an appreciation of the own personal information management skills and an understanding of the roles/skills required in a sustainable learning organisation.

Business and the Economy

Year: 1

Status: C

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. An emphasis will be placed on the application of economics to the world around us.

Year two

Personal and Business Finance

Year: 2

Status: C

This module introduces students to finance decision making for individuals and small to medium sized national companies. Within the personal finance part of the course students will study the financial lifecycle, the financial plan and the main personal finance decisions (debt, savings, investments, insurance, mortgages and pensions). Within the business finance element of the module students will study the role of business finance, ethics in financial decision making, the influence of the environment on financial decision-making, the time value of money, capital investment appraisal, working capital management and sources of short and medium-term finance, and cost of capital.

Financial Accounting

Year: 2

Status: C

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.

Management Accounting

Year: 2

Status: C

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.

Skills for Work

Year: 2

Status: C

Understanding the diverse career options within Accounting and Finance is essential if students are to understand and develop the skills and attributes that employers across different markets are seeking. This module aims to engage students in their own employability development as well as aid their understanding of what recruiting employers look for and in particular why they look for specific attributes.

Law for Accountants

Year: 2

Status: C

This module introduces students to basic legal structures, principles and concepts relevant to business and the business environment in the United Kingdom (with a particular emphasis on Northern Ireland). It also enables them to acquire certain skills, such as those of instant recall, analysis, argumentation and articulation, which will prove useful in their work as business professionals.

Risk Management

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module introduces the student to the conceptual and theoretical fundamentals of business risk management combined with the processes surrounding risk management in both the private and public sector organisations. It identifies the skills that a professional services accountant must have and how best to utilise those skills in today's challenging business environment.

Managing and Developing People

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module explores the changing nature of HRM and people management and development in organisation. The impact of changes within the economy, in demographics, in legislation and advances in technology will be considered. Taking a broadly employee life-cycle approach the module covers the core functional areas of HRM to include recruitment and selection; equality, diversity and inclusion; learning and development in organisations; performance management; pay and reward; the employment relationship and employee engagement; and employee health and well-being: the topics are presented via a HRM lens but the importance of their understanding for aspiring line managers is emphasised.

Money and the Economy

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module introduces students to the macroeconomic environment and modelling, the role of money and central banking in the economy, the rationale for monetary policy and its effects on economic performance.

Year three

Diploma in Professional Practice

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.

International Academic Studies

Status: O

Year: 3

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 four

Advanced Management Accounting

Year: 4

Status: C

An important role of management accounting is to present accounting information to facilitate decision making, planning, control and performance measurement. 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.

Governance, Risk and Ethics

Year: 4

Status: C

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.

Taxation

Year: 4

Status: C

A 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 undertaking of the main aspects of the UK tax system covering personal, business taxation, corporation tax, inheritance tax and capital gains tax as well as an understanding of the administration of the self-assessment system.

Audit and Assurance

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module introduces the student to the conceptual and theoretical fundamentals of auditing combined with the practical application of auditing principles and the issues encountered in a financial reporting and audit environment. It identifies the skills that a professional auditor must have and how best to utilise those skills in today's challenging business environment.

Corporate Financial Reporting

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

Corporate Financial Reporting provides the student with an understanding of both accounting theory and the practical application of international financial reporting standards.

Advanced Financial Management

Status: O

Year: 4

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.

Strategic Business Planning

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module introduces the concept of strategic business planning. With the dynamic business environment and the requirement for enterprise development to be linked to strategic management architecture, there is a need to enhance the level of understanding and competency in business planning.

Cybercrime and Forensic Technology

Status: O

Year: 4

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).

Money, Banking and Other Financial Institutions

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

Banks, and other financial institutions, play a pivotal role in developed and developing economies. This module provides an overview of these institutions and the role of money in such institutions.

International Finance

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module builds upon Money and the Economy introduced at level five. It covers the international financial system, exchange rates, open-economy macroeconomics, and will discuss current issues within international finance.

Standard 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.

A level

A level grades BBB if including A level Mathematics or

ABB if not completing A level Mathematics.

Applied General Qualifications

Overall BTEC Level 3 QCF Extended Diploma with profile D*DD in a relevant subject.

OR

BTEC Level 3 RQF National Extended Diploma with profile DDD in a relevant subject.

You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard (provided subject requirements are met). Examples of combinations include:

A levels with BTEC Level 3 QCF Subsidiary Diploma or BTEC RQF National Extended Certificate

A level with BTEC Level 3 QCF Diploma or BTEC Level 3 RQF National Diploma.

For further information on the entry requirements for this course please contact the administrator as listed in Contact details

Irish Leaving Certificate

128 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of four subjects at Higher level and one subject at Ordinary level. The overall profile must include English at minimum Grade H6 at Higher Level or Grade O4 at Ordinary level plus Mathematics at minimum H5 at Higher level or Grade O3 at Ordinary Level.

