We have written extensively about the new ICAS syllabus and delivery model. But what do the CA students think? Fiona Nicolson finds out

In March this year, ICAS launched its new CA syllabus, further enhancing the way it supports students on their journey towards the CA qualification. A new digital-first version of the syllabus was introduced, followed in July by the Advantage platform − a one-stop shop where CA students can find whatever they need to know, at any stage of their learning. 

Gail Boag, Executive Director of Learning, described the changes as “perhaps the biggest investment that ICAS has made in its 170-year history – certainly the largest in learning”. 

So, now that the new syllabus has had the chance to bed in, what do its users think? 

Alexander Cockburn, a second-year audit trainee at BDO in Glasgow, has sat one exam since the changeover to the new syllabus. “It’s been a smooth transition,” he says.

“The short modules help you feel motivated, having all those little ‘wins’ as you work your way through the course”

Alexander Cockburn, second-year audit trainee, BDO

“Advantage allows you to learn in your own way, at your own pace, which appeals to me. There were some modules that I had to spend more time on than others, and using the online platform allowed me to do that more easily than I could have in a classroom setting. I could use my time more effectively as a result.”

He welcomes other enhancements too, commenting: “The new, bite-sized format, with its short modules, means you feel like you’re making more progress. It also helps you feel motivated, having all those little ‘wins’ as you work your way through the course.”

Not just numbers

Cockburn believes the introduction of electives, such as data, sustainability and technology, is a positive development, too: “This will allow people to tailor their learning from ICAS to support their career even more effectively.”

Contemplating his future as a CA, Cockburn foresees a role in the same area in which he has started. “I’d be keen to continue in the audit profession with BDO,” he confirms. “I enjoy the variety. I like that every day is different and that I work with a wide range of companies. I also get to work with a young, vibrant team.” 

But he is also looking beyond Glasgow, when it’s time to develop his career further. “I’d be interested in working in our London office, with one of our more specialised, industry-specific teams there, but I’m excited to see where my career takes me,” he concludes.

The flexibility and digital focus of the new syllabus have also been beneficial for Emily Dark, a first-year audit trainee at Grant Thornton in Edinburgh. Not only does Dark have work and study on her plate, she has other commitments too, as a member of Scotland’s hockey team, the social-media manager for Edinburgh’s farmers’ markets and, until recently, an RAF reservist. 

“The platform gives you something to read, then a video, then questions, so you’re always being tested. I don’t take in information if I’m just being spoken at, so this helps me learn effectively”

Emily Dark, first-year trainee, Grant Thornton

With Dark at the early stages of her CA studies, the new format is her only experience of learning with ICAS. “I didn’t come from a finance or accounting background. I studied physics at university, so I was a bit nervous of being thrown in at the deep end,” she recalls: “But the teaching is good, and the platform is easy to use.”

The platform and syllabus have made it easier for Dark to fit everything in. “Having access to Advantage means I can study anywhere,” she confirms. “So if I’m travelling at the weekend, I have everything I need to study on my iPad.”

Preparing for the exams was less of a challenge, too. “I didn’t get stressed,” she says. “I could see which modules were due to be completed by when. I knew that if I had done all those modules by that point I was on track. Also, the option was there to set up meetings with tutors if you needed to, so I never felt I didn’t have enough help to do my best.” 

Dark also finds the new format a good fit for her learning style: “The platform gives you something to read, then a video, then questions, so you’re always being tested. I don’t take in information if I’m just being spoken at, so this really helps me to learn effectively.”

Dark says she expects the new electives to be beneficial both for trainees and their employers: “As I’m specialising in audit I picked the data-analytics elective because I think it’s going to be useful for my job and help me add value. It will also be helpful for CAs to take an elective on sustainability – they’ll be able to bring so much more knowledge to whatever company and industry they join.” 

While it’s early days, Dark, like Cockburn, may already have chosen her specialism: “I enjoy audit a lot. My parents tell me I have always been methodical and liked to follow rules, so this type of work suits me.” 

Read Gail Boag’s update on the introduction of the new syllabus