Professional Accounting with Foundation Year BA (Hons)
Study level: UndergraduateFoundation year

The Professional Accounting with Foundation Year BA (Hons) course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in accounting and finance.
Year of entry
Location
CU Coventry (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
4 years full-time
5 years sandwich
Course code
NN3K
Start date
September 2023
November 2023
January 2024
March 2024
May 2024
July 2024
The information on this page is for 2022-23 entry and should be used as guidance for 2023-24 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.
Course overview
Accountancy is a vital function in business, fulfilling a significant role in business development and profitability. The Professional Accounting with Foundation Year BA (Hons) course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in accounting and finance.
The strength of the course lies in preparing students, who are unable to follow the more traditional route onto a degree course in Professional Accounting.
- 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.
- The foundation year aims to provide the fundamental knowledge and skill set in a range of mathematical and business principles, as well as the theories and concept involved in investment risk and professional ethics.
- Students who successfully complete their foundation year will then progress onto the Professional Accounting with BA (Hons).
- 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, as part of your degree in Professional Accounting with BA (Hons), you will also have the chance to conduct critical research with our experienced staff, learn from guest visitors and take part in practical modules2. Guest Visitors are subject to availability.
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. Wherever possible we aim to provide career-focused courses, coupled with placement opportunities2 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, so you have the opportunity to study topics in-depth and give assignments your full attention before moving onto the next.
Accreditation and Professional Recognition
The Professional Accounting BA (Hons) degree part of this course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies1:
This degree part of the 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 experience2. 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.

The Association of Accounting Technicians
This course is accredited by The Association of Accounting Technicians for the 2022/23 intake. 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.

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 2022/23 intake. 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.

The Institute of Financial Accountants
This course is accredited by The Institute of Financial Accountants for the 2022/23 intake. The Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) is a professional body representing and providing certification for financial accountants in the United Kingdom and other countries. The IFA is a full member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). Graduates of the BA (Hons) Professional Accounting degree course meet the relevant qualification criteria to obtain associate membership and will also need to provide evidence of having completed a minimum of 3 years' work experience in accountancy or a closely related field as part of their membership application. While you are gaining work experience you can become a provisional associate member. Upon completion you can apply to use the IFA designations as well as a practising certificate.
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What you'll study
The foundation year aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge relevant for successful progression onto a degree in Professional Accounting. It also sets a foundation for your journey to employment, creating opportunities for professional and academic development.
The Professional Accounting degree element of the course focuses on giving you the 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 degree covers a comprehensive range of themes including taxation, financial reporting, budget management and business operations.
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
Your initial foundation year is focused on applied learning geared to high intensity teaching and study throughout the course. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online mediums.
After your foundation year, you will have the option to do either another three years full-time or another four-year sandwich course where you undertake a work placement or study year in a related field2.
Our teaching methods for the degree courses are varied depending on which course/modules you take, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of 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 current 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.
Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.
Teaching contact hours
The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week each year (excluding placement year). Additionally, you will be expected to undertake up to 30 hours of self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, CU may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), CU Coventry may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due 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.
Assessment
During your foundation year, the learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects 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.
During your degree 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. This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the degree selected or the module.
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 offer for 2022 entry.
Fees and funding
2023/24 tuition fees.
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
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UK | TBC | Not available |
International | TBC | Not available |
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.
For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.
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.
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How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
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 of this degree 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.
On successful completion of the Professional Accounting with Foundation Year BA (Hons), 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.
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 our accounting courses have gone on to work successfully in leading global companies such as Santander, BDO Accountants and RSM International.
How to apply
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UK students
Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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International students
International students should apply directly to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.
If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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Disclaimers
Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.
1Accreditations
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.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
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 Home Students, if Parliament permit 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.
4Facilities
Due 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.
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. 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 university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.