Accounting with Placement Year
Accounting with Placement Year
BSc
4 years full-time
Durham City
BSc
4 years full-time
Durham City
N409
N409
Typical offers
| A Level | AAB |
|---|---|
| BTEC | DDD |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 |
Course details
This is a single honours degree in Accounting, with a placement year. With maximum professional accreditation, this degree allows you to graduate as a partly exam-qualified accountant. The degree embeds a strong employability theme and demonstrates a clear pathway for you, allowing you to specialise in your final year and also to complete an independent piece of research in an area related to your work-experience or in an area of special interest.
This degree will be taught on a semesterised basis, with new modules being introduced each term. The degree incorporates a strong employability theme throughout the course in both credit bearing and non-credit bearing activities
Course structure
Because this is a degree with a strong link to a professional role and a professional career following graduation, the first two years of the course are made up of compulsory modules, with an opportunity to specialise in chosen areas and develop a research project in Year 3.
The degree has six coherent subject pillars and one theme:
- Financial accounting and reporting (Years 1, 2 and 3)
- Management accounting (Years 1, 2 and 3)
- Information technology (Years 1, 2 and 3)
- Audit and assurance (Years 2 and 3)
- Taxation (Years 2 and 3)
- Research in accounting (Year 3)
- Employability theme (running throughout the degree)
The subject pillars build throughout the degree so that you can identify linkages between modules. The employability theme helps you to understand the link between work done and employability skills gained from both credit and non-credit bearing activities.
Levels 1 and 2 of the degree are made up of core modules, as follows:
Level 1
- Financial Accounting
- The Accountant in Business
- Quantitative Business Skills and Data Analysis
- Skills for the Professional Accountant
- Management Accounting
- Ethics in Finance and Accounting
- Micro and Macro Economics for Accounting
- Introduction to Corporate and Business Law
Level 2
- Financial Management
- Intermediate Management Accounting
- Taxation
- Financial Reporting
- Introduction to Audit and Assurance
- Business Strategy and Technology
Placement Year (optional)
- Placement Year in Accounting
Level 3 (Degree)
The core modules in Level 3 are:
- Research Methods in Accounting
- Accounting Project.
Candidates shall also study and be assessed in modules in the Michaelmas Term to the value of 40 credits from List A:
List A:
- Corporate Reporting
- Advanced Management Accounting
- Data Analytics and Intelligence for Accounting.
Candidates shall also study and be assessed in modules in the Epiphany Term to the value of 20 credits from List B:
List B:
- Advanced Audit and Assurance
- Business Tax Planning ††
- Fundamentals of Corporate Governance and Accountability.
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.Typical offers
| A Level | AAB |
|---|---|
| BTEC | DDD |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 |
Course details
Developed with strong links to the accounting profession and industry, when you graduate from this professionally accredited degree you’ll be perfectly placed to embark on a career in the accounting world.
Not sure what to study? We have a suite of accounting degrees (BSc Accounting, BA Accounting and Management and BA Accounting and Finance). This degree is a single honours accounting degree. If you would prefer to study more finance, please see BA Accounting and Finance. If you would prefer to study more management skills, please see BA Accounting and Management?
Course structure
Please note this is the current structure of the programme and is indicative of the modules that will be offered for the academic year 2024/25 and is subject to change.
Year 1
Core modules:
Financial Accounting teaches the techniques of double entry accounting and its application in recording transactions, adjusting financial records and preparing non-complex financial statements.
Skills for the Professional Accountants develops the skills that employers are looking for in future employees. You will be given opportunities to acquire, develop and apply these skills using real-world accounting scenarios.
Fundamentals of Management Accounting teaches you to understand, apply and critically appraise the fundamental knowledge and techniques that underpin the area of management accounting, from planning and control to costing and decision making.
Ethics in Accounting will introduce you to the social and ethical contexts in which accountants operate, using real-world examples. You will learn about the professional codes of ethics for accountants, learn to identify when an issue arises and develop the skills to propose alternative solutions.
