Flying Start Degree Programme - Associate, Gatwick Review

The degree programme is four years long in total. It begins at university and the entirety of first year is spent there completing the certificate-level ICAEW exams and other required university modules. In second, third and fourth year time is split between university and PwC (September to December at university, January to March at PwC and then back to university for ICAEW and university exams). Overall we work towards a degree (BA Accounting and Business) that covers 12/15 ACA exams.

Through undertaking my university exams I have gained new skills in accounting. PwC provide internal training courses prior to placement which developed my audit and Excel skills. I have also developed my team working skills through working with brilliant people at PwC and learnt the value of clear communication when working with clients.

I have had a great experience so far on the programme and really enjoy it. The teaching provided at university is fantastic and some of our lecturers have previously had industry experience which they are able to draw upon when teaching. The environment at PwC is extremely welcoming and despite people working from home during the pandemic, PwC ensured that new joiners were supported throughout their placements.

The programme is structured to ensure that participants can adjust to university life as the first year of the programme is spent entirely at university. Then plenty of support is provided in the transition to PwC and training takes place in December (prior to starting in January). The course is structured to ensure that the exams are manageable when we return to university.

We have plenty of sources of support. At university we are paired with a mentor prior to starting which allows us to ask any questions that we may have about the course or university life in general. We also have a university programme manager and a PwC programme manager who are aware of the steps required in the transition between university and PwC and are always on hand to answer any questions. At PwC we have a buddy who is usually an older flying start student and also a career coach (usually a PwC manager) who are available to support us when on placement.

Our qualifications are taken through university exams. Our lecturers provide plenty of support throughout our teaching time through answering in person questions/emails and also have forums available where we can ask questions too. We then have scheduled revision time too during the summer term to prepare for the exams.

The exams that we take at university directly link to the work performed at PwC, particularly in the areas of accounting and audit. It is helpful for development to apply the theory learnt at university in practice as this aids understanding and contributes to preparation for the ICAEW accredited exams.

At university we can get involved in a variety of societies. First year provides an excellent opportunity for this as we can be involved for the entire year and discover which societies we enjoy; however the time at university being shortened in second, third and fourth year does not limit participation in any societies that we may wish to join. At PwC there are many committees that we can join, such as the social committee to be involved in extracurricular activities at work.

Yes

PwC has an amazing working environment, embodied in the people who are present there. I have always felt incredibly supported by everyone at PwC and really enjoy working with such a variety of people. I also feel fortunate to be able to experience university and gain a degree whilst building my work experience too - it is a unique opportunity.

The application progres is through UCAS and will involve an assessment day at the university that includes an individual and group interview. When preparing for this day, I would encourage people to explore the PwC Professional Framework (available on their website) and think about how it applies to them, using specific examples.