BA (Hons) Accounting is a 4-year undergraduate degree programme that prepares students in financial reporting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, and corporate governance. The curriculum integrates core accounting competencies alongside data analytics, ethical financial reporting, and regulatory compliance, preparing graduates for chartered accountancy pathways and specialist roles across financial services, public practice, and corporate finance.

Accounting graduates are in active demand across financial services, public sector organisations, and corporate finance departments.

Employers increasingly value graduates who understand data analytics, governance, ethical reporting, and regulatory compliance.

BA (Hons) Accounting at Edinburgh Napier responds to this demand through a curriculum that integrates core technical skills and accounting competencies.

In this course, you will develop your accounting, finance and general business skills, including the various techniques and policies relating to corporate finance, reporting, statistics, and governance; tax; auditing; and management accounting. In addition, you’ll develop transferable skills, such as time and project management, communication, data collection and management, as well as IT skills that will future-proof your career.

This programme scored 100% for overall satisfaction in the 2026 results from the National Student Survey (NSS).

Mode of Study:

Full-time

(Available as part-time)

Duration:

Start date:

UCAS code:

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Why study BA (Hons) Accounting at Edinburgh Napier?

Studying BA (Hons) Accounting at Edinburgh Napier University gives you maximum professional exemptions from major UK professional accounting bodies, industry-relevant expertise, academic excellence, and a direct pathway into one of the world’s most stable and high-demand professions.

The reasons to study BA (Hons) Accounting at Edinburgh Napier University are listed below.

Full accreditation from ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAS, and ICAEW delivers the maximum available examination exemptions from each body, reducing post-graduation professional exam requirements and shortening the timeline to chartered status.

Technical expertise across five subject domains such as management accounting, corporate finance, auditing, taxation, and financial reporting and governance is taught by experienced academic staff with direct public and private sector accounting practice backgrounds. Guest speakers from public and private sector organisations contribute to teaching, ensuring that classroom learning reflects current industry practice.

Edinburgh Napier's industry links helps students structured access to internship programmes, employer networking events, and graduate recruitment opportunities in Edinburgh's financial sector. Edinburgh is one of the UK’s leading financial hubs, home to global financial institutions, asset managers, and advisory firms.

Bright Red Triangle, Edinburgh Napier's dedicated start-up incubator, provides certified business advice, entrepreneurial support, professional mentoring, and co-working space for accounting students developing commercial, financial planning, and entrepreneurial skills outside the formal curriculum.

According to the Times World University Rankings 2025 and the Good University Guide 2025, Edinburgh Napier ranks as #1 Modern University in Scotland and #1 UK Modern University for Accounting and Finance.

Who is this course for?

BA (Hons) Accounting programme at Edinburgh Napier is designed for applicants entering, transitioning into, or advancing within the accounting profession at undergraduate level.

First-time undergraduate applicants from Scotland, the UK, and international backgrounds who are entering higher education directly and targeting a professionally accredited accounting degree with maximum exemptions from ACCA, CIMA, ICAS, ICAEW, and CIPFA.

HNC or HND holders qualify for Advanced Entry into Year 2 or Year 3, reducing the full Honours degree to as little as 2 years of study.

Mature students returning to education who are formalising accounting knowledge gained through work experience into a recognised undergraduate qualification.

Career changers from non-accounting disciplines including business, economics, and humanities backgrounds seeking a structured academic pathway into professional accountancy.

International students pursuing a UK-recognised accounting degree that delivers globally respected professional body accreditations, with direct access to Edinburgh's financial services sector.

Entrepreneurially minded students targeting ownership or advisory roles who require accounting and financial governance expertise as a commercial foundation.

Academic introduction

Accounting & Finance

BA (Hons) Accounting at Edinburgh Napier University is a 4-year full-time undergraduate programme structured across 8 trimesters. The programme delivers 6 modules per academic year - 3 per trimester - with 12 scheduled contact hours per week on average. Most modules provide 2 hours of lectures and 2 hours of tutorials weekly.

The course is structured to give you a steady load each trimester. Teaching combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and applied project work across each trimester, maintaining a consistent balance between technical accounting theory and applied financial practice throughout all 4 years.

The programme progresses from foundational accounting principles in Year 1 to advanced strategic finance and complex reporting in Year 4. Successful completion of Year 3 awards an unclassified degree and successful completion of Year 4 awards an Honours degree.

