BSc (Hons) Accountancy

Immerse yourself in the principles, theories and concepts that inform and underpin current accountancy practice and financial management, gaining exemptions from the main accountancy professional bodies.

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    • Studying Abroad Option Available
    • Sandwich Year Option Available
    • International Students Can Apply
    • Work Placement Opportunity
    • Professional Accreditation

    Overview

    UCAS Code: N410
    Course Length: 3 Years Full-Time
    Start Dates: September 2020, September 2021
    Subjects: Accountancy
    Location: Edge Hill University
    Example Offers: BBC-BBB (A Level) or DMM (BTEC)
    View full entry criteria
    Think Ahead logo for The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
    Logo for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

    The bottom line is that fully-qualified accountancy graduates lay the foundations for every successful business, balancing finances and creating opportunity for profit and growth. A degree in accountancy is a step on the path to becoming a professionally qualified accountant and a gateway to a career in business. In the competitive world of business this degree is designed with your employability in mind, with practical work experience, professional body examination exemptions, and IT skills recognition with advanced ECDL and Sage certificates. You will study the principles that inform and underpin current accountancy practice and develop your understanding of how organisations operate in a business and financial environment, while developing your commercial awareness to support your future career.

    Student and Alumni Profiles

    • Phoebe Harris

      BSc (Hons) Accountancy
      I’ve made friends for life and gained an accountancy degree that will significantly help with my future progression.
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    In Depth

    What will I study?

    In Year 1 you will be introduced to the essentials of accounting such as preparing financial statements and management information, as well as gaining an overview of key management theories. You will study subjects important to all modern organisations such as economics for accountants, mathematics and statistics, and applying IT skills (basic and advanced ECDL) to accounting and financial management situations, as well as starting to develop your own entrepreneurial skills.

    Year 2 builds on the techniques and knowledge gained in Year 1 and introduces advanced skills of financial reporting and management accounting. Computerised accounting information systems provide you with more advanced IT uses of Sage in accounting and financial management. You will also study law for accountants and develop research skills before choosing between two work experience modules – a work placement or graduate enterprise.

    In Year 3 you will develop skills in increasingly complex accounting and financial management techniques, including financial accounting, management accounting, auditing and assurance, taxation and financial management. You will also have the chance to undertake a dissertation in accounting and financial management.

    How will I study?

    You will study through lectures, workshops and tutorials, group exercises and on the job learning while on your work placement. You will also have the opportunity to learn from external business professionals who are invited to teach occasional sessions.

    The work placement involves a period working in an external company which allows you to put your learning into practice. As well as developing your skills and future learning processes, you will have the opportunity to build relationships with potential employers and gain vital experience for your CV.

    How will I be assessed?

    We will assess your vocational capability, academic critical thinking and intellectual development throughout the course. Coursework, case studies, problem-solving exercises and exams could be used and you may be assessed individually or in a group.

    Who will be teaching me?

    You will be taught by highly qualified, experienced and enthusiastic academics, including professionally qualified accountants, who research and regularly engage within the wider business and academic environment. Staff are encouraged to specialise in particular subjects so you will benefit from a wide range of knowledge and experience.

    A Great Study Environment

    Student sat in seminar using laptop.A stunning £8m building provides state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities for students in Edge Hill Business School.

    The three-storey building offers a 100-seat lecture theatre and modern seminar and meeting rooms. There are also social learning areas which encourage a more informal and interactive style of learning, in addition to an attractive roof garden and atrium.

    Edge Hill Business School is home to a thriving research community, hosts a growing international partnership portfolio, and is a member of AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), the world’s largest management education network.

    Modules

    Expand All

    Year 1

    ACC1018Introduction to Financial Accounting (20 credits)

    Introduction to Financial Accounting takes you through basic double entry accounting leading to the production of a trial balance. You will discover how to extend the trial balance to produce the required information to generate the final accounts, consisting of a statement of financial position and a statement of comprehensive income. Furthermore, you will develop the accounting skills required for the adjustment of accounts for accruals, bad debts, bad debt provision and VAT. The module produces accounts for a sole proprietor, partnership and introduces the notion of accounting for incorporated business.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    ACC1019Introduction to Management Accounting (20 credits)

    Introduction to Management Accounting develops your analytical skills and introduces techniques that accountants use to provide effective information to the management of an organisation. You will identify the methods used to recognise and classify costs and manage basic budgets.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    ACC1020Economics for Accountants (20 credits)

    Economics for Accountants is an area of study that recognises that resources for organisations are scarce and that choices must be made between alternative uses. The module provides an understanding of those external factors which might influence an organisation’s financial situation.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    ACC1021Introduction to Management and Personal Development (20 credits)

    Introduction to Management and Personal Development covers classic and modern theories and practices of management and locates accounting and financial management within business organisations. It is important for you to be aware of the requirements of the professional bodies in addition to the transferable and professional skills required as an accountant. You will investigate and reflect upon your learning style, complete a skills audit and present a gap analysis.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    ACC1022Mathematics and Statistics for Accounting and Financial Management (20 credits)

