Accounting is the study of finance; of financial analysis and financial projection, using numbers and data to manage money, observe global financial markets and make informed economic decisions for a company, non-profit, global enterprise or even a family home. Browse our accounting university courses and start your journey to success now!
Whilst accounting is a discipline rooted in numbers and mathematics, it will also draw upon your analytical skills and personal ability to make instinctive decisions; your coursework throughout the academic year will analyse not just your capacity in maths and numbers but will analyse your ability to understand financial information and use it to make financial projections – as well as their accuracy and reliability.
Entry requirements for a degree in accounting at a UK university will depend on the university and whether the course is taken online, part-time, full-time or in the classroom. Many high-ranking universities who offer full-time degrees in accounting will demand AAB at A-Level or AAAA at Higher level, usually demanding a high grade in the subjects of maths and/or Economics.
Other institutions will look to UCAS points as opposed to A-levels, whilst others will look for a mix of work experience and academic capability. For those without academic qualifications and to those for whom a full-time degree would be impractical, many other options are available; certain accounting courses are available via distance learning and online, which is perfect for those with full-time jobs or the responsibilities of childcare. Some courses will also accept a foundation year qualification in accounting or a related subject for a possible fast-track option into a degree course. Whilst accounting is a degree centred on numbers, most degree courses will still demand a minimum of English language requirements.
Tuition fees to study accounting will depend on the university or institution offering the undergraduate degree. UK and EU students can apply for higher education course fee loans of up to £9250 per year for full-time courses and £6935 for part-time courses. For maintenance loans, the regulation is a little more complicated, especially for international students and part-time students looking to cover additional costs of their degree. For further information, you can take a look at the government website here.
Accounting is a discipline with a thorough grounding in mathematics and numbers; this means that those with a natural affinity with numeracy and maths will find studying an undergraduate course in accounting significantly less difficult than those who struggle in this domain.
Before taking the leap to study accounting, aspiring students should assess their aptitude for both numbers as well their own capacities in instinctive decision-making, as accounting is a subject which – especially at a higher education level – demands aptitude in both.
Whilst higher education in any subject will be challenging, a degree in accounting can be taken part-time or full-time, and distance learning and part-time learning can make things easier for those with other responsibilities trying to juggle their academic work and day-to-day responsibilities.
The skills attained with an accounting degree are geared towards careers in economics, financial management and everything around numbers. You will have refined your employability by enhancing your problem-solving skills, communication skills as well as your ability to study financial markets and financial information.
Many who study accounting will go on to further study at business school, whilst others might join professional bodies in accounting (such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) to obtain a professional qualification in accounting and launch their career in the real-world job market. Those with an accounting degree can also go on to enter the following professions:
