Accountancy

Accountancy students will acquire a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of accountancy, and gain business skills that will prepare them for employment in positions of responsibility.

Why Aberdeen?

• The University of Aberdeen is the first academic institution to subscribe to Thomson Reuters Eikon in the UK and Ireland. This flagship trading floor integrates real activity in financial markets directly into your courses. The platform is used by major financial services companies across the world. You gain experience of sophisticated financial management technology placing you at the leading edge with skills that employers are seeking
• You will develop intellectual skills through analysing and evaluating accounting information, and through critically evaluating the role of accounting information in a modern economy
• You will be introduced to central accounting and business topics by active researchers in these fields

Programmes

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Accreditation

A significant benefit of having studied Accountancy and/or Finance is that degrees in these subjects can form part of a direct path to being granted exemptions given by professional institutes from the examinations necessary to get professional qualification status. For example, at the University of Aberdeen, courses are accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) so that you can receive credit for courses that you would otherwise need to undertake, while working full-time. In the job market, these exemptions can make you particularly attractive to employers.

Study Abroad

Study abroad information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

Accounting and accountants come in many different shapes. Some have trained with a professional firm of accountants after university and specialise in assessing the accounts of companies. Others work for one company producing their accounts and providing information for managers. Still others work in public organisations. The vast majority of these accountants will have done a degree and then undertaken the exams of one of the accounting institutes. One of the advantages of doing an accounting degree may be exemption from some of the exams of the professional bodies, although this should not override all other considerations. The professional bodies also have an experience requirement that needs to be fulfilled.

The University of Aberdeen Business School is aware that we need to prepare you for the future. The four years of the course provide a background for the career possibilities ahead, with flexibility for you to build on your strengths and tailor your degree.

First Year

There are two Accounting courses in the first year. Accounting and Accountability, which is offered in the first half-session, will introduce the social, political, legal and professional context of accounting and accountability. Accounting and Entrepreneurship, which is offered in the second half-session, will introduce accounting information recording techniques and decision-making tools in the context of small and medium sized businesses. By the end of the year, students will be able to appreciate (1) social and political roles of accounting and how accounting helps businesses to meet a set of professional and legal requirements, and (2) how accounting information is processed in small and medium sized businesses.

Students are also introduced to financial valuation, investment appraisal and financial markets in the first level Finance course and to fundamentals of economics and management. Students will also be able to choose other options from both within the Business School and in the rest of the University. 

Second Year

There are four core level 2 courses: Financial Accounting 2, Management Accounting 2, Understanding Statistics and Business Finance. In addition, students take a Business Law course and may take various optional courses including Personal Finance and Market Regulations.

Third & Fourth Year (Honours)

Students studying Single or Joint Honours Accountancy take Auditing, Management Accounting 3, Financial Accounting 3 in third year, and Accounting Theory in fourth year. Other accounting, finance and non-accounting options are available to supplement these core courses. Examples are: Taxation, International Financial Management, Corporate Finance, Derivatives & Treasury Management, Empirical Methods in Finance, Integrative Studies in Accountancy, Critical Perspectives on Accounting, International Financial Statement Analysis and Business Information Systems.  Honours students will complete a dissertation in Accountancy (or in their other Joint Honours subject). A Research Methodology course, in the first semester of fourth year, will help prepare you for this capstone project.

Teaching and Assessment

We employ a range of teaching methods, emphasising transferable skills such as group work, presentation techniques and IT skills, in order to produce highly skilled graduates for the accountancy and related professions. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and student presentations. Web-based learning is increasingly important.

Careers

The majority of our students become chartered accountants, in professional practice, industry, or the public sector. Some choose alternative careers in management, education, or banking and finance.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Accountancy.
  

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB
A Levels - BBB
S Grade/GCSE - Maths
IB 30 points, 15 points at HL
ILC - BBBB

Advanced Entry - Available only with experiential or other qualifications at post A Level or Advanced Higher Standard.

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide