Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 2 years

Location

City Campus

Applications from International Students Welcome

Overview

This course will prepare you for further study at university, or for courses run by professional accounting organisations like ACCA, CIPFA and CIMA.

In order to be eligible for this course, applicants must have achieved HNC Accounting at A/B or HNC Next Generation Accouting at Merit/Distinction.  

The course is placed on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework at Level 8. 

The HNC Accounting Award has been designed to meet the demands and requirements of the Accounting Industry. 

Opportunities are provided to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding in preparation for employment, or for progression to courses such as Professional Qualification, or Universtity.    

A full list of the units covered is provided in the section “what you study” below. 

Throughout the course, you will undertake a programme of guidance activities designed to encourage the successful completion of the course. 

You'll be required to attend college for 3 days every week from 9 am to 5pm for one academic year.

Why Choose City of Glasgow College?

City of Glasgow College is a next-generation college.  Our Campuses at City and Riverside have been meticulously designed to offer superb opportunities to our students and to meet and adapt to the changing needs of future generations. This future-proofing complements the vast open and inspiring learning and teaching environment.  Here are just a few reasons why you should make City your first choice:

• We have designed our curriculum to develop the technical skills of students and it is closely aligned with industry requirements, meaning our graduates can successfully transition from their course into employment. 
• We support our students in a classroom environment encouraging student engagement and improving attainment.
• Over 90% of our successful students progress directly to further learning, apprenticeships, or employment. 
• All of our students have a named Academic Advisor who can provide advice, support and signposting in key areas, such as:
  • Opportunities to discuss your academic progress.
  • Encouragement and an informed view with ways to enhance your academic studies.
  • Planned workshops from the student services team on a range of areas including finance and funding, careers information, help to be a class rep etc. You can suggest to your Academic Advisor workshops and talks that would benefit you.
  • A reliable point of contact throughout your studies, enabling you to make the most of your time at the college.

Make City of Glasgow College your first choice for a world-class education.

"Studying  Accounting, in particular, gave me an advantage in my current role as I had a really good understanding of Debits and Credits.  That helped me when I was undertaking ICAS qualifications as part of my apprenticeship with EY"  Danielle Stewart, Associate, Ernst and Young LLP.

 

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

HND Accounting:

• Successful completion of a HNC Accounting course with 15 credits at A/B, OR
• Successful completion of a HNC Next Generation Accounting with 15 credits at Merit/Distinction, OR
• Equivialent qualifcation.

Additional selection requirements

You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area or we'll make an offer based on your application form.

ESOL entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

What you study

The units are:

• Introduction to Financial Markets.
• Performance Management.
• Financial Reporting and Coroporation Tax.
• Business Performance and Managing Risk.

After the course

Careers

This course prepares you for a career in:

• Bookkeeping.
• Financial and management accounting using manual and computerised techniques.
• Accounts Technician.
• Assistant Accountant.
• Accounts supervisor.
• Financial reporting.
• Management accounting.
• Taxation.

Continuing Study

Successful students can progress on to:

• Year three of BA Accountancy at Glasgow Caledonian University.
• Year three of BA Accounting at the University of the West of Scotland.
• Year three of BA Accountancy at the University of Stirling.
• Year three of BA Accounting at Edinburgh Napier University.
• Year three of BA Accounting with Finance at the University of Abertay.

With an HND, you're exempt from the foundation level exams for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), so can proceed to study at their higher levels. You should still contact your chosen professional body to confirm the exact exemptions available.