| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Accounting with French program at Queen's University combines accounting and finance with French language proficiency. Students gain a competitive edge with professional exemptions, industry links, and a compulsory year abroad in a French-speaking region. The program prepares graduates for careers in accounting, management consultancy, and corporate finance, with strong employment prospects and eligibility for professional accounting qualifications.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Accounting with French
program integrates French-language modules taught by the School of Arts, English and Languages. This degree offers students a competitive advantage by learning skills in the technical application of accounting while developing key oral, aural, and written skills in a modern language.
Integral to the Accounting with French
program is the placement year which students complete in a region of the world where the language studied is the dominant tongue. The language modules will advance students’ skills in the language and provide a broad range of specialized and detailed insights into the culture, society, and history that go with it, fostering cultural awareness which students will need for their compulsory year abroad, and later, for the world of work. (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023)
Accounting with French highlights
- Global Opportunities: Students will complete a year abroad between year three and year four. This is transformational for their language skills as they enter their final year of study. In addition, French is the working language of many international organisations and is spoken in large parts of Europe, America, Canada, and Africa. With the accounting profession fast evolving, and more businesses going global, employers are continuing to seek multi-lingual accountants. Completion of the year abroad therefore offers students a competitive advantage in employability skills. All students get support in securing a placement via the School’s placement office in businesses across France and other French-speaking countries. Previous placements include KPMG Luxembourg and BDO Paris.
- Professional Exemptions: This degree offers a wide range of exemptions from professional accountancy exams, giving students’ an important head start in becoming a fully qualified accountant. These are subject to students’ performance in relevant modules. Students have the opportunity to gain full CAP1 exemptions, the maximum available for any undergraduate degree, from Chartered Accountants Ireland upon completion of the degree. For ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), completion of this course also gives students’ maximum accreditation exemptions for the Applied Knowledge exams, and depending on modules studied up to five of the six exemptions from the Applied Skills exams. Students also earn maximum accreditation exemptions from CIMA at Certificate Level and Operational Level allowing candidates direct entry to Management Level objective tests. Exemptions are also available from the examinations of the Association of International Accountants (AIA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW). http://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/apply-now/exemptions.html
- Industry Links: This degree aims to develop students into future accountancy professionals. The accounting staff have close links with a wide range of local and global employers, many of which are involved in developing the degree and teaching on specific modules alongside academic staff. Throughout the degree students' take part in various employer-led classes, cutting edge technology training, business simulation games and skills development workshops. In all, representatives from accountancy firms and professional bodies provide students with information on internships and graduate opportunities. Most Accounting modules have prizes which are sponsored by employers or professional bodies.
- Career Development: During the third year of the degree, students complete a 9 to 12 month placement in a French speaking country. This is a very attractive proposition for graduate employers, particularly in Accounting. The Accounting with French degree at Queen’s opens up a number of career opportunities including accountancy, management consultancy, and corporate finance.
Outline:
Course Structure
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Year 1
- Accounting Information Systems (20 credits)
- Introductory Management Accounting (20 credits)
- Introductory Financial Accounting (20 credits)
- Foundations of Economics 1 (20 credits)
Year 2
- Management Accounting (20 credits)
- Financial Accounting (20 credits)
- Introduction to Legal Study and Basic Contract Law (20 credits)
Year 3
- QMS Placement Year Accounting with a Language (120 credits)
Year 4
- Advanced Management Accounting (20 credits)
- Law of Business Organisations (20 credits)
- Taxation (20 credits)
- Advanced Financial Accounting (20 credits)
Learning and Teaching
Queen’s Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University with more than 1800 full-time undergraduate students and 300 plus postgraduate students. The School has been delivering high quality programmes for more than 40 years and was one of the first schools in the UK to introduce undergraduate management education. Since then, QBS has been developing and enhancing its teaching portfolio for both local and international students and boasts students from more than 20 different nationalities. In recent years, the School has benefited from significant investment resulting in many new academic appointments and state-of-the-art facilities including computer teaching labs with specialised software and a Trading Room in Riddel Hall. In addition, the McClay library houses an excellent selection of Management and related texts and there are extensive IT facilities throughout the campus. In September 2023, QBS opened the new Student Hub, an exciting new base for our vibrant student and staff community, providing an enhanced social and educational experience. The unique building has a future-facing digital infrastructure, with spaces designed to encourage students collaborating, working and socialising. At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential. In line with this, one of QBS’ primary objectives is to deliver innovative learning and teaching programmes that provide students with the competences and skills to make a positive contribution to business, economic and civic life. On the BSc Accounting with French programme we achieve these goals by providing a range of learning environments which enable our students to engage with subject experts both academic staff and industry guest speakers, develop skills and attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world-class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this degree programme are:
- Adviser of Studies To provide support with all matters relating to your progression through the year, including signposting to further support as appropriate.
- Computer-Based Practical Sessions These provide students with the opportunity to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. For example, one of the compulsory Level 1 modules, ACC 1004 Accounting Information Systems, incorporates a weekly MS Excel and accounting software practical.
- E-Learning technologies Information associated with lectures and assignments is communicated through an easy to use Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree programme through the use of, for example, interactive support materials, podcasts and web-based learning activities.
- Induction A formalised induction for all undergraduate students. For Level 1 students, this includes several sessions in weeks 1 and 2 to familiarise themselves with the campus and the degree programme. During Level 1 there are a number of follow-up sessions throughout the year. Topics such as academic writing, referencing, plagiarism, communication skills, examination preparation and managing time effectively are all covered in these practical sessions.
