BA Hons Accounting & Business Enterprise

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Key facts

  • UCAS Code: NN41
  • Accreditation: Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
  • Applicant visit days: these take place in March each year

  • Work placement: you'll gain valuable industry experience in your Honours year

  • Ranked: 3rd in the UK for Accounting & Finance (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)

Study with us

  • learn about the creation of wealth, creativity and resourcefulness and exploiting change
  • develop the skills and expertise required to set up your own business and the entrepreneurship required by organisations
  • gain valuable industry experience in Years 3 and 4, working with placement companies
  • learn from the experiences of our guest lecturers who include industrial contacts and alumni
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Why this course?

Studying accounting at Strathclyde, you'll learn about the preparation, presentation and interpretation of financial information that enables investors, lenders, management, employees, government and others to make effective decisions.

You'll also learn how to read and interpret accounting information in the annual reports of businesses and the financial information within the public sector and become familiar with the principles and practice of presenting information to those who manage all types of organisations.

Accounting at Strathclyde is fully accredited for entry to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland in the majority of study combinations, as well as offering possible exemptions to other professional bodies, for example ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accounting).

Business Enterprise is about the creation of wealth, creativity and resourcefulness and exploiting change. This course is designed for students who want to start a new enterprise, those who want to take over the management of an existing business and those who are aiming for leadership positions.

Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the specific sectors within which business and organisations operate.

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you'll study

Create your own course

Modern business is too complex to be covered by a single subject. Modern managers need to have a broad outlook.

You'll follow a broad-based Year 1 curriculum which will introduce you to foundation accountancy and finance concepts, plus economics and a choice of other introductory business disciplines.

These modules will be taken alongside the Business School’s core modules for international business, business knowledge and skills (the Management Development Programme), and academic skills support. This provides you with the opportunity to try new subjects, some of which you won’t have experienced at school or college.

At the beginning of Year 2, you choose two subjects to continue studying in Years 2 and 3, along with modules required if you are following the accredited accounting pathway, plus further Management Development modules in Years 2 and 3.

Accounting

You'll study core accounting and finance subjects, along with economics. You can also complete accreditation requirements for professional accountancy bodies, if you take the required modules, such as taxation and law.

Please note: competitive progression requirements are in place for entry to the Honours year – currently this is a 55% average in the Year 2 and 3 subject modules.

Business Enterprise

  • Year 1: you’ll gain an understanding of entrepreneurship and its ability to change industries, markets and society, introducing the vocabulary, concepts and practice of enterprise
  • Year 2: you’ll be introduced to key entrepreneurial processes through core classes and electives.
  • Year 3: examines entrepreneurial processes and enterprising skills in different settings.
  • Year 4: you’ll study core classes and also undertake a dissertation.
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Course content

The Accounting programme follows a suite of accounting and finance modules, providing a grounding in these subjects, plus economics and business analysis, plus a choice of another introductory business module.

These are supplemented by the three integrating Business School modules in:

  • international business
  • business knowledge and skills, and
  • academic skills

In Years 2 and 3 you will study accounting plus another business discipline of your choice. The accounting programme will cover: 

  • financial reporting
  • management accounting governance taxation
  • auditing and assurance

Year 4 (Honours) offers a range of modules, for example:

  • Sustainability Accounting
  • Sustainable & purposeful finance
  • Management Accounting Theory & Practice
  • Auditing Theory & Practice
  • Accounting technologies
  • Accounting & Risk

Introduction to Finance and Financial Analysis

This module will provide you with an introduction to finance and accounting, covering the basic concepts and practicalities of corporate finance, the principles of valuation, financial management and business investment, the role and purpose of company accounts and their usefulness, security analysis, risk and returns from investments, and personal finance.

At all times the module content will be linked with financial behaviour and events in the real world.

Accounting Technologies

This module will introduce students to the study of management and financial accounting. It's designed to provide an introduction to accounting for those students who intend to study accounting in subsequent years. It assumes no prior knowledge. It ensures that, in combination with other modules, the accreditation requirements of Professional accountancy bodies are met.

Introduction to Finance & Financial Statistics

This module provides an introduction to finance for accounting students who require a finance stream for professional accreditation. The module will cover an introduction to financial management and statistical applications in finance.

The module provides an introduction to finance, covering the basic theories of financial markets, corporate finance and investment, financial management, personal finance, security analysis and statistical applications in finance.

