Professional Accounting BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
A student and tutor talking in a study booth

Accountancy is a vital function in business, fulfilling a significant role in business development and profitability.

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC
Flexible part-time

Course code

NN1K / 004N / N400

Start date

July 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Contact us

Course overview

The ability to produce quality financial data is integral to strategic decision-making and could ultimately be the reason a business thrives or dissolves. Consequently, studying accountancy and finance can lead to an exciting career in a variety of organisations from public sector to private sector as well as charities.

At CU Coventry, we aim to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skillset to help you get into the accounting profession. Alongside your learning, you will also have the chance to conduct critical research with our experienced staff, learn from guest visitors and take part in practical modules.

Why CU Coventry

We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. We aim to provide career-focused courses, wherever possible, coupled with placement opportunities to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and made it a policy to cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.

Accreditation & Professional Recognition

This course has been specifically designed to coincide with learning material recognised by professional accounting bodies. This means graduates from our course leave with a degree embedding the essential skills that will help toward gaining professional qualifications from a range of accounting bodies.

To achieve these qualifications, you must complete the degree course and gain relevant work experience. Upon completion of the course you will have the opportunity to apply for exemptions from the professional accounting bodies to work toward their professional qualifications.

However, this is not a condition of academic credit. Assessments for the professional qualification will be independent from that undertaken for the academic award. Should you decide to apply for exemptions from units of the professional qualifications there will be additional student membership fees and assessment fees.

AAT logo

The Association of Accounting Technicians

This course is accredited by The Association of Accounting Technicians for the 2021/22 intake. If the accreditation of this course AND/OR the modules on this course change, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is a professional membership body. An AAT qualification is a route to some of the most in-demand skills in the world and provides you with a professional status. The AAT will grant exemption from the Level 4 AAT qualification. In addition, students can apply for membership of the AAT, providing they obtain the relevant working experience and demonstrate reading on professional ethics.

ICA logo

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

This course is accredited by The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for the 2021/22 intake. If the accreditation of this course AND/OR the modules on this course change, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) offers qualifications recognised by employers and accountancy professionals. The ICAEW will grant exemption from eight of their units. Students can also obtain the ICAEW Certificate for Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB) providing the student completes their accounting exam.

IFA logo

The Institute of Financial Accountants

The Institute of Financial Accountants has recognised this degree as a pathway to membership of the Institute. It provides graduates with exemptions into the IFA Direct Education Programme’. Further information on the arrangement can be found on the IFA website or contact the IFA education team at education@ifa.org.uk.

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What you'll study

This detailed course focuses on giving you the foundational knowledge needed for a successful career within accounting.

For a variety of industries, we will provide you with theoretical insights and the practical knowledge needed to effectively deliver financial services. This course covers a comprehensive range of themes including taxation, financial reporting, budget management and business operations.

Exploring financial practices, techniques and tools used in accounting is the focus of year one, so that you have a solid foundation of basic principles. You will familiarise yourself with the key topics most accountants practice regularly, such as credit management control and analysis of financial statements. This year embeds some units of Level 4 of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Institute of the Financial Accountants (IFA) Level 4, providing you with the essential knowledge required for progression into years two and three.

Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Professional Accounting.

Modules

  • This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of accounting. You will look at key topics such as the financial statements comprising the profit and loss and the balance sheet, and get an introduction to budgeting and costing.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will learn the basics of successful budgeting in relation to sales and production. In addition to the overview of budgeting practice, you’ll cover the critical processes, including creating and implementing budgets and comparing/monitoring results. Practical elements are introduced in the form of industry-style budgeting assessments.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will look at taxation practices, legislation and the different types of tax. There is a focus on personal tax, what is required and the surrounding legislation. You will also explore other areas and factors that may affect taxation levels, such as income tax, benefits and capital gains tax.

    Compulsory

  • In business, companies very rarely use cash to pay for assets or products. In this module you will look at credit management control and how to manage credit flow, from paying on time to monitoring liquidity.

    Compulsory

This academic year builds on the knowledge gained in year one to cement a solid foundation of core principles. Now that you are working to a higher level after completing the HNC, you will extend your knowledge from the basic financial practices. In this year, you enter the management arena and will begin to focus on the role of leadership within accounting. Operating from a business point of view, you’ll primarily focus on the role of the accounting profession, legislation and governance.

Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Professional Accounting.

Modules

  • Informed decision-making is an essential factor in business success. Therefore, you will learn how to identify the key features of effective performance management systems, select appropriate performance measures and calculate differences between actual performance and standards or budgets. Assessment for this module is either a group presentation or an independent written task.

    Compulsory

  • Looking at sole traders, partnerships and limited companies, you’ll learn how to apply double entry principles in recording transactions, adjust financial records and formulate non-complex financial statements. As preparation for a role within a business setting, you’ll also learn to specify the components of financial statements and prepare and present non-complex accounts.

    Compulsory

  • An entirely theoretical module, you’ll learn how to implement due diligence in both the macro and micro environment. You’ll gain an understanding of how to operate within the legal remit, affecting precision and reliability to a high standard as an accountant. As businesses constantly enter contracts, you’ll also learn the basics of contract law and assess how the law impacts you as an accountant.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the various finances that businesses deal with, including loans, equity and venture capital.

     

    Compulsory

This course offers you the option to undertake a professional placement or study abroad year*. If you wish to do so, you can opt to take the Professional Placement Year module or the Study Abroad Year module which both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You are able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and provided that you confirm your interest in undertaking this option before the end of your second year, typically in August.

