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Carleton University

Accounting

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

  • Level

    Bachelor

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Campus

    Colonel By Drive Ottawa ON K1S 5B6

  • Intl. Tuition

    Fee not confirmed

  • Intake

    September 2027

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Course Overview

Accounting at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.

  • Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
  • Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
  • Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
  • Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
  • Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.

Career snapshot (indicative)

Accounting graduates typically pursue ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualifications while working at the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), mid-tier firms or in-house finance teams across every major industry.

Student life (indicative)

Ottawa offers a uniquely enriching student experience — free access to the country's best national museums and galleries, a vibrant Byward Market food scene, excellent cycling infrastructure, and a safe, clean, well-organised city.

The University at a Glance

Student Population

23,806

Staff Ratio

21.0:1

International

12.3%

Career Prospects

Avg Starting Salary

£37,130

First-year earnings

Placement Year

✓ Available

Work experience option

Costs & Living

Intl. Tuition

Fee not confirmed

Check the university's official fee page

City & Location

Large city (500k-1m inhabitants)

Course Curriculum

Year 1

  • Foundations of Accounting
  • Academic and Research Skills
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Introduction to Theory and Practice
  • Optional language or breadth module.

Year 2

  • Intermediate Accounting topics
  • Applied Methods and Tools
  • Group Project
  • Two optional pathway modules
  • Career and Industry Insights.

Year 3

  • Advanced Accounting
  • Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
  • Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
  • Employability and Professional Development.

Entry Requirements

No specific entry requirements listed.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.

Campus & City Life

Student Population

23,806

Total students

Staff Ratio

21:1

Students per staff

International Students

12%

Of student body

Campus at a Glance

City Size

Large city (500k-1m inhabitants)

Climate (indicative)

Four seasons

Safety Index (indicative)

8.0/10

Transport

Moderate (coach or indirect connections)

Social Scene

Friendly community

Student Life & City (indicative)

Ottawa offers a uniquely enriching student experience — free access to the country's best national museums and galleries, a vibrant Byward Market food scene, excellent cycling infrastructure, and a safe, clean, well-organised city.

  • Ottawa offers a uniquely enriching student experience — free access to the country's best national museums and galleries, a vibrant Byward Market food scene, excellent cycling infrastructure, and a safe, clean, well-organised city.

What Students Love

  • World-class museums & galleries
  • Historic city & heritage
  • Outdoor & nature activities
  • Great café culture

University Stats

Total Students23,806
Student-to-Staff Ratio21:1
International Students12%
Safety Index (indicative)8.0/10

Career & Outcomes

Avg Starting Salary

£37,130

Average first-year salary

Placement Year

✓ Available

Industry work experience

Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)

Accounting graduates typically pursue ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualifications while working at the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), mid-tier firms or in-house finance teams across every major industry.

  • Accounting graduates typically pursue ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualifications while working at the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), mid-tier firms or in-house finance teams across every major industry.

Top Industries for Graduates

  • Journalism
  • Technology
  • Business

Study Abroad Opportunities

Y

  • Y

Costs & Living Expenses

Intl. Tuition

Fee not confirmed

Check the university's official fee page

Overall Cost of Living (indicative)

HIGH

This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.

Monthly Student Budget (indicative)

Housing£922/mo
Food & Groceries£327/mo
Transport£90/mo
Estimated Monthly Total£1,538
Annual living costs£18,467/yr

Cost Overview (indicative)

Above-average costs for a Canadian city — expect around $1,948/month (housing $1,168, food $415, transport $115). A fair price for a capital city — excellent museums, green spaces and a safe, welcoming student environment.

  • Above-average costs for a Canadian city — expect around $1,948/month (housing $1,168, food $415, transport $115).
  • A fair price for a capital city — excellent museums, green spaces and a safe, welcoming student environment.