This course is for students who have achieved the HNC in accounting and is designed to increase competence in financial and management accounting.
This course will be delivered on campus.
Start date – August 2026
End date – June 2027
SCQF Level - 8
Mode - Full time
Duration - 1 year
The course covers all aspects of accounting practice, and includes opportunities for work placements and volunteering. You will learn more about management and financial accounting, business taxation, skills in researching, evaluating and interpreting financial data, awareness and application of current accounting standards and legislation, providing information for decision-making and control. Report writing is a significant component of the course, ensuring you develop strong communication skills essential for the profession.
You will gain work experience through work placement and/or volunteering and progress towards degree-level study. This will improve your prospects for work and promotion. Experienced lecturers with a wide range of industry experience will support and guide you throughout the course.
You will also have the opportunity to gain exemptions from accredited qualifications needed to be a practicing accountant, such as CIMA, ACCA and AAT.
As an accountancy student at West Lothian College you will benefit from our strong links with local employers and organisations.
Our previous students have benefited by hearing from industry professionals with a wealth of knowledge of the sector and have the opportunity to take part in sessions with professional accountancy bodies including CIMA/ACCA/AAT.
Successful completion of the HND in accounting requires 30 credits (15 credits from HNC Accounting and 15 credits from HND Accounting) so other qualifications or work experience are not relevant.
If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course.
Education: entry to university degree at second or third year or progression with advanced standing to qualifications from professional accounting bodies including ACCA and CIMA.
We also have an articulation agreement with Heriot-Watt University, which will allow progression to 3rd year Accountancy and Law after successful completion of the course.
Employment: posts such as accounts technician, assistant accountant and accounts supervisor.
There are no interview arrangements for this course due to entry criteria being progression from HNC Accounting.
There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds. Click here to find out more
Take that next step in your career and apply for this course today. If the course is not yet open for applications, feel free to ask any questions by clicking make an enquiry.