A World of Opportunities: MDX Dubai’s Dynamic BA Hons Accounting and Finance Programme

The world of finance is booming, with Dubai generally considered within the top global financial services and talent hubs alongside New York, London, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) is home to 632 financially regulated firms, with a strong inflow of top firms underscoring Dubai’s appeal as a global financial industry hub. Notable firms joining DIFC in 2023 included global leaders such as Asia Research and Capital Management Ltd, Edmond de Rothschild, EnTrust Global, Hudson Bay Capital, King Street Capital, Nomura Singapore, St. James’s Place and Verition Fund Management LLC, with this growth expected to continue year on year. 

As projected by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Arab Emirates GDP is expected to grow by 4% by the end of 2024, reflecting the UAE's robust economic performance. There has never been a better time to secure a highly regarded, UK-accredited, undergraduate qualification in  Accounting and Finance from Dubai’s largest UK university. 

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai is a well-respected institution with strong business ties in the UAE. We have a community of over 5,600 students encompassing over 120 different nationalities, creating a diverse global experience. MDX Dubai offers over 70 UK degree programmes and professional qualifications and stands out as a leader in British education.

Accounting is often referred to as the ‘language of business,’ making it crucial for organisations of all sizes and industries worldwide. As financial regulations become more intricate, businesses require skilled professionals to ensure compliance, and accountants help organisations navigate these regulations and avoid costly legal issues. With ever-changing tax laws, businesses need experts to optimise their tax strategies while staying compliant. Independent audits are crucial for ensuring the accuracy of financial statements, meaning accountants are needed to maintain transparency and investor confidence.

In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, the role of accountants has evolved far beyond number-crunching and financial reporting. This evolution has led to a surge in demand for skilled accountants and financial experts in the global job market.

The BA Honours Accounting and Finance Programme

Our BA Honours Accounting and Finance degree programme creates highly employable and successful graduates. You will develop advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of accounting and finance: the ideal first step in becoming a qualified accountant. Our programme covers key areas within financial and management accounting, taxation, and business law, allowing a deep understanding of the role accounting plays in successful organisations. 

Our three-year Middlesex University Dubai BA Honours Accounting and Finance programme is recognised globally as offering excellent preparation for professionals in the field. Our teaching team consists of a diverse group of internationally qualified and renowned scholars and practitioners, who specialise in key discipline areas including management accounting, banking regulations, corporate finance, econometrics, data analytics and more. The department puts a strong emphasis on employability, with strong industry links to top financial firms in the UAE and beyond. Our expert academic staff consult for leaders in business and government. 

Throughout the programme you will use accounting software such as Xero, Sage, and OneSource. The onsite Financial Lab will give you the hands-on experience needed to succeed, and you will build on your practical accounting skills through a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars and class-based discussions.

Once you have graduated from the BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree you have the opportunity to sit further professional exams to becoming a chartered accountant. There are various career pathways for you to choose from including: audit, taxation, budget analysis, financial accounting and management accounting. 

Associate Professor Dr Pallavi Kishore, BA (Honours) Accounting and Finance Programme Coordinator, has this to say about the programme’s benefits: “The BA Honours Accounting and Finance programme at Middlesex University Dubai is the perfect starting point for aspiring Chartered Accountants. At MDX Dubai, our goal is to ensure our graduates are 100% employable, and we go above and beyond to meet this goal. From offering certifications and hosting competitions to facilitating interactions with industry leaders and professional bodies, we provide our accounting and finance students with top-tier guidance, setting you on the path to success.

The programme has been designed with up-to-date skills, including accounting software and a focus on ethics and corporate responsibility. The rigour of our curriculum is endorsed by coveted professional bodies, including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA).

With our comprehensive programme, you'll be thoroughly prepared to enter the professional world with confidence and competence. Your future in accounting and finance starts here!”

Career-Led Education with Industry Exposure

At MDX Dubai we are committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry through solid partnerships and industry collaborations. You will benefit from long-standing connections through bespoke learning programmes, mentorship programmes and work placements. Companies such as IBM, ORACLE, Microsoft and CIM are just a few of the organisations that engage with you, providing insights and career opportunities.