Introduction to Economics and Business Analysis & Technology (20 credits)

The module will provide you with a balanced introduction to economics which will be based on a programme of systematic directed reading, supplemented by experiments and exercises undertaken in tutorials. 

The module uses the innovative CORE (Curriculum Open-Access Resources in Economics) Econ resources, which provides a complete introduction to economics and the economy. CORE Econ teaches about the economy and economics by starting from a question or a problem about the economy - why the advent of capitalism is associated with a sharp increase in average living standards, for example - and then teach the tools of economics that contribute to an answer. This innovative approach ensures that students understand how the tools of economics can help us understand the modern economy. 

The second half of the module is the study of how analytical thinking, scientific method and associated tools can be used to help decision making. This Business Analysis element of the module will provide an overview of where methods and tools are widely used across a large range of industries including the manufacturing, retail, healthcare, financial services, travel, and electronics industries, as well as in local and national government. 

Examples of where Business Analysis is put into practice are: 

  • the management of new building projects
  • the design of efficient transport systems and plant layouts
  • personnel scheduling
  • allocation of resources and financial modelling and forecasting

This area of expertise can help to reduce costs, increase revenues, improve customer service, increase efficiency and can even save lives. 

Introduction to International Business

This module introduces learners to the field and practice of international business and management.

Drawing on classical and recent debates in theory and practice including, but not limited to commercial concerns, learners will be equipped with an understanding of the foundational principles and developments of the subject.

In the module, we consider how international business and management is researched, and facilitate a critical understanding based on real-life case studies in international contexts. This module gives learners the capacity to look at the past, present and future in organisations and provides the foundations for intellectual progression in the subject, and broadly, for year two and beyond.  

Introduction to Marketing & Entrepreneurship

The aim of this module is to provide you with a solid foundation and understanding of the theories and principles underlying marketing and entrepreneurship. A combination of the subjects will be taught to enhance understanding of the way the two disciplines address issues related to both the macro and micro-environment contexts of markets and entrepreneurship.

Marketing is everywhere in contemporary society. It plays a central role in business as it is concerned with the creation and retention of customers. The module is designed to give you a foundational understanding of marketing and a critical introduction to the topic of marketing in both theory and practice through a series of lectures and workshops.

In your first-year class you will explore the core concepts of value and exchange. You will learn what marketing is and its core principles such as analysing the marketing environment, developing a marketing strategy, and dealing with the marketing mix i.e., product, price, place, and promotion. You will learn how organisations develop a customer centric approach to marketing and how that can create a competitive advantage in a dynamic business environment.

The assessment for this module will involve individual coursework.

In this module, you will be exposed to concepts and ideas from economics, sociology, psychology, geography and other social sciences, all in the context of the competitive business environment.

Entrepreneurship too is a complex process involving many different skills and activities, though it is based upon a 'mindset and process by which an individual or group identifies and successfully exploits a new idea or opportunity. For this part of the module, you'll be working in teams to learn about the ideation process, which forms the foundations of new venture creation, in our Creative Challenge.

Management Development Programme 1

The ICE Pathway - “Innovation, Commercialisation & Entrepreneurship”, where you'll learn about the Foundations of 'What is Business’.  Alongside:

  • Personal & Professional Development: Who am I? How Do I learn? How do I lead & work in a team?
  • Knowledge & Practice: What is a business/organisation? Why does this matter? How does this affect society?
  • Experiential Learning: Real-world cases & clients; team-based and student-centred Learning approaches

Academic Skills

This class aims to support you in developing key skills that are important to both your academic and future career. These include skills associated with:

  • research
  • data analysis
  • critical writing
  • team working
  • communication

Management Development Programme 2

Topics

Semester 1 topics include:

  • Working in Business Organisations
  • Working Business Research & Consultancy
  • Working Internationally
  • Working in the Third Sector
  • Rhetorics & Oratory

Semester 2 is about developing the proposal of Management Development Programme 3; with a presentation and a final report.

Class description

The second year concentrates on developing understanding through industry-specific contextualisation. Sessions are weekly and three hours in length.

The sessions are thematically linked to the pathways for individualised experience in third year whilst also drawing on the theoretical knowledge developed in Management Development Programme 1. In order to develop understanding, organisations will deliver a half-day session. This consists of a one hour plenary introduction where the company and case study are introduced. This is followed by the group sessions where you undertake activities in relation to the case study set by the company.

