BA (Honours) Accounting and Finance
UCAS code
N4N3Attendance
Full-time
Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-timeAt a glance
Gain a sound understanding of finance as you prepare for a career in accountancy. The course design enables you to gain specific professional accountancy body exemptions or to study topics which interest you. A paid one-year placement builds on the professional focus of the course, offering you additional experience and skills in real-world context.
Key points
• Course designed in consultation with leading employers and professional bodies.
• Learn using case studies that apply what you’ve learnt in the real world.
• Gain industry-recognised certifications from SAGE and other bodies.
• Get a head start with exemptions from some CIMA, ACCA and ICAW exams.
What is accounting and finance?
Accounting is the collection and recording of information on all financial transactions of an entity, reporting the results of those transactions, and interpreting those results. Finance is the process by which the financial operations of an entity are managed, including decisions on the ways of obtaining more capital and considering whether to buy additional assets.
Organisations place particular emphasis on managing their finances and financial risks, and as such, financial and accounting professionals need to be able to understand and communicate financial information to help organisations make key decisions. Financial managers play an important role in organisations and this is reflected in the number of senior executives of large multinational organisations with a financial background and qualifications.
About this course
Train for a career in the broad field of accountancy and finance, typically as a company accountant, a financial manager or in a practice with an accountancy firm. You will learn about the links between accounting and financial management which are essential in these roles.
You develop an understanding of company finances and the importance of communicating information both internally within an organisation and externally to other users of financial information. As well as developing technical accounting and finance skills, you also enhance the numerical, decision making and communication skills needed to succeed in your career.
In the first year, you learn the main principles of accounting and finance and we familiarise you with the business environment that companies work in through the use of business games. We also provide you with opportunities to develop vital IT and numerical skills as part of the course.
The second year deepens your understanding of the role and scope of accounting and financial management, while allowing you to study other related areas. You also have the opportunity to specialise in areas that reflect your career aims and objectives with modules that give you accountancy body exemptions.
You then get the chance to put what you’ve learnt into practice with a paid work placement in your third year. This is an excellent opportunity to gain an insight into the workings of a business, and employers really value this experience. You may even find it leads to the offer of a permanent job after you graduate.
All students returning from placement will study professional development modules to reflect and build on what they’ve learnt. Those students not going on placement will study financial decision making which aims to recreate some of the skills students would have developed on placement, whilst also covering career planning and reflection.
After graduation you may be exempt from some of the examinations of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Key areas of study
This course gives you an in depth knowledge of accounting and finance and covers key areas such as • financial accounting • management accounting • corporate law • corporate finance • taxation • managing financial risks • ethics, social responsibility and corporate governance.
Enhanced study experience
We embed a wide range of extras into your course to enhance your study experience and to give you greater employability and technical skills after graduating. Visit the enhanced study media box to view examples of our many initiatives.
Associated careers
Our graduates are well-equipped for a range of careers including accountancy, corporate treasury and other finance-related areas. Students graduate with exemptions from key accounting and finance professional bodies. This enables you to progress to the higher level of these professional qualifications and gain professional recognition more quickly.
Typical jobs include • management accountant • financial accountant • financial manager • financial risk manager • business manager • audit and tax specialist.
Past graduates have found employment with • PricewaterhouseCoopers • KPMG • NHS • BAE Systems • Barber Harrison Platt • Vodafone.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Graduate exemptions are available from some of the professional body examinations.
Course content
Year one modules
• management accounting • financial accounting • financial analysis for business • business economics • law, corporate governance and ethics • the professional accountant
Year two modules
• management accounting applications • financial accounting and reporting • financial management • financial risk management • corporate law, audit and regulation or enterprise operations • understanding and managing financial roles
Year three
• optional work placement
Final year core modules
• strategic management accounting • corporate reporting • corporate finance • financial decision making or career management and development
Final year options
Choose two from • audit and assurance • principles of taxation • enterprise management • forensic investigation • mergers and acquisitions • advanced financial accounting and reporting
Assessment
• individual reports and essays • multiple choice and phase tests • group and individual presentations • consultancy projects • group work tasks • examinations.
Entry requirements
2014 entry requirements
We expect you to demonstrate through your personal statement an interest in and awareness of accounting and finance or some level of practical experience.
Normally, five GCSEs at grade C or above including English language and mathematics, plus one of the following
• 300 points including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications or one AVCE double award. We accept general studies. Key Skills qualifications are not included.
• GNVQ – advanced level 3 in 12 modules with overall distinction or in 16 modules with overall merit.
• Access – an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 Level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
If English is not your first language you need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.
You can apply for advanced entry on to this course, depending on the number of professional accountancy examinations you have passed.
If you do not have any of the qualifications above but have relevant experience you are welcome to discuss potential opportunities with the admissions tutor.
2013 entry requirements
We expect you to demonstrate through your personal statement an interest in and awareness of accounting and finance or some level of practical experience.
Normally, five GCSEs at grade C or above including English language and mathematics, plus one of the following
• 300 points including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications or one AVCE double award. We accept general studies. Key Skills qualifications are not included.
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
For 2013 entry, membership of a professional body is included in the course fee.
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £11,880 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,880 a year
How to apply
You apply for this course through UCAS.
Contact details
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk