Accounting and Finance Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Our BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree will help you develop the technical knowledge, analytical skills and professional judgement needed to pursue a career in accounting, finance or the wider business environment. You’ll explore how financial information is prepared, interpreted and used to support business decisions, while developing the ability to evaluate complex information, solve problems and communicate financial insights clearly.

The course combines academic study with practical application, helping you understand how the principles and techniques you learn are used in professional settings. You’ll gain experience using industry-standard software such as Sage, Xero and Microsoft Office, explore the growing role of AI and data analytics in finance, and consider the ethical, sustainable and international factors that influence financial decision-making. With opportunities to gain experience through placements, internships and other forms of work experience, the course is designed to help you develop both the expertise and professional experience to support your future career.

What's covered in this course?

You’ll study a broad range of accounting and finance topics, giving you a strong foundation before developing your knowledge in areas relevant to contemporary financial practice. These include Financial and Management Accounting, Corporate and Venture Finance, International Accounting Issues and financial reporting. You’ll develop your ability to analyse financial information, understand its implications for organisations and use it to support effective business and financial decision-making.

We place a strong emphasis on applying your learning to realistic business situations. Using professional accounting systems and industry-standard software, you’ll work through complex case studies and explore financial problems that reflect situations you could encounter in the workplace. Your learning will be supported by a range of teaching approaches, including lectures, workshops and tutorials, alongside employer-led masterclasses, field trips, and online and blended learning activities.

The course supports your progression towards professional accountancy qualifications and is mapped to align accreditation from major professional bodies including the ACCA, ICAEW and CIMA. When you graduate you may be eligible for exemptions from professional examinations, providing a distinct head start on your journey to becoming a qualified accountant.

You’ll have opportunities to build experience alongside your academic studies through live projects from businesses, a professional placement year, internships and virtual work experience. These opportunities can help you apply your learning in a professional environment, develop your CV and build a portfolio of experience before graduation. You’ll also receive support from the University’s Careers team and have opportunities to engage with our network of local, regional and national employers.

Accountancy and finance operate within an increasingly international business environment, and this is reflected throughout the course. You’ll develop an understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and consider international accounting issues, while learning alongside students and academics from a range of backgrounds. You may also have the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad at one of our partner universities, giving you the chance to experience a different academic and cultural environment.

Professional Placement Year

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.