Accounting

Accounting

The second year of study develops skills in financial and management accounting, while you'll also have the opportunity to study taxation.

Business Enterprise

Creativity & Innovation Management

This class aims to provide you with a rigorous understanding of creativity and innovation through an intensive blend of theoretical and experiential learning activities. You'll be strongly encouraged to submit your work to relevant business/innovation competitions (e.g. the Scottish Institute for Enterprise Young Innovators Competition and the New York City Big Idea Innovation Challenge).

New Venture Planning

This class is designed to provide a practical introduction to drawing up business plans and understanding how new ventures are managed and developed. It will not follow the traditional lecture pattern but will be highly interactive. You'll be involved in individual and group activities which will encourage creative thinking and “learning by doing” in addressing the real opportunities and challenges that face the first-time entrepreneur.

 

Management Development Programme 3

The third year of centres on individualised experience in an organisational context through one of the following pathways:

  • Internship/Charities - gain practical experience in a private or third sector organisation. You need to negotiate and locate your own organisation and experience – this is one of the key learning points of the pathway.
  • Research and consultancy - a facility for local small businesses to gain from the experience and expertise of those within Strathclyde Business School. You work on two live business consultancy projects (one in each semester) and, as a team of six, develop solutions and strategic initiatives for the local SME economy.
  • International experience – only available for students who are undertaking an international exchange for either one semester or full year.
  • Vertically Integrated Projects - working on a cross-faculty basis to research longitudinal projects (including the ‘Bill Gates Toilet Challenge, Solar Panels for Gambia and Enterprise in Schools) you work with a team of students from all levels of study (first year undergraduate to final year PhD) to further the work of the project.

In addition, you’re required to undertake a social responsibility element (this accounts for one quarter of the overall workload).

These have been designed to provide support to the Curriculum for Excellence and the Widening Access to Higher Education programme. There are no formal classes for Management Development Programme 3 although there is pathway support with the pathway leads and tutor support.

Accounting

Accounting

Classes in this year of study cover financial and management accounting and the study of auditing. By the end of this year you'll normally have completed the accreditation requirements for professional accountancy bodies, provided you have taken the classes prescribed for the accredited pathway.

Business Enterprise

Entrepreneurial Capital & Resources

This class provides an intense grounding in entrepreneurial capital. The need for both capability and commitment are stressed. After a grounding in the theoretical and empirical literature on entrepreneurial capital, you'll enhance your own entrepreneurial capital through a set of practical assignments. The class aims to build your awareness of different forms of entrepreneurial capital and build their effectiveness in entrepreneurial finance.

 

Venture Management Strategy & Growth

Having established a good understanding of the economic and social impact of entrepreneurship, opportunity identification, and starting and resourcing a new venture in previous modules, in this class you're presented with the challenges and opportunities of managing and growing the venture in a sustainable way. Through working with local businesses, you'll have the opportunity to assess the management practices of Scottish SMEs and consult them on their growth strategies.

 

Accounting

Accounting

Honours classes include:

  • Management Accounting Theory & Practice
  • Accounting Information Systems
  • Sustainability Accounting
  • Theory & Practice
  • Strategic Accounting & Financial Management in Entrepreneurial Firms
  • Public Sector Accounting
  • Accounting Theories
  • Accounting & Risk
  • Corporate Governance
  • Contemporary Issues in International Financial Reporting
  • Understanding 21st-century Accounting Technologies & Institutional Structures
  • Integrative Studies in Management & Accounting
  • Accounting Ethics
  • Auditing Theory & Practice & Taxation

Business Enterprise

Venture Management in Practice

The class investigates the entrepreneurial and management issues associated with the growth of an established venture. It allows you to extend and build on your knowledge of entrepreneurship and small firms, by investigating internal and external issues faced by growth oriented ventures; as they seek to grow in a sustainable way through the application multiple capital resources. You'll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and understanding in a real situation by undertaking an individual applied business development project, within an established entrepreneurial venture. 

 

International Entrepreneurship

This class is designed to highlight the growing importance of entrepreneurship in the international arena and to enable you to understand both the entry modes for international entrepreneurship and the typical obstacles faced by entrepreneurs and SMEs in moving into the international arena. 

