A unique course which enables you to specialise in a dynamic area of accounting and take your first steps to becoming a future business leader.
The University regularly ‘refreshes’ courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible.
In addition it undertakes formal periodic review of courses in a process called 'revalidation’ to ensure that they continue to meet standards and are current and relevant.
This course will be revalidated in the near future and it is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described in this prospectus.
This course will enable you to distinguish yourself from other Accounting graduates as you will also acquire a specialism in either: taxation, management or analytics.
This course is accredited by the major accounting bodies including Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Upon graduation, you have the opportunity to gain the maximum amount of exemptions available for an undergraduate degree from these professional bodies.
This course is for you if you wish to obtain a premium Accounting degree with a difference. You will be able to graduate with one of the following:
You will also have the choice to undertake a placement year or a year of study abroad.
This course obtained 100% student satisfaction in a recent National Student Survey.
While studying this course you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of key skills such as analytical problem solving, teamwork, the ability to undertake research, commercial awareness and the ability to organise and communicate information.
The majority of graduates from this degree have obtained their full-time graduate positions before completion of their degree with many commencing professional accounting training contracts immediately after graduation.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
If you are interested in following a career in accountancy or in going on to obtain professional accounting qualifications prior to entering a career in finance or business then this course is suitable for you.
This course is accredited by the major accounting bodies including Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Upon graduation, you have the opportunity to gain maximum exemption from the above mentioned professional body examinations. The level of exemptions available will depend on the specialism route you select and your achievements in your modules. As the Ulster University Business School at Magee has strong links with the accountancy and taxation bodies, you will be guided on the best choice of modules to suit your career aspirations.
This course offers you the option of undertaking a paid placement year in a range of local and international locations or you can opt to study abroad for a year.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
You have the option of completing a 3 year degree without placement/study year abroad. Alternatively, if you want to do a placement year/study abroad year, your degree will take you 4 years to complete.
This is a full-time course. Each year of your degree will involve you studying 6 modules, 3 modules per semester. Semester 1 runs from September to December each year and Semester 2 runs from late January to early May each year.
Class contact time of approximately 3 hours per week per module. However, extra seminars are often provided if students request additional support. Therefore, there will be a minimum of 9-10 hours teaching per week.
Normally, you will be required to be on campus 3 days per week during each semester, to attend lectures and seminars. Lectures and seminars are typically scheduled between 9.15am and 5.15pm Monday to Friday during each semester. However, in addition to this, you are expected to spend approximately 10 additional hours of independent study per module per week. Many students book study rooms on campus or meet in the library area to work together on assignments and lecture/seminar questions.
Learning and Teaching
The range of modules offered on this course allows a varied and interesting mix of methods to be used, to enhance knowledge and understanding as well as allowing you to practice and develop your professional and transferable skills.
For each module on this course you will have weekly lectures and seminars. Lectures are used to explain and develop the skills identified as being important to you in developing your professional and personal development within the subject areas. Lectures provide the framework for directing independent student learning activity and skills development. Weekly seminars will provide opportunities for you to engage in an in-depth appreciation of theoretical and practical issues related to the subject area. A number of modules will utilise the simulation suite available on campus to enhance your learning experience. In addition, a number of modules involve small group teaching in a workshop format.
Assessment
Considerable effort has been devoted to ensuring that the assessment requirements built into each module on this course are appropriate to the learning outcomes, qualities and abilities being assessed. Assessment methods range from class tests, essays, business reports, group projects and practical skills audits, a variety of group and individual presentations incorporating self and peer assessment, practical simulations, case study applications, reflective portfolios, on-line assessment, class tests, management reports, projects and work-based assignments and unseen end of semester examinations.
The Department of Global Business and Enterprise has strong ties with the major professional accountancy and taxation bodies including:
All accounting staff in the department are members of professional accountancy bodies with a number of lecturers also having obtained additional qualifications in areas such as taxation and financial services. Many staff have trained and worked in the Big Four professional services firms as well as having experience advising within small and medium sized practices and in industry.
All lecturing staff within the Department of Global Business and Enterprise are Fellows/Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.