Economics for Finance introduces the basic principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics explores areas including the role of consumers and businesses in the marketplace, markets in action, market structure, strategic rivalry and growth strategies. Macroeconomics includes exchange rates and the balance of payments, globalisation, fiscal policy, inflation, unemployment and economic growth.
Business and Technology explores the business and its environment. You will look at the influence of technology on organisational structure and how the accounting function contributes to the efficient, effective management and development of an organisation, its people and their use of information systems.
Business Law for Accountants provides an overview of the principles of English law, the legal framework within which businesses operate, and the requirements and restrictions imposed by relevant aspects of English law. Areas covered include employment, partnerships, company law, criminal, and insolvency and administration.
Principles of Taxation enables you to understand the general objectives of tax and to complete basic calculations in relation to income tax, national insurance contributions, capital gains tax, corporation tax, and VAT. You will also be able to prepare basic tax computations and provide tax advice to individuals and companies.
Year 2
Core modules:
Financial Management explores the areas of financing, managing financial risk and investment decisions. You will learn how businesses operate and how accounting and finance functions support businesses in achieving their objectives.
Performance Management covers the major techniques in modern management accountancy including decision making, appraising risk and budget control.
Taxation looks at areas such as income tax, national insurance contributions, capital gains tax, corporation tax, inheritance tax, VAT and stamp taxes in more depth.
Financial Reporting explores international accounting and reporting concepts and ethics, single company financial statements and consolidated financial statements. You will also learn about International Financial Reporting Standards and how it applies to specified scenarios.
Assurance develops your understanding of the critical aspects of managing an assurance engagement (including audit engagements). It covers the process from acceptance, planning and managing through to concluding and reporting.
Business Strategy and Technology provides you with an understanding of how an organisation develops and implements strategy, including any ethical implications.
You will also benefit from additional employment-focused activities in Year 2, such as:
- Placement preparation training
- Year 3 option choices taster sessions
Year 3
Year 3 is spent on placement. During the year you will be assigned an academic tutor who will visit you, liaise with your employer and provide the support to ensure you gain the most from your experience.
The placement year, which requires a minimum of 40 weeks of work experience, is an opportunity to put learning from the first two years into practice in the workplace. You will also gain valuable experience and a tailored skill set to take forward to your final year. The skills and professional network gained during the placement year will give you a head start with graduate employers.
Year 4
Core modules:
Research Methods in Accounting equips you with the knowledge and skills to undertake an independent research project. You will learn to distinguish between research philosophies, identify appropriate research methods, plan a research project and complete a literature review.
The Dissertation, on an accounting topic of your choice, develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning. It provides you with an opportunity to research the topic and present your findings and conclusions.
Examples of optional modules:
- Corporate Reporting
- Tax Planning for Business
- Corporate Governance
- Audit and Assurance.
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.Learning
Lectures deliver basic subject-specific learning, and provide a framework for further study.
Seminars provide opportunities for students to explore issues in greater depth, test their own understanding of the material studied, engage in group work, assess arguments in a group context and defend and debate different opinions.
Workshops are used to allow students to work independently, under supervision, in small groups on questions, problems or case studies and build on subject-specific learning, developing key skills.
Guided reading and independent study provide a structure within which students exercise and extend their abilities to make use of available learning resources.
Accounting project preparation and supervision foster independent learning and the ability to manage a planned programme of research.
In particular, the course takes advantage of technology enhanced active learning, where appropriate and, particularly in the context of employability and professional skills, experiential learning techniques.
This degree has a holistic approach to the student journey – enhancing the academic aspects of the course with a schedule of extra-curricular, non-credit bearing components that will aim to develop the skills of the students to improve their opportunities for employment.
The degree will have a clear emphasis on recruitability and employability. In the context of the subject matter of the degree, in the first instance, this will be in relation to accountancy-related careers, however, all graduates will have skills gained through the course and also the non-credit bearing aspects of the degree that should enhance their employment opportunities.