- Lectures These introduce foundation information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. As the module progresses this information becomes more complex. Lectures, which are normally delivered in large groups to all year-group peers, also provide opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification on key issues as well as gain feedback and advice on assessments. Additional lectures are also delivered by employer representatives and staff from a number of accounting firms are involved in the delivery of accounting workshops. In addition to the academic content of the lectures and workshops, this enables employers to impart their valuable experience to QBS Accounting students, introduces important local employers to our Accounting students and allows our Accounting students to meet and engage with potential future employers.
- Peer Mentoring Scheme Students in second and third year of their degree programme volunteer to mentor Level 1 students. Developing the programme themselves, with support from academic staff, the mentors organise informal meetings, regular contact and a series of events ranging from ice-breaker type events to employer-led sessions with the Level 1 students.
- Self-directed study This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
- Seminars/tutorials A significant amount of teaching is carried out in small groups (typically 15-20 students). These sessions are designed to explore, in more depth, the information that has been presented in the lectures. This provides students with the opportunity to engage closely with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of their peers. During these classes, students will be expected to present their work to academic staff and their peers.
- Student Support Systems QBS has an active and co-ordinated student support system to assist students in making the transition from school to university.
- Work placements The BSc Accounting with French programme has a compulsory placement year. The School has a dedicated Placement Office which supports students in securing appropriate placements. In addition, the School encourages students to seek other work-based and/or educational related experiences, whether that is through a summer internship/ placement programme (up to 3-month internship in a local organisation), or studying abroad in partner Universities.
Assessment
The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students at the beginning of the modules. Accounting modules are typically assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and a final written unseen examination. Continuous assessment may consist of:
- Student Tutorial Portfolio - this involves the completion and submission of workshop exercises on a weekly and individual student basis. These are collected in the workshops from students each week and assessed, with the mark awarded contributing to the continuous assessment element of the module mark. The mark awarded reflects timeliness, presentation, accuracy and completeness of the required work.
- Small Group Project/Presentations – Consistent with employer feedback, students are often also required to complete a small (3-4 student) group project such as preparing a report, presentation or analysis on a pre-assigned case study type or discussion-based topic. In some modules, an individual project may be set instead.
Teaching:
The BSc Accounting with French programme is delivered in a variety of formats:
- Lectures: These provide students with an introduction to the key topics and concepts of accounting. Lectures are typically delivered in large groups and are often used to introduce students to new material or to provide an overview of a particular topic.
- Seminars: These smaller, more interactive sessions allow students to explore the topics covered in lectures in more detail and to engage in discussion with their peers. Seminars are typically led by a member of academic staff and provide opportunities for students to ask questions and receive feedback.
- Tutorials: These one-to-one or small group sessions provide students with an opportunity to receive individual feedback on their work and to discuss any problems they may be having. Tutorials are typically led by a member of academic staff and can be used to discuss specific topics in more depth or to provide support with assessment tasks.
- Workshops: These practical sessions provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world situations. Workshops may involve students working on case studies, completing simulations, or participating in group discussions.
- Independent study: This is an essential part of the learning process for accounting students. Independent study allows students to consolidate their knowledge and skills, to prepare for assessments, and to develop their own understanding of the subject matter.
- Placement year: The placement year is an integral part of the BSc Accounting with French programme and provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a professional accounting environment. Students may complete their placement in a variety of organizations, including accounting firms, banks, and multinational corporations.
They are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience and to helping them to achieve their academic and professional goals.
Careers:
The Accounting with French programme provides graduates with a strong foundation in accounting and finance, as well as strong French language skills. This combination of skills and knowledge makes them highly employable in a variety of sectors, including accounting, finance, management consultancy, and corporate finance.
Recent graduates of the Accounting with French programme have secured employment in a variety of organizations, including:
- PwC
- EY
- KPMG
- Deloitte
- Grant Thornton
- BDO
- Moore Stephens
- Baker Tilly Mooney Moore
- ASM
- Ulster Bank
- Bank of Ireland
Graduates of the Accounting with French programme are also eligible for a variety of professional accounting qualifications, including:
- Chartered Accountant (ACA)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA)
Other:
- The BSc Accounting with French programme is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). This means that graduates of the programme are exempt from some of the professional exams required to qualify as an accountant.
- The BSc Accounting with French programme is also a member of the European Masters in Accounting (EMAcc) network. This network brings together leading accounting schools from across Europe to provide students with a high-quality and internationally recognized education.
- The BSc Accounting with French programme is offered on a full-time basis and takes four years to complete. The programme includes a compulsory year abroad, which students typically spend in a French-speaking country.
These activities allow students to develop their professional skills and networks. Graduates of the programme are well-prepared for a successful career in accounting, finance, or management.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £4,750 Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £4,750 England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250 EU Other 3 £20,800 International £20,800 1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee. 2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees. 3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees. The tuition fees quoted above are for the 2024/25 academic year and are a guide only. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise. Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework. Additional course costs Students undertake a placement in year 3 and are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement. Students who undertake optional study tours are expected to make a contribution, of approximately £150. On completion of the Accounting with French degree, students will be able to apply for a comprehensive range of exemptions from the examinations of the main Accountancy professional bodies. All Students Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs. If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. How do I fund my study? There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union. Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/. Scholarships Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available. International Scholarships Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.
