Flying Start Degree programme- FS1, Manchester Review

I am in the audit line of service. This involves working as a team to check the financial statements of the client. Sometimes, I visit client site and sometimes I work from the office.

Before I began my placement in year 2, I had very little knowledge around auditing. My first placement has taught me about how some of the financial statement line items are tested. I have also developed broader skills such as team work and time management.

This is undoubtedly a programme which knows how to have fun! Both at university and on placement, there are lots of socials which are a great way to meet people. It is also very satisfying to apply what we have learnt in class to actual work.

The structure is clearly very well thought about with a mix of exams, learning and placement. The lecturers are very organised in ensuring we have the realistic opportunity to learn everything despite being less time in the university year due to placement.

Lots of support is provided by PwC. This includes informal support such as our buddy who is another flying support a couple of years ahead of us and a career coach who tracks our progress and is there for more formal issues.

The support we receive from the university is great which is definitely reflected in our results as a programme. The ICAEW are in close contact with our lecturers to ensure we have everything we need and it is up to date.

One of the exams we do in stage 2 is Audit and Assurance and this is the exam I have found to be most beneficial since my placement line of service is audit. However, overall I would say that the best way to learn is actually doing on placement.

There are lots of social activities. As a flying start programme, we have champs who are ex flying starts who organise big socials. We also do socials as audit teams to celebrate events such as signing. These socials involve activities like bowling, darts and meals.

Yes

As well as having a great time on the course socially, it is a fast track to become a Chartered Account. Through the course you receive qualifications that most people have to study for after they have graduated.

In the interview be confident, friendly and yourself. Don't worry if you haven't studied any A Level subjects such as business or accounting. I didn't, and I didn't feel at a disadvantage as the lectures teach it from the start anyway.