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BA Accounting and Business - The Flying Start Degree Programme

At a glance

  • Combine academic study with paid work placements at PwC
  • Earn a competitive salary
  • Fast-track route to becoming a Chartered Accountant
  • Reduced tuition fees in years 2, 3 and 4
  • Strong prospect of securing a graduate job offer from PwC
Subject area(s)
Accounting
Start Date
September 2024
Duration
4 years full time
Attendance
Full-time
UCAS Code
NN41
Programme Director
Helen Crofts

Overview

If you’ve set your sights on a career as an accountant, then BA Accounting and Business - The Flying Start Degree Programme is for you.

Work while you study

4 ug students

During Year 1 you will study alongside other Henley students at our beautiful Whiteknights campus, 30 minutes from London. You will gain a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of accounting, business, ethics and law.

In Years 2, 3 and 4 you will combine academic study with paid professional work placements at PwC, where you will receive dedicated training and can expect to earn a competitive salary.

These placements will take place during term time, leaving you free to enjoy your summer holiday with the cash you've earned at work.

Fast track to becoming a Chartered Accountant

By the time you graduate, you will have completed modules that give credit for prior learning for 12 of the 15 ICAEW professional examinations, and you’ll be approximately one year away from achieving full ICAEW Chartered Accountant status.

A career that could take you anywhere

PwC is one of the largest professional services firms and offers exciting career opportunities for graduates all over the world. You could work in a variety of service lines or even travel abroad.

Student support

We offer academic support, personal support, careers advice and professional development, as well as full support for those facing the extra challenges of moving from other countries. The University of Reading's Disability Advisory Service (DAS) offers expert advice and guidance to prospective and current students.

Part 1

Compulsory modules Credits

This module introduces students to the concepts of assurance, governance and ethics in the corporate environment and explores the role of management and auditors in this context.

Academic authors
Lei Tao
Dr Lei Tao
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module introduces management accounting concepts and techniques that assist managers with their organisational decision making, planning, control and performance evaluation.

Academic authors
Alisher Erkaboev
Dr Alisher Erkaboev
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module introduces students to the main areas of UK taxes, including income tax, capital gains tax, corporation tax, national insurance and the ethical issues related to tax advisory work.

Academic authors
Clare Bentata
Clare Bentata
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module introduces you to different aspects of 'business' and aims to develop your academic and professional skills that will be applied at university and in the workplace.

Academic authors
Maggie Cooper005 75ipdsq6y
Dr Maggie Cooper
20 [10 ECTS credits]

An introduction to double-entry bookkeeping and the preparation of financial statements for sole traders and limited companies.

The module aims to help students to develop a sound understanding of the techniques of double-entry bookkeeping, so that they can apply its principles in recording accounting transactions, adjusting financial records and preparing non-complex financial statements.

Academic authors
Leon Coopasamy
Leon Coopasamy
Sian Weatherburn
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Summary module description:

This is a ten week course which provides students with an introduction to the English legal system, the law of contract and some aspects of the law of tort.

10 [5 ECTS credits]

To provide students with an introduction to the foundations of English law as it impacts upon business and professional services: agency law, company and insolvency law, criminal law, the law relating to information and its legal environment, employment and social security law.

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Part 2

Compulsory modules Credits

This module builds on the part one Assurance, governance and ethics module to equip students with the necessary skills to undertake audit work.

This module aims to develop students’ understanding of the critical aspects of managing an assurance engagement (including audit engagements). This will include an understanding of the current factors, including legal and ethical factors, surrounding the acceptance, planning, managing, concluding and reporting on assurance engagements

Academic authors
Helen de Felice cropped
Helen de Felice
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module builds on the knowledge acquired in AC101 or AC110, Introduction to Accounting, with regards to the preparation of financial statements for single entities and introduces students to various International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in the preparation of financial statements

This module aims to enable students to prepare a complete set of financial statements for single entities in conformity with IFRS.

Academic authors
Helen de Felice cropped
Helen de Felice
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module provides insight into the practical application of accounting and business skills and competencies

This module aims to provide students with:


1. A practical context for the academic material presented in their programme providing links between the theory and practice of accountancy.


2. An opportunity to develop personal and professional skills, including written and spoken presentation skills, team-working, and time management.


3. Relevant work experience which will enhance their CV and graduate employability.


4. Technical work experience approved by the ICAEW.

Academic authors
Helen Crofts
40 [20 ECTS credits]

This module is designed to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired in the prerequisite modules through their application to real-world business problems and case study scenarios.

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of how businesses develop and implement strategy, and to apply and evaluate that knowledge. At the end of the module, students should have a good understanding of the external and internal environment of the firm and the how they influence strategic decision making.

20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module builds on the knowledge acquired in AC108 Principles of Taxation, developing knowledge and understanding of the main UK taxes, including income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, corporation tax, national insurance, stamp taxes, and the ethical issues related to tax advisory work.

This module aims to enable students to prepare tax computations and provide tax advice to individuals and companies in a wide range of scenarios, in addition to explaining the ethical issues surrounding the tax advice.

Academic authors
Ali Bowen, CTA
Clare Bentata
Clare Bentata
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Part 3

Compulsory modules Credits

This module provides insight into the practical application of accounting and business skills and competencies.

This module aims to provide students with


1. a practical context for the academic material presented in their programme providing links between the theory and practice of accountancy

2. an opportunity to develop personal and professional skills, including written and spoken presentation skills, team-working, and time management.

3. relevant work experience which will enhance their CV and graduate employability

4. technical work experience approved by the ICAEW.

Academic authors
Helen Crofts
40 [20 ECTS credits]

The module focuses on the key factors to be considered in corporate financial management decision makings, in terms of working capital management, sources of long-term finance, dividend policies, risk management and etc. The module aims to equip students with relevant knowledge in understanding and evaluating the factors in financial decision makings by a variety of stakeholders, such as shareholders, investors and etc.

This module aims to explain the nature and purpose of financial management and to discuss the objectives of financial management decision-making. The module introduces students to key perspectives, theories and practices in financial management by considering the effects of working capital management, capital structure, policies on dividends, and tools of risk management.

Academic authors
IMG 8356 75nanzgsb
Tony Graham
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module builds on the knowledge acquired in AC206, Financial Accounting, with regards to the preparation of financial statements for single entities in accordance with IFRS. It covers some of the more advanced standards including leases, foreign exchange and financial instruments.

The module also includes the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS, including accounting for associates and JVs and the disposal of subsidiaries.

This module aims to enable students to prepare complete single entity and consolidated financial statements, and extracts from those financial statements, covering a wide range of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). It requires students to explain accounting and reporting concepts and ethical issues and the application of IFRS to single entity and group scenarios.

Academic authors
Helen Crofts
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module builds on the knowledge acquired in AC217/AC304 Tax Compliance, developing knowledge, understanding and advisory skills relating to potential business and personal tax scenarios.

This module aims to enable students to apply technical knowledge and professional judgement to identify, explain and evaluate alternative tax treatments to resolve tax issues that arise in the context of preparing tax computations and to advise on tax-efficient strategies for businesses and individuals. Students will also be required to evaluate the commercial, legal and ethical implications of recommendations.

Academic authors
Clare Bentata
Clare Bentata
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Part 4

Compulsory modules Credits

This module provides insight into the practical application of accounting and business skills and competencies

This module aims to provide students with


1. A practical context for the academic material presented in their programme providing links between the theory and practice of accountancy

2. An opportunity to develop personal and professional skills, including written and spoken presentation skills, team-working, and time management.

3. Relevant work experience which will enhance their CV and graduate employability

4. Technical work experience approved by the ICAEW.

Academic authors
Helen Crofts
40 [20 ECTS credits]

An introduction to the moral norms of international accounting and financial management, the ethical choices to which they give rise and the resources on which such choices can be based.

Business has its own moral norms, which often differ from those in society at large, while both business and social norms evolve over time and vary between cultures. Within business, the area of finance and accounting raises particular issues in this respect as the micro-culture of financial trading, the professional norms of the accounting profession and the overwhelming preoccupation with money and profit introduce a variety of conflicting moral pressures.

This module aims to equip students with the intellectual foundations for negotiating the moral world that ensues. Throughout the module, applications to real-world situations are used both to develop students' analytical, reflexive and decision-making skills and to introduce them to the range of moral issues and contexts encountered in the practices of accountancy, investment and financial management.

Academic authors
Rhian Dow
Rhianydd Dow
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This modules aims to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in financial reporting, management accounting and business finance and to synthesise these in their application to real-world business problems and case study scenarios.

20 [10 ECTS credits]
30 [15 ECTS credits]

*The module or course content descriptions set out on this page are correct for those being taught in the current academic year. Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.

Our undergraduate degrees are taught through a mix of lectures, group projects and interactive classroom lessons. This gives you the opportunity to discuss, explore and then apply the subject content in depth with your lecturers and fellow students.

