FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING 

BSc (Hons) / FdSc

Accredited by the University of Warwick

Choose Award
Duration

3 years FT (4 years with placement)

UCAS Code

NN40

Placement

1-year placement (optional)

Entry

September, February

Fees

View Fees

Business School
Choose Award
Duration

2 years FT (3 years with placement)

UCAS Code

NN41

Placement

1-year placement (optional)

Entry

September, February

Fees

View Fees

Business School
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Saturday 09 November 2024

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Access our brand new financial trading suite, providing real-time global market information

Optional 12-month paid work placement provides valuable industry experience before you graduate

Finance and accounting professionals are vital to all functions of a business. If you aspire to become a certified accountant or want to work in the finance sector, our Finance and Accounting degree will not only give you the essential tools to launch your career in the industry, but also a wealth of hands-on, practical experience that will put you ahead of the competition in the modern-day marketplace.

This accounting and finance course is about much more than just theory. You will be exposed to live and simulated trading in our state-of-the-art Financial Trading Suite – one of the biggest among all universities in the UK and the first to be powered by Infront Professional Terminal – giving you the chance to develop and demonstrate your practical skills alongside the knowledge you will gain. You will also have the chance to take on a paid 12-month work placement, gaining extensive real-world experience to give you the edge when you graduate.

Working in collaboration with professional bodies such as ACCA and CIMA, our Finance and Accounting course is designed to ensure you become a highly skilled graduate and can apply for exemptions from a range of professional exams in order to become a part or fully certified accountant.

Why choose this degree course?

  • INDUSTRY APPROVED – Complete our course and you can apply for up to eight CIMA exemptions, as well as other finance and accounting qualifications
  • PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Get to grips with the markets through live consultancy cases and simulated investing in our Financial Trading Suite, with support from our in-house trader
  • WORK PLACEMENT – Gain further substantial real-world experience through the option of a paid 12-month placement, during which you won’t incur any tuition fees
  • SPECIALISE YOUR STUDIES – Choose a topic within the industry that interests you to study in depth for your final research project
  • AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)

Our facilities

Students on our accounting and finance degree courses at University College Birmingham enjoy a wealth of practical learning opportunities in our cutting-edge Financial Trading Suite on campus, while we also provide a range of support services for student entrepreneurs through our Enterprise Hive.

Course breakdown

Students on the FdSc have the option of progressing onto the final year upon completion of the foundation degree.

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3 - Work Placement (optional)
  • Year 4 (Year 3 without placement)

Core Modules

Management Accounting

This module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the role of management accounting and its application in business. Accountants provide relevant financial information to managers and external stakeholders in the context of planning and controlling an organisation. This module introduces the principles and techniques to provide appropriate financial information for managers to enable them to make informed decisions on a regular basis. It provides you with the understanding of key concepts in management accounting including costing, cost-volume-profit analysis, break-even analysis, budgetary planning control, standard costing and decision-making techniques.

Accountants in Business Organisations

The module aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of business organisations and how organisations function ethically and effectively in such a competitive business environment. It covers the role and responsibility of a professional accountant in achieving an organisations' objectives. The role of accounting and reporting systems to resolve organisations problems and offer information technology support for effective administration and internal control management of organisations will be explored. The module will also develop your knowledge of the business environment, including legal, economic and social influences as well as organisational culture, governance and ethical behaviours.

Introduction to Business Analytics

In a data-driven world and as businesses increasingly strive to develop competitive strategies, they are looking out for more data to drive their business decisions. It is therefore essential for graduates to be equipped with analytical skills to make the most of the information and data available within the internal and external environment of the business. This module will explore the role of information and analytics in supporting the development of strategies, and the practical techniques managers can use to design effective information flows. This will in turn enable companies to more effectively identify which actions are achieving their goals, detect risk or opportunity, evaluate possible outcomes, allocate resources to achieve greatest returns, and measure the true impact of decisions.

Financial Accounting

This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of financial accounting principles, concepts and techniques used by financial accountants to record and present financial information to relevant stakeholders. It provides an introduction to the skills required to effectively analyse and interpret financial statements. The module covers the principles of double-entry book-keeping including year-end adjustments and teaching how to prepare basic financial statements for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.

Accounting Information Systems

An accounting information system is one that accumulates, stores, and processes financial and accounting information. The system generates reports that are used to make decisions regarding how an organization is to be run. These reports are also used by outsiders to evaluate lending and investment opportunities with the firm. This module will develop your understanding of both the role of accounting information systems in an organisation and how information technology can support the activities of the accountant and decision-making. The module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts, importance and use of database systems, and will explore the threats and computer fraud faced by modern information systems.

Professional Practice for Finance and Accounting

This module introduces the foundations of personal and professional development, reflective practice and basic career management opportunities in the areas of Finance and Accounting. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your skills, experiences and qualities to date (based on your education, extra-curricular activities and work experience) to identify personal and professional developmental needs in line with your chosen career in Finance and Accounting. This will assist you to take responsibility for your own personal and professional development. Through personal reflection, you will identify graduate attributes and transferable skills that are being developed and identify opportunities for wider personal development. During the course, you will gain an appreciation of the graduate recruitment process and will deploy personal strategies for improving personal effectiveness in selection processes. This includes interview skills, assessment centre preparation and working with others etc.

