Places still available
Contact our Clearing hotline to discuss your options and secure your place this September
Undergraduate course
BA (Hons)
Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year
This foundation year will develop your knowledge and understanding of the key facets of business, accounting and finance, giving you the skills and comfidence to progress to our professionally accredited degree.
Our typical offer
32+ UCAS points
Real-world experience and employer engagement
Get hands-on with problem-based learning, direct employer activities and real-world business challenges.
Get ready for your career
With monthly employer engagement opportunities and embedded initiatives that provide professional mentoring, training, networking events and CV building.
Professional accreditation and exam exemptions
Progress to our professionally accredited degree that is designed to offer significant exam exemptions from the ACCA, ICAEW and CIMA on graduation.
About
It really makes me proud that what I say to students on open days about being supported, listened to, and enjoying life in the city is exactly what this cohort has experienced. If a student is happy (engaged with the course, enjoys the city, feels heard) and healthy (supported academically and personally), then success will follow.
Mr Ben Thorne
Lecturer in Accounting (Auditing/Financial Accounting)
Lecturer in Accounting (Auditing/Financial Accounting)
National Student Survey (NSS) results 2025
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@100% of respondents said that staff are good at explaining things (sector benchmark: 92%)
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@97% responded positively around the support provided by staff for their learning (benchmark: 89%)
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@92% said their voice is heard and acted on — 19% above the benchmark (73%)
What is a foundation year?
A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
Further information on
¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú courses with Foundation years
.
Why choose a degree with a foundation year?
- To build your confidence to study at university level.
- To gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
- Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
- You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
- You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
- You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
This course is for you if...
you aspire to become a qualified accountant or finance professional
you want hands-on experience with real businesses
you value strong career support and networking
you’re interested in a flexible and future-focused curriculum
Details
Foundation year
Begin to develop your research skills, knowledge and understanding through an introduction to key aspects of business, accounting and economics. Undertake independent research into an area of study that interests you. Successful completion of this year ensures progression to year 1.
Core modules
ECN3100
The World of Economics and Finance
30 credits
This module will introduce you to a range of contemporary ideas within economics and finance. The module will use a range of contemporary real-world issues to demonstrate the relevance of foundation level economic and financial concepts for decision making.
50% Coursework
50% Tests
STO3001
Global Business
30 credits
The module will introduce the components, functions and context of a business. You will explore the impact of different models on business purpose, values, stakeholders and reporting. Aspects such as globalisation, sustainability, ethics and entrepreneurship will also be examined.
100% Coursework
STO3003
Business Research Project
30 credits
This module allows you to integrate subject specific knowledge and skills to investigate a specific topic relevant to your programme of study through a small-scale research project.
100% Coursework
STO3004
Introduction to Business Research
The module will enable you to develop business research at an introductory level and to develop a range of academic and professional capabilities. You will investigate research topics that will develop your understanding the importance of effective cross-disciplinary understanding and collaboration.
Year 1
Introduction to the business world of accountancy and finance. Learn how to control company finances and report company performance. Understand the important role that economics and data analysis play in the success of every business.
Core modules
ACF4001
Introduction to Accounting
20 credits
This module gives you an introduction to accounting. It focuses on the double entry bookkeeping system and how transactions are recorded in businesses. You will learn how to record transactions and events, formulate a trial balance, create basic financial statements and interpret financial information using ratio analysis.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
ECN4001
Principles of Economics and Finance
40 credits
This module provides an introduction to core principles of both economics and finance. It explores some basic concepts and techniques involved in economic and financial analysis at an introductory level and considers the relevance of economics and finance to broad areas such as business decision-making and risk management.
50% Tests
30% Coursework
20% Practicals
ECN4005
Business Data, Decisions and Behaviour
40 credits
The module introduces the area of data analytics and the role of data in business decision making. You will explore the use of accounting, economic and financial data and common decision making/analytical frameworks in informing business decisions. You will go on to examine major themes of management decision making (i.e. processes, models and analytical methods) and basic statistical analysis in the context of supporting and informing a number of key business decisions (e.g. pricing, investment).
80% Coursework
20% Practicals
LAW407
Business Law
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the legal framework and key areas of law which affect business, including basic principles of contract and tort; company law; the impact of criminal law on business and professional services; and the impact of law in the professional content, such as for example, key elements of employment law and the protection of information.
100% Examinations
Year 2
Learn how to create and manage budgets and develop your core accounting skills. Choose to examine stock markets in our
Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite
or learn about key aspects of taxation for businesses. Discover how to manage a company’s finances to maximise its performance and how to manage a business responsibly and ethically.
Core modules
ACF5006
Management Accounting
Students will study management accounting, including areas such as budgeting, costing and variance analysis.
ACF5007
Financial Accounting and Reporting
A module focused on financial accounting and reporting, which aims to give students an understanding of the UK financial reporting regulatory framework, preparing limited and public companies, applying International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
ACF5008
Financial Management
This module introduces the management of finance within an organisation. Topics covered include capital markets, sources of finance, the management of working capital, managing currency risk and the appraisal of simple capital investment decisions.
