BA Accounting & Economics
ApplyKey facts
- UCAS Code: NL41
Accreditation: Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
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Second-year entry: may be available to suitably-qualified students
Applicant visit days: these take place in March each year
Study with us
- learn at a pioneering internationally-renowned academic organisation
- ranked 2nd in the UK for Accounting & Finance, and Top 10 for Economics, in the Complete University Guide Subject Tables 2021
- awarded Times Higher Education UK Business School of the Year in 2016
- our BA Accounting is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) and CIMA for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations
- learn about the preparation, presentation and interpretation of financial information
- use key economics concepts and models to better understand real-world problems
- develop excellent analytical and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers
How could the Covid-19 pandemic affect my studies?
Covid-19: information & FAQsWhy 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, eg Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
Following the recent global economic crisis, economics is more important and relevant than ever. Decisions on money, banking, interest rates, taxation and government spending affect us all, with global consequences.
Economics aims to understand the activities of the different agents in the economy – consumers, producers and the government – and how they all fit together.
Our degree will give you the ability to explain complex data in simple terms to different audiences. You’ll also develop excellent mathematical, statistical and problem-solving skills.
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 choose basic classes in business and other disciplines, alongside the Business School’s Management Development Programme. You’ll study a wide variety of subjects and create a curriculum to suit your interests and needs.
You also have 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. You’ll also select a third, ‘minor’ subject and take further Management Development skills classes.
Apply under the general UCAS entry code N100 if you’d prefer to discuss your subject choices once you arrive. To study accounting, apply under N400 or one of the other accounting codes listed on the site.
What you’ll study
Accounting
You'll study core accounting and finance subjects, complemented with the study of economics and law. You'll also have the opportunity to complete the accreditation requirements for professional accountancy bodies if you take the classes for this route.
In your Honours year, you can either specialise in accounting as a single Honours subject or continue to a joint Honours degree.
You'll also study issues in class then investigate them further in a dissertation project.
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, eg Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
Economics
Year 1
The first year of study looks at consumers and industries, with markets, market failure and the role of government, unemployment and inflation. No previous knowledge of economics is assumed but the class is also suitable if you've studied the subject before.
Year 2
You'll take core classes in microeconomics and macroeconomics and choose from a number of optional classes.
Year 3
As a third-year student, you will study a combination of core and optional classes to develop the foundations laid in Years 1 and 2 with a view to Honours study.
Year 4
Optional classes complement the areas of microeconomics and macroeconomics. You'll also write a dissertation.
Facilities
Teaching includes lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops, all taking place in excellent accommodation with Wi-Fi access. Library and other study facilities are excellent, as are all of the resources to make your life as a student fulfilling and enjoyable.
As a BA student, you'll find that one of the most important resources available to you is being part of the Strathclyde Business School community. One example of this is the Strathclyde Business School Blog, used extensively by staff and students to showcase our activities.
Student competitions
Prizes for best overall performance are awarded to students in all years of study. We also offer a prize for the best final dissertation in economics in the final Honours year of study. All prize recipients will be invited to attend the Graduation Reception for our final year students.
.jpg "Zhibo Xie, Accounting & Economics student")
Strathclyde has given me lots of opportunities to give my utmost effort in completing projects and events, and all these have brought me closer to becoming the type of leader I aspire to become.
Accounting & Economics
Course content
The Management Development Programme (MDP) is a core element of the undergraduate degree programme in the Strathclyde Business School.
The programme runs for the first three years of the BA degree. The entire class is driven by real business problems. The approach to learning is active problem-based, with students working in project teams.
The class aims to encourage integration of the knowledge and experience gained in Principal Subjects. Each year of the MDP focuses on different aspects of business and the content of MDP is constantly evolving and being updated and enhanced.
Management Development Programme 1
Topics
First Year aims to help you make the transition to the university context. Semester 1 is the Thematic Semester: The World of Business Today and covers topics such as:
- Social-Ethical-Environmental Governance (SEEG)
- Business Ethics
- Disruptive Technologies
Semester 2: Functional Semester: Organisations Today covers topics such as:
- Creativity & Responsibility
- Marketing & Sustainability across Domains
Class description
The first year of the programme is centred on the construction of knowledge in classroom setting with theoretical constructs developed. For each topic we’ve recorded a video by a Strathclyde academic who is a leading expert in the field.
You’ll watch these lectures in advance of each session and complete a pre-sessional activity. The pre-sessional work then forms the basis of team based activities work in the classroom (groups of 50 and teams of six-seven) where you develop an agreed understanding of the topic and present this to the group.
The feedback gained from this activity then feeds directly into the assessment for the block. You’ll complete 16 assignments in the two semesters of the class.
Accounting
Course summary
Introduction to accounting and finance, complemented by study of economics and law.
Economics
Introduction to Economics
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 MDP3; 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 MDP 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
Course summary
The second year of study develops skills in financial and management accounting, while you'll also have the opportunity to study taxation.
Economics
Microeconomics 2
Macroeconomics 2
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 SBS. You work on two live business consultancy projects (one in each semester) and, as a team of 6, 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 MDP3 although there is pathway support with the pathway leads and tutor support.