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.
Enjoy student life in one of Europe's most vibrant cities.
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Our facilities in Magee cater for many sports ranging from archery to volleyball, and are open to students and members of the public all year round.
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At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
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Derry ~ Londonderry campus offers an intimate learning environment.
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
Year: 1
Status: C
The module establishes a strong foundation for students as they undertake the study of accounting. As such, the module identifies, develops and assesses a range of skills that are important within the context of double entry book-keeping, preparing financial statements, undertaking financial reporting and performing detailed analyses supporting aspects of the internal financial management of a business entity.
Year: 1
Status: C
Digital technologies for accounting and finance have advanced rapidly. Digital accounting has a major impact on how organisations collect, process, control and analyse accounting and financial data. This module offers students an opportunity to evaluate different digital accounting software packages for the purpose of ensuring they meet an organisation's needs.
Year: 1
Status: C
A knowledge of professional responsibility and ethics, finance and taxation are essential for students intending to pursue a career in Accounting and are an essential part of most financial and economic decision making. This module provides a foundation for future modules which will build upon the fundamentals covered in this module.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces the fundamental concepts of management and cognate topics, including the business environment, business ethics, motivation, problem solving and decision making, planning, human resource management, organisational structure, change and innovation, and operations and quality.
Students will acquire an understanding of the issues and challenges facing managers in both domestic and global environments.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module establishes a solid foundation for students as they make the transition to become effective learners at third level and beyond. As such, the module identifies, develops and assesses a range of skills that are important for academia and business. The module provides and introduction to the business analytical skills which are necessary to address challenges and opportunities in the current global business environment.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts and principles of economics and provides an essential underpinning for more advanced study of economics and economic issues.
Year: 2
Status: C
The form and content of published financial statements; profit and loss account; balance sheet; cash flow statements; introduction to group accounts; analysis and interpretation of financial statements; regulatory framework of accounting.
Year: 2
Status: C
An important role of management accounting is to present accounting information to assist managers to plan, make decisions and measure performance. Key elements of practice in the discipline include approaches to costing, use of management accounting information, absorption costing, marginal costing, breakeven analysis, decision making, budgeting, standard costing, variance analysis, investment appraisal, statistical approaches, activity based costing and ethical issues.
Year: 2
Status: C
Managerial Finance in an international context, Foreign Direct Investment, Foreign Currency Management, Business Valuation Issues, Interest Rate Risk Management, Corporate Restructuring, Takeovers, Dividend Policy, Market Based Accounting Research, Business mathematics. Issues in personal finance, financial planning, financial life cycle, personal financial investment and ethics.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module is designed to provide students with the necessary tool kit to lead their own professional credibility, during and after their under graduate study. It will provide an interactive and experiential learning environment for students whereby they can learn about the kind of business leader they want to become and how to achieve this
Year: 2
Status: C
The module deals with the main principles of the law of contract and law of tort as well as providing explanations of the legal structures within which businesses operate. These legal formats of business organizations are critically explored as are the methods whereby businesses are managed and analysed and how the external environment, in terms of legal regulation, impacts on the operation of businesses. The topics under examination provide a solid framework for understanding of the legal basis in which businesses operate and enable students to undertake further study of related Business and accounting subjects.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module provides an insight into the economic, legal and practical background to the UK taxation system and its application to personal, corporate, capital and business decisions.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module will introduce the fundamental concepts of Organisational Behaviour and encourage students to develop an understanding of managing and developing people in a business context. The module will examine a range of theoretical approaches that will be used to help analyse and evaluate situations and issues relevant to behaviour within organisations.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
There is an increasing use of analytics in the current global business environment. Data analytics is an important part of this trend, as it gives insights into an organisations business performance and plays an important role in increasing the value of an organisation. Today's businesses need timely information that assists them to take important decisions within business scenarios. This module will give students a strong understanding which is becoming increasingly important as business and technology evolve.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
The Diploma in International Academic Studies aims to develop students on a personal and professional level. Skills developed include CV writing, interview skills, knowledge of study and career choices, career management strategies, understanding of employability skills and cultural development.