 

Issues & Trends in Entrepreneurship

This class will provide an opportunity to explore contemporary, emerging and cutting edge themes in entrepreneurship theory and practice. It will provide you with up-to-date and relevant insights into contemporary academic thinking on the entrepreneurship discipline, insights from practicing ‘master’ entrepreneurs and exposure to emerging trends that will shape the future entrepreneurial landscape. This course builds on the academic content of previous courses with in-depth exposure to contemporary academic theories and empirical studies on entrepreneurship.

 

Research Methods

In Honours year, you should develop as an independent learner who can demonstrate the ability to conduct research independently within the Business Enterprise discipline. The module is supported with a Research Methods class, which aims to enhance your research skills.

 

Family Business Theory & Practice

The class examines the distinctive advantages and unique challenges that face family firms and builds an enhanced appreciation of the different perspectives of the various stakeholders associated with family business. It allows you to extend your knowledge of entrepreneurship and small firms by considering the specific dynamics of family ownership. The class will benefit from the input of guest speakers, including owners of family firms.

 

Triple-accredited business school

Learning & teaching

Teaching is over two semesters in blocks of 12 weeks. Classes are taught through lectures, tutorials, and seminars alongside team-based projects, online materials, and interactive sessions using personal response systems.

External contributors from partnership corporate organisations are involved in teaching and/or assessment of student presentations.

The innovative and highly acclaimed Management Development Programme (MDP) is at the core of our undergraduate degrees in the Business School and comprises a series of classes which you take throughout Years 1 to 3. 

You develop knowledge and skills in key areas of management, and team-working, communication and decision-making skills, all of which are highly sought-after by employers.

Major employers and alumni from all sectors are involved in the MDP, participating in group sessions, observing student presentations, and providing feedback. Organisations involved include Barclays, Deloitte, Procter & Gamble and Ernst & Young. In first year the best teams are selected to present to senior staff in one of the sponsoring organisations, and there are prizes for the best projects.

The programme builds your confidence, entrepreneurial capabilities and promotes awareness of globalisation and ethical issues in personal and business decision-making. In Year 3, you develop your own pathway from internships, involvement with business projects, engagement in interdisciplinary activities and business clinics.

Assessment

The majority of classes involve a final unseen exam which is normally at the end of the semester. This is typically supplemented by individual and/or group coursework.

Students normally have one opportunity to be re-assessed for a failed class. Exam resits usually take place during the summer.

A range of assessment techniques are used including business reports, case studies, essays, presentations, individual and group projects, learning journals and peer assessments.

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Entry requirements

Required subjects are shown in brackets.

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Highers

Standard entry requirements*:

  • 1st sitting: AAAA/AAABB
  • 2nd sitting: AAAABBB

(English B, Maths A)

Minimum entry requirements**:

  • 1st sitting: AABB
  • 2nd sitting: AAABBB

(Maths A, English B)

A Levels

AAA

(GCSE English Language 6/B or Literature 6/B, or an essay-based A Level B may be considered in lieu of English; A Level Maths A)

International Baccalaureate

36

(no subject below 5 and including English SL5, Maths/Maths Studies HL5)

HNC/HND

Relevant HNC/HND, A in Graded Units; for advice on entry to Year 2, contact Business School Admissions:

+44 (0)141 548 4024
sbs-ug-admissions@strath.ac.uk

International students

View the entry requirements for your country.

Deferred entry

Not normally accepted.

*Standard entry requirements

Offers are made in accordance with specified entry requirements although admission to undergraduate programmes is considered on a competitive basis and entry requirements stated are normally the minimum level required for entry.

Whilst offers are made primarily on the basis of an applicant meeting or exceeding the stated entry criteria, admission to the University is granted on the basis of merit, and the potential to succeed. As such, a range of information is considered in determining suitability.

In exceptional cases, where an applicant does not meet the competitive entry standard, evidence may be sought in the personal statement or reference to account for performance which was affected by exceptional circumstances, and which in the view of the judgement of the selector would give confidence that the applicant is capable of completing the programme of study successfully.

**Minimum entry requirements

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

Contextual Admissions for Widening Access

We want to increase opportunities for people from every background.

Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential, and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

University preparation programme for international students

We offer international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Business and Social Sciences at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. ​

Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Strathclyde.

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Visit our international students' section

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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

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Scotland

£1,820

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland are subject to confirmation by the Scottish Funding Council. Scottish undergraduate students undertaking an exchange for a semester/year will continue to pay their normal tuition fees at Strathclyde and will not be charged fees by the overseas institution.

