Curriculum innovation in undergraduate accounting degree programmes through 'virtual internships'

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to discuss major criticisms of traditional undergraduate accounting programmes and to introduce virtual internships as a curriculum innovation that addresses these criticisms.Design/methodology/approach– The main aim of the paper is to inspire curriculum innovation in accounting programmes though the introduction and discussion of virtual internships as a contemporary teaching model.Findings– The paper provides a detailed outline of the virtual internship model, its advantages and disadvantages, and its development in practice.Originality/value– The paper is likely to be most relevant for academics in undergraduate accounting programmes because it provides a practical guide to the development of this curriculum innovation.