Professional Accounting with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Foundation year
Two students working on laptops in front of a large wall-mounted screen.

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

How to apply
Open days
Download a prospectus
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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.

AAT

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.

ICA

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.

IFA

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.

Your foundation year is a common first year for other courses which could mean you will work alongside students doing similar courses to you which would widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You may also have the potential opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

This course shares a common foundation year with Financial Management and Accounting with Foundation Year BA (Hons).

Modules

  • In this module, you will start the year by setting academic goals, this helps track development throughout the course. You will be introduced to a range of skills that will aid you throughout the course and further study, such as critical thinking, planning and resource management and interpersonal skills.

    Additionally, you will gain skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), team working, communication, planning and more. We will also discuss plagiarism, referencing and professional standard skills throughout the module, so that you receive thorough academic training.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of accounting and finance. You will explore and analyse different streams of accounting, such as partnership accounts, control accounts, sole trader accounts and accounting systems. We introduce professional software to you from the outset, so that by the end of the year, you are proficient in industry standard courses.

    To solidify your understanding, we test your knowledge through case studies centred around spreadsheet software.

    Compulsory

  • Investment and risk are specialist sectors within financial services, yet the discipline is required in every business.

    In this informative module, you will understand the impact that macro and micro environments have on investment and returns, as well as the nuances of ethically and socially responsible investments. Exploring modern and exciting case studies, you will learn about asset class, packaged investment products and asset allocation.

    Throughout this module, we will introduce you to the notion of working autonomously, taking control of your work and gaining the confidence to make informed decisions.

    Compulsory

  • This module focuses on the application of the fundamental concepts for accountants, including, ethics, costs and revenues. In preparation for progression onto our degree course, this module teaches you the ethical side of accounting, such as resolutions to ethical dilemmas and legal considerations when dealing with clients. In addition, you will look closely at costing methods and behaviours within the accounting profession. At this stage, you are able to analyse data and information and you will be required to complete a test to confirm your competency of this subject.

    Compulsory

Exploring financial practices, techniques and tools used in accounting is the focus of year two, 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 year three and your final year.

Students who successfully complete year two 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 will 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 three 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 will 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 will also learn to specify the components of financial statements and prepare and present non-complex accounts.

    Compulsory

  • An entirely theoretical module, you will learn how to implement due diligence in both the macro and micro environment. You will 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 will 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

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur before your 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.

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    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 will explore issues relating to integrity, objectivity, conflict of interest, confidentiality and independence. Students who successfully complete their final year 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 will 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 will 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 will elaborate on the role of business analysis in averting and managing financial crisis. Taking control of your development, you will aim to 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 will identify and evaluate various investment appraisal techniques used for management decision-making and consider pricing models related to capital assessment. You will seek to 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

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.

40 UCAS tariff points. All Foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. 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

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

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.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
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.

  • 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

  • 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.

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