    Mathematics and Statistics for Accounting and Financial Management introduces the basic mathematical and statistical concepts and techniques associated with managing business operations. The module provides core skills needed for forecasting, planning, budgeting and decision making.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    ACC1024Applying IT in Accounting and Financial Management (20 credits)

    Applying IT in Accounting and Financial Management focuses on developing a wide range of basic IT skills and applying them to accounting and financial management. By the end of this module, You will be able to obtain a basic ECDL certificate (modules 1 – 7) as well as a ECDL Advanced MS Excel certificate to formally recognise your achievement of basic and advanced levels of IT skills. You will be able to use basic and advanced MS Excel skills in performing accounting and finance tasks.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    Year 2

    ACC2019Financial Reporting and Analysis (20 credits)

    Financial Reporting and Analysis develops your knowledge and understanding of more advanced financial accounting, including consolidated reporting. You will evaluate the use of these techniques and apply them in a practical context.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    ACC2020Management Accounting (20 credits)

    Management Accounting focuses on the importance and relevance to all organisations of management accounting theories and systems in making decisions. Management accounting could be viewed as a main mechanism used by an organisation to control, coordinate and communicate its direction and strategies. This module enhances your skills in using and interpreting management accounting techniques and solutions.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    ACC2021Law for Accountants (20 credits)

    Law for Accountants introduces you to the basics of English law allowing you to develop an understanding of the general legal framework within which an organisation operates. The module aims to encourage the development of skills of legal reasoning and managerial analysis. This module will provide you with knowledge and appreciation of the major problems of governance faced by businesses. It will enable you to identify the major principles underpinning laws, regulations and business ethics and the way they impact upon how managerial decisions are reached. This module is designed to be highly practical and introduces you to the real world application of legal ethical principles when applied to both private and public sector organisations.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    ACC2023Research Methodologies and Methods in Accounting and Financial Management (20 credits)

    Research Methodologies and Methods in Accounting and Financial Management is designed to develop basic research skills that are specially appropriate for designing, carrying out, analysing and writing up academic research in accounting and financial management. It will help you cover a wide range of research methodologies and methods that are necessary for putting your theoretical into practice. Ethical implications for research in accounting and financial management will also be explored.


    Assessment: Coursework: 80%, Practical(s): 20%.

    ACC2024Computerised Accounting Information Systems (20 credits)

    Computerised Accounting Information Systems focuses on developing a wide range of advanced IT skills and applying them in accounting and financial management. By the end of this module, you will be able to obtain a CIMA Accredited Sage Foundation Certificate as well as a CIMA Accredited Sage Advanced Certificate to formally recognise your achievement of basic and advanced levels of IT skills. You will be able to use basic and advanced Sage skills in performing accounting and finance tasks.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    You will select one of the following modules:

    BUS2019Employability (20 credits)

    Employability encourages you to contextualise and evaluate theoretical perspectives in a practical setting while at the same time providing an alternative learning environment which informs your future learning processes and outcomes. Workplace experience is increasingly seen as essential in contributing to graduate employability. It is an opportunity to hone employability skills, relate theory to practice and gain experience in a working environment. The module is designed to enhance your understanding, skill-base, personal development, aptitude for self-promotion and ability to reflect upon your experience in the workplace. It will also help familiarise you with professional business etiquette.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

    BUS2020Graduate Enterprise (20 credits)

    Graduate Enterprise enables you to experience running your own company with a number of your colleagues. You can create your own product or service, launch it into the marketplace and experience at first hand the issues faced by small business owners. You will be supported by your own business consultant who is on secondment from industry and the full resources of the Graduate Enterprise Company.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

    Year 3

    ACC3010Advanced Financial Reporting and Analysis (20 credits)

    Advanced Financial Reporting and Analysis ensures that you will be able to exercise judgement and evaluation in corporate reporting matters and that you have the capability to react to current developments or new practice. There will be opportunities for you to produce complex company accounts complying with the appropriate legislation and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and critically reflect on the process.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    ACC3011Advanced Management Accounting (20 credits)

    Advanced Management Accounting is designed to help you apply and critically evaluate modern and sophisticated management accounting techniques and react to current developments or new management accounting practice. There will be opportunities for you to apply management accounting techniques for modern environments, produce advanced variances analysis, provide relevant information for more complex pricing and product decisions, and measure and evaluate financial and non-financial performance of organisations.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    ACC3012Auditing and Assurance (20 credits)

    Auditing and Assurance is a key skill and an important undertaking for professional accountants. This module will introduce auditing and assurance and develop the skills involved in the audit process. You will be required to evaluate your newly acquired skills and develop a critical approach to the application of those skills to the professional environment. You will be encouraged to examine legislation and apply the principles to audit strategies. A wide range of transferable and intellectual skills will be delivered and assessed to allow you to gain confidence and the appropriate employability skills for the business environment.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    ACC3013Taxation (20 credits)

    Taxation develops tax computation skills and also provides more complex tax scenarios. You will gain technical skills relating to taxation, including the tax computations for individuals, sole traders, partnerships and incorporated companies. The module will guide you in how to calculate capital allowances, capital gains tax computations and value added tax and requires you to undertake tax planning that draws on several areas of tax legislation. You will investigate new opportunities to reduce tax liabilities, challenge the notion of contemporary fiscal management and debate innovative applications of tax computation and the development of tax avoidance schemes.


