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Accounting (BSc (Hons))

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Programme Description

The BSc Accounting is a distinctive broad business degree. It is unique in that it prepares students for a career in business and finance and for the pursuit of a professional accounting qualification, to further enhance career progression in business. Students have the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects including finance, law, management, economics, information systems, accounting, marketing and statistics.

The programme is delivered by top-tier, friendly and supportive lecturers. Lecturers include experienced academics and professionals; who have worked in a variety of major accounting firms, financial institutions and leading industrial companies. Some lecturers also teach at professional accounting level for the main professional accounting bodies. They have PhDs and are research active in UCC. Lecturers also consult for industry and publish regularly in international journals that are pertinent to industry and practice.

The programme boasts relatively small class sizes (approximately 70 students). This creates a student-friendly environment in which students benefit from high levels of guidance, support and peer networking, forming an excellent foundation for the development of life skills, critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork.

The degree is designed to produce high-quality graduates equipped with skills to succeed in a variety of diverse roles while also offering a fast track into a career as a professional accountant. The programme maximises the exemptions from professional accounting body exams relative to other UCC undergraduate degrees (see Professional Accountancy Qualification below for more information).

The majority of graduates go on to qualify as professional accountants and subsequently go on to pursue successful careers in diverse roles in a range of sectors. Careers include finance managers, business analysts, advisory, investment managers, risk management, business owners, teaching, as well as professional accountants. Recruitment of UCC accounting graduates remains exceptionally high among leading firms nationally and internationally. Employment prospects are excellent with nearly 100% of recent (2017 & 2018) graduates in employment (70% average) or further study (27% average). As a professional accountant, you will have an interesting and well-rewarded career.

Modules

Each year, students complete 12 modules amounting to 60 credits, except for third year where students are on paid work placement for semester 2.

During the programme students study modules from finance, law, IT, management, economics, accounting, auditing, governance, marketing, statistics and tax subjects.

Year 1 Modules

In year 1 students are given a thorough introduction to all business subjects which underpin the profession: finance, economics, IT, statistics, financial accounting and management accounting. AC1103 Financial Accounting Fundamentals; AC1104 Accounting for Partnerships and Companies; AC1107 Investment in Capital Assets; AC1108 Introduction to Valuation and Risk; AC1109 Management Accounting: Principles and Concepts; AC1115 Management Accounting: Cost & Control Systems; EC1202 Business Economics 1; EC1203 Business Economics 2; IS1106 Introduction to Information Systems; IS1107 Information Systems for the Networked Enterprise; ST1023 Introduction to Business Statistics; ST2200 Methods of Business Statistics

Year 2 Modules

In Year 2 students take a combination of compulsory and elective modules, allowing students to begin to specialise in fields which interest them. Compulsory modules further develop knowledge of financial accounting, management accounting and finance while also introducing students to law and taxation subjects.

* Compulsory modules (40 credits) include: International Financial Reporting; Consolidated Financial Statements and Reporting; Placement Plan; Introduction to Taxation; Data Analysis, Business Reporting & Process Automation; Corporate Financial Management; Introduction to the Legal System and Introduction to Business Law.

* Elective modules (20 credits) are chosen from: Business Microeconomics:  Object-Oriented Business Modelling, Systems Analysis and Design: System Analysis and Systems Design: Systems Analysis and Systems Change: Introduction to Marketing: Introduction to Management and Organisation: People and Organisation: Data Analysis II: Introduction to Operations Research: Modelling and Systems for Decision Making.

 

Year 3 Modules

In Year 3 students will study in UCC for Semester 1, then complete a 6-month paid work placement (see Work Placement information below). Students build on their accounting and business knowledge. There is a focus on group work and teamwork and other soft skills in preparation for placement.

* Compulsory modules: International Financial Reporting 2: Theory and Practice; Intermediate Management Accounting; Auditing; Multinational Finance; Cases in Corporate Finance; and Governance, Regulation and Control of Financial Organisations; Management Accounting: Data & Decision Making.

 

Year 4 Modules

In Year 4 students will have a large selection of elective modules to study. Module selection will be guided by their placement experience.

* Compulsory modules (20 credits) include: Management Accounting: Planning and Control; Management Accounting: Data & Decision Making; Financial Information Analysis; Corporate Valuation.

* Elective Modules (40 credits) are selected from Economics, Information Systems, Accounting, Law, Marketing and Management subjects.

For a full list of module options please see the BSc Accounting College Calendar and for complete descriptions of the modules listed above please see Book of Modules.

Why Choose This Course

The BSc Accounting is an excellent springboard for students with the ambition to succeed in business.

· Breadth of subjects:

  •  Students can study law, marketing, IT, economics, statistics, management, accounting, finance, tax and auditing.

· Career preparation:

  • Graduates are well supported and are professionally focused.
  • Work Experience on placement – paid work placement in 3rd year in leading Irish and International companies e.g. PWC, KPMG, EY Deloitte, Apple.
  • Post-placement 80% of students are offered a graduate contract with their respective placement organisation.
  • Students obtain the highest number of possible professional accounting body exemptions available from an undergraduate degree.

