Accounting and Finance

Accounting and finance are foundational to how organisations of all kinds manage their resources, communicate their position to stakeholders and make decisions about the future. Accounting provides the systematic record of financial transactions and the preparation of reports that give a true and fair view of an organisation's financial health; finance extends that foundation into the analysis of investment decisions, capital structure, risk management and the behaviour of financial markets. Together they constitute one of the most versatile and consistently employable degree combinations available.

At the University of the Highlands and Islands this four-year full-time programme is delivered across the institution's distinctive network of colleges and learning centres, giving you access to degree-level education in a part of Scotland that combines striking natural and cultural environment with genuine academic ambition. The four-year structure typical of Scottish degrees gives you the time to develop real depth in both accounting and finance, progressing through the foundational principles of each discipline to more advanced analytical and professional content. You will study financial and management accounting, the preparation and interpretation of financial statements, corporate finance, investment and portfolio management, taxation principles and the regulatory and ethical frameworks that govern financial practice.

The skills you develop, including numerical accuracy, analytical thinking, financial reporting and commercial judgement, are directly applicable to professional roles in accountancy, financial management and related fields.

Graduates pursue careers in accounting firms, corporate finance departments, investment management, banking, public sector finance, tax and audit. Many use the degree as a foundation for professional qualifications such as those offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW or ICAS), ACCA or CIMA, which are the principal routes to chartered status in the profession. Postgraduate study in accounting, finance or taxation is also an option for those who want to develop specialist expertise.