Accounting (Extended Degree)

Thinking of becoming an accountant? Or looking to develop your finance and business knowledge?

Northumbria University’s BSc (Hons) Accounting course is about more than just numbers, it gives you fresh insights and a deeper understanding of financial information. And it’s your starting block for building a rewarding career.

Complementing modules that combine key accounting theory with problem-based learning around real-world scenarios, the course offers an optional, year-long placement. It’s an opportunity well worth taking up to give your CV the edge with valuable experience – whether you're interested in a training contract or role in industry accounting. And depending on the nature of the placement, this may count as the practice element you’ll need for full membership of the highly respected Association of Accounting Technicians.

If it is the chartered accountant route that appeals, you’ll need to satisfy the requirements of professional accounting bodies. So we’ve designed our Accounting course with this in mind.

Currently, our BSc (Hons) offers 42 individual exemptions across six of the world’s largest professional bodies. These mean you’ll be able to enter the job market with a good number of your professional qualifications already behind you.

Northumbria University’s Accounting course is covered by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation for Newcastle Business School.

This programme is also accredited by all of the following Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs):


• AAT- Association of Accounting Technicians



• ACCA- Association of Certified Accountants



• AIA- Association of International Accountants



• CIMA- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants



• CIPFA - Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy



• ICAEW - Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales



Extended Degree
This extended degree provides an alternative route to higher education and supports those who don’t meet the standard entry requirements for an undergraduate degree. It includes a foundation year which will provide you with an understanding of the wider financial world, applying this knowledge to real world examples.


What will I learn in my Foundation Year?

Over the course of your foundation year, you will be challenged to analyse and interpret financial data, tackle real life organisational issues and build the fundamental skills required in industry. You will conduct a collaborative research project to enhance your understanding further of the contemporary issues in accounting, finance and economics. This year develops the academic skills and business awareness to begin applying basic business principles to solve real world problems.

The foundation year of the course delivered at level 3 which develops your ability to study in Higher Education is not accredited. Subsequent levels and years are accredited and deliver the knowledge, competencies, and skills required to meet the specific course accreditation requirements that relate to the approved accredited award title.

Joining the Northumbria means joining a business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic excellence. Northumbria are currently ranked Gold for student outcomes and Silver for overall teaching excellence (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023).

Located in Newcastle, Northumbria University is home to an enormous student population of 31,170, and consequently, some of the best nightlife scenes in the country! Newcastle also has one of the lowest costs of living in the country (We Buy Any Home, 2024), so you don't have to break the bank to have fun either!

There's truly something for everyone at Northumbria! You can make use of the fantastic facilities including the £30 million flagship Sports Central. And if exploring is more your thing? You're never far from beaches, stunning countryside and local history.

Find out more about Northumbria and get in touch today!