Flying Start Degree Programme - FS3- Newcastle Review
at PwC
Degree Apprenticeship
Audit
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.2 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I worked within the CoE being a specialist department within the audit sector. I worked on the pensions audit of a wide range of clients throughout my placement, this included completing the audit work but also managing third party relationships throughout.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy my programme. I think the work and university balance is brilliant. I love how we are always either at uni or placement and not both as this allows us focus only on one. The team we have around us and the bonds you make with your course mates truly is like no other.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I developed lots of communication and technical skill throughout. As this was my third and final placement a lot of my technical knowledge was developed, however as audit is forever changing there were several new techniques and system which I learned how to use to improve the quality and efficiency of my work
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
As the Newcastle Flying Start course has been going for over 20 years the course is incredibly well organised with staff who know the programme inside and out which allows the students to get the best teaching possible.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
We receive lots of support from the employer, we are all assigned a buddy and/or a career coach who is always on hand to support us. There is also the wellbeing team and committee who are on hand with advice. The staff are all also very friendly and always willing to help.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The University do the majority of our training however they have been so helpful with us. As the course is quite small we get personal teaching from lecturers who know the ICAEW exams very well and have great experience. They also give us a personal tutor who we can go to if we need extra help.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I thin the qualification goes hand in hand with the role - it is essential to have the accounting knowledge to be able to audit our clients successfully and understand the purpose of what we do.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are many social activities available at work including football on an evening. Throughout busy season we often go on socials, whether this is breakfast or lunches. There is also opportunities to partake in professional events - such as the NCASS ball
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend PwC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I think the opportunities that the flying start course have given me are invaluable. To be able to have successfully completed 12 of my 15 ICAEW exams and gained work experience is brilliant.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?
Just be yourself - we thrive on the people we have not necessarily just their qualifications!
