Why this course?
You can study accounting in combination with a range of business subjects at Strathclyde. In the majority of combinations, accounting is fully accredited for entry to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. You may be offered possible exemptions to other professional bodies eg Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
In-depth understanding of a second subject will complement your accounting studies and prove valuable to employers.
You’ll study the preparation, presentation and interpretation of financial information. You’ll learn how to read and interpret accounting information. You’ll also explore how accounting can be developed to meet the needs of society and provide information to investors.
Mathematics & Statistics account for at least half of the course. You’ll have the opportunity to choose the particular areas of mathematics, statistics, or accounting you want to specialise in.
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.
Accounting
What you'll study
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 classes for this route.
Mathematics & Statistics
What you'll study
In addition to the study of core mathematical methods, you’ll study applied analysis, mechanics, numerical analysis and statistics.
In your Honours year, you’ll study issues in class then investigate them further in a dissertation project.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.
https://www.icas.com/education-and-qualifications/university-route-to-becoming-a-chartered-accountant
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.
Year 1
Accounting
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.
Course summary
Introduction to accounting and finance, complemented by study of economics and law.
Mathematics & Statistics
Introduction to Calculus
You'll study the basic concepts and standard methods of mathematical notation and proof, polynomial equations and inequalities, sequences and series, functions, limits and continuity, differentiation and integration.
Applications of Calculus
The fundamental concepts of calculus (differentiation and integration) presented in Applications of Calculus will be examined in more detail, extended to a larger class of functions by means of more sophisticated methods, including an introduction to complex numbers and variables, all demonstrated in application to practical problems including solving basic first and second-order differential equations.
Applications of Mathematics
This class will introduce you to a range of interesting applications and explain the mathematics behind them.
Year 2
Accounting
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.
Course summary
Students develop skills in financial and management accounting and have the opportunity to study taxation.
Mathematics & Statistics
Linear Algebra & Differential Equations
This class will introduce you to the basic ideas of linear algebra, such as matrices and determinants, vector spaces, bases, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. You'll study various standard methods for solving ordinary differential equations and understand their relevance.
Applicable Analysis
This class will give a rigorous treatment of convergence of sequences and infinite series of real numbers and of continuity, differentiability and integrability of functions of a real variable, and will illustrate the importance of these concepts in the analysis of problems arising in applications.
Probability & Statistical Inference
Presentation of the basic concepts of probability theory and statistical inference will be covered to provide you with the tools to appropriately analyse a given data set and effectively communicate the results of such analysis.
Introduction to Newtonian Mechanics
This class will develop your appreciation of the basic concepts of force, momentum and energy, and of Newton’s laws of motion and will equip you to apply these concepts to model physical systems, in particular the orbital motion of bodies.
Mathematical & Statistical Computing
This class will introduce you to the R computing environment. It'll enable you to use R to import data and perform statistical tests, allow you to understand the concept of an algorithm and what makes a good algorithm and will equip you for implementing simple algorithms in R.
Year 3
Accounting
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.
Course summary
Students study advanced topics in financial and management accounting and 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.
Mathematics & Statistics
Compulsory classes
Complex Variables & Integral Transforms
This class will introduce functions of a complex variable, define concepts such as continuity, differentiability, analyticity, line integration, singular points, etc. It'll examine some important properties of such functions, and consider some applications of them, eg conformal mappings, and the evaluation of real integrals using the Residue Theorem. It'll also introduce you to Fourier and Laplace transform methods for solving linear ordinary differential equations and convolution type integral equations.
Linear Algebra
Here we'll introduce basic algebraic structures, with particular emphasis on those pertaining to finite dimensional linear spaces and deepen your understanding of linear mappings. We'll also provide an introduction to inner product spaces and bilinear forms.
Differential Equations
We'll introduce you to analytical methods for solving ordinary and partial differential equations so you'll develop an understanding along with technical skills in this area.
Optional classes
Applicable Analysis
We'll introduce you to the basic theory and applications of metric spaces, normed vector spaces and Banach spaces, inner product spaces and Hilbert spaces, and bounded linear operators on normed linear spaces.
