New programme to make accountancy "accessible and affordable"

A new part-time programme has been developed to widen participation in higher education and provide the accountancy profession with a new generation of qualified graduates.

The course, which will launch in January 2012, has been put together by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).

Based on current and academic fees, the programme will cost around £15,000 and will be delivered in two three-hour weekly sessions at MMU's Business School.

Organisers say it will be possible to complete a BA (Hons) in Professional Accountancy and a full AAT Accounting Qualification in around three years and nine months.

It should take a further two years to complete the ICAEW's ACA qualification and a Masters in Professional Accountancy.

Entry requirements for the programme are 280 Ucas points with GCSEs at grade C or above in maths and English, or completion of the AAT's Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.

AAT president and ICAEW council member Hilary Lindsay said: "This is a really great example of how HE and the professions can work together to increase participation in education while increasing the technical skill level of those entering - and developing - in the jobs market. By making accountancy accessible and affordable as a career path, a far greater pool of talent will be available from which to support future economic growth."

For full details on applying for the programme, contact MMU on 0161 247 2000 or email enquiries@mmu.ac.uk.