University of London, ACCA announces launch of joint BSc degree with professional accountancy qualification
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the University of London have announced the launch of a new integrated BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy programme. The initiative will allow students to simultaneously pursue an academic degree and a globally recognised professional accountancy qualification through a single structured coursework.
The programme, set to open for applications in December 2025, merges the ACCA qualification, widely regarded as one of the leading global certifications for accountants, with the academic credentials of the University of London.
The move is aimed at addressing the long-standing dilemma many students face in choosing between an academic or a professional path in accountancy.
According to the official statement, the new BSc programme is tailored to align with the progression of the ACCA qualification. Students undertaking ACCA will have the opportunity to work toward the degree as part of their professional studies, offering a streamlined route toward becoming a qualified accountant with both academic and professional credentials.
Alan Hatfield, Executive Director of Content, Quality and Innovation at ACCA, described the programme as a 'career launchpad,' especially beneficial for students seeking a comprehensive education in accountancy. 'Choosing between a professional and an academic qualification is a significant dilemma for many students,' he said. 'This new route supports our efforts to increase inclusion and opportunity in the accountancy profession and to bridge the accountancy skills gap that exists in many countries.'
The structure of the BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy allows for complete online learning, consistent with the flexible format of the ACCA qualification. Students can opt for supported online instruction or attend face-to-face sessions through the University of London's recognised teaching centres, subject to availability.
Dr Sky Zheng, Executive Director of University of London Worldwide, emphasised the institution's ongoing mission to make quality education accessible. 'This BSc programme, delivered in collaboration with ACCA, gives students the best of both worlds – gaining both credentials simultaneously to improve their career prospects in global accountancy,' he said.
The programme builds on an existing collaboration between the two institutions, under which ACCA members and affiliates already have the opportunity to pursue an MSc in Professional Accountancy.
Notably, in India, the ACCA qualification has seen a rise in interest among commerce and accounting students, offering a global alternative to traditional domestic pathways such as CA (Chartered Accountancy). With the launch of this integrated BSc programme, Indian students now have an additional route that blends global academic recognition with a professional designation, all without the need to enrol separately in a university course.
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