Back

Accounting and Finance
BA (Hons)

Professionally accredited by three industry bodies, this Accounting and Finance degree will prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career in the financial world.

Course detail

Start Date

September

Duration

4 years (full-time)

Degree Classification

BA (Hons)

UCAS Code

NN43
Register Interest Get Prospectus

Why study Abertay's BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance?

Join our professionally accredited Accounting and Finance degree and learn how to solve problems, make decisions and be empowered to manage, lead and grow all types of organisations. Get set to think in different ways, unleash your creativity and explore the financial core of the business world.

This degree is designed to give you the knowledge and hands-on experience of what it’s like to work in accounting and finance. It prepares you to hit the ground running thanks to live business projects and simulations set by companies such as Sky, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Children 1st.

Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with:

  • All the skills you need for a career in accountancy, taxation, auditing and corporate finance
  • Professional body accreditation from CIMA, ACCA and AIA
  • An enhanced CV filled with activities such as the IBM Universities Business Challenge and Entrepreneurial Brains Made on Campus (EMBC) in association with Germany’s Stuttgart Media University

When you study Accounting and Finance at Abertay, it’s not just about the numbers – we encourage you to immerse yourself in student life and engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities throughout your time at university.                  

Entry Requirements

Please note: All applicants must have a passes in English and Maths - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent.  National 5 ESOL is accepted in lieu of National 5 English. National 5 Lifeskill Maths is not accepted in lieu of Maths.

Below are the literate subjects we accept for entry on this course:

  • Business Management
  • Classical Studies
  • Economics
  • English
  • ESOL
  • Geography
  • History
  • Media Studies
  • Modern Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Psychology
  • Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies
  • Sociology

If there is a subject that does not appear, please contact our Admissions Office (admissions@abertay.ac.uk) who will be able to confirm whether or not it would be considered for entry.

Please visit our Entry from College pages for suitable College courses.

Qualification Type Grade Requirements Essential Subjects
Higher BBBB Literate subject
A-Level CCC Literate subject
Irish Highers H3H3H3H3 Literate subject
International Baccalaureate 28 Points Literate subject at S5 or H4
BTEC Extended Diploma MMM Business, Hospitality, Enterprise & Entrepreneurship
AHEAD - Successful completion of the relevant stream of our AHEAD programme
SWAP Access BBB Access to (one of the following):- University Study, Community, Education & Humanities, Arts & Social Science, Languages with Business, Languages, Arts & Social Science, Arts & Humanities, Humanities, Humanities (Teaching), Degree
Qualification Type Grade Requirements Essential Subjects
Advanced Higher BBB Accounting and Business Management
A-Level BBB Accounting and Business Studies
BTEC Extended Diploma DDD Business (Accounting)
HNC - Our Entry from College pages list approved HNC courses
Qualification Type Grade Requirements Essential Subjects
HND - Our Entry from College pages list approved HND courses

Your Journey Starts Here

All organisations, be they public, private or third sector, must understand where their finances come from, how they're being used, and whether they're running at a profit or a loss. If you're good with numbers and enjoy learning how they fit in to a business context, this Accounting and Finance degree is for you.

Classroom environment - lecturer standing - students sitting working

Not sure if you're eligible for entry?

If you have the potential and motivation to study at university, regardless of your background or personal circumstances, we welcome your application.

We understand some people have faced extra challenges before applying to university, which is why we consider the background in which your academic grades have been achieved when making an offer.

We encourage you to submit an application, if you expect to receive passes in three Scottish Highers (grades A-C) and have either:

  • Been in care.
  • Participated in a targeted aspiration-raising programme such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West or Aspire North.
  • No family background of going to university.
  • Attended a school or lived in an area where not many people go to university.

Information for International Applicants

Please provide certified proof of your English language level. Our accredited International English Foundation Course can help. To further enhance your academic English, Intensive English for Academic Purposes can help you achieve your potential.

Two females and one male sitting together, smiling and chatting

English Language Requirements

Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.