Core Modules

Management and Organisations

This module is designed to introduce key theoretical aspects relating to managing people in the workplace. The module will enable you to understand individual behaviours, how they relate to engagement and ultimately to individual and team performance. The module aims to focus on a range of employee behaviours and attitudes to equip you with a deeper understanding of the role of effective people management in improving organisational performance.

Business Analytics

Stepping up from Introduction to Business Analytics, this module aims to give you a thorough grasp of modern business analytical tools and their applications to business management. The module will cover Predictive Analytics and Data Mining, Visual Analytics, Forecasting, Model Management and Monitoring, Quality Improvement, Text Analytics and Analytics for Microsoft Office. The focus of the module is on enhancing your problem formulation and solving skills.

Business Law

Business Law will give you the opportunity to study the principles of business and corporate law. It will also introduce you to the principles of the English law and English legal system which have a major impact in the business environment in which accountants work and operate. The Business Law module will assist you to gain in-depth knowledge of the legal framework in which a range of business decisions happen in the UK. You can learn different concepts of company law and acquire a range of professional skills and knowledge to grow your career as a legal corporate expert.

Financial Management

This module develops your understanding of the key principles underpinning the theory and practice of financial management. It begins with an exploration of the environment within which financial decisions are made with a particular focus on the nature, role and purpose of financial management. The module content broadly covers financing decisions and explores various sources of finance, cost of capital and capital structure.

Audit and Governance

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the process of taking an audit engagement and elements of best practice concerning corporate governance. The module gives you the opportunity to understand the critical elements of the external audit process and the relevant ethical and regulatory framework. It discusses key aspects of audit planning and engagement including audit risk, internal control and computer-assisted audit techniques.

Taxation

This module will introduce you to the subject of UK taxation and provide core knowledge of the underlying principles and technical areas of taxation systems as applicable to individuals, single companies and groups of companies. It will help you to know the application of key principles in relation to corporation tax, capital gains tax, income tax and value added tax in the UK. You will gain comprehensive knowledge into the theory and practice of the UK taxation system. It will give you conceptual understanding of taxation objectives and the relationship between taxation and other macroeconomic policies of economy.

YEAR 3

Work Placement (optional)

You will gain valuable work experience on a 12-month work placement. This is an exciting opportunity to put what you have learned into practice, broaden your experience and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.

Core Modules

Financial Reporting

This module aims to develop accounting standards and theoretical framework knowledge in the preparation of financial statements. The module addresses the key issues in international financial reporting and financial analysis. It covers the fundamentals required by managers and analysts to understand, interpret and use financial information. The module will help you understand the financial reporting challenges of multinational companies. It will aim to give you the tools and skills to compare accounting regulatory frameworks around the world as well as to prepare and interpret consolidated financial statements.

Leadership and Enterprise Strategy

Leadership and Enterprise Strategy aims to provide an understanding of strategic analysis, strategic decision-making and strategic processes within organisations. The module content comprises two complementary components: the first involves the understanding and learning of the main strategic management concepts and theories, while the second implies its application in organisations.

Performance Management

This module is about making decisions which ensure the most effective and efficient use of organisational resources. The module aim is to develop knowledge and skills required by performance managers. This provides you with a grasp of techniques used by performance managers in planning, control, decision making and overall performance evaluation of organisational activities. It focuses on information needs, technologies and systems necessary for efficient and effective performance management of organisations. This is followed by an examination of decision-making processes with particular emphasis on management of scarce resources and how this relates to performance, uncertainty and risk management. A key aim of performance management is to measure costs and revenues relating to specific operations divisions and products. Information gathered in this way is used to plan and control activities in order to ensure that key organisational objectives are achieved.

Research Project

The Business Research Project extends and develops your knowledge and ability in focusing upon and preparing for research. It introduces you to the disciplines of critical appraisal and research techniques as well as the design and execution of a research project. The aim is to develop your skills and expertise in the essential research tools you will need in the future. The emphasis of the project will be on secondary data in the main, as you will be expected to select an organisation or a contemporary topic of interest to research. You will be required to apply and integrate the tools, techniques and theoretical frameworks from a number of modules of the programme, and to draw on a wide range of sources.

Plus one option from:

Corporate Risk Management

Corporate Risk Management is a comprehensive, systematic approach for helping an organisation to identify, measure, prioritise and respond to risks, which is critical when developing a company’s strategy. The module gives you an opportunity to understand the implementation and application of corporate risk management and to develop skills which are applicable to a diverse range of organisations and scenarios.

