BA (Hons) Accounting with Business Analytics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Robert Gordon University

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Accounting with Business Analytics at Robert Gordon University offers a four-year full-time programme that combines core accounting knowledge with data science and analytics expertise. It suits students who want to enter traditional accounting careers (with exemptions from bodies such as Association of Chartered Certified Accountants ACCA, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants CIMA, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland ICAS) while also developing data-driven skills in programming, analytics and business intelligence.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1 – Students build foundational accounting and business skills through modules like Business Perspectives, Introductory Economics, Financial Accounting, Personal and Business Finance, Sustainable Business, People Management and Introduction to Programming (Python). In this year they develop basic competency in accounting concepts, economics, business culture and essential programming.
Year 2 – In the second year they study modules including Quantitative Business Techniques, Business Ideas and Opportunities, Financial Reporting, Management and Cost Accounting, External Reporting and Database Systems. This stage deepens analytical and accounting skills, introduces data-systems knowledge and develops business problem-solving capability.
Year 3 – Students may choose to undertake an optional paid placement year, gaining real-world experience in a degree-relevant setting, while continuing university-based distance modules. Alternatively, they continue full-time study.
Year 4 – In the honours year students tackle modules such as Assurance and Ethics, Financial Reporting Issues and Applications, Big Data Analytics, Data Visualisation, Business Strategy, Optimisation for Decision Support and Management Accounting Decision-making and Control. Here they integrate accounting expertise with advanced data analytics, visualisation and decision-support modelling.

Focus areas:
“accounting; business analytics; financial reporting; data visualisation; programming; decision support; big data in accounting”

Learning outcomes:
“apply accounting principles and financial reporting frameworks; use programming and database tools to analyse business data; design and evaluate decision-support models; communicate analytics-led insights in accounting and business contexts”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by ICAS and offers exemptions for key modules from ACCA and CIMA, aligning with professional accounting standards and increasingly data-driven roles in finance.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Robert Gordon University was ranked 2nd in Scotland for teaching quality in Accounting and Finance and 1st in Scotland for student experience in Business, Management & Marketing (Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical skills through hands-on data science projects using RGU's specialist facilities, including the Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab and accounting software suites. This practical training is delivered through:

Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab: Access to industry-standard financial data and analytics platforms
Accounting Software: Training in Sage accounting software and other professional platforms
Data Science Tools: Experience with Python, R, and SQL for financial data analysis
Live Business Projects: Real-world accounting and data analysis challenges with industry partners
Professional Placement: Opportunity for a year-long industry placement in accounting or data science

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Robert Gordon University's BA (Hons) Accounting with Data Science program achieve strong outcomes, combining deep accounting knowledge with valuable data science skills. Typical roles include Chartered Accountant, Financial Analyst, Data Analyst, and Audit Specialist. Graduates are well-prepared to meet demands in evolving accounting and finance sectors, with around 85-96% employed or pursuing further study within 15 months of graduation.

Key progression and career support details include:

Dedicated support from RGU’s Placement Office providing paid, degree-relevant work placements often with Big Four firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) and other multinational companies.
High graduate employability rates (over 85-96%), with many gaining exemptions from professional accounting bodies such as ICAS, CIMA, and ACCA due to core accounting modules.
Salary figures align with industry expectations, and graduates benefit from Aberdeen Business School’s strong industry links and practical curriculum integration.
The program delivers long-term accreditation value through robust ties to professional bodies and relevant exemptions, enhancing employability.
Graduation outcomes include comprehensive skill development in accounting, finance, and data analytics, leading to strong employer demand and job readiness.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may advance to master's degrees such as MSc Accounting, MSc Data Science, or MBA programs, or pursue professional accounting qualifications for chartered status, furthering both academic and career prospects.