While the Professional Placement Year and Study Abroad Year modules you undertake are non-credit bearing but do not incur any additional tuition fees, if successfully completed, these modules will appear on your final academic transcript. In addition, if you complete this year, you will also gain an enhanced degree award title as the additional suffix of “With Professional Enhancement” if you’ve gone on a work placement and “With International Enhancement” if you’ve gone on a study abroad programme will be added (subject to relevant assessments).

The Talent Team can provide you with a wide range of support services in order to help you apply for a placement opportunity.

Modules

  • Optional

  • Optional

You should now be preparing to advance into industry, so you will experience broader strategic thinking on the application of models and theoretical concepts. At this stage, you should be able to confidently bring about rational and sensible conclusions, make sound recommendations and effectively manage decision-making. This year helps you to understand the importance of ethical behaviour for a professional accountant. You’ll explore issues relating to integrity, objectivity, conflict of interest, confidentiality and independence. Students who complete year three are awarded a BA (Hons) degree in Professional Accounting.

Modules

  • This module is centred on the role of the auditor and the assurance process and fundamental principles of ethics. You’ll learn the concept of assurance and the various international standards for auditing, and why it is required in the field of accountancy.

    Compulsory

  • Building on skills and knowledge gained in previous years, you will expand your knowledge of complex topics of taxation. You’ll critically analyse issues such as the processes for calculating income tax, national insurance contributions, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, taxation of trust, stamp taxes, corporation tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) in a variety of scenarios.

    Compulsory

  • Putting your knowledge of strategy into practice, you’ll elaborate on the role of business analysis in averting and managing financial crisis. Taking control of your development, you’ll assess an organisation’s position, strategic choice and analyse the implementation of action in processes, people, finance and information technology.

    Compulsory

  • Working from a managerial point of view, you will explore provisions of finance and the framework in which a financial manager operates. You’ll identify and evaluate various investment appraisal techniques used for management decision-making and consider pricing models related to capital assessment. You’ll learn the art of balancing the interest of different stakeholders through the financial strategic options selected by the organisation.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

This course is available as a full-time three year or optional four-year sandwich course, the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field. Alternatively, part-time study is also available.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our online learning platform, Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Due to the professional alignment of the course, exams will be a common feature when it comes to final assessments. However, a variety of assessment methods will be used. You’ll be required to deliver reports, presentations, essays and projects plans as part of a group and individually.

Full-time
If you choose to study full-time you can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Part-time
If you choose to study part-time you'll usually receive up to eleven hours per week of blended learning, including classes, tutorials and online learning. Outside of this, there will also be independent study and online support. Please note: part-time courses run subject to numbers.

Assessment

The learning outcomes of modules and assignments will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and include practice assessments, written practical reports, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place in week 3 and week 6 of each six-week block.

Assessment Credit Value:

  • 10 credit value for Coursework/Phased Test (assignment 1)
  • 20 credit value for Phased Test Assessments (assignment 2)

Job ready

On completion, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the theoretical, analytical and practical aspects of policies, strategies and processes within a changing environment, to meet stakeholder interests.
  • Critically appraise theories related to the development of a successful budgeting and financial strategy including the risk factors that need to be considered including country, currency and competitor risk.
  • Be proficient in developing management level strategy.
  • Develop appropriate research and analysis techniques, alongside the ability to undertake reliable market research activities.
  • Operate, lead and collaborate in a team to solve problems of a practical (experimental) nature and to provide.
  • Apply appropriate presentation and evaluation tools to establish the significance of research data produced.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022/23 entry.

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, we offer a number of programmes to help you secure a place. Successful completion of one of the below programmes guarantees you a place on a degree course with us, subject to meeting specified criteria.

Foundation Year
This degree programme has an integral stage 0 attached to it, so if you do not meet the entry requirements you may enter at the foundation level. Successful completion of our Accounting and Finance Foundation Year will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.

Access to HE course
Access to HE courses aim to bring your academic skills and topical knowledge up to optimal standard for higher education study. If you undertake an Access to HE course and then successfully complete a degree programme, the remaining balance of your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off. Successful completion of our Business Studies Access to HE course will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year. Upon successful completion our Accounting and Finance Foundation Year will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on how to apply and travelling to and living in the UK.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 (HNC - year 1/HND - year 2) or 6.5 (Degree/Top Up - year 3).

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

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Tuition Fees

We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £6,800 per year £6,800
International £15,300 per year Not available

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

All our facilities are located at Mile Lane. Our building has been designed to enable collaboration, creativity and innovation to flourish, and includes (subject to availability):

  • Indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a café
  • A library that includes loan laptops, over 115,000 eBooks and a silent study area
  • Open access IT suites and 83-inch teaching screens
  • Engineering lab, science lab and a moot courtroom
  • Student support and careers advice teams

Careers and opportunities

With an ever-growing demand for accounting professionals in all industries, graduates of this course have an expansive list of career paths to explore.

Successful graduates will be knowledgeable across a range of accounting and management disciplines, giving an advantage over candidates who have gone through the traditional route of an independent and narrowly focused course. Further, students may have gained several professional certificates in addition to their degree, meaning you could have an excellent advantage for progression towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.

Where our graduates work

Some of our graduates have gone on to further study with a master’s degree in the finance industry at institutions across the UK. Specialist areas have included Banking and Finance MA, Accounting and Finance MA and Business Administration MBA in Dubai.

Other graduates from this course have gone on to work successfully in leading global companies such as Santander, BDO Accountants and RSM International.

How to apply

  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the CU Group. A copy of the 2022/23 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the CU Group will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at CU Coventry.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    Many of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the CU Group maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas.

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