Portfolio Management

This module introduces the latest methodologies used by professional portfolio managers. The module addresses both the theory and practice of portfolio management and aims to build on the techniques for portfolio selection. The theoretical part will examine the issues involved in constructing an investment portfolio, evaluating its performance, and adjusting its composition through time to ensure the performance remains optimal. It will also consider the use of derivatives in managing risk. The module will provide you with hands-on experience of constructing and managing an equity portfolio in our newly-built Financial Trading Suite.

The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.

Entry requirements

Finance and Accounting BSc (Hons)

A-levels: Grade profile of CCC.

T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component of grade C.

BTEC: Grade profile of MMM. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.

Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted at University College Birmingham for entry. A minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points will be required.

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 96 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction.

GCSEs: GCSE/IGCSE maths grades A*-C (grade 9-4) or equivalent.

Finance and Accounting FdSc

A-levels: An A-level grade profile of CD.

T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component profile less than C.

BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of PP. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.

Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted. A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points will be required for entry.

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 48 UCAS Tariff points.

Non-tariff: Non-UCAS Tariff-based Level 3 qualifications are also considered for entry. Please complete our enquiry form here to check your eligibility.

Work-based: We also give equal consideration to applicants who are currently in work and wish to apply to University College Birmingham. To apply, you must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating management or supervisory duties. Your application must also include a reference from your line manager supporting your entry to higher education. For further details, please contact Admissions.

GCSEs: GCSE/IGCSE maths grades A*-C (grade 9-4) or equivalent.

International students

For academic and English entry requirements for EU and international students, please visit the Country Specific Information page.

Please note: As an International Student, when choosing optional placement, a visa extension may be required.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

Note: Indicative information only – actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction. 

Teaching 

Learning strategies include: 

  • Lectures (including guest lectures) 
  • Small group seminars 
  • Workshops 
  • One-to-one tutorials 
  • Group projects 
  • Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
  • Self-directed study 

You will need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time. 

Assessment

Assessment formats include:

  • Examinations
  • Coursework (including presentations, essays, reports, multiple choice tests and numerical computations)

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.

Additional qualifications and training

Upon completion of this course, you can apply for a number of exemptions from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA):

  • BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting – You can apply for eight CIMA exemptions on completion
  • FdSc Finance and Accounting – You can apply for four CIMA exemptions on completion, as well as having the opportunity to register with CIMA from Operational Level

As an additional benefit, you will be able to fast-track your career route of becoming a qualified management accountant and gain employment in the financial and non-financial sector globally.

You will also have the opportunity to complete the Infront Professional Terminal (trading) certificate as part of your course at no additional cost.

Tuition fees

Home students

If you are a home student enrolling on a bachelor's or foundation degree course at University College Birmingham, the 2024/2025 or 2025/2026 academic year tuition fee for full-time study will be £9,250. For part-time study, the fee will be £4,625.

View tuition fees for home students


International students

If you are an international student (or have been fee assessed as an international fee payer) and are enrolling on a full-time bachelor's degree course in 2024/2025, the fee for the academic year will be £14,000. In 2025/26, the tuition fee for the academic year will be £19,750 [Band 3] per year. If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year or £250 for a half-year placement.

View fees for international students

CIMA registration fees

CIMA registration fee for BSc students: £181.80 (includes the CIMA registration fee and one 1st Exam entry for E2)

Kick-Start Scheme

As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.

Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.

Unibuddy Community - meet other students on your course

Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, you will be invited to join our Unibuddy Community, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.

As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation email to complete your registration and join the Unibuddy Community. For more information, check out our Unibuddy Community page.

Percentage
70%

of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them

Work placements

Work placements are vital for gaining real-life experience and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and they may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our HIRED team can help find the ideal placement for you.

Our BSc Finance and Accounting course features the option of a paid 12-month work placement, during which you will not incur any tuition fees. Students on the FdSc Finance and Accounting course are also eligible for a work placement, providing they are progressing onto our final year Finance and Accounting Top-up course.

The best thing about this course is the lecturers who are really supportive, friendly and experienced. They always have interesting lessons, use real-life examples, and they make sure we have enough materials which we can use. University College Birmingham offers many things, from excellent lecturers to great facilities.

Branimir Spicar Finance and Accounting BSc (Hons)

Career opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Retail banker

Average Salary: £30,500

Financial reporting analyst

Average Salary: £29,978

Assistant controller (financial)

Average Salary: £30,200

Financial coordinator

Average Salary: £22,000

Accounts receivable analyst

Average Salary: £25,000

Budget analyst

Average Salary: £43,217

Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the BA (Hons) degree will enable you to move onto our postgraduate courses such as Finance and Accounting MSc/PGDip or Enterprise Management MSc/PGDip

HIRED

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way. 

Find out more

Asif’s Story

An expert in the development of this degree explains how it is designed to set students up for rich careers.

Read Story

What our students on this course say...

100%

of students say they have had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics

100%

of students on this course say marking criteria used to assess their work is clear

97%

of students at the University say staff are good at explaining things

*National Student Survey (NSS) 2023
**Course statistics relate to the FdSc degree

Course statistics

BSc (Hons)

FdSc

Undergraduate students

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