Accountancy A Level

Course code: FTB001

School of Humanities & Science

The Programme

You will start by learning the basics of accounting, covering the entry of source documents such as invoices and credit notes to the double entry system. You will then learn how to produce a full set of final accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. Along the way, you will cover other aspects of accounting, covering topics such as correcting errors, operating the cash book, carrying out bank reconciliation statements and understanding the accounting concepts. In the second year you will focus on accounting techniques ranging from partnership accounts and incomplete records through to investment appraisal and costing and variance analysis. This subject equips you effectively to be able to understand and appreciate the whole accounting process and a possible career route into the profession. We also invest in a fantasy share league during the second year whereby you are provided with "£20,000" each to invest in the top 100 UK listed public limited companies over the year, tracking the progress of your portfolio to see who achieves the best return by the end of the course!

The Programme Content

In conclusion, this is a very useful course to study, whether you are considering accountancy as a possible career, or want to progress to university, or indeed as a life skill that you will benefit from for the rest of your life when dealing with your personal financial affairs!

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade C or above including English Language and Maths. Ideally, a grade B in Maths is recommended as an affinity and aptitude with numeracy and logic is an integral part of acquiring an understanding of this subject.

Costs

Visits may be arranged for which there is an additional cost. You will be required to purchase your own text book at a cost of approximately £20 in each year*.

Venue

Barnstaple, Main Site

Progression

Many students use the qualification to gain a place at university. It is an ideal qualification to study business studies, accountancy, management or economics at degree level. Accountancy also has practical benefits in that successful candidates may gain employment with firms of local Accountants and undertake a modern Apprenticeship. Indeed, a significant minority of second year students choose to study the Association of Accounting Technician's qualification alongside their A Level studies in their second year. The AS Level in Accounting exempts candidates from the first stage of the AAT qualification.

Length of Study

AS Level one year, A Level two years.

Academic Year

This course starts in the 2013 / 2014 academic year.