Professional Accounting BA (Hons) 2021/22 entry
Overview
Accountancy is a vital function in business, fulfilling a significant role in business development and profitability.
The ability to produce quality financial data is integral to strategic decision-making and could ultimately be the reason a business thrives or dissolves. Because of this, accountants and financial officers are in demand in both the public and private sector, as well as in not for-profit organisations such as charities.
At CU London, 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.
Why CU London
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.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 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 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.
Employability
Dedicated Careers & Employability department who will assist you in finding employmentTop Quality Courses
Taught by industry professionals, awarded by Coventry UniversityNo End of Year Exams
Our modern teaching techniques mean no last-minute cramming and less stressProfessional Recognition
Specific courses contain additional industry recognised qualifications from awarding bodiesAccreditation & Professional Recognition
This course has been specifically designed to coincide with units taught at recognised, professional accounting bodies. This means graduates from our course leave with not only a degree, but additional professional certificates from a range of bodies, as outlined below, an attractive accolade to potential employers. In order to achieve these qualifications, students must complete the degree course and gain relevant work experience. 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 from that undertaken for the academic award. Should you decide to apply for exemptions of the professional qualifications there will be additional student membership fees and assessment fees.

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.

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. The ICAEW will grant exemption from eight of their units. Also, students can obtain the ICAEW Certificate for Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB) providing the student completes their accounting exam.

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'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. 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 practising certificate.
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What our students say
The great thing about my course is all of the exemptions for the professional qualifications such as AAT. It adds another level to the degree and gives me a competitive edge over other graduates. It means I am one step closer to my dream job.
Course information
This detailed course focuses on giving you the foundational knowledge needed for a successful career within accounting.
A wide and varied industry, we will provide you with not only theoretical insights but the practical knowledge needed to effectively deliver financial services. This programme covers a comprehensive range of themes including, taxation, financial reporting, budget management and business operations.
Due to the professional alignment of the course, examinations will be a common feature when it comes to assessments. However, a variety of methods will be used, and you’ll be required to deliver reports, presentations, essays and project plans, both individually and within a group.
Course Specification
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Modules
Coventry has been ranked top 15 in the UK for 5 years running in the The Guardian University Guide 2016-2020. CU London is part of the Coventry University Group.
In more detail...
Facilities
You’ll be based in the spacious Civic Centre building, which provides an outstanding learning environment. You will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and impressive IT suites.
Staff
This course has been developed and is taught by practising professionals and industry experts. Our academics bring a wealth of expertise to the classroom with many continuing to undertake research and other projects alongside teaching, meaning our students gain a well-rounded and relevant teaching experience.
Practical Experience
Throughout your studies, you will find that the course is underpinned with practical elements. You will devise reports, conduct business analysis and collaborate with students on related courses.
Placements*
At CU London, we put a strong focus on getting our graduates ready to enter the job market. This can be done in a variety of ways—one key element is work placements. With this degree, you are given the opportunity to undertake short and long-term placements in between the second and third year.
* Depending on COVID-19 guidance
- This programme offers professional accreditations meaning you leave with multiple valuable professional qualifications in addition to the academic qualification. Holding professional qualifications can help you stand out from the crowd of recent graduates to prospective employers.
- Upon completion of this course, you will receive a qualification awarded by Coventry University.
- In order to make higher education accessible to as many people as possible, we keep our tuition fees competitively priced.
- We deliver one module at a time during each block. This means you can dedicate your time to specialise in each subject without the distraction of numerous modules and multiple deadlines.
- Small tutorial group sessions ensure that you receive the mentoring help and support you need.
- You will have the opportunity for multi-campus learning in London, Coventry and Scarborough. (Depending on COVID-19 guidance)
- Language and practices: Understanding the main language and common practices used within accounting contexts. Understanding a number of alternative practices, such as recognition rules and valuation bases, approaches to control and decision making.
- Analytical tools and techniques: Theories and models of pricing, management decision making and performance. Using analytical tools and techniques, you will look at the key tools and techniques used to analyse organisational performance, prepare budgets and construct reliable forecasts.
- Legislation and governance: Assurance and professional ethics, the impact of civil law on business and professional services, company and insolvency law.
- Management and leadership: A solid knowledge of planning activities, competence reviews, monitoring performance, coordination of activities and effective communication.
- Accounting context: The role of accounting and finance, the accounting profession and the impact of the external environment. Also, core micro and macro-economic theory related to business objectives, functions and business structures.
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 and with our Saturday University* programme, this course can be completed in as little as three years. 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.
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.
* Advised there will be no part time from September 2020 onwards
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.
Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks, exams and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block.
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.
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.
Class groups are kept low. This way, students can take advantage of small numbers to increase contact time with lecturers.
What our students say
The great thing about my course is all of the exemptions for the professional qualifications such as AAT. It adds another level to the degree and gives me a competitive edge over other graduates. It means I am one step closer to my dream job.
Entry Requirements
CU London has assessed that you can achieve the required grades and we have demonstrated this belief by making you an offer. This is our commitment to you so then we ask that you reciprocate this commitment by selecting us as your ‘firm’ choice and activating your offer.
We will consider other qualifications for a pre-result unconditional offer if you have an appropriate proven performance at GCSE (or equivalent) level and predicted grades in line with grades that we expect to see at A-level. Other qualifications that we may consider for a pre-result unconditional offer include: The International Baccalaureate Diploma, BTEC Level 3 qualifications, Cambridge Pre-U and combinations of qualifications (e.g. BTECS plus A-levels).
An unconditional offer is what it says it is. So, if you don’t meet your predictions then your place is still guaranteed. However, we would hope and expect that you continue to work hard to make the most of your potential and be best prepared to study at university level.
No, the unconditional offer is only available to those who will take up their place in the year for which they applied.
If you don’t meet the entry requirements for this course, we have a number of programmes which upon successful completion and meeting any additional entry criteria, qualifies you onto a place on this degree course, such as Foundation Years.
What our students say
The great thing about my course is all of the exemptions for the professional qualifications such as AAT. It adds another level to the degree and gives me a competitive edge over other graduates. It means I am one step closer to my dream job.
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.
Fees & Funding
We price our courses competitively in an attempt to make higher education accessible for a wide range of people. Your tuition fees will cover all of your classes, online tutorials, some of the learning materials and access to our Library & Learning Services.
Funding
As a full-time or part-time student resident in the UK or EU, you can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees at CU London from Student Finance England.
What our students say
The great thing about my course is all of the exemptions for the professional qualifications such as AAT. It adds another level to the degree and gives me a competitive edge over other graduates. It means I am one step closer to my dream job.
Career prospects
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. You will have gained several professional certificates in addition to your degree, giving you a good advantage for progression towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.
Where our graduates work
Graduates have gone on to further study with a master’s degree in within 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.
What our students say
The great thing about my course is all of the exemptions for the professional qualifications such as AAT. It adds another level to the degree and gives me a competitive edge over other graduates. It means I am one step closer to my dream job.
Disclaimer
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 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 planned 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 at that time.