A dynamic degree leading to a professional career in the fields of Accounting and/or Marketing.
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.
Studying business at the Magee campus provides students with extensive choice. In this case Accounting may be taken as an equal main subject, with Marketing as the other equal main subject.
The flexible structure of this programme affords students the opportunity of choosing a pathway to suit their own personal interests and career aspirations. Graduates will have generic skills in particular management functions and specific skills in accounting and marketing. The accounting/marketing main/main combination is particularly suited for graduates wishing to go on to develop a career in business where these named disciplines are desirable.
The programme equips graduates for a management career in industry, commerce or the public sector. It also provides the entrepreneurial and innovation skills necessary for the creation of new business ventures and to stimulate the competitive impetus for managing and developing existing businesses. The accounting/marketing main/main subjects help develop supporting expertise of particular interest to the student.
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
This course meets the needs of those wishing to pursue a career in business with an interest in accounting and marketing as specialist areas. The programme allows students to combine two of the principle subject areas from the business arena and to develop the skills and expertise necessary for an aspiring professional career in accounting or marketing. In addition it provides the basis for graduates wishing to take a postgraduate programme up to doctoral level.
The programme seeks to provide the key business knowledge and skills essential for a graduate, seeking a managerial career in general business or a specialist interest in accounting and/or marketing.
The development of relevant employability skills is at the core of the BSc Hons Accounting and Marketing degree and a variety of opportunities exist within the programme, and its modules, to develop such skills. These skills include creative thinking; project management; strategic planning; business start-up; problem-solving; and interpersonal skills, as well as specific accounting and marketing skills.
The Department of Global Business and Enterprise has strong ties with the major professional accountancy and taxation bodies. All accounting staff in the department are members of professional accountancy bodies including:
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
This course lasts three years without placement or four years if completing a placement year. This is a full-time course where you will normally complete three accounting modules and three marketing modules per year, with class contact time approximately three hours per week, per module. You will be expected to undertake independent study to supplement that contact of around ten hours per week per module. You will have nine to ten class contact hours per week on the Magee campus.
Teaching and learning methods include lectures, seminars, practical workshops, case studies, problem-solving techniques, team projects, individual research oral presentations, non-book media, visiting lectures with industry practitioners and computer projects. These methods allow students to have a high degree of involvement and participation in learning, equipping participants with concepts, skills and experiences necessary for career and personal development.
Modules are assessed using a variety of methods including individual essays/reports, class tests, case studies, group projects, oral presentations and end of term 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.
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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
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: 1
Status: C
The module specifically provides students with understanding of the key principles and concepts of marketing to allow further learning of the strategic importance of the area in the future.
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
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.
Year: 2
Status: C
In the course of this module, students will develop an understanding of, and the ability to use, the core theories and techniques underpinning Consumer Behaviour; stemming from the economic and philosophical constructs of consumer behaviour, through to contemporary consumer research techniques.
Year: 2
Status: C
In the course of this module, students will develop an understanding of, and the ability to use, the core theories and techniques underpinning Marketing Management; stemming from the management techniques and philosophies that underpin the subject, through to their application to contemporary marketing management issues.
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
This module explores the complexity of forces that underpin the international marketing decisions made by organisations. In particular, it aims to understand the impact of these forces on the activities of organisations, and the nature of the decisions that organisations must take if they are to survive and prosper in a dynamic international marketing environment. The module will focus on the regional, national and international contexts and provide students with practical and academic knowledge where they will have an opportunity to showcase their ability to interpret, synthesise, apply and evaluate knowledge and understanding.
Year: 4
Status: C
The module aims to explore a range of contemporary issues facing organisations operating in a digital world. Teaching provided will allow students to fully appreciate the impact and influence of the dynamic digital landscape.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module is designed to provide students with an appreciation of analytical tools and metrics available to evaluate the performance of specific marketing activities.
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 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.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
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.
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 commercial environment.
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 CCC
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DMM
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of MMM
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade C
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of MM plus A Level Grade C
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades CC
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 CC
96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Grades CCCCC
English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.
Grades DDD
English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.
Overall profile is minimum 24 points (including 12 at higher level)
Overall profile of 55% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)
To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
Overall profile of 45 credits at merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)
To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
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 and Mathematics, (or equivalent).
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE Maths.
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 15 distinctions in level 5 credits.
Pass HNC with overall Merit to include 45 distinctions in level 4 credits.
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University.
Most students enter into Year 1. Applicants who can provide evidence of previous relevant study, awarded in accordance with the Credit Accumulation Transfer System (CATS), may be considered for exemption from particular modules or for entry to later years.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Graduates are well placed for an accounting, marketing or management career in the business arena or to take advantage of the increased opportunities in the public sector. Depending on the accounting and/or marketing choice of business specialism, graduates will have generic skills in management functions, particularly accounting, finance and project management, and specific specialist skills in accounting and marketing. Graduates may also proceed to postgraduate study or research in related areas. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to develop their personal skills and abilities in order to maximise their career potential.
In year three 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. 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 the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.
Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.
Accredited by Chartered Accountants Ireland for the purpose of exemption from some professional exams.
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.
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, PwC, CIMA, 8over8 Ltd, Bank of Ireland, MLMG, 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.
