The ACA qualification from the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) is considered to be a premium, gold standard accountancy qualification that qualifies you as a chartered accountant. ICAEW chartered accountants are always in demand and the ACA qualification equips students to perform at the highest levels of accountancy, business and finance.
The majority of ACA trainees work in accounting practice and the ACA qualification has a strong practice subject focus (audit, taxation) as well as covering other key technical accounting areas.
An increasing number of students are now training in other sectors too. Once qualified, ICAEW chartered accountants work in all sectors, from accounting practices to commercial organisations, financial institutions, not for profit organisations and the public sector.
The University of South Wales is recognised as an ICAEW Partner in Learning, working with ICAEW in the professional development of students. The University has a rich history of providing first class tuition for professional accountancy courses. We have been awarded PQ Magazine's 'Public Sector Accountancy College of the Year' three times, and our students have won multiple awards, including awards for the highest marks in Wales.
The Professional Accounting course information brochure provides further details on part-time fees, timetables and the next available entry points. Follow us on Twitter.
The wellbeing and health and safety of our students and staff is paramount to us. We are committed to delivering all of our courses and services as safely as possible. Due to the pandemic, the methods and activities adopted for the coming year may differ from those previously published and may be subject to further change through the course of your study if such change is necessary due to public health concerns, health and safety guidance or in response to Government Guidelines. USW is committed to providing you with a fantastic student experience and a wealth of support, and you can hear how students have benefitted from this approach here: Learn more about blended learning.
To qualify as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant students are required to complete:
The ACA Qualification comprises three examination levels – Certificate, Professional and Advanced.
CFAB is the entry qualification for ACA. Students are able to obtain exemptions from all six CFAB modules by studying our innovative, internally assessed Cert HE (Professional Accounting, ICAEW) (professional body approval pending). Under this scheme, students study six modules between Sept-June. Details can be found in our Professional Accounting course information brochure.
Please contact Rebecca Wright for further information.
At the Advanced Level students are required to study a number of technical areas, which are then examined together in the Corporate Reporting and Strategic Business Management papers. These papers aim to simulate real-life business and accounting practice environments, and the concept is taken further with a final case study examination.
Professional and Advanced level papers will generally be taught for one day per week, with a block revision period at the end of each paper. Under our blended learning approach, students are not required to attend campus each week. See more details under the ‘Teaching’ heading below.
Professional and Advanced level papers will generally be taught for one day per week, with a block revision period at the end of each paper.
Typical tuition lengths:
Professional Level papers – 6-11 weeks plus revision block
Advanced Level – 14 weeks plus revision block
Knowledge is built up and exam question practice is undertaken week on week. Students build skills gradually and sustainably, and are not absent from their workplace for long periods of time (which is particularly important for smaller accounting practices)
Our Professional Accounting and Finance course information brochure provides further details on part-time fees, timetables and the next available entry points.
Our blended delivery model includes a mix of classroom-based tuition plus interactive online elements, with students only required to attend face to face classes in periodic weeks. Our online tuition includes bespoke, bite-sized pre-recorded lectures & tutorials, weekly timetabled live virtual classrooms, discussion boards and 121 pastoral and subject tutor technical support delivered via email, telephone or video call where required, in addition to face to face meetings. All face to face classes will also be broadcast live and recorded to suit students studying at distance. Our blended delivery gives students flexibility in accessing resources at a time that’s right for them, in line with their needs, learning styles and preferences.
To learn more about this style of study we'd advise reading an article written by course leader Rebecca Wright on studying a professional accountancy qualification during a pandemic.
Professional Level:
Modules are assessed by computer based exams. Each exam is two-and-a-half hours long, with the exception of the Financial Accounting and Reporting paper which is assessed by a three-hour exam.
Advanced Level:
Consists of two technical integration papers and a case study:
Our professional accounting teaching team includes nine qualified accountants and a qualified solicitor, who have significant industry and accounting practice experience, as well as significant experience of teaching professional accountancy qualifications.
Question practice reinforces technical knowledge and exam technique each and every week on all of our programmes. The learning environment here is friendly and supportive, and we are able to offer an exceptional level of pastoral support.
Study resources
Our tuition fees include the provision of a wide range of ICAEW published materials per paper, including study manuals, question banks, course exams, unseen questions and mock exams.
Progress tests and mock examinations for each paper reinforce exam technique skills.
Student performance reports for sponsoring employers are available.
The most popular entry route to the qualification is a good undergraduate honours degree (1st or 2:1), but entry is also available to people with no qualifications, A-level school leavers, AAT graduates, apprentices, and members of other Chartered bodies. Trainees are ultimately required to enter a training contract with an approved employer.
Completion of the AAT qualification gives exemption from up to 5 of the ACA exams.
You must apply for student membership and exemptions (where applicable) with ICAEW before joining the course. Visit www.icaew.com for more information.
Please note that whilst this course does not require a DBS Check for entry, some professions will not consider candidates who have certain types of criminal convictions. Therefore, if you have a criminal conviction and you are considering a particular career path we would recommend that you check with the relevant professional body or refer to their recruitment policy to make sure that your conviction will not disadvantage you.
Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed below. Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.
* Obligatory
| Item | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| ICAEW membership * | Students will be required to pay separately for ICAEW student membership, exemption and external examination fees. For the latest information, visit: https://careers.icaew.com/en/how-to-become-a-chartered-accountant/cost-of-the-aca |
Applications for ICAEW Professional and Advanced levels should be made directly through our MyUSW online portal.
Please state which paper(s) you wish to study in the personal statement section of the application form. To apply for Certificate level modules, please contact Rebecca Wright.
Apply directly to the University if you live outside the UK/EU.
ACA students enjoy early responsibility and excellent career progression. Many ACA students double their salary during training. Salaries for newly qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountants are on a par with careers in law and banking and many become partners or financial directors early in their careers, leading to a greater variety of opportunities.
ICAEW Chartered Accountants work at the highest levels of some of the world’s largest organisations; 80% of UK FTSE 100 companies have an ICAEW Chartered Accountant on their board.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.
