A SOUTHAMPTON university has been given a gold award by a prestigious trade body.

Southampton Solent University’s Business School has been given the gold seal approval by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

The association is the global body for professional accountants, and only gives out the approval to “high quality” tuition providers.

To gain it, universities must show that their courses represent global best practice in the provision of ACCA course tuition and support.

Following some rigorous testing from ACCA inspectors, Solent has been awarded the coveted gold approval.

As well as the prestige of gaining the approval, it means the university will now be recommended to prospective students by ACCA.

The organisation has helped 428,000 students across the globe, and represents about 160,000 professional members.

It has existed since 1904, when it was founded in London as the London Association of Accountants, and represents accountants from as far afield as India, South Africa and Argentina.

Professor Georgina Andrews, the business school’s director, said: "Working with professional bodies to meet industry needs is at the heart of the Southampton Solent Business School mission.

“I am delighted that the high quality of our support for students has been externally recognised by the ACCA.”