Core subject areas covered across the programme include tax, ethics, data analysis, and business/corporate law.

Edinburgh Napier partners with industry organisations to offer Year 3 students access to structured summer internship opportunities. The careers service supports all students in identifying and securing additional self-sourced internship placements relevant to their accounting specialism.

How will my degree reflect sustainability and sustainable development?

The Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) – established under the UN Global Compact – places a clear onus on Higher Education to ‘transform management education and develop the responsible decision-makers of tomorrow to advance sustainable development’. The Business School is a PRME signatory, and we seek to influence professional practice and policy nationally and internationally, helping to drive key societal, economic and environmental impacts.

Our mission is ‘to empower communities to apply business knowledge for positive societal impact’ and we work constantly to embed practical actions into our curriculum, to promote sustainability and relate these to the key ideas of sustainability, as reflected in the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes now reflect one or more of the SDG, and our research is targeted to solve real world problems, mapped against the criteria used in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Ranking.

The most recent annual league table for Sustainability - compiled by People & Planet, the UK’s largest student campaigning network - again places Edinburgh Napier in a top 3 position among Scotland’s 19 universities. This reflects their assessment of our performance across a range of environmental and ethical considerations, which include carbon reduction and management, and education.

What is distinct about equality, diversity and inclusion?

Edinburgh Napier University is enriched by the diversity of perspectives, cultures and backgrounds brought by all within our global community. We are committed to a positive environment where diversity and inclusiveness is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability, age, ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status or whether pregnant or on maternity leave. We commit ourselves to providing a learning, working and social environment that is free from discrimination, prejudice, intimidation, stigmatisation and all forms of harassment and bullying.

The Business School's vision: 'To be the Business School for empowerment, enterprise and employability for all'.

Our mission statement: 'Empowering our communities to apply business knowledge for positive societal impact'.

Year by year breakdown

In Year 1, you will develop core competencies in financial accounting, management accounting, the financial services sector, and accounting information systems. You will record transactions using double-entry bookkeeping, prepare financial statements for sole traders and partnerships, and apply cost classification and cost behaviour analysis to support planning and decision-making. You will analyse financial intermediaries, markets, risk-return relationships, and calculate yields on shares and bonds. You will also process transactions using accounting software, prepare working papers, and evaluate information systems risk, security, AI in accounting, and ethical considerations in digital accounting environments.

In Year 2, you will strengthen your expertise in corporate reporting, business law, performance evaluation, and data analysis. You will apply financial reporting standards to prepare and interpret limited company financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. You will analyse and apply company, contract, and employment law within business contexts while evaluating governance and ethical frameworks. You will also prepare and assess internal and external performance reports, and use statistical methods and SPSS to conduct data analysis, hypothesis testing, and evidence-based decision-making.

In Year 3, you will develop advanced expertise in corporate reporting, strategic management accounting, financial management, taxation, and auditing. You will apply conceptual frameworks and accounting standards to complex transactions, business combinations, group accounts, and corporate insolvency. You will use advanced costing, budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement techniques to support strategic decision-making under risk. You will evaluate investment, financing, cost of capital, valuation, treasury, and foreign exchange risk decisions within corporate financial management. You will also calculate UK tax liabilities and conduct audits by assessing audit risk, internal controls, substantive testing, and professional ethics.

You undertake advanced strategic finance, complex reporting topics, and potentially a dissertation or applied honours project. You apply accumulated knowledge to real-world case scenarios and professional contexts.

Assessment method

Assessment methods include examinations, coursework assignments, presentations, financial reports, case study analysis, and group projects. Weightings vary by module but typically combine written exams with applied coursework.

The course emphasises formative feedback. Academic staff provide structured guidance on draft submissions, analytical technique, and professional presentation standards.

Work placement

The second trimester of Year 3 allows an option for a maximum of a single trimester of study abroad.