Inference & Regression Modelling
This class will:
- review the concepts of probability distributions and how to work with these
- present approaches to parameter estimation, focusing on maximum likelihood estimation, bootstrap estimation, and properties of estimators
- present hypothesis testing procedures, including classical likelihood ratio tests and computer-based methods for testing parameter values, and goodness-of-fit tests.
- introduce and provide understanding of the least squares multiple regression model, general linear model, transformations and variable selection procedures
- present use of R functions for regression and interpretation of R output
Mechanics of Rigid Bodies & Fluids
This class will:
- convey the generalisation of the mechanics of single-particle systems to many-particle systems
- convey the central ideas of a continuum description of material behaviour and to understand relevant constraints
- ground students in the basic principles governing three-dimensional motions of rigid bodies
- convey how the ideas of continuum theory are applied to static and inviscid fluids
Numerical Analysis
This module will motivate the need for numerical algorithms to approximate the solution of problems that can't be solved with pen and paper. It'll develop your skills in performing detailed analysis of the performance of numerical methods and will continue to develop your skills in the implementation of numerical algorithms using R.
Stochastics & Financial Econometrics
You'll be introduced to the basic concepts of random phenomena evolving in time, from two complementary points of view: probabilistic modelling and data-driven analysis. Presentation of underlying ideas of simple stochastic processes, time series models, and the associated probability theory and statistical techniques will be covered. In addition to applications of the methods to financial and economic systems, including modelling, data analysis, and forecasting.
Year 4
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 and Taxation
Mathematics & Statistics
Compulsory classes
Communicating Mathematics & Statistics
This class provides you with experience of the skills required to undertake project work, and to communicate the findings in written and oral form using a variety of sources, such as books, journals and the internet.
Optional classes
Modelling & Simulation with Applications to Financial Derivatives
Here you'll get an introduction to ideas in mathematics and statistics that can be used to model real systems, with an emphasis on the valuation of financial derivatives. This module places equal emphasis on deterministic analysis (calculus, differential equations) and stochastic analysis (Brownian motion, birth and death processes). In both cases, in addition to theoretical analysis, appropriate computational algorithms are introduced. The first half of the class introduces general modelling and simulation tools, and the second half focuses on the specific application of valuing financial derivatives, including the celebrated Black-Scholes theory.
Applicable Analysis 3
This class will present the main results in Functional Analysis, give an introduction to linear operators on Banach and Hilbert spaces and study applications to integral and differential equations.
Statistical Modelling & Analysis
This class will provide you with a range of applied statistical techniques that can be used in professional life.
Fluids & Waves
You'll be introduced to the theory of Newtonian fluids and its application to flow problems and the dynamics of waves on water and in other contexts.
Finite Element Methods for Boundary Value Problems & Approximation
You'll be presented with the basic theory and practice of finite element methods and polynomial and piecewise polynomial approximation theory.
Applied Statistics in Society
You'll be introduced to a range of modern statistical methods and practices used in industry, commerce and research, and will develop skills in your application and presentation.
Mathematical Biology & Marine Population Modelling
Here you'll learn the application of mathematical models to a variety of problems in biology, medicine, and ecology. It'll show the application of ordinary differential equations to simple biological and medical problems, the use of mathematical modelling in biochemical reactions, the application of partial differential equations in describing spatial processes such as cancer growth and pattern formation in embryonic development, and the use of delay-differential equations in physiological processes.
The marine population modelling element will introduce the use of difference models to represent population processes through applications to fisheries, and the use of coupled ODE system to represent ecosystems. Practical work will include example class case studies that will explore a real-world application of an ecosystem model.
Mathematical Introduction to Networks
This class will demonstrate the central role network theory plays in mathematical modelling. It'll also show the intimate connection between linear algebra and graph theory and how to use this connection to develop a sound theoretical understanding of network theory. Finally, it'll apply this theory as a tool for revealing structure in networks.
