BA (Hons) Accountancy University of Bolton

Accountancy has been a cornerstone of civilization since its inception, evolving from the need to track goods and resources into a vital global profession in the 21st century. As a discipline central to planning, forecasting, budgeting, taxation, and decision-making, skilled accountants play a crucial role in the success of businesses and the efficient operation of government and public services.

Our BA (Hons) in Accountancy is designed to equip you with a robust academic foundation and practical skills for a rewarding career in accountancy. This program also provides valuable financial knowledge for those aspiring to broader management roles, making it applicable to a variety of careers in both the private and public sectors.

Throughout your studies, our dedicated and experienced faculty will guide you through contemporary accounting practices and theories. You will delve into two main areas: management accounting and financial accounting and reporting. In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your learning by choosing from a range of optional modules, including taxation and auditing.

In addition to enhancing your professional expertise, we emphasize the development of lifelong learning skills. Our goal is to empower you to reflect on, articulate, and take ownership of your personal and professional growth, maximizing your potential for success in an ever-evolving field.

Highlights

Our Accounting and Finance courses are ranked third in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2022.
The Complete University Guide 2022 places our Accounting and Finance courses first in the UK for student satisfaction.
Our program is accredited by leading professional bodies, including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), and Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland (ICAS).
Graduates enjoy a wide range of exemptions from professional accountancy body examinations, allowing for advanced entry into programs with ACCA, ICAEW, ICAS, CIMA, and CIPFA.
Additionally, our graduates qualify for exemptions from the Association of International Accountants (AIA) papers and can apply for associate membership with the AIA and the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA).
We are an ICAEW accredited Higher Education Partner in Learning (HEPiL) and maintain strong links with AIA, IFA, and CPA Australia.
Many graduates choose to further their studies by pursuing the ACCA Applied Skills and ACCA Strategic Professional Level examinations at Bolton. The University is an ACCA Gold approved learning partner for these programs, consistently exceeding the global pass rate targets set by the professional body.

Key Features

Qualified Tutors: Our tutors are all qualified accountants with extensive experience in both the profession and in teaching undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional accountancy qualifications.
Practical Learning: We encourage the application of mathematical and statistical techniques to tackle real-world business and accountancy challenges. Learning through case studies provides you with valuable insights into actual business scenarios.
Personalized Support: We utilize small group and tutorial teaching formats, ensuring you receive excellent support and guidance from our dedicated teaching staff.
Guest Speakers: We regularly invite industry leaders and senior professionals to share their experiences and insights, allowing you to benefit from their knowledge and advice.
Industry Connections: We enjoy strong support from local employers and the Bolton Society of Chartered Accountants, enhancing your access to industry-related opportunities.
Degree Options: We offer two full-time undergraduate Accountancy degrees. The three-year BA (Hons) Accountancy is designed for students with 104 UCAS points (e.g., BCC at A-level). Alternatively, our four-year BA (Hons) Accountancy with Foundation Year is perfect for those needing additional preparatory support before transitioning to degree-level study.
Vibrant Location: Studying with us allows you to enjoy Bolton’s diverse range of shops, bars, restaurants, and leisure facilities. Manchester, known for its multicultural vibrancy, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Additionally, the North West of England boasts stunning countryside, coastline, and rich heritage, making Bolton an ideal base for exploring some of the UK’s finest cultural and outdoor activities.

Entry Requirements

UCAS Points: You need 104 UCAS points to apply. We accept a variety of qualifications that contribute to UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs, and T-levels. For more details, refer to our guide on the UCAS Tariff. We can also consider non-tariffable qualifications for most courses.

Level 3 Subjects: Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3.

GCSEs: You should have five GCSEs at grade C or above (or grade 4 to 9, or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.

AAT Technician Qualification: If you hold the AAT Technician qualification, you will be exempt from five modules at level HE4 and can directly enter level HE5, with the requirement to complete an additional HE4 module.

Non-Standard Qualifications: We welcome applications from individuals who do not meet the standard entry requirements but possess non-traditional qualifications and/or relevant experience.

Interview and Portfolio: You may be required to attend an interview and/or submit a portfolio of work as part of the application process.

Career Opportunities

The University of Bolton’s BA (Hons) Accountancy degree equips you with a deep understanding of accountancy practices, commerce, industry, and finance.

Throughout your studies, you will develop a diverse set of technical and transferable skills that are highly valued by employers across various sectors. You’ll gain insights into commercial awareness, learn how businesses operate, and enhance your numerical and quantitative skills within a business context.

As a graduate, you will be adept at problem-solving, data analysis, and presenting information both verbally and in written form. You’ll also possess strong attention to detail and excellent organizational abilities.

What Can I Do With This Qualification?

Upon graduation, you may choose to enter the workforce as a trainee company accountant or internal auditor, or join a professional practice to train as an auditor or tax consultant.

With a BA (Hons) Accountancy degree (including the foundation year), you’ll have opportunities in various sectors, including:

Banking, Investment, and Insurance
Retail and Sales
IT and Recruitment
Human Resources
Management Consultancy
Government Agencies (e.g., HM Revenue and Customs)

Many of our graduates successfully qualify as professional accountants through organizations such as CIMA, ACCA, ICAS, or ICAEW.

You will also have access to graduate schemes, which are long-term employment contracts with major multinational accountancy firms like Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, and EY. These firms often conduct extensive recruitment campaigns and assessments to attract top talent.

Alternative Career Options

Your qualification can serve as a foundation for various other careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience or postgraduate study and include:

Purchasing
Tax and Pensions Advice
Law
Teaching, Education, and Training
Transport and Logistics
Stock and Shares Analysis
Charity Work
Loss Adjusting
Credit and Investment Analysis
Claims Inspection
Advertising, Marketing, and PR
Investment Banking
Insurance
Statistics and Market Research

This degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths, providing you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in various fields.

Modules

The following modules may include a mix of compulsory and optional courses. Please note that you may not have the opportunity to study all the modules listed as part of the program.