In Year 1, this commences with the first teaching week being devoted to a week-long induction, accounting-related exercise. Formal teaching on the degree modules, therefore, commences in week two of the term. The aims of this exercise are as follows:
- To foster a learning community between staff and students on the course (the first year induction exercise is to be staffed by staff teaching on the degree in Year 1 and members of the wider programme team.
- To generate group relationships between students, making their initial experiences on the degree less daunting.
- To introduce the concept of team-work to students – to ensure that group theory is explored, and enable better participation in group activities, both assessed and un-assessed throughout the degree. This should be particularly useful for students whose educational background has not encouraged group participation.
- To introduce students to the subject of accounting with an absorbing, authentic and inspiring business exercise, which will link to the knowledge and skills introduced in the first year of the programme. We aim to create anticipation for the year ahead.
- To explicitly embed the skills required for study in higher education into the curriculum. This is particularly important in terms of our aim for this degree to contribute to widening participation in Higher Education, given its links to employability.
Because the degree is semesterised, exams in the Easter term will be scheduled in Weeks 3 and 4 of the Easter term. The programme team will have a programme of activities for weeks 4 and 5 of the Easter term in Years 1 and 2, as follows:
Year 1
- Assessment centre and interview training
- Employability and recruitability workshops
- Workshops introducing the skills needed for Year 2 modules.
Year 2
- Placement preparation training
- Recruitability bootcamp
- Year 3 options choices taster sessions.
In week one of Year 3/4, we have scheduled a week-long Graduate Camp – the rationale is to re-orientate those who have been on placement into the programme and to ensure that all students are ready for the challenge of the final year – the exercise we will develop for this week’s activities will relate to the critical thinking and research aspects of the final year of the degree.
As the course relates to the profession of accountancy, the degree must consider applied as well as theoretical aspects of the study of accounting. Through our close relationships with the major professional accounting bodies and leading employers, we will provide ample opportunities for students to engage with the world of practice and critically appraise how theory and practice meet, through research forums, guest speakers and debates.
Entry requirements
A strong proficiency in Mathematics is required. If Mathematics is not taken as an A level subject, a grade 7 (or grade A) in Mathematics at GCSE is required.
We particularly welcome the introduction of the Core Mathematics Qualification and we will accept a Core Maths Qualification (grade B minimum) in lieu of our GCSE Mathematics requirement.
A level offer - AAA.
We consider all A level subjects, with the exception of General Studies, therefore General Studies would not be included in any offer.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD.
IB score - 36 to include 665 in higher-level subjects. If Mathematics is not taken at a higher level, then it is required at standard level 6.
In the context of widening participation, we will consider contextual offers, including guaranteed contextual offers for participation in a supported progression programme.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Fees and funding
Full Time Fees
| Home students | £9,250 per year |
|---|---|
| EU students | £26,250 per year |
| Island students | £9,250 per year |
| International students | £26,250 per year |
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find Out MoreCareer opportunities
Business School (School of Economics, Finance and Business)
Of those students who graduated in 2019:
- 96% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
Of those in employment:
- 81% are in high skilled employment
- With an average salary of £29,000.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduatoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Business School (School of Economics, Finance and Business)
Our degrees in Accounting and Finance will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to build secure foundations for a successful future career or further study.
For more information see our Business School website.
Rankings
- Top 10 for Accounting and Finance in The Complete University Guide 2022
- 6th for Economics in The Complete University Guide 2022
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the Business School website.
Facilities
A Top Global Business School - Durham is an international triple accredited business school. Founded in 1965, we are one of the UK's longest established business schools and are proud to be integral to Durham University.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
N409
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
Learning
Small-group teaching in workshops is used to deliver subject-specific learning and opportunities for group discussion and debate. You’ll also benefit from one-to-one support and self-directed learning to develop your critical thinking skills.
In addition, the Department hosts specialist accounting and management events and extra-curricular activities where you can further develop your knowledge and start to build industry networks.
