Entry Requirements

Find out more about how to apply.

No other university in the UK offers Flying Start's unique combination of study, paid work placements and accelerated progress towards the ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) qualification. As a result, demand for this programme is high.

We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds who have the personal qualities to succeed on the programme. We consider each applicant individually taking into account past performance and potential. Our entry requirements are:

A/AS Levels and AVCE Qualifications
  • AAA/AAB from 18 units including a minimum of two A levels and excluding General Studies
  • AVCE (Double Award) in Business accepted if offered with an A level
  • GCSE Mathematics grade A and GCSE English grade B required if not taken at A or AS level
Scottish Qualifications
  • AAAAA/AAABB at Higher Grade
  • Mathematics required at Standard Grade 1 (or equivalent at Intermediate 2) if not offered at Higher Grade
  • Combinations of Highers and Advanced Highers accepted
International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • A minimum of 34-38 points in the IB with three subjects at grade 5 or above at Higher Level including Mathematics
Irish Leaving Certificate
  • AAABB at Higher Level
  • Junior Certificate Maths required at Grade A if not offered at Higher Level
Access Qualifications
  • A level 3 unit in Business Studies is desirable. At least 30 level 3 credits at Distinction and in addition at least 15 level 3 credits at a minimum of Merit.
BTEC Higher National Diploma
  • BTEC Higher National Diploma in a business-related subject to include four units at Merit grade and eight units at Distinction grade.
BTEC National Diploma
  • BTEC National Diploma at overall DDD/DDM. Business-related subjects preferred.

We welcome applications from mature students and students with disabilities. There are also a limited number of places for overseas .

Professional Ethics

The placements with PwC are an integral part of the degree programme. In order to complete this training you will be required to sign an employment contract and an Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) training contract with PwC and register as a provisional member of the ICAEW. These requirements apply to all PwC graduate trainees or any other accountancy trainee entering the profession.

Upon signing these contracts with PwC and registering with the ICAEW you will be required to adhere to the standards of professional conduct as outlined in the PwC Employment Manual and ICAEW regulations. Students selected for interview will be given a briefing on these issues and will also be able to ask for further details on the issues below.

ICAEW Mandatory Declarations

Students are required to declare any act or default likely to bring discredit on themselves, the ICAEW or the accountancy profession. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • any criminal offence or guilty plea to a criminal offence,
  • bankruptcy,
  • Individual Voluntary Arrangements,
  • failure to satisfy a judgment debt,
  • an adverse finding against you by a professional body or regulator.
If you believe that any of the above may apply to you, please contact the ICAEW confidential student helpline on 01908 248040. Should any of the above apply, you may not be able to undertake ICAEW training and therefore would not be eligible for the degree placements.