Target Group and Admission Requirements

The study programme is intended for all who seek an education which will qualify them for positions within accountancy, bookkeeping, and finance and administration in private and public enterprises. To be accepted for the study programme, a student must meet general admission requirements or have prior experiential learning.

Aim of the Programme

The study programme in auditing will provide students with a theoretical and professional education. In other words, students will develop professional insight, analytical skills and an understanding of issues in financial, social and political systems and processes. There will be an introduction to financial policies, socio-economic planning and the background for regulation of business enterprises. The student will learn the principles of leadership and organisation, quality control and communication. In addition, the programme will address ethical problem approaches, ethical traditions, and, norms and values in modern society. Other important aims include developing the social skills necessary for working in groups and projects and mastering proper written and oral communication.

In practice, this will involve providing students with:

• A theoretical education which will qualify them to fulfil the responsibilities of a certified accountant
• A theoretical education which will qualify them to carry out bookkeeping and auditing tasks in the public and private sectors
• A basis for advanced study towards a Master’s degree in accounting (state authorised public accountant) or other Master’s degree programmes

The most important responsibility of a certified accountant is to conduct an audit of an enterprise’s annual accounts. To do this the auditor uses various instruments such as reviewing the internal control procedures for sales, purchasing, payroll, inventory and random sampling of the accounting journal. It is important to ensure that annual accounts are in compliance with accounting and tax laws. The accountant and his/her activities are conducted in accordance with accountancy laws; administrative regulations; auditing theory and the basic principles for good auditing practice. In addition, a certified accountant is concerned with a number of other tasks, such as providing advice for company management with regard to bookkeeping, questions concerning taxes and duties, accounting analysis, and also various consultancy assignments for other types of customers than those needing auditing services.

The study programme in auditing will also qualify successful candidates for positions within the area of finance and management in businesses and in the public sector. The basis for this is that the study programme provides a thorough introduction to:

• Bookkeeping
• Preparing annual accounts
• Analysis and understanding of annual accounts
• Tax rules for businesses
• Organisational structures and development, and personnel management
• Administrative routines and changing such routines
• Financial calculations and calculation in connection with internal decisions

Further Education opportunities

Candidates who successfully complete the study programme and who are awarded a grade C or better in the four public accountant examinations will be able to apply for admission to a Master’s programme in auditing and accounts.

Curriculum and structure

The curriculum for the three-year Bachelor study programme in auditing corresponds to the National Curriculum set by the Ministry of Education and Research. To become a certified accountant (on successful completion of this programme) one must meet certain grade requirements (as well as additional requirements required by The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway); have a minimum of 3 years’ auditing practice; and also have received a passing grade in a practical examination after the period of practical training.

The 3-year study programme consists of 180 ECTS credits. Successful candidates will receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Auditing. The study programme fulfils both national and international requirements with regard to the academic level.

The study programme consists of courses that are normally of 1-2 semesters’ duration and comprise 3-8 hours of teaching per week. Each course provides ECTS credits that correspond to the amount of work the course requires. The entire study programme consists of 180 ECTS credits, divided into 30 ECTS credits per semester.

Students should note that the study programme is subject to change without notice.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Varied teaching and learning methods will be used in the courses which are included in the study programme, including: lectures, seminars, group assignments, individual assignments and examinations. Traditional teaching methods may be supplemented by active use of e-mail, online learning and databased model tools.

Assessment Methods

Candidates’ knowledge of all the courses in the study programme will be evaluated. The university college will use a variety of assessment methods. The types of assessment used are explained in the individual course descriptions. Lettered grades will be used (A-F where F represents a failing grade). To be awarded a diploma (Bachelor’s degree) in Auditing the candidate must meet the requirements for certified accountants. He/she must have completed the study programme in accordance with the curriculum and have attained a grade C or better in Tax Laws, Law Accountancy, Auditing and Annual Accounts/Good Accounting Practice. Candidates who do not meet the grade requirements will receive a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean