The accreditation covers the University’s BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance, and BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year/International Year. From 2026, students enrolled on these programmes will benefit from a direct and supported pathway towards the globally respected Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification, with the first cohort of graduates completing their studies in 2029.

The partnership with Wrexham University/Prifysgol Wrecsam reflects ICAS’ commitment to widening access in the profession and supporting diverse routes into accountancy. The University’s emphasis on inclusivity – including support for Welsh language use across studies and campus life – aligns closely with ICAS’ ambition to remove traditional barriers to entry.

The Welsh accreditation builds on a series of recent ICAS initiatives designed to further expand access to the CA qualification across the UK. These include the accreditation of The Open University’s BSc Accounting and Finance – the first distance-learning programme recognised by ICAS – and the expansion of its Graduate Apprenticeship programme across Scotland’s Central Belt. Together, these developments form part of a wider strategy to make the profession more flexible, accessible and representative of the communities it serves.

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.

“Wrexham University/Prifysgol Wrecsam stands out for its strong focus on graduate employability and its close links with industry, which are critical in preparing students for successful professional careers.

“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.”

Dr Ruth Slater, incoming Dean of Wrexham Business School, said: “I am delighted that Wrexham University is the first Welsh university to achieve ICAS accreditation.

“This recognition from ICAS, as a leading global membership and network for accountancy professionals and trainees, highlights how our BSc Accounting and Finance degree prepares students for careers that make a positive impact regionally, nationally and internationally.”