· Quality of teaching:

  • Experienced lecturers many of whom have extensive academic and industry experience.
  • Small class sizes – students receive exceptional guidance and build a strong professional network.
  • Success of past graduates in professional accounting exams.

· Reputation:

  • The programme is highly regarded by leading employers, including the big 4 accountancy firms.
  • Exceptional employment record and prospects – graduates are well-rewarded and in high demand (see - National Skills Bulletin 2019 Page 86).

Skills and Careers Information

Over the course of the four-year programme students will learn how to prepare, understand, analyse and audit company financial statements. additionally, students will gain broad business skills as well as knowledge in the areas of finance, economics, information systems, law, management and marketing and taxation. These skills are widely sought by employers in all areas of business.

Professional Accountancy Qualification:

While BSc accounting is a business degree, many students choose to pursue a professional accountancy qualification upon graduation because of the significant associated benefits. a professional accounting qualification training contract can open a wide range of different opportunities in a variety of sectors and geographical locations. the training contract provides them with insights into many different businesses/industries and the wide range of roles available within an accounting practice. this experience along with the technical knowledge and professional qualification can accelerate their career in their chosen field.

Post Professional Accounting Qualification Opportunities:

  • Fast career progression – 45% of chartered accountants promoted in the last year.
  • The high first-time pass rate for BSc accounting graduates in professional exams.
  • Internationally recognised qualification – Irish qualified accountants are in constant demand in Ireland and worldwide, even in recessions.
  • Broad career opportunities within financial services, industry, accountancy firms and public sector.
  • The blend of education and work experience provided by a training contract produces professionals with an enhanced ability to analyse and interpret business problems. students pursuing accountancy qualifications will have a clear vision of their career path from day one.no other career offers the same level of mobility within industries and geographies.

 

Professional Qualification Exemptions:

BSc accounting students gain the highest possible amount of exemptions from professional body exams available from an undergraduate degree.

No other UCC degree gives students as many exemptions.

For professional accounting body exemption details awarded to BSc accounting graduates please see the links below and enter University College Cork when prompted.

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI)

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

Certified Public Accountants of Ireland (CPAI)

Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA)

Study Abroad

In year 3 of the programme students have to opportunity to go on a 6-month paid work placement with some of world’s leading companies, organised by UCC Careers Service. Extensive preparation for placement commences at the start of year 2. During placement, students are supported by both academic and business mentors.

Students gain experience in high-quality professional environments in globally renowned firms including Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PWC, AIB, Apple, CITCO, Eli Lilly and FDC. As a result, students successfully apply and contextualise academic studies, develop professional skills and explore career opportunities. Students also have the opportunity to secure their placement abroad for example in London, Luxembourg etc.

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • Communicate and work effectively to a professional standard;
  • Demonstrate analytical and problem solving skills associated with effective practice;
  • Engage in the application of frameworks and techniques in organisational settings;
  • Understand the context of financial accounting in the business environment and provide fundamental accounting capabilities to organisations;
  • Understanding of managerial accounting and finance as a basis for developing the tools and knowledge required to meet management information needs;
  • Demonstrate both an awareness and practical knowledge of government decisions, taxation, IT and laws on business.
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Additional Information

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Practicalities & Assessment

Expected lecture hours: 12 lecture hours per week. Lectures may be further supplemented by tutorials and computer lab time.

Assessment

Written exams will take place at both the end of Semester 1 and Semester 2. Some modules will not have a formal end of term written examinations. These modules use other types of assessment and may typically require students to complete tasks such as a project, essay, presentation or an in-class written test.

Full module information is detailed in the section below.

Assessment

 

 

 

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Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

For full programme requirements, please refer to the University College Cork Academic Calendar here

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Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate entry requirements:

At Least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish. Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:

English

Irish

Maths

Other Language

O6/H7

O6/H7

O6/H7

O6/H7

You do NOT need to have studied Accounting or Higher Level Maths at Leaving Certificate.

Mature students: Applicants should apply directly through the CAO, include a statement of interest and may be called for interview. Leaving Certificate Maths is recommended. Approximately four places are available on this programme for mature applicants.

International Students should visit the International Education website.

Non-EU Candidates

Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to Irish university primary degree level. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. To verify if you meet the minimum academic requirements for this programme please visit our qualification comparison pages.

For more detailed entry requirement information please refer to the International website .

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Application Process

EU Applicants: Application to Year 1 of the degree programme is made directly through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Applicants should apply online at www.cao.ie. The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of proposed entry.

Mature Applicants:  Application is made through the CAO and the closing date for the receipt of completed applications is 1st February in the year of proposed entry. Find out about the mature entry requirements here.

Non-EU Applications

For full details of the non-EU application procedure please visit our how to apply pages for international students. In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above.

For more information please contact the International Office.

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Work Placement Information

Work Placement Details 

Benefits of work placement include:

  • Practical experience in industry
  • Improved job opportunities
  • Experience in teamwork and development of interpersonal skills
  • Awareness of current developments in the sector

For furthur Information , visit UCC Work Placement Website

For more info
Programme Code:
BSCAC
Duration:
4 years
Teaching Mode:
Classroom
Qualification:
BSc (Hons)
NFQ Level:
Level 8
Leaving Certificate:
2020: 509
Fee:
Irish/EU: Student Contribution + Capitation: €3,130

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