Selection process
The standard A-level offer for the BSc (Hons) Accounting, Auditing and Finance (NN43) is AAB or equivalent. For more information on admissions criteria see Entry for 2010.
However, because the programme involves a unique collaboration between Lancaster University, Ernst & Young and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), the selection process differs from that applied on other accounting and finance degrees.
The main difference is that after your UCAS application is initially reviewed by Lancaster University, you will also have to go through Ernst & Young’s own screening process. Further details of the application and selection process are outlined below.
- Stage 1: Applicants apply for NN43 through UCAS in the usual way. If pre-selected, Lancaster University will contact you by letter and/or email with further information on the selection process. It is vital that you include a current email address on your UCAS application form. You will then be able to apply online to complete the supplementary selection process.
- Stage 2: Applicants will be invited by Ernst & Young to complete a supplementary application form. If this initial application is accepted, then you will also be required to complete further online tests. Assuming that your application form and test results are accepted by Ernst & Young, you progress to stage 3.
- Stage 3: Applicants are invited by Ernst & Young to attend a selection workshop. The aim of this workshop is to help Ernst & Young evaluate a range of personal characteristics including interpersonal skills, creativity, teamwork skills, leadership abilities, and time management skills. Assuming that you are successful at this workshop, we make a formal offer via UCAS.
What happens if my application fails at any of the three stages?
The selection process for the Ernst & Young degree has been carefully designed to provide a “safety net” should your application fail at any of the three stages outlined above. Specifically:
- If you fail the online test at stage 1, Lancaster will usually offer you a place on one of our alternative accounting and finance programmes via UCAS.
- If your supplementary application form or online test is unsuccessful at stage 2, Lancaster will usually offer you a place on one of our alternative accounting and finance programmes via UCAS.
- If you are unsuccessful at the selection workshop in stage 3, Lancaster will usually offer you a place on one of our alternative accounting and finance programmes via UCAS.
