A unique course enabling you to specialise in the dynamic areas of accounting & finance to take your first steps to becoming a future business leader
This course will enable you to distinguish yourself from other Accounting and finance graduates.
This course will be accredited by the major accounting bodies including Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Upon graduation, you have the opportunity to gain the maximum amount of exemptions available for an undergraduate degree from these professional bodies.
This course is for you if you wish to obtain a premium Accounting degree with a difference.
This course obtained 100% student satisfaction in a recent National Student Survey.
While studying this course you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of key skills such as analytical problem solving, teamwork, the ability to undertake research, commercial awareness and the ability to organise and communicate information.
The majority of graduates from this degree have obtained their full-time graduate positions before completion of their degree with many commencing professional accounting training contracts immediately after graduation.
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
If you are interested in following a career in accountancy or in going on to obtain professional accounting qualifications prior to entering a career in finance or business then this course is suitable for you. This course is accredited by the major accounting bodies including Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Upon graduation, you have the opportunity to gain maximum exemption from the above mentioned professional body examinations. The level of exemptions available will depend on the specialism route you select and your achievements in your modules. As the Ulster University Business School at Magee has strong links with the accountancy and taxation bodies, you will be guided on the best choice of modules to suit your career aspirations. This course offers you the option of undertaking a paid placement year in a range of local and international locations or you can opt to study abroad for a year.
The Department of Global Business and Enterprise has strong ties with the major professional accountancy and taxation bodies. All accounting staff in the department are members of professional accountancy bodies including:
The programme can be completed in two to nine years, depending on the level of entry. For example, if you have completed a relevant sub-degree programme such as a Foundation degree or an HND you may be eligible for up to 240 credit points of exemption and therefore could complete the final 6 modules within one and a half years. However, if you are joining the programme at level 4 (year 1) entry with no exemptions then to complete all 18 modules (360 credit points) on the programme will take anything from four and a half years to nine years, depending on your pace of study.
Weekly Attendance on Mondays from 9am to 5pm across each 12 week semester. This course will run in semester 1, 2 and 3. Students can complete the degree between 3 and 5 years.
Learning and Teaching
The range of modules offered on this course allows a varied and interesting mix of methods to be used, to enhance knowledge and understanding as well as allowing you to practice and develop your professional and transferable skills.
For each module on this course you will have weekly lectures and seminars all of which will be scheduled on a single day per week. Lectures are used to explain and develop the skills identified as being important to you in developing your professional and personal development within the subject areas. Lectures provide the framework for directing independent student learning activity and skills development. Weekly seminars will provide opportunities for you to engage in an in-depth appreciation of theoretical and practical issues related to the subject area. A number of modules will utilise the simulation suite available on campus to enhance your learning experience. In addition, a number of modules involve small group teaching in a workshop format.
Assessment
Considerable effort has been devoted to ensuring that the assessment requirements built into each module on this course are appropriate to the learning outcomes, qualities and abilities being assessed. Assessment methods range from class tests, essays, business reports, group projects and practical skills audits, a variety of group and individual presentations incorporating self and peer assessment, practical simulations, case study applications, reflective portfolios, on-line assessment, class tests, management reports, projects and work-based assignments and unseen end of semester examinations.
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.
The Department of Global Business and Enterprise has strong ties with the major professional accountancy and taxation bodies including:
All accounting staff in the department are members of professional accountancy bodies with a number of lecturers also having obtained additional qualifications in areas such as taxation and financial services. Many staff have trained and worked in the Big Four professional services firms as well as having experience advising within small and medium sized practices and in industry.
All lecturing staff within the Department of Global Business and Enterprise are Fellows/Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.
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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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
The module establishes a strong foundation for students as they undertake the study of accounting. As such, the module identifies, develops and assesses a range of skills that are important within the context of double entry book-keeping, preparing financial statements, undertaking financial reporting and performing detailed analyses supporting aspects of the internal financial management of a business entity.
Year: 1
Status: C
Digital technologies for accounting and finance have advanced rapidly. Digital accounting has a major impact on how organisations collect, process, control and analyse accounting and financial data. This module offers students an opportunity to evaluate different digital accounting software packages for the purpose of ensuring they meet an organisation's needs.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides a student with an introduction to the discipline of managerial finance and an understanding of key financial decisions, and their implications, commonly considered by organisations. The module is concerned with the integrative nature of corporate decisions related to financial, economic and investment performance of a business relevant to corporate financial management. The module enables students to understand the key principles of financial management affecting business operations and undertake investment appraisal.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides students with an overview of the UK financial system. The module develops students' knowledge and understanding of key financial institutions, markets, securities and investments.