Elasticity & Complex Materials
We'll introduce you to general continuum theory with applications to Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids and elastic materials.
Statistical Mechanics
Here you'll develop approaches to understanding complex or random systems in or out of equilibrium, based on ideas from statistical mechanics that incorporate familiar concepts and methods from neighbouring subjects like classical mechanics and probability and statistics.
You'll also be able to describe, through various examples and techniques, how macroscopic properties of systems arise from the ensemble action of many microscopic ingredients, and, specifically, how deterministic 'laws' may arise from basic randomness of a system with many variables or degrees of freedom. Fundamental examples include Brownian motion and the ideal gas.
Optimisation: Theory & Practice
We'll provide you with a basic mathematical understanding of modern approaches to optimization and the calculus of variations.
Dynamical Models in Epidemiology
We'll introduce mathematical models which arise in epidemiology and population dynamics, and help you develop techniques for analysing the qualitative behaviour of the associated dynamical systems.
Stochastics & Financial Econometrics
You'll be introduced to the basic concepts of random phenomena evolving in time, from two complementary points of view: probabilistic modelling and data-driven analysis. Presentation of underlying ideas of simple stochastic processes, time series models, and the associated probability theory and statistical techniques will be covered. In addition to applications of the methods to financial and economic systems, including modelling, data analysis, and forecasting.
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 exemption from the final exam if you achieve a specific mark for your coursework (and satisfying attendance requirements).
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 and 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.
Entry requirements
Minimum grades
Required subjects are indicated following minimum accepted grades.
Highers
1st sitting: AAAA or AAABB (English B, Maths A)
2nd sitting: AAAABBB (English B, Maths A)
A Levels
Typical entry requirements: 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)
Minimum entry requirements: ABB (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
Successful completion at first attempt with A passes in all graded Units. Contact Business School Admissions for advice on entry to year 2.
Irish Leaving Certificate
AAAABB at Higher level, including English at B and Maths at A
Additional information
Deferred entry
Deferred entry not accepted.
Admission to Honours
All students will be admitted as potential Honours students. Students may exit with a Bachelor of Arts degree at the end of year three of the Honours programme if they have accumulated at least 360 credits and satisfied the appropriate specialisation requirements. For admission to the final year of the Honours course, a student must have qualified for the award of the Bachelor of Arts degree and achieved an approved standard of performance.
English language requirement
A pass in an English language qualification is normally required from applicants outside the UK whose first language is not English. The following provides information on the main qualifications considered for entry to the Business School undergraduate degree courses.
IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5 (no individual test score below 5.5)
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.
International students
Find out entry requirements for your country.
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.
Fees & funding
How much will my course cost?
2019/20
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Scotland/EU
Rest of UK
Assuming no change in Rest of UK fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2017/18, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and Integrated Masters courses); 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
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 fees
Accounting
Course materials & costs
Textbooks vary in price, ranging from £40 to 100 for Accounting Ethics. The majority of texts are freely available from the library.
Mathematics & Statistics
Course materials & costs
Class materials (lecture notes and exercise sheets) for the majority of Mathematics & Statistics classes are available free to download. For some classes, students may need access to a textbook. Textbook costs are typically in the £20-60 price range. These prices are dependent on format (e-book, soft or hardback) and whether bought new or second hand.
PVG scheme (Protection of Vulnerable Groups)
Third-year Maths and Teaching students will need to pay for the full price of a PVG membership scheme.
Other costs
£40 returnable deposit for PRS handsets.
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, EEA)
We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.
Available scholarships
We have a wide range of scholarships available. Have a look at our scholarship search to find a scholarship.
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).
Some graduates enter branches of commerce such as banking, insurance and fund management.
Employers include Santander, Ernst & Young, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, HBOS, KPMG and Morgan Stanley.
This course is also useful for those considering a more general business career.
Graduates in Mathematics & Statistics go into industries like actuarial, accountancy and banking professions, commerce and government, consultancy and education. They go on to become investment analysts, numerical analysts, statisticians, actuaries, managers and teachers.