Through exploring and tackling real-world challenges, you will also be able to develop your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Modules are assessed through written assignments, in-class tests, group presentations and formal examinations. This helps you graduate as a rounded individual and develops your transferable skills, which are highly sought after by leading graduate employers.

Each academic year you will be required to complete a number of compulsory and optional modules, totalling 120 credits. A typical 10 credit module requires a total of 100 hours of study. This includes contact hours with lecturers as well as independent study.

Assessment centre

Please note that in addition to meeting the School's standard entry requirements, shortlisted students will be asked to submit a supplementary application form and may be invited to attend an assessment centre run in conjunction with PwC.

A Level

AAB from 3 A Levels (excluding General Studies and Key Skills).

GCSE English and Mathematics at grade B (or 6) or above.

International Baccalaureate

Pass Diploma and achieve 34 points, including 4 in standard level Maths and English.

Other UK and international qualifications

We welcome students with equivalent UK and international qualifications. Please see further information on academic qualifications.

English language

Studying in a second language can be challenging. If your English language ability is below the minimum requirement, we may ask you to provide evidence of proficiency or to attend an English language course before you begin your studies so that you can participate fully in your degree programme.

Please see further information on English language requirements.

UK/Home

Tuition fees for undergraduates at University of Reading are:

  • £9,250 a year, for the full course duration, for UK if you started your undergraduate course in September 2020 onwards*.

*This fee capped for the full duration of your course.

Your fees will be fully covered by a loan from the Student Loan Company, in line with its published repayment terms and conditions.

Government Funding

UK students can get government loans to help towards their living costs, known as ‘maintenance loans’. If you choose to take out both a fees loan and a maintenance loan, these will be rolled together and repaid only after graduation through the tax system, as a proportion of your income over £25,000.

UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

International

The International Undergraduate 2024/25 fee level for this programme is £22,350. There may be financial support available - consult your local British Council/Education Counselling Service.

Please see the University's financial pages for further information on international fees.

Work placements with PwC

For students taking BA Accounting and Business, which contains placements in years 2, 3 and 4, the fee level will be set at 80% of the full fee in these years.

Based on the University's website, International fees will not be discounted while on placement. The discount only applies if students are on placement for the whole year.

Living costs

Please note that tuition fees do not include accommodation and other living costs. Students are advised to budget for between £160 and £240 per week depending on their accommodation charges.

International students, who often need to allow for additional accommodation and living costs during three vacations are advised to budget for at least £12,000 per year excluding tuition fees.

Financial support

University sources of funding

We believe that fees must not be a disincentive for talented young people applying to university and have a strong record in providing financial support to students from all over the world and a wide range of backgrounds through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

Please see further information on student finance or contact studenthelp@reading.ac.uk.

External sources of funding

This information applies to students who normally live in England. Please see further information provided by the UK government on student finance. If you normally live in another UK region or outside the UK, different rules will usually apply. Please see alternative information for students from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the EU and overseas.

Tuition Fee (Student) Loan

Students who have not studied a higher education programme before can apply for a tuition fee loan to cover the full cost of their tuition fees. This loan is paid directly to the University. Graduates only start to pay back this loan once they are working and their salary is above the minimum threshold. EU students from outside the UK who meet certain conditions are also eligible to apply.

Maintenance (Student) Loan

Students can apply for an annual maintenance loan. Loans will be assessed on household income. The amount of maintenance loan available is reduced if a student is receiving a maintenance grant. Repayments will be made in the same way as for a tuition fee loan.

Current scholarships

The Flying Start financial bursary is aimed at supporting students with the day-to-day costs of university life. If you meet the eligibility and join the Flying Start programme, a £10,000 bursary will be awarded to you, split across the four years of the degree.

If you believe you’re eligible for the financial bursary and you apply for the Flying Start programme, then we will be in touch with you during the application process to outline the next steps. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your confidence, your skills for the future, and your experience of work and university, all while being supported financially.

The criteria for the bursary is set out below which you can review to determine your own eligibility. You must:

  • Have ‘Home Funding’ status, which means you’re living in the UK or Republic of Ireland, or an EU national with settled status in the UK
  • Have applied to study on the Flying Start undergraduate degree programme (and subsequently successfully start on the programme)
  • Have a household income of <£35,000 per annum as assessed by Student Finance (this will be assessed once you are accepted onto the degree programme and apply to Student Finance)
  • Demonstrate a commitment to a career in Audit at PwC during the assessment process
  • Attended a non-fee paying school (unless you received a bursary or scholarship to attend in which case we’ll review on a case-by-case basis).

