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.

Course option

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years sandwich
3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC
Flexible part-time

UCAS codes

NN1K / 004N / N400

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026


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. Due to this, accountants and financial officers are in demand in both the public and private sectors, as well as in not-for-profit organisations such as charities.

We will aim to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skillset to help you get into the accounting profession. Alongside your learning, you will also get the chance to conduct critical research with our experienced staff, learn from guest visitors and take part in practical modules. Guests and visitors are subject to availability.

Why you should study this course

For a variety of industries, we will provide you with not only theoretical insights, but the practical knowledge needed to effectively deliver financial and accounting services. This course covers a comprehensive range of themes including taxation, financial reporting, budget management and business operations.

This course aims to:

  • equip you with the practical knowledge needed to effectively deliver financial and accounting services
  • cover a comprehensive range of themes including taxation, financial reporting, budget management and business operations
  • explore financial practices, techniques and tools used in accounting so that you have a solid foundation of basic principles
  • encourage the development of your theoretical insights.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The Professional Accounting (BA) degree program follows the QAA benchmark statements for Accounting (2016) and aligns with the curriculum of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), and Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA).

This course has been specifically designed to coincide with units taught at recognised, professional accounting bodies. This means graduates from our course could gain module exemptions from professional accounting bodies as outlined below, subject to meeting criteria. This could be an attractive accolade to potential employers.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will have the opportunity to apply for exemptions from the professional bodies to work towards the professional qualification. This is not, however, a condition of academic credit: assessments for the professional qualification will be independent of that undertaken for the academic award. Should you decide to apply for exemptions to the professional qualifications, there will be additional student membership fees and assessment fees.

The Professional Accounting BA (Hons) degree is recognised by the following bodies1 for the 2025/26 academic year:

AAT logo

The Association of Accounting Technicians

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, subject to additional costs. Check AAT eligibility criteria to learn more.


ICA logo

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) offers qualifications recognised by employers and accountancy professionals. Successful completion of this module will give you an exemption from the Assurance module of the ICAEW certificate. The ICAEW can grant exemption from eight of their units. Also, students can obtain apply for the ICAEW Certificate for Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB) providing the student completes their accounting exam, subject to additional costs.


IFA logo

The Institute of Financial Accountants

The Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) is a professional body representing and providing certification for financial accountants in the United Kingdom. The IFA is a full member of the International Federation of Accountants. Graduates of CU London and CU Coventry's BA (Hons) Professional Accounting degree programme meet the relevant qualification criteria to obtain Associate membership and will also need to provide evidence of having completed a minimum of three years' work experience in accountancy or a closely related field as part of their membership application. Upon completion, you can apply to use the IFA designations as well as a practising certificate. Subject to meeting IFA criteria, a minimum of 3 year’s work experience, moderation and additional costs, graduates of CU Coventry's BA (Hons) Professional Accounting degree programme can apply to obtain Associate membership and also apply use the IFA designations, as well as a practising certificate.



What you'll study

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

Exploration of financial practices, techniques and tools used in accounting is the focus of the first year so that you have a solid foundation of basic principles. You will acquaint yourself with the key topics most accountants practice regularly, such as credit management control and analysis of financial statements. This year embeds level 4 of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Institute of the Financial Accountants (IFA) Level 41, providing you with the essential knowledge required for progression into years two and three. If you successfully complete year one, you will be eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Professional Accounting.

The majority 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 university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

Modules

This academic year builds on the knowledge gained in year one of the degree course 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.

If you successfully complete year two, you’ll be eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Professional Accounting.

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements2 usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

You will 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.

If you successfully complete the final year you’ll be awarded a BA (Hons) degree in Professional Accounting.

Modules

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 can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Request further information about the part-time study.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours vary depending on year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

Assessment methods vary and may include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments.

Course breakdown:

  • coursework
  • phase tests.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

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 progression requirements and the course running.

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 (subject to SFE requirements). For more information visit the Advanced Learner Loan website. Successful completion of our Business Studies Access to HE course will guarantee your progression onto this degree programme. subject to meeting progression requirements.

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.

You can view our full list of country-specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page. For information regarding specific requirements, please ask a question.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying an International Foundation Year, through our International Pathways Programme. Successful completion could guarantee your progression onto the Professional Accounting BA (Hons) degree programme at CU Coventry.

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

English language requirements

  • Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5)

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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Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees-£7,950 per year
Request fee information
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - as UK per year with EU Support Bursary**
2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees -£16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees -£16,800 per year
Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement2 or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee3 of £1,250 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Fees and funding page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university 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.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

The modern CU Coventry Mile Lane campus has been designed to promote collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Facilities include:

  • indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a ground floor café
  • a ground floor library that includes loan laptops and a silent study area
  • open-access IT suites
  • student support and careers advice teams

CU Coventry students also have access to facilities located on the Coventry University campus. These include the Lanchester Library and The Hub.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.


Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of the Professional Accounting BA (Hons) course, you should 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.

With high demand for accounting professionals in all industries, graduates of this course have a potentially exciting list of career paths to explore.

Upon graduation, you will have gained several module exemptions with professional accounting bodies in addition to your degree, giving you a good advantage for progression towards becoming a Chartered Accountant. Please see Accreditation and professional recognition section for further information. Additional education/courses, costs and training may be required.

Where our graduates work

Some of our Professional Accounting BA (Hons) course 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 global companies such as Santander, BDO Accountants and RSM International.


How to apply

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