ACF5010
Financial Institutions and Markets
This module deals with financial markets, instruments, and institutions. You will examine the bond market, stock market, and foreign exchange market, and explore topics such as investment banking and mutual funds.
100% Coursework
PBS500CPD
Careers and Professional Development
0 credits
This module is aimed at enhancing students employability skills and knowledge especially those who will be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their degree. It is designed to build on skills learned in Stage 1 and helps students in their search for a placement, and in their preparation for the placement itself.
Optional modules
ACF5003
Taxation
20 credits
The module introduces you to the UK tax system, providing you with the necessary technical skills and underpinning knowledge to be able to prepare tax computations for UK companies and individuals. Alongside the technical focus, you will explore the principles and rationale behind the functions of the tax system and discuss current issues in taxation.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
PBS5001C
The Challenge Module: Sustainable Business
20 credits
Through this module you can select from a choice of topics related to the big challenges business and society are facing today. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy.
100% Coursework
PBS5002C
The Challenge Module: Sustainable Supply Chains for Global Trade
20 credits
In this module, you will be challenged to evaluate the sustainability of the globalised business world. You will assess conflicting viewpoints and present balanced arguments for the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the supply chains that support global trade.
100% Coursework
PBS5003C
The Challenge Module: Responsible Entrepreneurship in Action
20 credits
Through this module you can develop an understanding of the big challenges business and society are facing today, in the context of entrepreneurship. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy and will be informed by established business theories. You will develop and reflect on a business idea which has sustainability at its core.
100% Coursework
ACF5009
Introduction to Credit Management and Theory
You will gain an in-depth knowledge of how to manage trade, consumer and export credit, exploring the economic importance of credit and the contribution it can make as a competitive device to add value toorganisations.
Optional placement year
In your third year, you can choose to do a placement year, taking the opportunity to earn a salary while getting hands-on work experience. You’ll develop your financial flair and build confidence to help you in your future career.
Core modules
PBS600PLC
Placement Year
The placement year consists of an extended period of appropriate professional experience in a business or organisation. It allows the student to gain relevant experience to consolidate their studies and prepare for final stage study and employment after graduation. Students on BA International Business may also or alternatively undertake a study placement at an approved partner institution.
Final year
Apply core knowledge to decide whether a business should undertake a major investment project. Learn how a company is financed and how cash is managed effectively. Undertake a business-specific research project and choose to learn about auditing or financial modelling.
Core modules
ACF6001
Business Research
20 credits
In this module you will carry out empirical research of an accounting or finance related topic using appropriate analytical and statistical techniques.
100% Coursework
ACF6005
Corporate Financial Management
40 credits
This module is a study of corporate financial management, including: investment appraisal, financing decisions, capital structure, mergers and acquisitions, and multinational financial management.
70% Examinations
30% Tests
ACF6006
Credit Management: Theory and Practice
20 credits
You will gain an in-depth knowledge of how to manage trade, consumer and export credit, exploring the economic importance of credit and the contribution it can make as a competitive device to add value to organisations.
70% Coursework
30% Examinations
ACF6008
Investment Management
20 credits
In this module, you will develop a broad understanding of the portfolio management with the focus on portfolio building and evaluation, portfolio risk and diversification. You will explore portfolio concepts such as: investors risk aversion, efficient frontier, capital asset pricing model. In addition, you will learn and discuss market efficiency, behavioural finance and fintech.
60% Examinations
40% Coursework
PBS600CPD
Continued Careers and Professional Development
0 credits
The Continued Career and Professional Development module is a development scheme designed to enhance students’ employability and builds on the stage 2 module. The stage 3 module focuses on providing students with information on graduate options and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary for articulating and recording achievement and applying for graduate positions. The module also includes a number of workshops and events designed to develop students’ skills and knowledge, with the purpose of filling gaps in their CV’s and enhancing their employability.
Optional modules
ACF6003
Auditing
20 credits
In this module, you will consider and discuss the need for audit in society as well as the views of those critical of today’s audit function. Studying auditing scandals will help you to understand and appreciate not only the challenges faced by the auditing profession but also how current auditing standards and regulation has been developed. You will learn how to audit through studying the theory behind the audit process and then how to apply the theory using practical examples.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
ACF6004
Financial Modelling
20 credits
The module covers financial modelling for bonds and rates, equities, currencies and options. While analysing and modelling each category of securities with specific and pertinent approaches, it stresses the underlying principles governing all valuation processes. The module also equips the students with the skills to use software, such as Excel, for implementing models and perform analysis.
60% Examinations
40% Tests
Progress to the pathway of your choice
This foundation year forms the first stage of your degree.
Although it does not lead to a separate qualification, it is designed to prepare you with the skills and knowledge needed to progress confidently onto Year 1 of
BS (Hons) Accounting and Finance
or one of our associated BSc (Hons) degrees:
Accreditation
BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance is accredited by the major professional accountancy bodies and when you join us you will be enrolled as student members of the ACCA or ICAEW. Our course is designed so that you will be eligible for significant exam exemptions from the ACCA, ICAEW and CIMA on graduation.
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
If you are interested in a business-related degree, accounting and finance is the best. The technical understanding of the inner workings of a business is unmatched as well as all you learn about the wider financial world. The exemptions you get from ACA or ACCA are unlike any other course and will fast track your progression post-graduation.
BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance graduate Ryan - Finance Business Partner. Haas Formula 1
Thriving industry connections
Meet potential future employers at accountancy-specific careers events and explore where your career might take you.
Put learning into practice
You’ll graduate with real experience of solving business problems and be a valuable asset to future employers.
Industry mentors
Mentors from business will guide you, guest speakers from industry will inspire you, and entrepreneur experts will help you start your business.
Working together in Britain’s Ocean City
With a vibrant mix of innovative, globally-leading businesses, our relationship with the city defines what we do and contributes to your graduate outcomes.
Currently I am working at an accountancy firm called PKF Francis Clark which is South West based. I am in the corporate taxation advisory team and I'm working towards my ATT and CTA qualification to become a Chartered Tax Adviser. I work with a variety of clients and I have loved my time at the firm so far.
When PFK Francis Clark was invited to talk to Accounting and Finance students about what they do, hannah was so inspired that she applied for a job.
Hannah, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance graduate
The opportunities at the ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú are endless. It is so easy to get involved. The course was constantly being improved based on the feedback from students.
It was very strongly and successfully focused on preparing us for careers while encouraging practical thinking.
Sabina, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance graduate
A new home to cultivate business leaders
Our Fitzroy Building has been transformed, becoming the new home of the ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú Business School, providing students with specialist facilities and social learning spaces.
Among these spaces for business, management, accounting, finance and marketing students, you'll find the
Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite
for tracking stock markets and
The Cube
- support for our student and graduate entrepreneurs, as well as a Maritime Suite and a Language Lab.
The
Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite
offers the opportunity to learn how to analyse the markets, assess economic scenarios and interpret key news developments that might impact the global economy.
"The most interesting and beneficial aspect of the whole Bloomberg system is the sheer amount of real data and accurate information available which is priceless when completing real-world business case studies!"
Mathew Cartwright, ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú Business School student
Meet your expert teaching staff
We’re Team ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú. As one of our team, we’re here to help you succeed. Our expert lecturers and your own personal tutor will be with you every step of the way.
Mr Ben Thorne
Lecturer in Accounting (Auditing/Financial Accounting)
14 years experience in large accounting practice.
Mr Kevin Finnegan
Lecturer in Accounting
Extensive accounting experience across sectors.
Dr Moji Olugbode
Lecturer in Accounting and Finance
Extensive multi-disciplinary research experience
Passionate about all finance?
Connect with the ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú accounting and finance society. Our activities have previously included:
- in-person workshops with CEOs of organisations such as IMP Software, PKF Francis Clark and Bishop Fleming
- collaboration with OurGen - a student careers community for banking and finance students
- application advice regarding spring weeks, internships, placements and graduate jobs.
Life in ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú
¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Life in the city
Discover what ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
The University helped me develop academically professionally and personally, leading me to the right job. The support from the Business School, especially in my final year, was outstanding, and I believe that I wouldn't have landed my job without them.
Joe, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance graduate, landed his dream graduate position working for Red Bull UK in London.
As an accounts professional you may work in financial management, auditing, tax, forensic and compliance roles, and be employed in private (also known as public) practice accounting firms, ‘in house’ within organisation finance departments, retail and investment banks.
The accounting sector employs over 800,000 accountants and accounts related employees in the UK, responsible for the 'collection, analysis and reporting of financial information' which is core to commercial success and the economy, contributing £59 million to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
With such a wide range of careers open to you as a graduate, it is important to make sure you explore and research your options thoroughly so that you can make informed decisions about your future.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
Full-time study
£5,760 per year
£5,760 per year
Part-time study
£480 per 10 credits
£480 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Classroom-based foundation years
On 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to cap the home student fee for the foundation year of this programme at £5,760, this will be applied from 1 August 2025. Subsequent years of this degree programme will be charged at the new standard rate for home undergraduate tuition fees of £9,535 per annum. Implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
£17,600 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,150 per year
£18,150 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
To be confirmed
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
To be confirmed
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to placement or equipment requirements.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Places still available
Contact our Clearing hotline to discuss your options and secure your place this September
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
32+ UCAS points
32+ UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
GCSE’s or equivalent: Maths and English at Grade C/4 or City and Guilds; Key Skills Level 2 will be considered on an individual basis.
A levels
32+ points.
International Baccalaureate
24-25 overall. English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5.
BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
PPP-MMP in any subject.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
All Access courses
Pass access course (any subject) plus GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4 or above or equivalent.
T level
Pass in any subject.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
Short of the entry requirements for this course? Don’t worry you may be eligible for a foundation year to prepare you for possible entry onto this course for the following year.
UCAS course code
N405
N405
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
4 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú
¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
32+ UCAS points
32+ UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Short of the entry requirements for this course? Don’t worry you may be eligible for a
foundation year
to prepare you for possible entry onto this course for the following year.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
N405
N405
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
4 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú
¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú
Other routes to this course
If you do not have the required qualifications for this course, you may be able to gain them through the
¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú International College (UPIC)
.
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú.
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.