Visit the PwC site for more information.

The admissions process for BA Accounting and Business has additional application requirements which are outlined below.

1. UCAS application

As for all other degree programmes, you would apply by completing the standard UCAS application form specifying BA Accounting and Business (NN41) at the University of Reading as one of your choices.

2. Review of UCAS application

We will review your UCAS application, ensuring that you are likely to meet our admissions requirements.

3. Online assessment & assessment centre

Following the review of your UCAS application, we may also invite you to complete some online assessments, which will include an online interview. Selected applicants will then be invited to attend an Open Day and Assessment Centre.

Offer of a place on a degree programme

Successful applicants will be offered a place on the BA Accounting and Business degree programme. Applicants who are unsuccessful in applying to BA Accounting and Business but who meet Henley Business School's entry requirements - i.e are invited to the assessment centre - will be offered a place on one of our alternative Accounting degree programmes.

Fast track your way to a professional qualification

As a BA Accounting and Business graduate you will have completed 12 out of the 15 professional exams required to become an ICAEW Charted Accountant.

The professional experience gained during your work placements with PwC also counts towards more than half of the technical work experience days required as part of the ICAEW Chartered Accountant qualification.

This means that on graduating, you will be approximately one year away from achieving full ICAEW Chartered Accountant status - putting you ahead of other graduates entering the accounting profession.

Career progression

There is no obligation for you to work at PwC after completing the programme, though graduates who impress on their work placements are likely to be offered a permanent job with the firm.

As a BA Accounting and Business graduate, you can expect a competitive starting salary on account of the practical experience you have gained as well as your progress towards completion of the ICAEW Chartered Accountant qualification.

Are the placements compulsory?

As part of the BA Accounting and Business degree programme, you will undertake three paid work placements with PwC. These are a compulsory part of the programme and you will be assessed against PwC's performance appraisal criteria as well as the University's academic standards.

When do placements take place?

Placements take place in years 2, 3 and 4.

In years 2 and 3, placements will take place approximately between mid-December and the end of March. In year 4 you will undertake a slightly longer placement, running from approximately mid-November to the end of March.

What will I do on placement?

Throughout your placements, you’ll put the theory you’ve been learning in the classroom into practice in the office.

The placements will be progressive, in that you will be expected to take on greater professional responsibility by your final year - and this will be reflected in your job grade and salary.

How much will I earn?

Over the course of the three placements you can expect to earn a competitive salary, offsetting a significant proportion of your tuition fees.

Where will I be based?

The expectation is that you will be based at the same PwC office for all three of your placements, enabling you to build a strong network of contacts and relationships with colleagues and clients.

Much of your time while on placement will be spent visiting commercial clients. Should your work placement be based at an office not within reasonable commuting distance from Reading, PwC will cover the cost of your local accommodation.

We always try to ensure that you are based in an office location with other placement students from Reading so that you are not left 'on your own'.

How will I be supported?

Both PwC and Henley Business School will ensure that you are adequately prepared for, and appropriately supported during, your work placements. You will also have access to online learning resources and support, to help ensure that you don't completely lose touch with your academic studies while working at PwC.

Will I be offered a permanent job?

If you impress while you’re there, PwC is likely to offer you a permanent job. And after you pass just three more ICAEW examinations, you could be a fully qualified Chartered Accountant roughly a year after graduating. In fact, wherever you take your career, your qualification will give you a serious competitive edge.

Ali Bowen, CTA

Lecturer in Tax

Dr Alisher Erkaboev

Lecturer in Accounting

Clare Bentata

Lecturer in Accounting and Taxation

Helen de Felice

Lecturer in Accounting and Auditing

Leon Coopasamy

Lecturer in Auditing and Accounting

Dr Maggie Cooper

Associate Professor in Accounting and Financial Management

Dr Ronita Ram

Associate Professor in Accounting

Sian Weatherburn

Lecturer in Accounting

Tony Graham

Associate Professor of Accounting and Financial Management

If you require immigration permission to study in the UK, but will not be applying for a student visa as you already hold another type of immigration permission, please contact us for more information. Due to certain visa restrictions, we need to check your eligibility for the programme and any subsequent Graduate offer that could be made to you before we can progress your application.

An image of Ben Francis
“The course offers relevant technical knowledge, the opportunity to gain exemptions from professional accountancy exams and is delivered by a team of enthusiastic, industry experienced lecturers who go the extra mile to support you in any way they can.”
Ben Francis BA Accounting and Business - The Flying Start Degree Programme

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