Popular modules

Financial Accounting

Management Accounting

Introduction to the Financial Services Sector

Principles of Economics

Accounting Information Systems

Applied Skills for Business

Corporate Accounting

Business and Corporate Law

Reporting Corporate Performance

Financial Management

Data Analysis

1 Option*

Advanced Corporate Reporting

Advanced Management Accounting

Corporate Financial Management

Taxation

Auditing

Dissertation / Applied Honours Project

Corporate Social Responsibility

3 Options*

* Options across the 4 years include:

Behavioural Studies

Exploring Entrepreneurship

Intercultural Organisational Management

Marketing Fundamentals

Planning Personal Finance

Wealth Management

Business and Management Challenges

Academic and Professional Skills

Starting a New Business

Corporate Risk Management

Innovations in Management Accounting

Current Issues in Finance

International Accounting

Regulatory Risk Management

Management of Financial Institutions

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Learning environment and Teaching

How will you learn in this course?

Teaching on BA (Hons) Accounting programme is delivered across different formats: lectures, tutorials, workshops, directed learning, and seminar labs. Lectures introduce technical accounting concepts and regulatory frameworks. Tutorials apply those concepts to structured problem-solving exercises. Workshops and seminar labs place you in applied financial scenarios using industry-standard accounting software including QuickBooks alongside real UK business case studies.

What skills will you develop?

You will develop six core professional competencies in this BA (hons) Accounting programme.

Financial analysis and reporting skills

Analytical and quantitative reasoning

Regulatory and compliance awareness

Data interpretation and decision-making capability

Professional communication and presentation skills

Ethical judgement and governance awareness

Employers value these competencies because they align directly with accounting, audit, and financial advisory roles.

Academic support

BA (Hons) Accounting students access dedicated academic support services throughout all 4 years of the programme.

The personal tutor system assigns each student a named academic tutor who provides structured one-to-one guidance across module selection, academic progression, and professional development planning.

Scheduled academic skills workshops deliver targeted training in academic writing, referencing conventions, quantitative methods, and examination technique at key points across each trimester.

The university's central student support service provides both drop-in and scheduled sessions covering numeracy, written English, citation standards, and assignment preparation, available to all students throughout the academic year.

Campus and Student Services

Campus facilities

BA (Hons) Accounting is taught in person at Edinburgh Napier's Business School at Craiglockhart campus.

The Business School holds AACSB accreditation (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), awarded to fewer than 6% of business schools globally confirming that the curriculum, faculty qualifications, and learning resources meet the highest international standards in business education.

Students access modern lecture theatres, digital learning environments, library resources, and financial databases relevant to accounting studies.

Student career and employability support

Career support includes CV workshops, interview preparation, employer networking events, and internship opportunities. The university maintains links with professional firms and industry partners, supporting placements and graduate pathways.

Edinburgh Napier's careers service supports BA (Hons) Accounting students from Year 1 through to graduation and beyond, delivering structured employability development across following service areas:

CV and application support: One-to-one CV reviews and application workshops.

Interview preparation: structured mock interview sessions and competency-based coaching prepare you for graduate scheme and trainee accountant selection processes across audit firms, banks, and corporate finance departments.

Employer networking events: on-campus careers fairs, employer presentations, and networking events connect you directly with recruiters Edinburgh and Scotland

Internship and placement access: Edinburgh Napier's employer partnerships provide structured access to paid internship opportunities with accounting firms and financial services employers, supporting relevant work experience alongside your degree.

Course accreditation

Our BA (hons) Accounting programme holds accreditations and exemptions from recognised professional accounting bodies.

These include:

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Chartered Institute of Management Accounting (CIMA)

Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA)

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

Professional accreditation allows graduates to fast-track progress toward chartered status.

English language

International students

Admissions policies

What are the entry requirements for Accounting?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3 of this course is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the undergraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

Minimum Year 1

Scottish Higher

Standard Entry Requirement: BBBB

Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BCCC

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H2, H2, H3, H3 at Higher Level

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit)

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3

Minimum grades D*D* (Distinction*, Distinction*)

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level

Minimum grades DM (Distinction, Merit).

A Level grade C

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4.

Scottish HNC

Other HNC subjects may be considered for year 1 entry where a grade C in the graded unit is achieved.

Minimum Year 2

Pass HNC Accounting with grade B at SCQF Level 7 in the graded unit.

Pass HNC Next Gen Accounting with Achieved with Merit

Minimum Year 3

Pass HND Accounting with grades BB in all SCQF Level 8 graded units.

Pass HND Next Gen Accounting with Achieved with Merit

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

If you do not currently meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer a number of pre-sessional English language courses which could help you achieve the required level.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:

BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery

MSc Nursing courses

All Graduate Apprenticeship courses

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies

Postgraduate admissions policies

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Undergraduate student fees and funding information

Postgraduate student fees and funding information

International student fees and funding information

Tuition fees

Students from

Scotland

England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland

Overseas and EU

Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study.

Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.

If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.

Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fees

Information of Bursaries and Scholarships

Student experience

Students describe the course as academically rigorous and professionally focused. A typical day may include lectures, group work, independent study, and practical financial exercises.

The accounting student experience blends academic challenge with career preparation. Alumni often highlight the supportive teaching environment and practical relevance of the curriculum.

I’ve just qualified as a chartered accountant and started my dream job. It feels like I’m on cloud nine. Edinburgh Napier made it all possible: they were always supportive throughout my studies.

Katy Sutherland

BA (Hons) Accounting graduate

I went on an Entrepreneurship Exchange in Germany, within an optional module. I saw I could apply my knowledge to something I love and now I work in Germany for a start up.

Meg McGinlay

Careers & employability

What can you do with an accounting degree?

An Accounting degree prepares graduates for roles in audit, taxation, corporate finance, financial analysis, consulting, and senior management across public and private sectors.

By studying BA (Hons) Accounting at Edinburgh Napier University, students gain the academic foundation required to enter trainee accounting roles and progress toward professional accountancy qualifications such as ICAS, ICAEW, CIMA, ACCA, or CIPFA. Because the course is accredited by major UK and international accountancy bodies, students can receive maximum accountancy exam exemptions that accelerate your route to chartered status.

Beyond traditional accountancy roles, Edinburgh Napier graduates may pursue careers in:

Wealth management

Investment and fund management

Financial and credit analysis

Risk modelling

Financial technology (FinTech)

Corporate financial planning

Trading and capital markets

With relevant work experience, many graduates progress into general management and strategic leadership roles, as accounting expertise underpins decision-making in every industry.

An accounting degree can support long-term career progression because accounting skills are used in sectors such as banking, public services, corporate finance, and consulting.

What jobs can you get with an accounting degree?

Edinburgh Napier accounting graduates enter a range of graduate and entry-level roles with starting salaries ranging from £27,000 to £32,000. In graduate destination results for 2022/23 (HESA), 62% of graduates from ENU secured managerial or professional roles within 15 months of graduation. Most join professional services firms or large corporates where they work concurrently toward studying for chartered qualifications (CA, ACCA, or CIMA).

Common first Graduates jobs titles include:

Accountant

Tax Associate

Financial Analyst

Management Accountant

Risk Analyst

Finance Officer

Entry-level salaries vary by employer and sector, with progression linked to professional qualification completion.

What industries can accounting graduates work in?

Accounting graduates work across range of public and private sectors:

Public accounting firms

Financial services

Corporate finance departments

Government and public sector

Consultancy

Technology and data-driven finance sectors

Every industry requires financial reporting and compliance expertise. Financial reporting and regulatory compliance expertise make accounting graduates eligible for roles in every regulated industry in the UK and internationally.

What career pathways are available to accounting graduates?

ENU accounting graduates can pursue the following career pathways after graduation:

They can progress towards professional accountancy qualifications (ACCA, CIMA, ICAS, ICAEW, CIPFA)

They can enter graduate training schemes in areas such as audit, tax, corporate finance, or financial analysis.

They can pursue postgraduate study such as MSc Accounting or MSc International Finance.

They can start their own accounting consultancy or advisory practice.

What are Edinburgh Napier Accounting graduates are doing?

Recent graduates have secured positions within accounting firms, multinational corporations, public sector organisations, and financial institutions. Many progress toward chartered status within several years of graduation.

Typical Graduate Destinations & Employers

Professional Services & Big 4: Major firms like KPMG, EY, and BDO recruit for Scottish offices.

Mid-Tier & Regional Practices: Firms such as Johnston Carmichael and EQ Chartered Accountants offer highly structured training schemes.

Industry & Financial Services: Scotland’s prominent financial and corporate sectors have employed many of our graduates for many years. Major employers include M&G, SSE, Standard Life, as well as specific schemes within the public sector.

First graduate job titles secured by ENU accounting graduates include:

Audit Associate

Staff Accountant

Trainee Accountant

Trainee Chartered Accountant

Finance Manager

Graduate Trainee Accountant

Fund Accounting Analyst

Related courses

Accounting with Corporate Finance

Financial Services

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