    Assessment: Coursework: 25%, Written Exam(s): 50%, Practical(s): 25%.

    ACC3014Financial Management (20 credits)

    Financial Management will develop a critical understanding of the importance of a sound financial basis within an organisation. The module will look at the capital structure of organisations and the various means whereby an organisation can (further) capitalise its operations. Discussions will centre on how capital is best managed, the cost of capital, and the theoretical and practical advantages and disadvantages of different sources and ratios of various types of capital. You will also examine the workings of the stock market and consider the requirements of investors in such matters as dividend policy, share options and directors’ salaries. Quantifying techniques are also explored, with the module looking at risk analysis, investment returns and business valuation.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    ACC3015Dissertation in Accounting and Financial Management (20 credits)

    Dissertation in Accounting and Financial Management offers you the opportunity to further develop your academic interest in a chosen area of study. The research project enables you to undertake a largely independent academic piece of research, supported by a project tutor, lectures and workshops.


    Assessment: Coursework: 90%, Practical(s): 10%.

    Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements.

    Timetables

    Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

    Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

    Entry Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points, for which no specific subjects are required, plus GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or equivalent.

    Please note, for the purposes of accountancy, a level 2 numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.

    Example Offers

    Some examples of how you can achieve 112-120 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.

    • A Level: BBC-BBB;
    • BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM);
    • Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

    Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

    As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as the Welsh Baccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

    For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.

    EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.

    International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria for overseas applicants.

    English Language Requirements

    International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

    If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

    Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?

    If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education course could be for you. This free, seven-week programme provides a great opportunity to enhance your study skills and subject knowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to study a particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria.

    Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you will be well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge Hill University degree, although additional entry requirements may apply and the availability of specific programmes cannot be guaranteed. For more information, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’). This may include credit or learning undertaken at another university.

    Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

    Career Prospects

    What are my career prospects?

    This degree is closely aligned with the requirements of the main accountancy bodies in England and Wales as follows:

    • The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants – nine ACCA papers;
    • The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants – five CIMA papers;
    • Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales – seven ICAEW papers;
    • The Association of International Accountants – ten AIA papers;
    • The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy – six CIPFA papers;
    • Certified Public Accountants Australia – twelve CPA papers;
    • Certified Public Accountants Association UK – Associate CPAA membership;
    • The Association of Accounting Technician – full AAT membership.

    The programme allows you to apply for exemptions from the professional examinations of these bodies to gain accountant status as quickly as possible. You could enter accountancy or general business in the public or private sectors.

    How can I enhance my employability?

    It is useful to consider, even before you apply, how you will spend your time while studying and make the most of your university experience.

    Optional, additional activities may be available on this degree which could help to prepare you for a stimulating and rewarding career. These include:

    • Sandwich Years – you may have the opportunity to apply to complete a sandwich year placement, usually as the third year of a four year degree, and gain highly relevant work experience;
    • Erasmus+ and Study Abroad – you may have the opportunity to apply to spend time studying or working abroad, usually as the third year of a four year degree, enabling you to immerse yourself in a different culture;
    • Learning a Language – you may be able to participate in Language Steps classes, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, as additional study.

    Please note, the availability of these additional activities cannot be guaranteed for all students. Depending on availability and the number of students wanting to participate, there may be a competitive application process for sandwich year placements or studying abroad opportunities or you may be required to secure a relevant placement yourself.

    Finance

    Tuition Fees

    If you are a prospective UK or EU student who will be joining this undergraduate degree in academic year 2020/21, the tuition fee will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2020/21 are £12,250 per annum.

    The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

    Financial Support

    Subject to eligibility, UK and EU students joining this undergraduate degree can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK and EU students enrolling on the programme may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.

    For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK and EU students joining this programme in academic year 2020/21, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2020/21 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2020.

    Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

    Scholarships

    Ten scholarship winners sitting together in a lecture theatre at the Scholarship Awards Evening.Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with a competitive application process for prospective full-time undergraduate students.

    These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.

    To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

    Apply

    How to Apply

    Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com.

    Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out more about the application process.

    Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.

    Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

    Visit Us

    If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

    Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about all of our events for prospective students, including monthly campus tours, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

    Request a Prospectus

    If you would like to explore our full range of degrees before you apply, you can order an undergraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.

    Get in Touch

    If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

    International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.

    Course Changes

    Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

    19th February 2020 - Clarification of Entry Requirements

    Please note, for the purposes of accountancy, a level 2 numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.

    22nd January 2019 - Change to Entry Requirements

    112-120 UCAS Tariff points will be required to join this programme with effect from September 2020 entry.