The Association of International Accountants (AIA) was founded in the UK in 1928 as a professional accountancy body and from conception has promoted the concept of ‘international accounting’ to create a global network of accountants in over 85 countries worldwide. AIA is recognised by the UK Government as a Recognised Qualifying Body for statutory auditors under the Companies Act 2006, across the European Union under the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications directive and as a Prescribed Body under the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 in the Republic of Ireland. The AIA professional qualification is currently recognised in over 30 countries worldwide. [This information has been taken by the official website of the AIA. For more information please visit www.aiaworldwide.com].

Students who select the Accounting and Finance pathway of the Business Administration degree programme, are exempted from the 12 out of the 16 papers towards the AIA (Association of International Accountants) professional qualification. The remaining four papers can be covered as part of the degree scheme, thus enabling the students simply to revise before taking the AIA external examinations. Examination sessions are normally available in November and May every year.