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.
Year: 4
Status: C
Managerial Finance in an international context, Foreign Direct Investment, Foreign Currency Management, Business Valuation Issues, Interest Rate Risk Management, Corporate Restructuring, Takeovers, Dividend Policy, Market Based Accounting Research, Business mathematics. Issues in personal finance, financial planning, financial life cycle, personal financial investment and ethics.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module traces the development of management accounting theory and practice in the context of change in the modern business environment. The module examines the social, technological and international challenges to management accounting.
Year: 4
Status: C
The nature and purpose of accounting theory; the role of accounting regulation including the development of the latest accounting standards; contemporary issues in accounting; recent and future trends in financial reporting; accounting for transactions in financial statements and group financial statements.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module equips students with an understanding of leadership dynamics and strategic vision in organisations and the challenges associated with leading organisations through strategic change. The module will examine a range of theoretical approaches that will be used to help analyse and evaluate leadership and strategy in organisations.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides insight into the theory, concepts, procedures and practices of UK taxation with particular focus on income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax and VAT.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides an insight into the economic, legal and practical background to the UK income, corporate, VAT and capital taxation systems and their application to business decisions and also a taxpayers family/personal decisions regarding asset transactions.
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 the audit of economic sustainable profit and non profit organisations.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is designed to introduce the student to advanced data analytic approaches used in business. The module students with the skills and knowledge to work with data and use predictive analytic and modelling techniques so to make evidence-based decisions around future business trends.
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
Grades BBC
Grades BCC if undertaking A level Mathematics
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DDD
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of DMM
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade B
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade B
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades BB
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades BB
112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English atGrade H6/O4, and Maths at Grade H5/O3.
Grades BBCCC to include a minimum of grade B in Mathematics and C in English is required at Intermediate Level if not studying at Higher Level.
Grades CCD to include a minimum of grade B in Mathematics and C in English is required at Intermediate Level if not studying at Higher Level.
Overall profile is minimum of 25 points (including 12 points higher level).
Overall profile of 63% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)
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 B/C* 6/5.
Overall profile of 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)
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, plus GCSE Mathematics with a minimum grade C*/5.
Level 2 Essential Skills Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
Level 2 Essential Skills Application of Number/Numeracy is NOTregarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Mathematics.
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.
Acceptable alternative qualifications include:
Pass HND with overall Merit to include 45 distinctions in level 5 credits.
Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 75 distinctions in level 4 credits.
Pass Ulster Foundation Degree with an overall average of 50% in level 5 modules.
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University.
The majority of students enter this programme in Year 1 – 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.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Accounting specialists with knowledge of accounting, finance and the business environment are always in great demand. The combination of subjects you will study on this course will provide you with a sound basis to become a future business leader. The knowledge you will acquire will enable you to work in any industry sector and across all areas of business including financial reporting, accounting, finance, taxation or management in public, private or not-for-profit organisations.
Due to the exemptions available, you will also be a step ahead in your professional accountancy training. On successful completion of this course, it may be possible for you to progress to a Postgraduate Diploma / MSc International Accounting with Analytics on the Magee Campus, Ulster University.
In Year 3 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 your application in a 'real world' setting. Satisfactory completion of the placement year will lead to the award of the Diploma in Professional Practice.
You have also 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.
Accredited by Chartered Accountants Ireland for the purpose of exemption from some professional exams.
Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.
£4,710.00
£9,250.00
£15,840.00
Student achievements on the BSc Hons Accounting with Specialisms are recognised by a number of prizes and awards. Sponsors of the prizes and awards include EY, AVEVA, CIMA, Bank of Ireland, MLMG Chartered Certified Accountants, J.G. Carlin & Co. and Shaun McAteer and Co Ltd. Some of these awards offer students valuable practical work experience in the accounting, finance and business world.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. 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 Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Throughout my time at University I have transitioned from being completely lost as to what career path to take, to becoming determined and focused on qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. This stems from the dedicated, approachable, caring and knowledgeable accounting team at Magee. The support and guidance I have received as a student and an alumni have far surpassed my expectation. The accounting lecturers go above and beyond their call of duty and I couldn't recommend Magee highly enough to study Accounting.
