BA (Honours) Forensic Accounting

UCAS code

N490

Attendance

Full-time

Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-time

At a glance

Pursue a career in the specialist field of forensic accounting, whilst also gaining the skills need for more general accounting roles. Youаstudy course materials created in conjunction with leading employers and professional bodies,аandаcanаcomplete industry recognised certificates such as those offered by SAGE. Youаcan also gain exemptions from the ACCA, ICAEW and other accounting bodies.

Key points
Х Develop the specialist skills needed to investigate crimes like financial fraud.
Х Study on a course designed with leading employers and professional bodies.
Х Gain industry-recognised certifications throughout the course.
Х Get ahead with exemptions from some CIMA, ACCA and ICAEW exams.

What is forensic accounting?
Forensic accounting, sometimes called investigative accounting, involves the application of accounting concepts and techniques to legal problems. Forensic accountants investigate and document financial fraud and white collar crimes on the part of employees, suppliers, or customers. They typically become involved in financial investigations after evidence of deceptive financial transactions has arisen. After conducting an investigation, they write and submit a report of their findings.

They also provide litigation support to lawyers in providing estimates of losses, damages, and assets related to specific legal cases in many areas of the law including loss of profits claims and shareholder disputes. When a case goes to trial, they are likely to testify as expert witnesses.

In criminal investigations, forensic accountants analyse complex financial transactions such as those in arising from manipulations and price fixing schemes. They also help governments and other regulatory bodies achieve compliance with various forms of regulation.

About this course

Specialise inаforensic accounting and differentiate yourself in the competitive accounting sector. You gain the educational grounding and intellectual development to take full advantage of career opportunities as they arise. And if you choose a career as a forensic accountant or in some other investigative role, you will have a head start on other graduates.

In the first year, you learn the main principles of accounting and finance and familiarise yourself with the business environment, through the use of business games. We also provide you with opportunities to develop vital IT and numerical skills.

You deepen your understanding of the role and scope of financial accounting in your second year and explore related areas such as financial risk. You also learn about the environment in which forensic accountants operate, through modules on electronic crime and fraud evidence and expert witness.

In your third year, you also have the opportunity to apply what youТve learnt in a professional setting with a paid work placement. We recommend this as it gives an insight into the workings of a business or service organisation and is highly valued by employers. You might even find it leads to the offer of a permanent job after you graduate.

In the final year, you gain extra insight into your accounting specialism, by evaluating forensic accounting techniques and forensic investigation in professional work contexts. This is designed to be your final preparation for employment as a forensic accountant.

After graduation you may be exempt from some of the examinations of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA). This, along with the optional work placement, places you in a strong position in the graduate employment market.

Key areas of study
This course gives you an in-depth knowledge of accounting and finance and covers key areas such as Х forensic investigation Х forensic dispute resolution Х financial accounting Х corporate and criminal law Х taxation Х managing financial risks Х ethics, social responsibility, and corporate governance.

Professional body membership
Your student membership fees for Association of Certified Fraud Examiners for your second and final years of study are paid by the University allowing you to have full access to their member resources for the purposes of studying your specialist modules.

Enhanced study experience
We embed a wide range of extras into your course to enhance your study experience and to give you greater employability and technical skills after graduating. Visit the enhanced study media boxаto view examples of our many initiatives.

Associated careers

Forensic accounting is one of the fastest growing areas of accounting today and offers a career that is varied, interesting and financially rewarding. In recent years forensic accounting techniques have been used to resolve disputes over financial settlements in divorce cases throughout the world, including those of high profile film, music and sports stars. Many high profile fraud investigations will also have had the involvement of a forensic specialist.

Most organisations and businesses need professional financial expertise. This course equips you for careers in accounting, investigative and finance-related areas in Х a professional accountancy firm Х industry Х commerce Х retail Х finance.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited byаthe Chartered Institute of Management Accountantsа(CIMA), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Graduate exemptions are available from some of the professional body examinations.

Course content

Year one modules

Х management accounting Х financial accounting Х financial analysis for business Х business economics Х law, corporate governance, and ethics Х the professionalаaccountant

Year two modules

Х electronic crime Х financial accounting and reporting Х fraud evidence and expert witness Х financial risk management Х corporate law, auditаand regulation Х understanding and managing financial roles

Year three

Х optional work placement

Final year modules

Х forensic investigation Х forensic accounting techniques Х corporate reportingаХ principles of taxationаХ audit and assurance Х financial decision making or career management and development

Assessment

Х individual reports and essays Х multiple choice and phase tests Х group and individual presentations Х consultancy projects Х group work tasks Х examinations

Entry requirements

2014 entry requirements

We expect you to demonstrate through your personal statement an interest in and awareness of accounting or some level of practical experience.

Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above including English language and mathematics, plus one of the following

Х 300 points including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications or one AVCE double award. We accept general studies. Key Skills level 3 points do not count towards your points total.

Х Access Ц an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.

If you do not have any of the qualifications above but have relevant experience you are welcome to discuss potential opportunities with the admissions tutor.

2012 entry requirements
We expect you to demonstrate through your personal statement an interest in and awareness of accounting or some level of practical experience.

Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above including English language and mathematics, plus one of the following

2013 entry requirements

We expect you to demonstrate through your personal statement an interest in and awareness of accounting or some level of practical experience.

Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above including English language and mathematics, plus one of the following

Fees

Home and EU students

2013/14 academic year

For 2013 entry, membership of professional bodiesаis included in the course fee.

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically г11,880 a year

2014/15 academic year

Typically г11,880 a year

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Contact details

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk