The RGU Graduate Apprenticeship in BA (Hons) Accounting
The RGU Graduate Apprenticeship in BA (Hons) Accounting is a government-funded way to train your next ICAS Chartered Accountant (CA).
The graduate apprenticeship is an accredited work-based learning programme combining an honours degree from Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University with the globally recognised ICAS Chartered Accountant qualification.
This unique five-year course is funded by Skills Development Scotland, covering your trainee's university and class fees. The ICAS training contract fee and exemption fees will be met by the employer (contact firms@icas.com for a detailed breakdown of fees).
To maximise the time spent gaining workplace experience and to accommodate students from throughout Scotland, the programme is mainly delivered through supported online learning. Additional classes are delivered on campus at RGU.
Academic study is combined with the required-minimum 600 days of practical experience. This approach allows your trainee to put their knowledge into practice, whilst being supported by a mentor and the university.
Honours degree and CA
The course is arranged over five years, with an honours degree awarded at the end of year four, and the ICAS CA qualification after the final year.
Your apprentice will be exempt from the Test of Competence (TC) level of the ICAS qualification.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements are at the discretion of the employer, but it is recommended your apprentice has strong Higher or A Level results – like those that would secure a place at university. They should be a school leaver or a graduate with a non-accounting degree. They must also be resident in Scotland. There are no age restrictions to undertake this apprenticeship.
What’s next
If you are interested in taking a graduate apprentice, please contact firms@icas.com. Funding places are allocated to employers annually on a first come first served basis and we encourage employers to get in touch early.
Frequently asked questions
Please refer to the Employer FAQs for further information regarding this apprenticeship.
Employer Testimonials
'The RGU scheme is an excellent route to becoming a CA for those who do not have a degree. The training is well mapped out and both the firm and our trainee have felt supported throughout our journey thus far by both RGU and ICAS. Advantages for the trainee include an opportunity to get both a university degree and gain a professional qualification, whilst still earning and without having to take a career break. The work-based activities provide students with the opportunity to see how their learnings operate in practise which makes the theory easier to understand and provides better context around their day-to-day work. It also provides them with the opportunity to widen their network of contacts. From a firm point of view, we have seen our trainee grow in confidence and skills since starting their studies and as their understanding grows, they can be given more challenging work. We have also noted the development of coaching and communication skills across others in the organisation as they help and mentor the trainee in their work-based learnings. Funding is provided by the Scottish Funding Council, so this is a cost efficient way for the business of upskilling the team and supporting our employees with their career progression.'
'The Graduate Apprenticeship with ICAS and RGU is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for young talent to complete their professional qualification whilst gaining real work experience. We currently have 3 cohorts of students from various backgrounds, which brings a great diversity to our Audit team.'
Student Testimonials
“Since starting to study accountancy at secondary school I knew it was something I wanted to pursue as a career. As I researched further about the different career paths that accountancy can take you down, I realised that the best way to make the most of a career in this profession is to obtain the CA qualification.
The Graduate Apprenticeship programme has been an enjoyable experience from the start. One of the main things I enjoy about it is the fact that I can take what I have learned and quickly start putting my new knowledge and skills into practice in the workplace. I find this helps to fully consolidate what I have learned. Also, I have met many interesting individuals from a range of backgrounds and made some friends along the way too.
The CA qualification is so prestigious and regarded so highly, not just in accountancy, but in all business environments. I look forward to the day I can say that I am a fully qualified CA.”
Robert, Business Advisory Senior
“I was offered a place on the RGU Graduate Apprenticeship programme through work when RGU were launching the Graduate Apprenticeship route in the first year the course was offered.
After discussions with people in work and family friends, I knew the CA qualification would be hard work but worth it. Being such a well-recognised qualification, it was a clear winner for me when I began researching what was available to me. The graduate apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to earn as you learn which was great coming straight into work as a school leaver. One of the parts I’ve enjoyed most is the varied content taught and being able to apply things learned on the course directly to my day-to-day work alongside learning. The course gives me a deeper knowledge to the tasks I undertake daily and allows me to gain a greater understanding of how and why we do things.
With ICAS being a globally respected qualification, I am proud to be studying toward becoming a CA through the ICAS route as I will be able to work and uphold a high standard in my work with the comfort that I have all the knowledge I need to undertake my role properly.”
Christina, Business Advisory Assistant
