Accounting and Law - BSc (Hons)

About this course

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

Attendance

Typically 18-20 timetabled hours per week for lectures, workshops and tutorials plus up to 10 hours per module as independent study equating to 40 hours per week.

Start dates

• September 2023

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.

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 near the start date and may be subject to 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 of attendance will often 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 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 Masters 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 via one method or a combination e.g. examination and coursework . 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 four learning outcomes, and no more than two 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 Masters 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 Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.

Academic profile

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 (20%) or Lecturers (55%).

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) by Advanced HE - 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 2021-2022.

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

ABB or BBB if undertaking one of A level Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting

Applied General Qualifications

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of D*DD in a relevant subject.

OR

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of DDM 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:

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of range DD plus A Level Grade A or DD plus A Level grade B (if undertaking A level Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting)

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of DD plus A Level Grade B or DM plus A level grade B (if undertaking A level Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting)

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of D plus A level grades AB or D plus A Level grades BB (if undertaking A level Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting)

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)
Award profile of D plus A level grades AB or D plus A Level Grades BB (if undertaking A level Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting)

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 five subjects (four of which must be at Higher 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 five subjects (four of which must be at Higher level). The overall profile must include English at minimum grade H6 at Higher Level or grade O4 at Ordinary level and grade O3 or H5 in Ordinary or Higher Mathematics.

One Higher Level subject must include minimum grade H2 from Higher level Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Chemistry.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

• View tariff point chart

Tariff point chart

Scottish Highers

Grades BBBBC or grades BBBCC if undertaking one Scottish Highers from Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Chemistry.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades BBC or grades CCC if undertaking one Scottish Advanced Highers from Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting.

International Baccalaureate

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

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall mark of 70%. To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 60% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics at 60% as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma or GCSE Maths grade C*/5.

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language, additionally GCSE Maths pass at grade C*/5 or above.

Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.

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

Additional Entry Requirements

Ulster Foundation Degree
Pass in Foundation Degree in Accounting with an overall mark of  60%, plus a minimum of 60% in each final year module, excluding Work Based Learning for year 2 entry.

Pass HND with overall Distinction to include 75 distinctions at level 5. Plus GCSE Maths grade C*/5.

Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 105 distinctions at level 4/5. Plus GCSE Maths grade C* /5.

You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University (provided subject requirements as noted above are met).

Exemptions and transferability

The course content has been designed to meet the exemption requirements of Chartered Accountants 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 exemptions from some professional examinations of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales (ICAEW). Graduates will also have a qualifying law degree (QLD) recognised for entry into the legal profession by the Law Society of Northern Ireland, the Bar Standards Board and the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Accounting and Professional Services Firms
• Law firms

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Assistant Tax Advisor
• Accountant
• Chartered Accountant Trainee
• Solicitor

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, including those that specialise in corporate law. However, this degree will also be of interest if you wish to pursue different areas of accounting (for example auditing, taxation, insolvency or working in industry) and of law (as knowledge of business and taxation issues influence legal advice given about probate, divorce settlements, insurance claim and commercial acquisitions).

The combination of both topics means you can make your choice of profession when you have a better knowledge of your strengths and passions within the law and accounting disciplines.

For further study, you may either choose accounting or law. One option is to progress to our Postgraduate Diploma / Masters in Advanced Accounting/ Masters in Strategic Accounting to gain further professional exemptions in Accounting from Chartered Accountants Ireland or ACCA. Graduates have also gone on to study law at postgraduate level both at Ulster University and other institutions (e.g. Masters courses such as the LLM, or doctoral studies) or are now in practice as solicitors or barristers, having completed the Certificate in Professional Legal Studies. Others have pursued careers in related areas such as the business and finance sector, human resources, politics and the community sector.

Work placement / study abroad

Students have the opportunity to undertake a one year professional placement in an accounting or legal 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 Abroad’ 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.

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

Start dates

• September 2023

Contact

For more information visit

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

Disclaimer

Testimonials

Students

"Maths was not my strong suit in school so when I chose Accounting and Law my decision was influenced by having double the employment opportunities. However, this degree has pushed my capabilities, surprising even myself and provided me with a great experience I would otherwise have closed myself off to had I only chosen Law."

Amy Morgan (Final year student, 2023)

"Accounting and Law is a challenging yet rewarding degree to study. You study a wide variety of modules and have a range of potential careers at the end of your studies."

Scott Gray (Final year student 2023)

"This course is unique in that you learn about two entirely different disciplines, yet you can see how each can work together simultaneously in certain modules. I believe it gives students who chose this degree more of an edge over students studying just one of the disciplines."

Bronagh Hanson (Final year student 2023)

"Studying Accounting and Law at Ulster University has proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. The course is set up to encourage students to follow their academic interests and act independently. Lecturers and tutors are always available for advice and guidance.

I have found this course brings amazing work opportunities from studying such varied modules. I believe it makes me as a student stand out more to an employer. Studying both Accounting and Law has been a challenging yet very rewarding experience."

Aoife Crawford (Third year student 2023)

"The joint degree allows students to keep their options open for another four years for two different professions and can follow both routes right to the end.  The subjects covered provide a really good grounding for any career in law, accounting, business and life generally as you learn so many different valuable skills such as reading & understanding, debating, economics, accounting - all of which are transferable into the workplace."

Janet Williamson Commercial Director O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors

"The joint accounting and law degree allows students to develop a wide range of transferable skills for the professional workplace including communication, critical judgement and ability to interpret and explain complex information clearly.

Graduates of this degree are highly sought after by employers, particularly in areas such as taxation which require strong accounting knowledge combined with an ability to interpret constantly evolving legislation."

Maybeth Shaw BDO NI Tax Partner