OR

120 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of four subjects at Higher level and one subject at Ordinary level. Theoverall profile must include English at minimum Grade H6 at Higher Level or Grade 04 at Ordinary level. One Higher Level subject must include minimum Grade H3 from Higher Level Maths.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

• View tariff point chart

Tariff point chart

Scottish Highers

The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is BBBCC to include a minimum of grade B in Mathematics or grades BBBBC if not undertaking Scottish Highers Mathematics.

Scottish Advanced Highers

The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is CCC to include minimum of grade C in Advanced Mathematics or grades BBC if not undertaking Advanced Mathematics.

International Baccalaureate

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

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall mark of 70% to include 60% in NICATs Maths or GCSE Maths grade B/C* or 6/5.

GCSE

GCSE Profile to include Maths with a minimum grade B/C* 6/5.

GCSE Profile to include English Language with a minimum grade C/4.

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.

• English language requirements
• Your country

Exemptions and transferability

The majority of students enter this programme in year 1 at Level 4. However applicants who provide evidence of previous relevant successful study may be considered for entry to Level 5 of the programme. Exceptionally applicants may be considered for entry at Level 6. Transfer will normally be admitted with exemptions depending on prior accredited knowledge.

There is a facility for transfer to other undergraduate degree programmes depending upon the nature of the subject matter of the other degrees and academic achievement.

Students who transfer from another university can present module information. Ulster can consider giving them module exemptions on a like for like basis for prior studies.

The programme has been accredited by all UK and Ireland professional accounting bodies such as: Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), ACCA and CIMA. You have the opportunity to gain maximum exemptions from professional examinations depending on the pathway selected for study and the final module mark obtained.

The Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics have high level and well established partnerships with the following major accountancy bodies: Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI); The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS); The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW); The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA); The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA); The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA); The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA); The Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland (CPA); The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIT); The Assocaition of International Accountnats (AIA); and The Institute of Internal Auditors UK and Ireland (IIA).

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Accounting practice
• Banking
• Charities and not for profit organisations
• Commercial enterprise
• Financial services
• Government bodies and agencies

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Accountant
• Auditor
• Business analyst
• Forensic accountant
• Fund accountant
• Management consultant
• Tax advisor

Career options

There is a considerable demand for those with accounting knowledge in business, industry and the public service. This suite of pathways will provide you with an excellent basis for pursuing a professional qualification with one of the accountancy bodies and/or if you want to expand your knowledge in other allied areas of business.

As a graduate, you may take up a position as an Accounting Practitioner providing audit, accountancy, forensic services and taxation services to a variety of businesses and individuals. You can avail of many accounting and finance roles in any type of business e.g. you could become a Financial or Management Accountant in a large commercial enterprise or within central or local Government; a Taxation Specialist; a Management Consultant or an Educationalist.

You may, depending on classification obtained, be permitted to go on to further study at postgraduate level. On successful completion of your programme, it may be possible to progress to a Postgraduate Diploma / Masters in Advanced Accounting and Masters in Strategic Accounting.

Work placement / study abroad

After successful completion of your second year on the programme, you will have the option of a paid placement year in a range of local and international locations. This will provide a link between the subjects you have studied and their application in a 'real world' setting.

Satisfactory completion of the placement year will lead to the award of the Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP). You also have the option to study abroad for a year; satisfactory completion of a study abroad year will lead to the award of the Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS).

Through our excellent links with businesses and accounting employers, there are also opportunities for you to avail of short-term placements over the summer months.

Professional recognition

Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) 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 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.

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 Accountants Ireland

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

Apply

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

Start dates

• September 2021

Contact

Admissions contact regarding application process:

June Edgeworth

T: +44 (0)28 9036 6029

E: j.edgeworth@ulster.ac.uk

Course Director regarding course content: Dr Helen Foster

T: +44 (0)28 9036 6344

E: h.foster@ulster.ac.uk

For more information visit

• Ulster University Business School
• Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics

Disclaimer

1. The University endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in this prospectus. The University’s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in the prospectus is accurate but it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
2. Although reasonable steps are taken to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses and introduce new courses if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key staff, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding or other circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
3. If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
4. The University does not accept responsibility (other than through the negligence of the University, its staff or agents), for the consequences of any modification or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University but will take into consideration the effects on individual students and seek to minimise the impact of such effects where reasonably practicable.
5. The University cannot accept any liability for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its control, but the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.

Testimonials

The staff are enthusiastic about the course, and try to engage as much as possible with students, to ensure that the course is delivered in an interesting way. The staff also make themselves available to help deal with any problems students may have. (National Student Survey comment).

Lecturers were very knowledgeable of the area. All had worked in industry, so were able to provide good feedback and real world experience. (National Student Survey comment).