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The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has accredited two accounting and finance degrees at Wrexham University/Prifysgol Wrecsam.
This marks the first time a Welsh higher education institution has received formal degree recognition from the professional body.
The accreditation covers Wrexham University’s BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance and BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year or International Year. From 2026, students on the programmes will be able to follow a direct pathway towards the Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification, with the first graduates expected to complete their studies in 2029.
ICAS said the move formed part of a wider strategy to widen access to the accountancy profession and support alternative entry routes across the UK.
The organisation described Wrexham University’s focus on inclusivity, including support for Welsh language use, as closely aligned with its own ambitions to reduce barriers to entry.
The Welsh accreditation follows a series of recent initiatives by ICAS, including the accreditation of The Open University’s BSc Accounting and Finance, its first recognised distance-learning programme, and the expansion of its graduate apprenticeship programme across Scotland’s Central Belt.
Gail Boag, executive director of learning at ICAS, said: “We’re leading the way in widening access to the accountancy profession, and accrediting our first Welsh university degree is a significant milestone in delivering on that ambition.
“By accrediting its accounting degree, we are creating a clear and accessible route for more students across the UK to gain the skills, knowledge and professional recognition needed to build rewarding careers in accountancy.”
Ruth Slater, incoming dean of Wrexham Business School, added: “I am delighted that Wrexham University is the first Welsh university to achieve ICAS accreditation. This recognition from ICAS highlights how our BSc Accounting and Finance degree prepares students for careers that make a positive impact regionally, nationally and internationally.”
Founded in 2008, Wrexham University/Prifysgol Wrecsam has campuses in Wrexham, Northop and St Asaph and offers degree programmes across 14 academic schools.