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£9,250

Assuming no change in fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2024/25, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and integrated Masters programmes), MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply.

Republic of IrelandIf you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process.
International

£19,600

University preparation programme fees

International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Additional costs

Accounting

Course materials & costs

Textbooks do vary in price from around £40 to £100. The majority are provided free in the library or via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) platform. For budgeting purposes, we recommend allowing £200 per academic year for books.

Other costs

Students may be required to make hardcopy submissions for some assignments and will cover the cost of printing. Students are required to print and bind their dissertation. The cost will depend on the length of dissertation but an average cost would be in the region of £40. Graduation gown hire.

Business Enterprise

Course materials

Students are required to provide materials/props for a second year Tradeshow event. The cost of this will vary dependant on the group project however could be in the region of £10.  Each class has reading materials and/or e-books available.  Extra textbooks may be required at a cost around £40 per book (though not always essential).

Placements & field trips

Students will be required to cover any travel costs associated with data collection for their Undergraduate Dissertation.

Other costs

Students are required to pay for printing and binding of their Undergraduate Dissertation. The cost will depend on the length of dissertation but an average cost would be in the region of £40.

Study abroad

Typically, the cost of one semester abroad could be between £6,500 to £8,500 depending on the destination, currency exchange rates and lifestyle choices. Tuition fees are not paid to the exchange institution but continue to be paid to Strathclyde University in the usual way, however students are responsible for their own travel and living expenses i.e. flights, insurance, visa application, vaccinations/associated medical costs, accommodation, food, textbooks etc.

Students are eligible to apply for a student loan as usual but must let the award agency (eg SAAS) know that they will be studying or working overseas on a compulsory exchange.

Students may be eligible for external funding however this is not guaranteed; the University of Strathclyde will continue to participate in the Erasmus programme until May 2023 however are also participating in UK’s Turing Scheme. The Turing Scheme offer contribution towards living costs for students undertaking work or study abroad as part of their degree and is calculated based on length of placement and living costs at destination.

Students with an exchange place outside Europe are eligible to apply to the Neil Hood Memorial Fund for a scholarship. Full details of the application process are provided to all eligible students. Other scholarship opportunities may be available through the Alumni & Development department.

International students

International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

How can I fund my studies?

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Students from Scotland

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.

For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.

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Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland

We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:

You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility. Have a look at our scholarship search for any more funding opportunities.

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International Students

We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow
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Careers

The majority of study combinations of this course leads to a fully-accredited degree, allowing you to train for membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.

Many of our accounting graduates go onto qualify as Chartered Accountants through one of the major accounting bodies (ICAS, ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA and CIPFA).

Accounting graduates find jobs as trainee accountants, auditors and tax trainees. Employers include Santander, Ernst & Young and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, HBOS, KPMG and Morgan Stanley.

Graduates specialising in Business Enterprise develop the skills to set up their own business and the entrepreneurial mindset and business skills required by organisations.

You’ll have the potential to work in financial services, retail, consultancy and manufacturing with job titles such as analyst, business development manager and project manager.

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Apply

Start date:

Accounting & Business Enterprise (1 year entry)

Start date: Sep 2024

Accounting & Business Enterprise (1 year entry)

full-time
Start date: Sep 2024

UCAS Applications

Apply through UCAS if you are a UK applicant. International applicants may apply through UCAS if they are applying to more than one UK University.

Apply now

Direct Applications

Our Direct applications service is for international applicants who wish to apply to the University of Strathclyde at this time.

Apply now

Start date:

Accounting & Business Enterprise (2 year entry)

Start date: Sep 2025

Accounting & Business Enterprise (1 year entry)

full-time
Start date: Sep 2025

UCAS Applications

Apply through UCAS if you are a UK applicant. International applicants may apply through UCAS if they are applying to more than one UK University.

Apply now

Direct Applications

Our Direct applications service is for international applicants who wish to apply to the University of Strathclyde at this time.

Apply now
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Contact us

General enquiries

Business School Admissions

Telephone: +44 (0)141 548 4024

Email: sbs-ug-admissions@strath.ac.uk

Course-specific enquiries

Accounting

Telephone: +44 (0)141 548 3261

Email: accfin@strath.ac.uk

Business Law

Telephone: +44 (0)141 548 3738

Email: hass-courses-law@strath.ac.uk

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