As a student at MDX Dubai you not only gain industry-specific knowledge but will graduate fully equipped for a successful career. Our dedicated Careers and Employability Services (CES) Department ensures that all our students are guided towards a rewarding and dynamic professional path. CES provides a range of services including career guidance, counselling, industry insights, internships, and employment prospects, among many others. The aim of CES is to make every student at MDX Dubai 100% employable by understanding their individual career goals and aspirations and supporting them in achieving future success.

Our learning facilities are state-of-the-art, and we have received recognition of our programmes from some of the world’s leading professional bodies including the ACCA, UAECA, CIMA, CFA, CIPFA, GARP and ICAEW. This collaboration means that you benefit from the maximum number of exemptions and support with employability talks and skill sessions, as well as providing internship, placement and graduate opportunities with employer partners across all industries. Our students also have the opportunity to benefit from scholarships and paid memberships within these professional bodies. 

Launchpad for a Successful Future

During your studies, you will have the opportunity to apply for internship opportunities through the Careers and Employability Service, and we also offer the option to transfer to the Middlesex London campus after the second year of study. 

After graduating, many of our MDX Dubai BA Honours Accounting and Finance alumni’s have secured roles in local and international businesses, progressing into careers with a wide range of prestigious organisations including the Big 4: Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and EY. Some choose to remain with the University to study an MDX Dubai postgraduate degree such as MSc Banking and Finance or MSc Investment Management to prepare for a leadership level role.

BA (Honours) Accounting and Finance Class of 2023 student Shyam Sathish Kumar now works at Crowe UAE as a Financial Consultant. He said of his experience: “MDX gave me a huge advantage by allowing me to proceed with my ACCA examinations while in university. Having completed my ACCA and becoming an affiliate gave me an advantage in the job market. It allowed me to display my competence and gave employers the impression that I was capable as a professional… Studying at MDX gave me exposure and knowledge about various pathways within Accounting and Finance, and my dream career changed over time as I studied different modules and interacted with different professionals.”

More Than Academics: Celebrating the Student Experience

As an IFP student, life at the University also offers engaging and enriching extracurricular opportunities. Our sports and social clubs empower you to build confidence and develop leadership and organisational skills, ensuring friendships are formed outside of the classroom. Get involved in events hosted by MDX Dubai, such as International Day, YouthFest talent contest, international trips to destinations such as Japan, Georgia and Italy, student galas and more. With over 30 sports teams and social clubs to choose from there is something for everyone! 

Team Middlesex is the focal point for the development and delivery of competitive and recreational sport and social activities at MDX Dubai, ensuring you have the best student experience. 

Student Support Services are available throughout your studies to help whenever you need a shoulder to lean on. Whether you need advice about life in Dubai, feeling homesick, having health issues, or finance concerns our friendly Centre for Academic Success (CAS) team is here to help.

At MDX Dubai, we provide you with the opportunity to transfer your studies to one of our overseas campuses in London or Mauritius within your second year of study. This allows you to explore a new culture and make overseas contacts while benefiting from the same high quality of teaching that you receive here at our Dubai campus at Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP).

Our DKP campus features state-of-the-art classrooms equipped for hybrid learning; labs for Graphic Design, Robotics, Engineering, VR, Cybersecurity, and Fashion Design; and an exciting student recreation centre called the MDX Social Hub, which is home to our dance studio, gaming room and much more. We are also the first UK university in the UAE to have a campus in each of Dubai’s higher education hubs. Our second campus is located in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and is home to study areas, and our brand new MBA Study Hub. 

Ensuring Accessible Education

At MDX Dubai we are committed to delivering a high-quality British education that meets market demands. Our students can qualify for various scholarships based on eligibility criteria, and study grants are available to students from the UAE and globally across all study levels. Flexible payment plans are offered to make a quality British education accessible to everyone.

Apply for our next September intake at MDX Dubai and take the first step towards achieving your career aspirations with a degree that promises both academic excellence and practical industry experience. Join MDX Dubai and become part of an inclusive and diverse community that nurtures growth, innovation, and success. 
Find out more: BA Honours Accounting and Finance Middlesex University Dubai (mdx.ac.ae)