Accounting

Stage 1

This stage incorporates five CIMA certificate level papers. You will study a full range of subjects, from financial accounting to ethics, and begin to build on your accounting and business knowledge. You will also study a module focusing on academic and professional skills and start to develop key transferable skills.

Stage 2

You will develop skills in accounting, business and presentation writing, analysis and research through relevant coursework. You will study three CIMA operational level papers and the integrated operational level case study covering management accounting and financial accounting, whilst also studying business, business operations and enterprise theory.

Stage 3

You will extend your skill set further through contemporary modules including Academic Literature Review and Business Management. You will complete three CIMA examinations and the integrated management level case study required to achieve the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting.

Top-Up

If you already hold the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting or an equivalent professional accounting qualification such as ACCA,  you are able to enter the course at and advanced stage to achieve the BSc degree. You will study a selection of modules from Auditing, Digital Business, Business Opportunities, Evidencing Employability as well as Literature review. These ensure you graduate with the business and academic skills you would have gained if you studied the full degree course.

Learning Methods

The BSc Accounting is an online course taught through CampusMoodle, the university’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which offers students flexibility of where and when they can study.

CampusMoodle offers full open access to tutors and other class members. Students have the benefit of being part of a group of learners with the invaluable opportunity to participate in active, group-related learning within a supportive online community setting. The online campus provides students with lectures and course materials and it also includes:

• Virtual tutorials
• Live chat
• Discussion forums - student and tutor led
• Up-to-date web technology for delivery methods
• User friendly material

How long is a BSc Accounting course?

A BSc Accounting degree can be completed between 3 years (full-time) to 6 years (part-time). The top-up can be completed in 12 months.

Activity Summary

This summary shows the activity for Year 3 in full-time mode, other modes may vary. 

• Tutorial - 20 students per group, 96 hours per term
• Independent Study - 1104 hours per term

Independent Study

The course requires you to become independent 'open learners' and take responsibility for when, where and how your learning occurs. You will spend approximately 20 hours per week working on your own, undertaking prescribed reading, preparing for group activities and researching and writing course reports.

Staff Delivering on This Course

You will benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our teaching staff on the accounting modules who are all chartered accountants, many of whom qualified with a Big Four firm: Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers. All have completed a certificate in Higher Education Learning and Teaching.

Other staff members include industry professionals and staff with Research experience.

Assessment

This summary shows the assessment methods for Full-Time Online Distance Learning and Full-time Top-Up, other modes may vary.

Stage 1

• 4 written CIMA exams, typically for 90 minutes (Full-time)
• 1 written assignment, including essays (Full-time)
• 6 written assignments, including essays (Top up)

Stage 2

• 3 written CIMA exams, typically for 90 minutes (Full-time)
• 4 written assignments, including essays (Full-time)
• 1 x 3 hour case study (Full-time)

Stage 3

• 3 written CIMA exams, typically for 90 minutes (Full-time)
• 4 written assignments, including essays (Full-time)
• 1 x 3 hour case study (Full-time)

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written CIMA exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Job Prospects

The BSc Accounting course allows you to study for two qualifications at the same time - thereby enabling you to enter the sector with a competitive advantage.

Is the BSc Accounting a good course choice?

The accounting profession is a highly regarded one, both in the UK and overseas and both awards are very well known within the industry. Opportunities for future careers exist within local, national and international companies in the areas of management accounting, financial accounting and also in commercial roles requiring financial analysis skills.

In addition to a professional career, there are opportunities for you study for further academic qualifications at RGU.

What is needed for a BSc Accounting course?

• SQA Higher: BBBB
• GCE A level: BCC
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H3H3H3
• IB Diploma: 28

Alternative Qualifications

We will also consider students with relevant accounting experience.

Entry into Stage 2 and other exemptions

There is the opportunity for direct entry to Stage 2 if you have completed either the CIMA Certificate of Business Accounting, the AAT level 4 (Level 8 – Scotland),  or hold relevant exemptions.

HNC and HND students, and students with other relevant prior qualifications, should contact CIMA directly to confirm their exemption status.

Top-up Option

The entry requirement for this Top-up course are for applicants to have successfully completed the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting or an equivalent professional accounting qualification such as ACCA.

English Language Requirements

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Our Pre-Sessional English Programme (PSP) is available for students who have not yet reached the required English level and those who would like to improve their language competency.

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Tuition fees for this BSc Accounting course are as follows:

For Academic Year 2021/2022

All Students

Online Learning Full-time

• £3,290 per academic year

Online Learning Part-time

• £1,645 per academic year
• £4,000 for the Stage 3 top-up

For Academic Year 2020/2021

All Students

Online Learning Full-time

• £3,290 per academic year

Online Learning Part-time

• £1,645 per academic year
• £4,000 for the Stage 3 top-up

Additional Costs

The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:

• The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
• Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
• Accommodation and living costs
• Printing
• CIMA Exam fees £70 - £155 per exam depending on the level
• Exemption fees: £70-£155 per exam depending on the level
• £20 CIMA registration fee

Payment Options

All students with fees payable over £600 are eligible to pay their fees on an instalment basis according to the University payment system. For further information see:

Student Funding

Many of our existing students on this course are funded wholly or partially by their employer.  Arrangements can be made for the employer to be invoiced.

Scottish students can apply to SAAS for a part time fee grant:

English students can apply for loan funding through Student Finance England. Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:

Scholarships and Financial Awards

You may also qualify for a scholarship or financial award:

Widening Access Accommodation and Welcome Pack Offer

If you are applying to RGU for September 2021 and meet widening access criteria, you may qualify for free accommodation in your first year of study, along with our welcome pack to support your transition to university. Find out if you are eligible:

Disclaimer

For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter.