What will I study on an accountancy degree?

An accountancy degree isn’t a must-have to get into the accountancy profession, but if you know the ‘bean-counter’ career path is the one for you, an undergraduate degree in accountancy may be just the thing for you!

Courses at different universities will provide different syllabuses, but here’s a taster of the core subjects you’re likely to cover:

  • Audit
  • Taxation
  • Accounting theory and practice
  • Accounting structures and processes
  • Financial markets
  • Management accounting
  • Law and ethics
  • Business strategy
  • Corporate finance

Courses last either three or four years, and can be studied on a full-time, part-time or distance learning basis, so it’s a very flexible subject to fit around your needs.

As you get stuck into your course research, you’ll also spot that quite a few accountancy courses are also joined with finance study to give a wider scope for preparation for work in business. But it’s really up to you to determine which is the right university and course to best suit you.

Entry requirements

A*AB or AAB at A-level or top Scottish Highers grades at some universities; others may have slightly lower entry requirements. Maths is usually a prerequisite as a subject you’ll have to have taken. IB scores will have to be around 36.

Accountancy is also one of those golden subjects that is regularly given as an option as a sponsored degree with certain employers. This incorporates work experience in the industry and study for the degree – all paid for by an employer! You will be able to apply for one of these beauties with A-levels, Highers or the IB – usually including at least a B in maths A-level or the equivalent.

Where could an accountancy degree take me?

The analytical skills you develop on an accountancy degree make this a very flexible qualification for opportunities within the business and finance sector with plenty of employment prospects – businesses will always need accountants! You could go for graduate schemes with professional services firms, specialist accountancy firms or consultancies offering accounting services, as well as a whole bag of in-house finance opportunities with companies across pretty much any industry you can think of! Check out the jobs section to find out about the kinds of jobs that would be available to you with a degree in this discipline.

Typical industries for accountancy graduates

  • Accountancy
  • In-house Finance
  • Tax
  • Human Resources

A degree in accountancy could also fast track you in study for a professional qualification in accountancy later on, and help you on your way to obtaining Chartered status as a top accountant.