If you are considering a career in the professional world of law or accounting, why not consider both through this innovative programme.
The BSc Hons Accounting and Law produces highly qualified professional graduates, equipped with both legal and financial knowledge. It is a four-year programme with an equal weighting of accounting and law-based modules taught each year.
This degree provides you with the opportunity to maximise professional exemptions from many of the professional accounting bodies AND also gain a qualifying law degree. This combination provides significant opportunities upon graduation. Employers value the mix of legal and professional services knowledge supported by economic and financial analytical skills.
Both subjects complement one another with a cross-over in these two sought after professions for aspects of commerce, including acquisition and disposals; restructuring and insolvency; taxation compliance and planning; assurance and governance. Throughout your studies, you will develop an understanding of the law, critically reflect on contemporary law developments whilst at the same time assimilating and putting into practice the main principles and theories of accounting and finance.
If you want to learn more about this programme before deciding on your final career choice in accounting or law, and you are ready to be stretched and challenged, then this is the degree for you.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
The overall aim of the degree is to:
This programme is accredited by Chartered Accountants Ireland, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales and the Bar Standards Board. The programme is also recognised by the Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI) and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). As a result, the regulatory bodies may require particular departures from the General Programme Regulations at Ulster University. Where that is the case, you will be given notice of those departures when they come into force. Such changes are only taken to ensure that the programme remains accredited with the regulatory body.
Example of modules you will study:
Year 1
Introductory Accounting
Academic & Professional Awareness
Exploring Law
Criminal Law
Principles of Financial Accounting
Digital Skills for Accounting and Data Analytics
Law of Tort
Year 2
Financial Accounting
Business and the Economy
Contract Law
Principles of Management Accounting
Public Law
European Law
Year 3
Management Accounting
Taxation
Introduction to Property Law
Contemporary Business Finance
Land Law
Business and Commercial Law
Year 4
Diploma in Interntional Academic Studies (optional)
Diploma in Professional Practice (optional)
Year 5
Forensic Accounting (optional)
Company Law (optional)
Human Rights Law (optional)
Equity and Trusts (optional)
Governance, Risk & Ethics (optional)
Cybercrime & Forensic Tech (optional)
Advanced Financial Management (optional)
Advanced Management Accounting (optional)
Law of Evidence (optional)
Employment Law (optional)
Medical Law (optional)
Corporate Financial Reporting (optional)
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Typically 18-20 timetabled hours per week for lectures, workshops and tutorials plus up to 10 hours per module as independent study equating to 40 hours per week.
Learning and Teaching Methods include: lectures, tutorials, seminars, case studies, experiential learning, guest speakers, practitioner master classes, workshops, directed and independent study, computer assisted learning including contemporary interactive learning technology to help enhance your learning.
Assessment Methods include: action plan, case project, case study, class test, completion of worksheets, critiques, dispute resolution, essay, examination, group debate, group presentation, group role play, group project, in class report, individual presentation, interactive technology, moot, oral presentation, personal reflection, portfolio, reflective report/log, reports, skeleton argument, subject-specific essays, webinar presentation, weekly question, written assignment, written report.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
Over 85% of our teaching staff hold Fellowship of Advance HE (previously Higher Education Academy).
The majority of our accounting lecturers have professional qualifications and previous experience in professional practice and/or commercial business.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
ABB; or
BBB including one of Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma
Award profile of DDM.
We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (ie Diploma or Extended Certificate/Introductory Diploma/Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - our Equivalence Entry Checker.
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - View our Undergraduate Entry Requirements
128 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level). The overall profile must include English at minimum grade H6 at Higher Level or grade O4 at Ordinary Level plus Mathematics at minimum H5 at Higher level or Grade O3 at Ordinary Level.
OR
120 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level). The overall profile must include English at minimum grade H6 at Higher Level or grade O4 at Ordinary level. This course also requires you to achieve H2 in one of Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting. If Mathematics is not passed at H2, you will be required to achieve a minimum H5 at Higher level or O3 if studied at Ordinary level in addition to one of the subjects above.
Grades BBBBC or grades BBBCC if undertaking one Scottish Highers from Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting.
Grades BBC or grades CCC if undertaking one Scottish Advanced Highers from Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting.
Overall profile is minimum 27 points (13 points at higher level).
Overall profile of 70% (120 credit Access course) (NI Access course). To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 60% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics at 60% as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma or GCSE Mathematics grade C*/5.
Overall profile of 30 credits at distinction and 15 credits at merit in taught modules (60 credit Access course) (GB Access course)
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at grade C/4 or above in English Language, plus Mathematics with a minimum grade C*/5.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Acceptable alternative qualifications include:
Pass HND with overall Distinction to include 75 distinctions at level 5. Plus GCSE Mathematics grade C*/5.
Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 105 distinctions at level 4/5. Plus GCSE Mathematics grade C* /5.
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University (provided subject requirements as noted above are met).
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In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
The demand for graduates with accounting and law backgrounds is strong, both in large professional services firms that have forensic accounting departments and from legal firms, including those that specialise in corporate law. However, this degree will also be of interest if you wish to pursue different areas of accounting (for example auditing, taxation, insolvency or working in industry) and of law (as knowledge of business and taxation issues influence legal advice given about probate, divorce settlements, insurance claim and commercial acquisitions).
The combination of both topics means you can make your choice of profession when you have a better knowledge of your strengths and passions within the law and accounting disciplines.