Find out more

Male and female working together

English Language Courses

Discover the range of English language courses on offer at Abertay University.

Find out more

Office environment - two males smiling and chatting

Visa Information

Learn more about visa requirements for studying at Abertay University.

Find out more

About Your Modules

The module information shown here describes the modules our students are taking this year. The modules do change over time to keep our programmes up-to-date and relevant. This means the exact modules you take could be different. If you receive an offer to study with us, you will receive a Programme Information document that sets out exactly which modules you can expect to take as part of your Abertay University degree programme.

Please note: As well as Key Modules outlined below, you may also be required to choose Elective Modules. 

Key Modules (2017/18)

Introduction to Accounting (ANF101)

An introduction to the disciplines of financial and management accounting. Module content includes: accounting theory and practice; the key concepts in financial accounting and the regulatory framework of financial accounting; basic financial accounting practice.

Nature of Management (BMT101)

An introduction to the key theories, concepts and functions of management. Module content includes: organisational structure and work design; management theories; leadership theories; management in practice.

Financial Economics for Business (ANF102)

An introduction to the fundamentals of business and economics which provides students with an understanding of intertemporal choice and applied finance. Module content includes: an introduction to economics; the financial environment, time value of money and portfolio theory; an introduction to business and social responsibility.

Financial and Management Accounting (ANF103)

An introduction to the techniques used in financial and management accounting. This module provides students with an understanding of the roles of financial and management accounting in a business environment. Module content includes: basic financial accounting; accounting for costs; pricing methods and pricing decisions; budgeting; taxation.

Information Systems (ANF104)

An introduction to the role, uses and benefits of accounting information systems (AIS) as a business tool which is an essential feature of managing a business. The use of a standard accounting software package is an integral part of the module. Module content includes: definitions of accounting information systems and structure; accounting information systems controls; an introduction to a standard accounting software package; use of a software package.

Business Economics (ECN201)

An analysis of microeconomic structures and market failures and an introduction to macroeconomic indicators and theory to support business planning and decision making. Module content includes: demand-supply analysis; market structure and potential failure; the macroeconomic environment; strategic business decisions.

Financial Accounting (ANF201)

Provides an understanding of regulatory frameworks that underpin the preparation of financial statements. Develops students' abilities to prepare and present financial accounting statements for both incorporated and unincorporated businesses.

Business Analytics (ANF202)

An introduction to the various modelling methods that support organisational decision making. This module provides students with skills, concepts and techniques for data modelling and analysis to better understand business performance, gain new insights and guide business planning.

Management Accounting (ANF203)

An extension of the basics of management accounting in its role in shaping long term decisions, in planning and in control and presenting reports to management. Module content includes: further issues in costing; marginal costing; capital investment appraisal; working capital; variance analysis.

Business Law (Accountants) (LAW256)

An introduction to the legal framework within which business organisations operate and other core legal concepts. Module content includes: legal systems; law of obligations – contract, employment and delict; agency, partnership and incorporation; management of companies; corporate finance; insolvency.

Advanced Management Accounting (ANF304)

The use of management accounting for management control and advanced numerical techniques in decision-making. It develops the ability of students to use the most suitable analytical tools to assist in various decision situations.

Taxation (ANF302)

An introduction to the main principles of taxes on corporate bodies, capital taxes as they apply to individuals and corporations and the main principles of taxation of income of individuals and unincorporated businesses. Provides students with an advanced understanding of the UK taxation system.

International Financial Accounting (ANF303)

An exploration of the application of financial accounting theory and practice to current issues in accounting and the development of international financial accounting theory and practice. Module content includes: income and asset management; accounting for groups; assessing company performance and position.

Corporate Finance (ANF301)

An introduction to corporate finance that provides students with an understanding of the main sources of corporate finance and the ability to apply key techniques for using and managing financing in large and small organisations.

Financial Markets (ANF305)

An introduction to financial markets and institutions. This module provides students with an understanding of the role, functions and tools of the financial services industry in the context of both domestic economies and the world economy and international trade.

