Queen Mary University of London launches new degree programme

Queen Mary Building

Students will benefit from an innovative route into a career in accountancy with paid work placements at PwC, enabling students to ‘earn while they learn’ at a leading Russell Group university.

The Flying Start programme, lasting four years, combines a BSc in accountancy with hands-on, invaluable experience in the workplace. Students will undertake three paid work placements in years two, three, and four of their degree.

The three work placements add up to approximately half of the approved technical work experience and 12 of the 15 professional exams required to qualify as a chartered accountant, with most students continuing to build their career with PwC after graduating.

The degree programme, opening for application in September 2022, will have 60 places available.

Dr Ishani Chandrasekara, Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Programme Director for Flying Start Programme said:

“Everything we do is to help our students progress and achieve their goals in life, regardless of their background or what street they grew up on.

“This scheme will ensure that students benefit from both world-class teaching and time spent working in the heart of one of the world’s top accountancy firms.”

Laura Hinton, Chief People Officer at PwC said:

”We're thrilled to be working with Queen Mary to launch our Flying Start Degree Programme with them. We’re committed to widening access to our firm and profession, and our Flying Start Degree Programme which allows people to earn while they learn, is part of that strategy. Queen Mary is known for its fantastic work supporting social mobility so working with them will help us reach students who stand to benefit most. I have no doubt that those accepted onto the Flying Start programme will be set up for a hugely promising career in the world of business and accounting.”