Overview
The UK has a persistent skills shortage. Demand is high for skilled accountancy professionals (Source: ACCA, 2025). This professional accounting qualification gives you those skills needed by employers.
This professional accounting degree is designed for students with advanced qualifications. It’s the fastest route to achieving chartered holder status.
Gain in-demand skills that ensure you stand out
You'll learn accountancy skills in preparing and interpreting financial information. This supports smart financial decisions and informs strategy. The course content is aligned with the latest industry standards, so you’ll be ready for the real world. You will learn:
- modelling, costing and advanced analysis;
- how to form and manage the accounts of a company;
- finance skills including financial reporting, investment analysis and global trade;
- accounting analytics;
- the role of accounting in addressing sustainability.
Multi-accreditations by four major regulatory bodies
The course consists of modules that are accredited by the:
- Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
- Chartered Institute of Public Finance (CIPFA)
- Association of International Accountants (AIA)
It means you'll receive the maximum possible exemptions from their exams, saving time and money on your journey to chartered status.
Practical learning for your future career
- Apply theory to real-life scenarios and explore case studies for practical insight.
- The award-winning global financial trading boot camp run with our partner, AmplifyMe, lets you trade in real-time.
- Develop practical skills in investment portfolio management through the Student Managed Investment Fund.
- Learn software skills with Sage, Excel and R.
- Networking opportunities with professional bodies.
- Opportunities to network with companies such as Johnston Carmichael, KPMG and Wbg.
- You’ll be taught by expert lecturers with significant industrial experience.
- Learn soft career skills sought-after by employers. These include analytical thinking, presentation and communication skills.
You’ll also have the opportunity to attend guest lectures from experts in their field. This has included the President of CIPFA.
We are AACSB accredited
The University of Stirling is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is the world's largest global standard-setting body for business education. Only 6% of the world’s leading business schools achieve this accreditation. This recognises our excellence in business education and societal impact.
Top reasons to study with us
Professional accreditation
This professional accountant course consists of modules that are accredited by:
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
- Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
- Institute of Chartered Accountant in England and Wales (ICAEW).
The university is also accredited by AACSB International.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Advanced Highers
ABB
A-levels
ABB
IB Diploma
35
Preferred subjects
Preference is given to those with Mathematics.
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Preferred subjects
Preference given to those with Mathematics.
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
Preferred subjects
Preference given to those with Mathematics.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Other qualifications
Advanced entry may be possible depending on your qualifications. For more information, contact our Admissions Team at admissions@stir.ac.uk.
Preferred subjects
Preference given to those with Mathematics.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening and 20 in speaking.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
Develop your careers skills with our HeadStart Programme
We go beyond textbooks and lecture rooms to focus on your personal and professional development. HeadStart will help you develop practical career skills such as effective public speaking or conflict management.
Study and careers support
You'll have a mentor who will guide you through your studies. The Careers Service provides support for CV design, interview skills and other career skills.
Modules
Course details
Teaching
The normal mode of delivery is for three 20-credit modules to be delivered over an 11-week period in two semesters per annum. Each module usually consists of two-hours of lectures and a single one-hour seminar per week.
Assessment
In order to achieve professional accreditation, many of the modules are assessed as both a two-hour unseen, closed book, written examination plus a one-hour unseen, closed-book, computer-based class test.
At final year stage, more emphasis is put on assessment via essays and presentations.
Study abroad
You’ll have the opportunity to broaden your horizons and study abroad through our well-established connections with several international universities.
Contact
Dr Christopher Coles, Course Director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Funding
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will receive our Stirling Success Scholarship which is worth £5,000.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
With this Bachelor in professional accountancy, you can enter a wide range of roles including accountant, tax advisor, or auditor. You can also focus on specialised careers such as a forensic accountant, tax advisor, financial analysis or investment broking.