For further study, you may either choose accounting or law. One option is to progress to our Postgraduate Diploma / Masters in Advanced Accounting/ Masters in Strategic Accounting to gain further professional exemptions in Accounting from Chartered Accountants Ireland or ACCA. Graduates have also gone on to study law at postgraduate level both at Ulster University and other institutions (e.g. Masters courses such as the LLM, or doctoral studies) or are now in practice as solicitors or barristers, having completed the Certificate in Professional Legal Studies. Others have pursued careers in related areas such as the business and finance sector, human resources, politics and the community sector.
Students have the opportunity to undertake a one year professional placement in an accounting or legal role. The professional placement year gives students opportunities such as; applying and contextualising academic studies, developing professional skills and exploring new career opportunities.
Alternatively students can spend one year either working or studying, for example students have taken part in the ‘Study Abroad’ programme.
Recognised by the Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI) for the purpose of a Qualifying Law Degree.
Accredited by the Bar Standards Board for the purpose of a Qualifying Law Degree.
The qualifying law degree is recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for the purposes of satisfying the academic stage of training.
Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.
Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.
Accredited by Chartered Accountants Ireland for the purpose of exemption from some professional exams.
Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.
See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.
Student achievements on the ) are recognised through an extensive range of prizes and awards sponsored by both professional bodies and leading employers including Abacus, ASM, Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, BDO, CIMA, Deloitte, EY, Henry Murray & Co., KPMG, PwC and many others.
At a previous prize-giving ceremony Mr John Poole, a Partner with leading global professional service firm KPMG, stated that “it’s essential that employers and the University work together to develop the great talent pool that exists in Northern Ireland and to reward them for their efforts and successes. As a significant employer of graduates, we will continue to work with the University and its students to achieve our common goal, namely the development of business leaders of the future who will help grow Northern Ireland businesses through the current economic environment and beyond”.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Students
"Maths was not my strong suit in school so when I chose Accounting and Law my decision was influenced by having double the employment opportunities. However, this degree has pushed my capabilities, surprising even myself and provided me with a great experience I would otherwise have closed myself off to had I only chosen Law."
Amy Morgan (Final year student, 2023)
"Accounting and Law is a challenging yet rewarding degree to study. You study a wide variety of modules and have a range of potential careers at the end of your studies."
Scott Gray (Final year student 2023)
"This course is unique in that you learn about two entirely different disciplines, yet you can see how each can work together simultaneously in certain modules. I believe it gives students who chose this degree more of an edge over students studying just one of the disciplines."
Bronagh Hanson (Final year student 2023)
"Studying Accounting and Law at Ulster University has proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. The course is set up to encourage students to follow their academic interests and act independently. Lecturers and tutors are always available for advice and guidance.
I have found this course brings amazing work opportunities from studying such varied modules. I believe it makes me as a student stand out more to an employer. Studying both Accounting and Law has been a challenging yet very rewarding experience."
Aoife Crawford (Third year student 2023)
"The joint degree allows students to keep their options open for another four years for two different professions and can follow both routes right to the end. The subjects covered provide a really good grounding for any career in law, accounting, business and life generally as you learn so many different valuable skills such as reading & understanding, debating, economics, accounting - all of which are transferable into the workplace."
Janet Williamson Commercial Director O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors
"The joint accounting and law degree allows students to develop a wide range of transferable skills for the professional workplace including communication, critical judgement and ability to interpret and explain complex information clearly.
Graduates of this degree are highly sought after by employers, particularly in areas such as taxation which require strong accounting knowledge combined with an ability to interpret constantly evolving legislation."
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ulster University Business School (UUBS) aims to be a thought-leader for sustainable business futures.
Our mission is to embolden staff, students and all our stakeholders to become sustainable business futures leaders. We aim to support and showcase sustainability research and education across Ulster University Business School.
We do so by embedding the sustainable futures agenda into five remits: sustainability performance, research and knowledge exchange, learning and teaching, student experience and communications and engagement. We are a member of PRME – the Principles for Responsible Management Education concordat.
Contact: uubssustainability@ulster.ac.uk
We support and develop ‘Education for Sustainable Development’ within the Faculty’s Learning & teaching portfolio. We do so by providing bespoke staff training on ESD and curating an ESD Resources Hub.
All UUBS undergraduate and post-graduate course are mapped against the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and students are actively involved in learning for sustainable development.
We seek to enhance the student experience by encouraging our students to become actively involved in sustainability initiatives, such as Carbon Literacy Training, the Big Spring Clean and collaborating with the Northern Ireland Resource Network.
We develop, support and disseminate sustainability-themed research within the Faculty and beyond. Our annual sustainability research networking event creates new research strands within the Faculty’s research portfolio.
We actively support out PhD community to embed sustainability in their research and provide training on methods and critical thinking on sustainability.
We partner with other institutions, such as Queen’s University Belfast and Atlantic Technological University to broaden our sustainability research and create interdisciplinary research links.
UUBS has a dedicated Sustainability Committee, tasked with developing dedicated internal and external communications and engagement activities promoting the sustainability work of the Faculty.
We host an annual Sustainability Business Breakfast, attend and speak at notable sustainability events, such as the SustainExchange Summit, the Belfast Re[Act] Festival and the NI Science Festival.
Our sustainability work is monitored on our bespoke UUBS SDG Dashboard on our dedicated UUBS sustainability webpages. Our sustainability performance team oversees the Faculty’s Academy Restaurant’s Green Academy programme and associated eco-certifications Green Key and Green Tourism Gold Award.
