Business school to expand suite of accounting degrees
“Accountancy skills are not just a critical component of the current professional services boom, they are essential to the long-term growth the N I economy,” says Professor Gillian Armstrong, Head of Ulster Business School’s Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics. In response, the Ulster Business School is launching an expanded suite of Accountancy programmes including three new degree courses which will begin in September 2015.
Professor Armstrong explains, “The new suite will focus on the practical application of accounting ideas, knowledge and methods to help to support the significant growth and employment opportunities in the local accounting sector and beyond. In recent months PwC, Deloitte, and EY have all announced significant graduate opportunities in accounting and professional services. The industry is telling us that there are more jobs to come and it is essential to ensure that an expanding business services sector has access to a growing pool of appropriately qualified graduates.
“By consulting with a wide range of employers we have created additional degree courses which comprehensively cover the required skills and knowledge base to help deliver qualified graduates to meet the growing needs in this sector.”
The new career – targeted BSc Hons Accounting Pathways include a core BSc Honours Accounting degree as well as three separate specialist degrees focussing on Forensic Services, Financial Economics and Management Consulting. All are full time three year courses with an optional one year paid placement or internship opportunity.
Welcoming the announcement Ian McConnell, a PwC Northern Ireland partner and Visiting Professor at the Ulster Business School said, “There is a steady growth in demand for graduates with accountancy skills across the local economy. Professional and business services will continue to create significant employment opportunities in Northern Ireland over the next decade with demand likely to grow from the already high levels.
“We welcome the Ulster Business School’s initiative in creating a financially-literate graduate pool that can support potential growth in accounting and business services from both indigenous and inbound organisations.”
Students who undertake their Accounting degree courses at the Ulster Business School will have the added advantage of fast tracked accreditation by all UK and Ireland professional accounting bodies with maximum exemption from professional examinations depending on the pathway selected.
“Sixth formers are currently making decisions about further education and career paths for next year and it is very important that they are made aware of the vast range of opportunities made possible through an Accounting related degree. The Ulster Business School prides itself on providing education and development programmes that prepare students for the realities and challenges of professional life. With the quality of our academic staff, our close working links with employers and recognition by all the appropriate professional bodies we ensure that our accountancy graduates leave here ready to be the decision makers, business leaders and ultimately the critical components of the NI economy of tomorrow,” concluded Professor Armstrong.
