MAcc Graduate Apprenticeship Master of Accountancy

Overview

Become a chartered accountant in five years

Our MAcc in Accountancy Graduate Apprenticeship is a professionally orientated qualification delivered in partnership with Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), This course will enable successful candidates to exit with both a MAcc in Accountancy and Chartered Accountant status with ACCA, from whom GCU has received Gold Approved Learning Partner Status. GCU provides high-quality tuition and support, assessed against ACCA’s widely recognised and highly regarded best practice benchmarks.

Our innovative, fully-funded MAcc Graduate Apprenticeship helps employers recruit new talent and upskill existing staff wishing to study towards a master's degree and professional accountancy qualification. The MAcc Accountancy apprenticeship is open to all employers in either private, public or the third sector.

Our Master of Accountancy Apprentices work in business and finance in roles such as administrator, bookkeeper, trainee accountant, finance assistant, and accounts assistant. Applicants must be living and working in Scotland in the same field as the Graduate Apprenticeship course they are applying to, if you are not employed yet, visit Skills Development Scotland to explore relevant vacancies.

The course is expertly designed to align with ACCA's requirements, providing a clear pathway to chartered status in just five years. Here, you will find all the information you need to fast-track your path to becoming a chartered accountant.

The power of an accountancy graduate apprenticeship

A graduate apprenticeship in accountancy offers benefits for both employees and apprentices. Employers can utilise the MAcc Accountancy program to nurture talent within their organisations. The apprenticeship bridges the gap between academia and practical application, equipping apprentices with hands-on experience and real-world context. By supporting apprentices through the program, employers can tailor their development to meet specific business needs. For apprentices, the apprenticeship provides invaluable practical experience, allowing them to stand out in their professional journey. With over 700 current apprentices, the program also presents an opportunity to develop a professional network within the industry.

All Apprenticeships are fully-funded by the Scottish Funding Council, therefore choosing to embark on the MAcc graduate apprenticeship route means that apprentices avoid the financial burdens associated with more traditional routes.

To take a deeper dive into the benefits of a Graduate Apprenticeship at GCU please visit our FAQs below and our Guide to Graduate Apprenticeships. Additionally, our portfolio of Case Studies offer a compelling first-hand account of the experiences of our apprentices and their respective employers.

Benefits of an accelerated route to chartered accountancy

By choosing the accelerated path to chartered accountancy, you can embark on a streamlined and efficient journey toward qualification as a chartered accountant. This path compresses the time frame needed to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills from 7 to just 5 years. This expedites apprentices' entry into the workforce, and enables them to kick start their accountancy career earlier than their peers who pursue traditional routes.

The accelerated path offers intensive and focused study, ensuring rapid professional progression and the potential for higher earnings as graduate accountants. With a more concentrated and immersive learning experience, you can absorb essential accounting principles more effectively, allowing you to apply them confidently in real-world scenarios.

Choosing to take an accelerated route also demonstrates a range of qualities that are attractive to employers such as drive, strong organizational skills, discipline, and the ability to handle a rigorous workload.

What you
will study

Course
Information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MAcc	Blended Learning	5 Years	Sep 25	Glasgow	Enquire Apply

All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide. Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place may be asked to achieve more than is stated.

Our MAcc is delivered in partnership with ACCA, all employers need to be approved by ACCA and we can support you with a quick and simple check. Your organisation may already be an ACCA-approved employer - you can check here.

Standard entry requirements

For new employees applying directly from school:

All applicants must be working in full-time employment in a role commensurate to the programme of study. Applicants should also have the support of their employer.

UCAS Tariff: 135

Scottish Higher: BBBBB or equivalent incl Higher in Maths or Accountancy

For employees applying directly from College:

HNC: Have attained a Grade A in an HNC (or equivalent) in Accounting or Finance related subject

Foundation Apprenticeships

We accept selected Foundation Apprenticeships, in combination with SQA Highers, for entry to our degree programmes. Your Foundation Apprenticeship will take the place of one SQA Higher qualification for our standard entry requirements and will be treated as equivalent to a B grade at Higher.

Modern Apprenticeships

If you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF level 6 in a relevant discipline this would be equivalent to two Highers at B.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

For applicants with prior work experience and professional qualifications, there is a possibility to be considered through the university’s flexible entry system through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

This process allows prospective graduate apprentices to claim credit(s) against previously assessed and certificated learning, including informal learning, to be considered and recognised for academic purposes and credit within their course.

Advanced entry may also be granted through RPL. Skills, knowledge, academic qualifications and experience will all be used to inform which year of the degree you will enter into.

Examples of RPL entry in those course include:

Candidates have 2 years’ demonstrable work experience in a Finance Assistant type role with successful study at SCQF level 7 or above
Candidates have 4 years’ demonstrable Finance or Accounting experience and successfully studied at SCQF level 6 or above

Additional requirements

Candidates must be employed in the same field as the course of study and must supply a supporting letter from their employer as part of the admissions process.

You must be living and working in Scotland in the same field as the Graduate Apprenticeship course you are applying to.

Assessment methods

This Graduate Apprenticeship course is delivered via blended learning (online and face-to-face). All reading material, tutor discussions, assignment setting, marking and feedback, timelines and key dates are located in the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) GCU Learn. Through a one-password access login for the VLE, students also access the University’s library.

Why GCU?

We adopt a transformative approach to learning, placing the apprentice at the centre of curriculum delivery. In line with GCU’s Learning and Teaching Strategy, we will make use of online resources, supported by on-campus delivery from subject matter experts to create an empowering experience based on a co-created, apprentice and employer-led, work-based programme.

Work based learning

Graduate Apprenticeships are co-designed by GCU and industry partners. GCU invites a diverse range of guest lecturers - dependent on relevant subject areas, current industry news and course needs - to share their expertise in every subject area.

Graduate success

This course will enable successful candidates to exit with both a MAcc in Accountancy and Chartered Accountant status with ACCA, from whom GCU has received Gold Approved Learning Partner Status. Opting for the accelerated route to chartered accountancy allows you to enter the workforce sooner, gaining professional experience and starting your career at an earlier stage. Completing the qualification in five years also demonstrates your dedication, adaptability, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, making you an attractive candidate to employers. This head start and focussed learning experience paves the way for accelerated career growth as well as an increased earning potential.

Accountants who have reached chartered status often enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, reflecting the value their specialised skills bring to employers. Additionally, chartered status is internationally recognized, providing opportunities for global mobility.

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