The BA (Hons) Accounting course at UWS develops specialist knowledge in financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, auditing and financial management, alongside the digital and professional skills expected in modern accounting roles.
BA (Hons)
Four years full-time or eight years part-time
September, January, May
The BA (Hons) Accounting course gives you the specialist knowledge, technical skills and professional awareness needed for a career in accounting and finance.
You will study financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, auditing, financial management, business law, economics and data analysis. As you progress, you will apply accounting concepts to practical problems, develop your confidence with financial information and build the digital skills expected in modern accounting roles.
The course is delivered at UWS Lanarkshire and UWS Paisley, with full-time and part-time study options. You will be taught by qualified professional accountants and experienced academics, giving you a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
This course is for students who want to build a strong foundation in accounting and work towards a professionally focused degree. It is suitable if you are interested in financial reporting, management accounting, taxation, audit, data analysis or wider business decision-making.
Graduates can use this degree as a route towards professional accounting qualifications, postgraduate study or roles across accounting, finance and business. You will develop transferable skills in analysis, communication, problem-solving, digital literacy and professional judgement.
Study a course designed with professional accounting practice in mind, with accreditation and exemptions from recognised accounting bodies.
Build knowledge across financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, auditing, business law and financial management.
Develop digital confidence through modules covering data analysis, quantitative methods, financial modelling, data analytics and Python for accounting.
You will learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and laboratory classes. Technical accounting modules normally include around four hours of weekly on-campus contact, while non-technical modules normally include around three hours.
Assessment varies by module and may include written examinations, coursework, essays, reports, presentations, class tests, data analysis and computer-based accounting tasks. Core examinable modules often combine examination and coursework assessment, commonly through a 70/30 or 60/40 split.
This course is designed with professional accounting practice in mind and includes substantial professional accreditation and exemptions. The course specification lists recognition from bodies including ACCA, CIMA, ICAS, ICAEW and AIA, with details confirmed through the Programme Handbook or Programme Leader.
We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Please visit our Undergraduate entry requirements page for information on our different entry requirements, including country-specific details for EU and non-EU qualifications.
Applicants must meet the general admission requirements of the University of the West of Scotland, together with the course-specific requirements for BA (Hons) Accounting.
You should normally hold one of the following for Year 1 entry:
You may be considered for Year 2 entry if you hold one of the following:
You may be considered for Year 3 entry if you hold one of the following:
Level 9 is also delivered at selected collaborative colleges for eligible students who have completed an HND in Accounting at that college.
UWS considers a range of routes into study and may take contextual indicators into account when assessing applications.
Alternative minimum entry may include Scottish Highers CC plus successful completion of an approved access route, such as UWS Foundation Academy, Foundation Apprenticeship, UWS Next Steps to University, Routes for All, Top-Up or LEAPS.
Applicants who do not meet the standard requirements may still be considered where they can provide evidence of relevant experience, aptitude for academic study or prior learning at the required level.
Applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements. If English is not your first language, you may need to provide evidence of English language ability before starting the course.
Recognition of prior learning and recognition for credit may be considered in line with UWS regulations.
If you are unsure whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements, please contact our admissions advisers for guidance.
Explore the career opportunities this course can lead to. The skills and knowledge you gain can prepare you for a wide range of roles across your chosen industry and support your long-term professional development.


Select your degree and preferred intake month.
Complete and submit the application form.
Provide transcripts and supporting materials.
We’ll review and send your offer quickly.
Confirm and start your student visa application.
Opens TEG application portal in a new tab
Clicking below will take you to the TEG application portal. Your UWS course selection will be pre-filled where possible.