Management of International Trade Finance (ANF401)

An overview of research methods for international finance and an examination of how multinational corporations and financial institutions manage risk and money. Module content includes: introduction to research; reviewing literature and developing a research proposition; data collection; quantitative data analysis; the international trading environment; risk assessment and management; cash management problems and solutions; sources of finance; taxation matters; managing day to day operations.

Advanced International Financial Accounting (ANF403)

A consideration of the role played by financial accounting in the context of international business and the financial reporting and accounting complications caused by multinational business activities. It provides students with the ability to critically evaluate and synthesise international financial accounting issues.

Dissertation (ANF404)

Provides students with the opportunity to use analytical, creative and judgmental skills in order to select, analyse and present a 7,000 word dissertation.

International Financial Management (ANF405)

An overview of corporate finance issues that provides students with the ability to critically evaluate and synthesise issues in the control and decision-making processes of multinational corporations.

Contemporary Accounting (ANF402)

Real business problems are provided by a range of business organisations relating to contemporary accounting issues and strategic decision making. Students will provide a critical evaluation.

How the Course Works

 

Learning and Assessment

Our Accounting and Finance degree is a professionally accredited programme, which means there’s a strong reliance on exams as assessment. However, you’ll be well prepared for these with lots of examples practiced in class in advance. 

We also use other assessment techniques, ranging from presentations and online discussions to finding solutions to industry posed questions.

Additionally, you’ll take part in team working to help develop your collaborative skills, as well as presentations, written assessments and online discussions to enhance your communication skills. 

Lectures, reading and interaction with industry will boost your knowledge, while your research skills and independence as a learner will peak during the honours project module in Year 4. 

Your confidence to go out into the world of work will be affirmed through activities such as Innovation for Global Growth week – a major annual event at Dundee Business School.

For more information on the course content, please download the programme document - BA with Honours in Accounting and Finance

Accreditation 

           

Entrepreneurial Initiatives

In addition to developing solutions to live business problems, in many of your modules you'll be encouraged to take part in entrepreneurial initiatives to gain additional experience of group working and industry exposure. This is also a great opportunity to work with students from other programmes of study.

tow females studying together using books and paper notepads

Entrepreneurial Brains Made on Campus (EBMC)

In association with Stuttgart Media University in Germany, students are tasked with identifying a social or economic challenge and finding a solution to this which they then present back to former students and industry professionals. The top teams are invited to Germany to participate in the final.

Male in a classroom smiling - 3 people in background

IBM Universities Business Challenge

Sponsored by IBM, this UK-wide initiative sees our students competing against other UK universities in hope of winning recognition for the best solution to a social enterprise challenge through simulation activities. We've had five teams in the final over the past nine years!

Male & female working together in front of a laptop

Innovation for Global Growth

Students are asked to come up with solutions to real business problems set by organisations from a range of business sectors, including food and drink, banking, textiles, and telecoms. Working in small teams, students have to apply their studies to practical problems currently being faced by those businesses, before pitching their solution back to the company. 

Classroom environment - female standing up talking - three people listening

TOP

In Scotland for academic support, learning resources and facilities (NSS 2017)

100%

Of students satisfied with our learning resources and facilities

96%

Of our students agree they receive great academic support on this programme

Programme Fees for 2019

Scottish & EU students

£1,820

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year. 

Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details. 

English, Welsh & Northern Irish Students

£9,250

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year. 

Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details. 

International Students

£14,000

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year. 

Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details. 

Scholarships

Rest of UK Abertay Scholarship - £2,300 per year for four years

This scholarship is intended to support students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland to study at Abertay. Scholarship is paid directly into your bank account in two instalments each year to support you with living and travel costs. No application necessary.

International Abertay Scholarship - £2,300 per year for four years

This scholarship is intended to support students from international countries (outside of the EU) to study at Abertay. Scholarship is paid directly into your bank account in two instalments each year to support you with living and travel costs. No application necessary.

In addition, we offer a range of corporate/philanthropic scholarships shown below, which are available to all students to support your studies with us. 

The Lothian Family

A £5,000 award for undergraduate students with financial or social difficulties which may prevent them from studying at Abertay.

The Robert Reid Bursary

Two £500 awards for students who have overcome challenges to attend university.

Careers

Accounting is always in demand.

By 2018, it’s estimated that there’ll be 279,000 more accounting jobs in the UK, which means excellent career prospects and earning potential for an ambitious and motivated Accounting and Finance graduate.

 

Female smiling in a classroom environment

Choose Your Path

While the obvious career path is to become an accountant, many graduates use their skills and knowledge to get a foot in the door in roles where a strong numeric background and understanding of company finances makes them valuable additions to organisations. Recent Abertay graduates have joined companies such as:

  • Lloyds Banking
  • Henderson Loggie
  • Centrica
  • Ernst & Young
  • NCR
  • BNP Paribas
  • HSBC

 

2 males and 1 female studying together

Industry Links

The course also enjoys extensive links with industry, with speakers and projects coming from a number of areas. Previous industry links have included:

  • Dundee Social Enterprise Network
  • Stagecoach
  • Harris Tweed
  • Dundee Football Club

Every year we arrange for you to meet with representatives of two major professional accounting bodies: ACCA and CIMA.

Male sitting on stairs

Unistats

Unistats collates comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. The core information it contains is called the Unistats dataset (formerly the Key Information Set (KIS)). 

Accounting Graduates

Meet some of our Accounting graduates and find out what they've gone on to do.

A photo of Steve Taylor with his arms folded

Steve Taylor

Partner of Murray Taylor Accountants, Steve Taylor gives his advice to students.

Find out more

A photo of Joe Rice sitting in the stands at Tannadice

Joe Rice

Joe is Head of Communications at Dundee Utd.

Find out more

Programme Leader - Accounting and Finance

Dr Mo Yan

Dr Mo Yan

Dundee Business School | Lecturer

m.yan@abertay.ac.uk
+44 (0)1382 30 8479

View profile

Related Courses

Check out the related courses below - there's a degree for everyone at Abertay.

Lecturer talking to a classroom full of students

Business Management

Gain a clear understanding of the ways in which complex organisations work by choosing this fascinating business management degree.

Find out more

Smiling female

Business and Human Resource Management

Our joint honours degree dovetails business and HR, producing graduates ready to enhance organisational productivity, performance and profit.

Find out more

Explore our Dundee Campus

Abertay is conveniently located on a city centre campus, with all of its buildings within a quarter of a mile of each other. Shops, recreational facilities and the main bus and train stations are a short walk away.

Our Campus

Male standing in front of Abertay University

Why Abertay?

We're proud of our students and graduates, and we believe there's no better place to study if you're looking for a degree that helps you stand out as an exceptional candidate in an increasingly competitive job market.

Why Abertay?

Female standing outside the Bernard King Library

Come to an Open Day

An Open Day is your chance to get an up close experience of the University and the city. You’ll come away with all the information you need about us and the courses you’re interested in. 

Open Days

Female hanging upside down on hand railing

Living in Dundee

Dundee is a city of contrasts. It's vibrant and cosmopolitan, but also friendly, compact and affordable. The first UK city to be awarded UNESCO City of Design status, Dundee has a rich history of innovation and creativity, and, in recent years, has become a hub for the digital industries.

Living in Dundee & Scotland

Male standing outside Groucho's shop

Ready for more? Take the next step

Come to an Open Day

Book now to see for yourself our city centre campus, talk to lecturers and engage with current and past students.

Get Prospectus

Our latest undergraduate prospectus is a great read if for those looking to start at Abertay in 2019.

Find out How to Apply

Learn everything you need to know about applying to study with us from UCAS deadlines to entry requirements.

Ask Us a Question

Get all of your questions answered: call us, emails us or chat with us online. We are here to help!

TEF Silver Award
QAA Award
Athena SWAN
Race Equality Charter Mark
Cycle-friendly Employer
https://www.vandadundee.org/
Healthy Working Lives Award
Employer Recognition Scheme