Megan Kehoe (Trainee Chartered Accountant with Moore NI)
Studying accounting with taxation at Ulster University's Magee Campus gave me a head start for my future career in accountancy and also in my personal development. The friendly and supportive atmosphere is second to none. All my lecturers knew me by name and they were all very supportive. The accounting team on the Magee Campus are all professionally qualified accountants and so their experience helped me and my fellow classmates work out how we would like to shape our careers.
Anna Ryan (Trainee Chartered Accountant with Deloitte, Ireland)
When doing my A Levels I knew I wanted to study accounting. I had heard positive reports about how enjoyable and engaging it was to study accounting at Magee. Having worked hard, I achieved the A Level results and I can safely say I made the right choice in study accounting at Magee. While at Uni, I built up a great network of friends, many of whom are now on the same professional career journey as me. I opted to do the placement year while at Uni and it really paid off as this led to me having my graduate job in KPMG secured, before I even completed my degree. The experience of the accounting and taxation lecturers at Magee was crucial to my success and their support and guidance has meant that I entered the working world with my best foot forward.
Owen McGirr (Trainee Chartered Accountant with KPMG)
The best thing about studying accounting at Magee is choosing your specialism. I chose taxation and it was definitely the best option for me. Magee is the only university in Northern Ireland which allows you to graduate with a speciality in taxation and it definitely does give you a competitive advantage when applying for graduate jobs. It also gives you a major head start on the taxation module that you will study during your CAP2 exams if you decide that you want to follow the Chartered Accountant route with ACCA. The campus at Magee is also a bonus, the new building attached to the library was my favourite place to be for lectures during final year.
Alison Tosh (Trainee Chartered Accountant Ross Boyd (Belfast) Limited)
The best thing about studying Accounting with Specialisms at Magee was the support received from the lecturers. Not only in passing the modules of the course, but also putting into perspective what you need to pass your professional accounting exams, if that is what you are considering. The course was small enough that your lecturer knew who you were and you also knew all the students in your course. They also give you advice on what employers are looking for in a graduate and how you can develop your skills to match. The opportunity to do a placement year in Ireland or abroad is also great!
Nicole Quiambao (Assistant Tax Advisor People Advisory Services, EY)
For me, I found the specialism element of the course to be highly beneficial as I got the chance to explore the topic of taxation, which not only developed my understanding of the area, but also allowed me to distinguish myself from other business and accounting students when it came to seeking employment. Placement allowed me to put what I had learned in my first two years at Ulster University into practice and I gained real-world experience within the accountancy profession, it also allowed me to secure my graduate employment. The accounting department at Magee are very supportive toward students. Lecturers are very easily accessed both during and after lectures and through email outside of class hours.
Amy Stewart (J.G. Carlin & Co. Limited)
While at university there are many opportunities to secure a placement or graduate job. I was lucky to secure a graduate job with KPMG following a summer placement I undertook before commencing my final year of study. With a number of guest speakers sharing their stories with us and the support of the career guidance centre staff I was educated on the many doors that were open to me once I had completed my degree.
Shaun Kelly (Tax Associate, KPMG, Dublin)
Apart from the Professional skills development module, there have been countless opportunities and introductions to prospective employment, which many students here at Magee avail of. Personally speaking, I secured a graduate job halfway through my second year, this provided me with a tremendous sense of security and allowed me to focus solely on my exams in final year. In fact, all my peers are currently employed in graduate roles.
There is a vast list of reasons that I could mention when enticing prospective students to opt for Magee. However, one stands out for me and it is the strong relationship between lecturers and students which has developed a close-knit community. I cannot count the amount of times that our lecturers have run extra classes on their own time to ensure complete understanding of a topic. This extra support offered by lecturers is not just purely for academics. My lecturers have given me advice on numerous occasions about my career and how to conduct myself in a professional manner. I am sure this extra guidance played a part in securing the job I am sitting in today.
Anthony Gill (Trainee Chartered Accountant, GMcG Chartered Accountants)