Year: 1
Status: C
The transition to university can be challenging for students as endeavour to meet many expectations. This module is designed to facilitate that transition and to the set students on a solid path to success as a student, a graduate and a citizen. The module is designed to be both developmental and supportive to students entering first year so that they can better understand and develop their academic, personal, and professional potential.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to key economic principles, concepts and theories and introduces how data analytics aids organisational decision making. The module provides students with a solid foundation in global economic analysis to enable them to better respond to business opportunities and threats.
Year: 2
Status: C
The accounting and finance function in any business requires timely information to assist in making important financial decisions for the business. This module will give students an understanding of the analytics tools that can be used to gain insights into an organisations business performance which ultimately can play an important role in increasing the prosperity and value of an organisation.
Year: 2
Status: C
The form and content of published financial statements; profit and loss account; balance sheet; cash flow statements; introduction to group accounts; analysis and interpretation of financial statements; regulatory framework of accounting.
Year: 2
Status: C
An important role of management accounting is to present accounting information to assist managers to plan, make decisions and measure performance. Key elements of practice in the discipline include approaches to costing, use of management accounting information, absorption costing, marginal costing, breakeven analysis, decision making, budgeting, standard costing, variance analysis, investment appraisal, statistical approaches, activity based costing and ethical issues.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an insight into the economic, legal and practical background to the UK taxation system and its application to personal, corporate, capital and business decisions.
Year: 2
Status: C
Managerial Finance in an international context, Foreign Direct Investment, Foreign Currency Management, Business Valuation Issues, Interest Rate Risk Management, Corporate Restructuring, Takeovers, Dividend Policy, Market Based Accounting Research, Business mathematics. Issues in personal finance, financial planning, financial life cycle, personal financial investment and ethics.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module deals with the main principles of the law of contract and law of tort as well as providing explanations of the legal structures within which businesses operate. These legal formats of business organizations are critically explored as are the methods whereby businesses are managed and analysed and how the external environment, in terms of legal regulation, impacts on the operation of businesses. The topics under examination provide a solid framework for understanding of the legal basis in which businesses operate and enable students to undertake further study of related Business and accounting subjects.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module traces the development of management accounting theory and practice in the context of change in the modern business environment. The module examines the social, technological and international challenges to management accounting.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides an insight into the economic, legal and practical background to the UK income, corporate, VAT and capital taxation systems and their application to business decisions and also a taxpayers family/personal decisions regarding asset transactions.
Year: 3
Status: C
The nature and purpose of accounting theory; the role of accounting regulation including the development of the latest accounting standards; contemporary issues in accounting; recent and future trends in financial reporting; accounting for transactions in financial statements and group financial statements.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module introduces the student to the conceptual and theoretical fundamentals of auditing combined with the practical application of auditing principles and the issues encountered in a financial reporting and audit environment. It identifies the skills that a professional auditor must have and how best to utilise those skills in the audit of economic sustainable profit and non profit organisations.
Year: 3
Status: C
Sustainability reporting is critical for businesses to measure performance and to meet stakeholders demands for broader information on a business's environmental, social, and governance activities. Capturing, recording, measuring and communicating sustainability information is essential in a dynamic business environment. Good corporate governance leads to high quality sustainability reporting. This module develops the students' appreciation of sustainability reporting and the corporate governance that leads it.
Year: 3
Status: C
The aim of this module is to develop students' appreciation of how data analytics is used for strategic leadership in accounting and finance. The module will emphasise the role of data analytics in leading strategic change within an organisation.
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
To apply for the part-time programme you must satisfy the general entry conditions for the University, which requires that you hold a GCSE (or equivalent) at C or above in Maths and English and that you satisfy the Course Committee that you are capable of study at Higher Education Level.
The traditional two ‘A’ levels are not normally a prerequisite for participation in this course. If you are a mature applicant who lacks formal academic qualifications, you may be admitted to the course if you can satisfy the Course Committee of your ability to complete the course satisfactorily. Exemptions may be granted from parts of the course where you already hold a higher academic or professional qualification providing evidence of relevant previous studies.
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.
The majority of students enter this programme in year 1 – Level 4. However, applicants who provide evidence of previous relevant successful study may be considered for entry to level 5 of the programme. Exceptionally applicants may be considered for entry at Level 6. The transfer will normally be admitted with exemptions depending on prior accredited knowledge.
There is a facility for transfer to other undergraduate degree programmes depending upon the nature of the subject matter of the other degrees and academic achievement.
Students who transfer from another university can present module information. Ulster can consider giving them module exemptions on a like for like basis for prior studies.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Accounting specialists with knowledge of accounting, finance and the business environment are always in great demand. The combination of subjects you will study on this course will provide you with a sound basis to become a future business leader. The knowledge you will acquire will enable you to work in any industry sector and across all areas of business including financial reporting, accounting, finance, taxation or management in public, private or not-for-profit organisations.
Due to the exemptions available, you will also be a step ahead in your professional accountancy training. On successful completion of this course, it may be possible for you to progress to a Postgraduate Diploma / MSc International Accounting with Analytics on the Derry~Londonderry Campus, Ulster University.