As you progress through the course, you’ll find an increased focus on self-directed learning and independent research in preparation for professional or postgraduate life. Teaching staff offer drop-in surgeries to support self-directed learning.
Assessment
Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations, written assignments and reports, projects and presentations.
The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the material, test your capacity to solve problems, enhance your written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues.
The 10,000-word dissertation in an area of accounting of your choice is worth one-third of your final-year credits.
Entry requirements
A strong proficiency in Mathematics is required. If Mathematics is not taken as an A level subject, a grade 7 (or grade A) in Mathematics at GCSE is required.
We particularly welcome the introduction of the Core Mathematics Qualification and we will accept a Core Maths Qualification (grade B minimum) in lieu of our GCSE Mathematics requirement.
A level offer - AAA.
We consider all A level subjects, with the exception of General Studies, therefore General Studies would not be included in any offer.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD.
IB score - 36 to include 665 in higher-level subjects. If Mathematics is not taken at a higher level, then it is required at standard level 6.
In the context of widening participation, we will consider contextual offers, including guaranteed contextual offers for participation in a supported progression programme.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Fees and funding
The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find Out MoreCareer opportunities
Business School (School of Economics, Finance and Business)
Our students graduate with specialist knowledge in areas of accounting and of finance, as well as the analytical, IT and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers in the UK and internationally. This combination of academic knowledge and transferable skills will open up a range of career opportunities in the financial world and beyond.
Our focus on employability extends beyond the classroom. You will benefit from employability-focused events that will give you a competitive edge in the job market. From interview advice and employer talks to subject-specific careers fairs, we work with you to achieve your goals.
Previous graduates have gone on to work within the accountancy profession and for businesses as accountants, specialising as auditors, financial accountants, tax specialists, management consultants etc. Graduates have also specialise in areas of finance such as financial analysis, risk management and investment banking. For employers such as PWC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY, Grant Thornton, National Audit Office, Capita, Deutsche Bank and Sage Plc. Many have been offered places on graduate talent schemes across a range of sectors, while others have taken on roles in charitable organisations and in general management.
Of those students who graduated in 2019:
- 96% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
Of those in employment:
- 81% are in high skilled employment
- With an average salary of £29,000.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduatoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Business School (School of Economics, Finance and Business)
The Departments of Accounting and Finance are two specialist departments within Durham University’s Business School; one of the UK's longest established business schools. We offer an inspiring and stimulating learning environment, and consistently rank highly for the quality of our teaching, research and for graduate career prospects.
Our reputation is down to the expertise of our staff. Their global experience, outstanding research insight, professional experience and real business connections keep us at the leading edge. We offer a wide selection of courses in both accounting and in finance, including specialist routes that are designed to provide maximum accreditation from professional accountancy qualifications.
Areas of study in accounting may include financial and management accounting, the legal, regulatory and social context within which accounting operates, the mechanisms by which individuals plan their tax affairs, the role of the accountant in achieving sustainable business practices and the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data on the world of accounting. You won’t just learn the technical side of accounting, but you’ll also have the opportunity to think critically about how accounting impacts on the global world of business.
If you are interested in finance your studies may include areas such as corporate finance, investments, financial institutions and the vast array of sophisticated financial products traded in today’s global financial markets.
Both our finance and our accounting courses offer a final year dissertation – an independent piece of research – which helps you build your research skills and allows those looking for further Masters study able to demonstrate their research skills.
For more information see our Business School website.
Rankings
- 6th for Accounting and Finance in The Complete University Guide 2023
- 8th in The Guardian University Guide 2023
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the Business School website.
Facilities
We are based within a state-of-the-art Business School, close to University services and resources and only a mile from the historic centre of Durham, a city with UNESCO World Heritage Status.
Our modern and spacious teaching and learning areas include lecture theatres, seminar rooms and study areas.
The Business School library is available as an additional study resource, just for Business School students and offers access to over 10,000 journals online. Our resources also include up-to-date financial information and online databases. In addition, you’ll have access to Durham University’s prestigious libraries and archives.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
N409
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
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