The University of Nicosia (UNIC) is proud to announce the formal approval of its BSc Accounting programme as a strategic degree by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). This recognition elevates the existing partnership between the two institutions, offering students a truly unique and accelerated path to the globally respected ACA qualification.
While the programme already held 8 credits for prior learning (CPL), this new strategic status enhances the framework, allowing students to sit the four ICAEW Professional Level examinations (Golden credits) directly as part of their undergraduate studies.
"Our collaboration with ICAEW is a testament to our commitment to providing world-class education that bridges academic theory with professional practice," said Professor Petros Lois, Head of the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance at the University of Nicosia. "This strategic partnership means our students don't have to wait until after graduation to start their journey to becoming chartered accountants. They will be fully prepared to sit these exams during their degree, significantly accelerating their career prospects."
A New Model of Professional Excellence
Under the newly approved model, the ICAEW examinations are fully integrated into the BSc Accounting programme. Students will be able to take the exams directly with ICAEW as computer-based exams once they have successfully completed the corresponding academic modules mapped to the syllabus. This module-to-exam mapping ensures students are progressively prepared throughout the programme, rather than waiting until the very end to attempt all four exams.
Crucially, the assessment, marking, and reporting of results for these four examinations will be managed directly by ICAEW, ensuring the highest standards of rigour and global consistency. Students will graduate not only with a top-tier BSc degree but also with significant progress already made towards their ACA qualification.
"A strategic partnership like this is a game-changer for our students," noted Professor Petros Lois. "By working directly with ICAEW, we are providing a more integrated and risk-free path for our students. They receive the same rigorous syllabus and global standards, while the University benefits from ICAEW's world-class assessment processes."
Next Steps and Support
The University and ICAEW will now work closely on the operational processes to ensure a seamless experience for students. This includes coordinating how cohorts will be registered for the ICAEW exams and how results will be reported back to the University to form part of the student's academic record.
The first cohort of students will be eligible to sit the ICAEW exams within the upcoming academic year, with a dedicated team from both UNIC and ICAEW managing the process to ensure a smooth transition for all students.
For more information, please contact:
Prof. Petros Lois
Head, Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance,
School of Business, University of Nicosia
Lois.p@unic.ac.cy
