University to ACA

The majority of ACA students are graduates, who come from a range of disciplines. You do not need to have studied accountancy or finance at degree level to become an ACA.

Minimum entry requirements

• Two A2 levels and three GCSE passes including Maths and English (most employers ask for A or B grades) or their equivalents. You do not need an A-level in Maths. Equivalent grades at International Baccalaureate level or equivalent school leaving certificate qualifcations are also welcomed 
• A total UCAS tariff score of 220 or above covering both AS and A2 levels (Be aware that many employers will expect you to have a UCAS tariff score of 280 or above, or equivalent. Many employers will not include General Studies in the tariff calculation) 
• A First or 2:1 or its equivalent in your first degree in any subject if you choose to go to university (some organisations will accept a 2:2).

Non-UK residents

Please visit your country page to view your minimum entry requirements.

Flying Start Degree

The Flying Start degree at Newcastle University, in conjunction with PwC, provides the opportunity to begin your ACA training while at university. It has some of the features of a standard sandwich degree course but is a more integrated university degree programme with paid work experience. It is also specifically designed to include modules that satisfy all the learning outcomes of the Professional Stage of the ACA qualification.

More on the Flying Start Degree

Skills needed to train for the ACA

Commitment, self-motivation, teamwork, excellent verbal and written communication, problem-solving skills, commercial awareness and a willingness to learn are all core skills that employers will be looking for you to demonstrate.

You do not need to have studied accountancy or finance at degree level, but it does help if you are confident with numbers and self-assured in your ability to analyse, discuss, argue and present financial information. Most disciplines will have taught you this at university level.

(Above: This graph indicates the different types of degrees ACA trainees have.)