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 BSc Hons Accounting with Specialisms are recognised by a number of prizes and awards. Sponsors of the prizes and awards include EY, AVEVA, CIMA, Moore NI, MLMG Chartered Certified Accountants, J.G. Carlin & Co. and Shaun McAteer and Co Ltd. Some of these awards offer students valuable practical work experience in the accounting, finance and business world.
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.
Throughout my time at University I have transitioned from being completely lost as to what career path to take, to becoming determined and focused on qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. This stems from the dedicated, approachable, caring and knowledgeable accounting team at Magee. The support and guidance I have received as a student and an alumni have far surpassed my expectation. The accounting lecturers go above and beyond their call of duty and I couldn't recommend Magee highly enough to study Accounting.
Megan Kehoe (Trainee Chartered Accountant with Moore NI)
Studying accounting with taxation at Ulster University's Magee Campus gave me a head start for my future career in accountancy and also in my personal development. The friendly and supportive atmosphere is second to none. All my lecturers knew me by name and they were all very supportive. The accounting team on the Magee Campus are all professionally qualified accountants and so their experience helped me and my fellow classmates work out how we would like to shape our careers.
Anna Ryan (Trainee Chartered Accountant with Deloitte, Ireland)
When doing my A Levels I knew I wanted to study accounting. I had heard positive reports about how enjoyable and engaging it was to study accounting at Magee. Having worked hard, I achieved the A Level results and I can safely say I made the right choice in study accounting at Magee. While at Uni, I built up a great network of friends, many of whom are now on the same professional career journey as me. I opted to do the placement year while at Uni and it really paid off as this led to me having my graduate job in KPMG secured, before I even completed my degree. The experience of the accounting and taxation lecturers at Magee was crucial to my success and their support and guidance has meant that I entered the working world with my best foot forward.
Owen McGirr (Trainee Chartered Accountant with KPMG)
The best thing about studying accounting at Magee is choosing your specialism. I chose taxation and it was definitely the best option for me. Magee is the only university in Northern Ireland which allows you to graduate with a speciality in taxation and it definitely does give you a competitive advantage when applying for graduate jobs. It also gives you a major head start on the taxation module that you will study during your CAP2 exams if you decide that you want to follow the Chartered Accountant route with ACCA. The campus at Magee is also a bonus, the new building attached to the library was my favourite place to be for lectures during final year.
Alison Tosh (Trainee Chartered Accountant Ross Boyd (Belfast) Limited)
The best thing about studying Accounting with Specialisms at Magee was the support received from the lecturers. Not only in passing the modules of the course, but also putting into perspective what you need to pass your professional accounting exams, if that is what you are considering. The course was small enough that your lecturer knew who you were and you also knew all the students in your course. They also give you advice on what employers are looking for in a graduate and how you can develop your skills to match. The opportunity to do a placement year in Ireland or abroad is also great!
Nicole Quiambao (Assistant Tax Advisor People Advisory Services, EY)
For me, I found the specialism element of the course to be highly beneficial as I got the chance to explore the topic of taxation, which not only developed my understanding of the area, but also allowed me to distinguish myself from other business and accounting students when it came to seeking employment. Placement allowed me to put what I had learned in my first two years at Ulster University into practice and I gained real-world experience within the accountancy profession, it also allowed me to secure my graduate employment. The accounting department at Magee are very supportive toward students. Lecturers are very easily accessed both during and after lectures and through email outside of class hours.
Amy Stewart (J.G. Carlin & Co. Limited)
While at university there are many opportunities to secure a placement or graduate job. I was lucky to secure a graduate job with KPMG following a summer placement I undertook before commencing my final year of study. With a number of guest speakers sharing their stories with us and the support of the career guidance centre staff I was educated on the many doors that were open to me once I had completed my degree.
Shaun Kelly (Tax Associate, KPMG, Dublin)
Apart from the Professional skills development module, there have been countless opportunities and introductions to prospective employment, which many students here at Magee avail of. Personally speaking, I secured a graduate job halfway through my second year, this provided me with a tremendous sense of security and allowed me to focus solely on my exams in final year. In fact, all my peers are currently employed in graduate roles.
There is a vast list of reasons that I could mention when enticing prospective students to opt for Magee. However, one stands out for me and it is the strong relationship between lecturers and students which has developed a close-knit community. I cannot count the amount of times that our lecturers have run extra classes on their own time to ensure complete understanding of a topic. This extra support offered by lecturers is not just purely for academics. My lecturers have given me advice on numerous occasions about my career and how to conduct myself in a professional manner. I am sure this extra guidance played a part in securing the job I am sitting in today.
Anthony Gill (Trainee Chartered Accountant, GMcG Chartered Accountants)
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.
