A unique accounting and finance course enabling you to take your first steps to become a future business leader.
This course will enable you to distinguish yourself from other Accounting and Finance graduates as it can be taken as part of a Higher-Level Apprenticeship (HLA), meaning you can secure a job in an accountancy business or in a finance team, whilst studying part-time for your degree. As a Higher Level Apprentice, you will have the benefit of 'earning as you learn' and will be able to apply the skills learned in the classroom to workplace projects and vice versa leading to a rich learning experience. [This part-time programme is also available through self-funding].
This course will be 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.
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.
This course is designed to produce industry focused graduates with an in-depth knowledge of core accounting and finance principles and a strong practical understanding of how theory informs professional practice.
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.
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This programme offers an equal focus on accounting and finance through extensive use of work-based learning and practical application. It aligns to the growing needs of the professional services sector.
The Ulster University Business School has developed the BSc Hons Accounting and Finance (HLA), working in partnership with employers, developing a programme which offers students the opportunity to take this degree as part of a Higher Level Apprenticeship Scheme.
Recruitment to this programme for Higher Level Apprenticeship funding, is conducted through the University and jointly with employers.
Otherwise, for direct entry self-funding students, recruitment is conducted solely by the University.
Real World Experience:
If you are interested in following a career in accountancy or in finance and going on to obtain professional accounting and/or finance qualifications, then this course is suitable for you. This course will be 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 your achievements in your modules.
The Department of Global Business and Enterprise has strong ties with the major professional accountancy, finance and taxation bodies. All accounting staff in the department are members of professional accountancy bodies including:
The programme can be completed in a minimum of three years. However, the completion time can be extended to five years where an apprentice/part-time student wishes to study modules at a slower pace.
Weekly Attendance
Class-based modules will take place on Mondays only, during semesters.
Teaching and learning
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. A course handbook is also made available. All teaching will take place on Mondays only, on this course.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. As an undergraduate course, you will study 20-credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points over two semesters. 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. This course enables you to complete a maximum of 60 credit points per semester. There are three semesters per academic year.
Class contact times for this course will always take place on a Monday during term time. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). The precise model will depend on the module 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.
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:
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, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses 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. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. 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 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 assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
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, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. 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. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
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.
Figures correct for academic year 2022-2023.
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 - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) 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 and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance 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 2022-2023.
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.
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BBB or BBC if undertaking one of A level Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting.
If you are a mature applicant who lacks formal academic qualifications, you may be admitted to the course if you can satisfy the Course Committee of your ability to complete the course satisfactorily.
Exemptions may be granted from parts of the course where you already hold a higher academic or professional qualification providing evidence of relevant previous studies.
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DDD 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 B or DM 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 DM plus A Level Grade B or DM plus A level Grade C (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 BB or M 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 BB or M 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.
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 plus Mathematics at minimum H5 at Higher level or Grade O3 at Ordinary Level.
OR
112 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 H3 from Higher level Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting.
Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency
https://www.ucas.com/advisers/guides-and-resources/information-new-ucas-tariff-advisers
Overall mark of 65%. 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.
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.
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. The 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.
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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.
2024/25 Fees
Fees for entry in 2024/25 have not yet been set. See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2023/24 entry.
The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.
For modules commenced in the academic year 2023/24, the following fees apply:
| Credit Points | NI/ROI Cost | GB Cost | International Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | £4,710 | £9,249.60 | £15,840 |
| 60 | £2,355 | £4,624.80 | £7,920 |
| 30 | £1,177.50 | £2,312.40 | £3,960 |
| 20 | £785 | £1,541.60 | £2,640 |
NB: A standard full-time undergraduate degree is equivalent to 120 credit points per year.
*Please note our on campus part-time postgraduate courses are not open to international (non-EU) students.
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., Shaun McAteer and Co Ltd, Moore NI and Chartered Accoutnants Ireland. 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.
Sarah Crotty (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 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)
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)
