Program Overview

University Foundation in Business and Management Stage1 at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is designed to prepare you for entry to university-level program. During Stage 1 you will complete a range of modules relevant to your chosen degree, as well as modules concentrating on the skills that are vital for University level education such as Critical Thinking.

A Foundation pathway is available for students who:

• Don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold GCSE level qualifications)
• Feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
• Require additional English language training

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

Progressing from Foundation

Stage 1 will be the first stage in the 4 stage process. Meaning that on successful completion of stage 1 you will seamlessly progress to stage 2, which is the first year of a bachelor’s degree. There is no need to reapply, you will simply just progress between each stage until you reach the final stage and graduate with a degree from Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

BA (Hons) Accounting

• Curious about financial matters within companies? Want to kick-start your career with professional accreditations before you’ve even left university? Then we might just have the course for you. Our Accounting programme was developed together with professional bodies and industry-leading experts. This ensures you receive an education that is valued by the industry. Due to this recognised standard, you’ll also be able to get exemptions from various professional examinations. This means you can become a fully qualified accountant sooner.  
• You’ll study a global approach to accounting, exploring current trends and practices. You will combine knowledge of accounting, business, and the global economy. We know that practical skills are just as important as theoretical knowledge. You’ll have the chance to do a work placement – we'll help you find one – and even to learn an additional language. Fancy a European language, such as French, Spanish, or German? Or would you rather study Japanese or Mandarin? The choice is yours. No linguistic talent? That’s fine, too. Studying a language is optional, though recommended.
• Our course is a blend of theory and practical skills, making you stand out to employers with a strong CV. Because of our connections with professional bodies and leading companies, you’ll benefit from a good professional network to start your career in this competitive world.  Take advantage of networking with industry professionals at events that we’ll organise for you.  
• You can take additional accounting certifications and business diplomas while studying. For example, you can join the ACCA’s accelerate scheme and the CIMA university scheme, giving you associated membership of those bodies when you graduate. Who wouldn’t want to hire you? Recent Herts graduates have financial and management roles at Citibank, Amazon, PricewaterhouseCoopers, John Lewis, TUI, the NHS and even The Walt Disney Company.
• This course offers exemptions from the professional examinations of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

What's the course about?

• In your first year, you’ll learn the principles of accounting. You’ll explore financial information within companies and corporations and learn to analyse it. There is a dedicated module focusing on professional skills, such as communication and IT-literacy. You’ll investigate the different sides of business and where your role as an accountant sits within these.  
• In your second year, you’ll focus on financial reporting, management accounting and financial management. You’ll also learn methods of enquiry and problem solving to ensure you are ready to go out into the real world. This will give you an advantage when you start working, as you will have already developed all those essential skills while you were studying.
• Study abroad/work placement option: Between your second and third year, you can do an entire year abroad at one of our partner universities. They’re based in America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. That means plenty of places for you to go and explore. If travelling isn’t for you, you can do a year’s work placement in the UK. Want to go straight to your final year? That’s an option as well.
• In your final year, you will build on the foundation you have built in levels 4 and 5. You’ll take modules on advanced financial reporting and management accounting. You’ll also have the chance to pick options in areas that interest you, such as research methods, taxation, Islamic finance and banking or information systems.

What will I study?

• You will be studying four 15 credit modules in each semester (this may vary between double modules) and your contact time varies between modules, but usually you will have two sessions per week for each module, a one-hour lecture following by a one-hour seminar/tutorial. Typically, a new topic or theory will be introduced in each lecture and will be followed up with class discussion and feedback in the subsequent seminar. In addition, as part of your study time, you will be collaborating with your peers on tasks and group assignments. Module leaders also offer weekly drop in and feedback sessions, usually 2 x 1 hours per module as well as revision sessions.
• The University’s ‘online learning environment’ means you can access all your course resources, literature and timetables from anywhere in the world.
• Usually, assessment is split between coursework and examinations. The style of coursework can vary from presentations to business reports, essays depending on the taught topics.
• Degree programs are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6. These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study.