Accounting
Course summary
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.
Economics
Microeconomics 3
Macroeconomics 3
Accounting
Course summary
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
Economics
Dissertation
Elective classes
Microeconomics 4
Macroeconomics 4
Introduction to Econometrics
Economics of Firms & Industries
Industrial Economics
Applied Econometrics
In the third year econometrics class you’ll have learned about regression in both a cross-sectional data and time series data context. This class extends that knowledge in three ways.
First, for cross-sectional data, the class deals with regression techniques where the dependent variable may be restricted or limited in some way. In such cases, the regression model as taught in the third year class is not appropriate; this class develops models which are similar in spirit to the standard regression model, but can handle all of these cases.
A second purpose of Applied Econometrics is to develop regression methods which can be used when you have panel data - consisting of both cross-sectional and time-series dimensions.
Third, the class will build on the introduction to the econometrics of time series data developed in this class by developing two classes of models.
Financial Development & Economic Growth
This class gives a balanced view of the role of finance in promoting long-run economic growth, but also booms and busts. The nature and role of financial intermediaries will be introduced, and, afterwards, formally addressed in a simple aggregate growth model. Empirical evidence will be examined, before turning to the specifics of micro-finance. The importance of financial globalisation will also be investigated. Finally, the rest of the class will be devoted to deciphering the causes and consequences of the current financial crisis.
Behavioural Economics
Behavioural Economics offers alternative theories that merge psychological insights with economic theory and are based on experimental and other evidence, that attempt to provide a better explanation of real-world behaviour.
This class is concerned with exploring these new behavioural theories with the aim of providing you with an expanded toolkit with which to approach ‘real-world Economics’ that is based on the burgeoning Behavioural Economics literature that has emerged over the past two or three decades.
After studying this, you should be able to extend much of your previously-learned knowledge in Microeconomics in various directions that take into account more realistic ways of modelling how individuals behave.
Natural Resource, Environmental & Energy Economics
The class provides you with an introduction to natural resource, environmental and energy economics and policy. It focuses on the contributions of economics to understanding environmental, energy and resource problems, their causes, and the design of effective public policies to counteract them.
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 normally supplemented by individual and/or group coursework.
In some cases, you can get an exemption from the final exam if you achieve a specific mark for your coursework (and satisfying attendance requirements).
Students normally have one opportunity to be re-assessed for a failed class. Exam resits normally 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.
Entry requirements
Required subjects are shown in brackets.
| Highers | Standard entry requirements*:
(English B, Maths A) Minimum entry requirements**:
(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 | 38 (no subject below 5 and including English SL5, Maths HL6) |
| HNC/HND | Relevant HNC/HND, A in Graded Units; for advice on entry to Year 2, contact Business School Admissions: |
| International students | Find out entry requirements for your country by visiting our country pages. |
| 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
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.
Degree preparation course for international students
We offer international students (non-EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation year programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
Upon successful completion, you will be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 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
Fees & funding
2020/21
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
| Scotland | TBC* 2020/21: £1,820 *Fees for students domiciled 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. |
|---|---|
| Rest of UK | TBC* 2020/21: £9,250 *Assuming no change in RUK fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2021-22, 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. |
| International | £16,000 |
| 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. |
| Additional costs | AccountingCourse materials & costsTextbooks 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 costsStudents 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. Study abroadStrathclyde Business School Exchange (compulsory for IBML (one year) and IB (one semester) and optional for BA) Typically the cost of one semester abroad could be £6-8,000 depending on the destination and currency exchange rates. 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 ie flights, insurance, visa application, 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 on a compulsory exchange. Students with an exchange place in Europe are eligible for Erasmus funding (subject to the outcome of Brexit negotiations) and full details of this process will be provided by the University. 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. EconomicsCourse materials & CostsCourse materials comprise both textbooks and course handbooks. All of the compulsory handbooks are available to students free on the VLE. Some classes may have a recommended core textbook which you may wish to purchase but copies will be available in the University Library. Other costs
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| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my studies?
Students from Scotland and the EU
If you're a Scottish or EU student, 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.
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.
International Students (Non-UK Scholarships, EEA)
We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.
Careers
Many of our accounting graduates go on to 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.
Our economics graduates find work in accountancy and business services, retail and investment banking, insurance, government and industry. Job titles include economist, auditor, management accountant, business analyst, investment analyst, risk consultant and commercial manager.
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.
Another great part of the economics degree is that lecturers are passionate about their teaching and very approachable – you can always ask questions.
Economics (BA) graduate
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based in the very heart of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. National Geographic named Glasgow as one of its 'Best of the World' destinations, while Rough Guide readers have voted Glasgow the world’s friendliest city! And Time Out named Glasgow in the top ten best cities in the world - we couldn't agree more!
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.
Find out what some of our students think about studying in Glasgow!
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Accounting & Economics (1 year entry)
Start Date: Sep 2021
Mode of Attendance: full-time
Year of Entry: 1 year