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Finance

UCAS CODE: NN13, NN43 (Full-time) or NN14, NN44 (Foundation Year)
TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)
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  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: Three or Four Years
  • Start Date: September 2023 and January 2024

In the world of commerce business and finance are inextricably linked. If you enjoy analysing data, crunching numbers and controlling the figures, our Finance programme and pathways are the perfect way to develop your skills, ready for a career in the finance world.

We work hard to ensure you graduate workplace ready. Having a degree that is recognised by professional bodies – ACCA, IFA, CIMA and ICAEW – means you will have the advantage of being able to start your career being exempt from a number of professional exams.

Pathways

Our Finance programme gives you the opportunity to choose your specialism for your future career after you experience of the core curriculum in year one. Rather than having to make your big career decision before you join us, we introduce you to various specialisms and offer you the flexibility to choose the pathway which leads to your chosen career.

These pathways are also offered as four-year programmes, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme.

An accounting student in a meeting with another student whilst looking at data on a laptop
Finance and Accounting

What will I study on this pathway?

Our Finance and Accounting pathway offers the opportunity to study a mix of subjects, including financial accounting, management accounting, financial management, auditing, taxation and strategic management.

Each topic has been designed to blend together to give you an understanding of the financial world and the topical issues affecting it. You will be provided with a thorough grounding in accounting and finance not only in preparation for employment, but also for further study at post-graduate level.

Calculator on a table
Finance and Business

What will I study on this pathway?

Our Finance and Business pathway aims to develop your entrepreneurial capabilities and offers opportunities for you to develop and launch business ideas. Additionally, you will acquire a wide range of skills and competences useful for dealing competently with real-life, practical problems, while it will also provide opportunities for undertaking work experience. It will develop your ability to think critically and will therefore enable you to analyse and evaluate solutions to complex, real-life problems.

Why study this subject?

Being able to study a programme that gives you a solid understanding of how finance and business work together and enhance each other is ideal if you are interested in developing sought after business knowledge and financial management skills.

Our Finance programme covers a mix of financial accounting, management accounting, financial management, auditing, taxation and strategic management skills which will allow you to explore a wide range of subject areas to give you an understanding of the financial world and the topical issues affecting us.

If you really enjoy being at the beating heart of a company by managing the figures and controlling the numbers, then a finance degree is the perfect career path for you. Every organisation needs accurate financial information in order to survive and to make decisions about future growth. Our Finance awards address Business and Accounting, depending on your personal interests in the field.

The layout of modules, achieving professional qualification through the completion of modules and diverse environment played a major role in choosing to study at BNU.
Dennis Aduadjoe
Dennis Aduadjoe

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

At BNU we want you to get the most out of your time with us and being workplace ready is something we are proud to offer you. Both of our Accounting and Business pathways are recognised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and offers graduates the opportunity to gain a prestigious Accounting and Finance degree at the same time as qualifying as part-qualified accountants.

This is achieved by giving you the opportunity to gain maximum exemptions from all nine ACCA papers at the Fundamentals level (F1-F9). In addition, you can also obtain exemptions from up to 7 modules from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). You can also obtain membership at various levels for the IFA and ICAEW.

This will ensure you enter the job market with a competitive degree, relevant experience and a confidence that you can make your mark in the corporate world.

Accounting and finance page logos
Calculator on a table
Risk Management

During your second year, you will learn to apply, analyse and evaluate the principles and theories you have learned and be able to reference and apply them to contemporary situations. Being able to develop your skills by applying your knowledge to real life circumstances is important as this allows you to gain the confidence and ease to do so post-graduation.

In your final year, the emphasis will be on transitioning you from student to graduate. You will undertake more independent learning and develop your depth of understanding through a combination of critical analysis and evaluation. This will be shown through either a dissertation on a topic of your choice or a consultancy project, which involves independent research focusing on strategic business issues.

One of the enjoyable things about studying at BNU is that even though I’m doing Accounting & Finance, there’s still the opportunity to work on group projects. Not only do we come together to solve the problem, it’s also the chance to get to know and make friends with my peers.
Yam Kandel

How will I be taught and assessed?

At Buckinghamshire New University we like to foster an interactive and student-focused teaching style where we blend lectures, seminars, one-to-one workshops, tutorial sessions, independent study and guest speakers to enhance the learning experience.

Our lecturers work hard to ensure that you learn the latest industry standard practices and knowledge. To support in the delivery of this we also welcome industry experts and professionals to deliver guest lectures who share their experience of the latest trends and what companies are looking for.

A range of assessment methods will be employed during your studies, including: 

  • essays
  • reports
  • exams
  • oral presentations (individual and group)
  • dissertation.
I had the opportunity to work with a local business and aid them in improving the way they ran. This was brilliant in helping me prepare for the outside world as it gave me a real-life insight into how businesses actually operated - it also allowed for me to improve my network and prepare for life after university.
Harrison Gilkes
Headshot of a smiling Harrison Gilkes

Finance Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

A minimum of two full A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the three-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a degree course, can apply for a four-year programme including a Foundation Year; find out more.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Finance and Accounting Pathway
Core Modules
Credits
You’ll learn about the overlap between study skills and employability skills and develop your existing abilities in both areas. You’ll be prepared for successful progression to Level 4 academic study whilst preparing yourself for employment through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.
You’ll develop the skills associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work. This module will prepare you for successful progression to Level 4 academic study while allowing you to learn about employment in the twenty-firs...

Read more

This module introduces you to the different business functions within an organisation, including finance, marketing and HR. You’ll learn about the business environment, including the internal and external factors which impact on businesses. This module will equip you with appropriate business language and terminology ready for undergraduate study.
This module has been designed to develop your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work. You’ll have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject area, making use of information gathered from various sources using different methods and strategies.
Core Modules
Credits
You will develop knowledge and understanding of management accounting techniques to support management in planning, controlling and monitoring performance in a variety of business contexts. The module is one of the core modules for professional bodies such as ACCA and CIMA and therefore is designed to focus on employability and industry practice.
You’ll learn the essentials of the regulatory framework relating to accounts preparation and the qualitative characteristics of useful information. You’ll also cover drafting financial statements and the principles of accounts preparation. The module also concentrates in-depth on recording, processing and reporting business transactions and events.
This module will introduce business and its environment and the influence this has on how organisations are structured. You’ll gain an understanding of the role of accounting and other key business functions in contributing to the efficient, effective and ethical management and development of an organisation and its people and systems.
You will be taught how to use Microsoft Excel in the preparation of management reports and statutory accounts including invoices, budgets, variance analysis, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and cashflow forecasts. You’ll be taught to use Sage Line 50 to create accounting records and prepare financial statements from records of prime entry.
Business is an interconnected series of systems, networks and operations that span the globe where it is possible to conduct business at any hour of the day. You’ll learn about the impact and challenges of technology and the growth and benefits of emerging markets.
This module examines the importance of collecting and managing data to facilitate informed business decision making. You’ll study both qualitative and quantitative forms of data collection and use of appropriate software for the analysis and interpretation of data to provide insight into business and management research issues.
Core Modules
Credits
This module develops knowledge and skills in the application of management accounting techniques to quantitative and qualitative information for planning, decision-making, performance evaluation, and control. You’ll learn about the information needs, technologies and systems required by organisations to manage and measure performance.
This module introduces the role and purpose of financial management function within a business, the business financial environment, capital management and investment appraisal. The module will also explore the business environment and how it operates, especially the role of financial management and appraisal skills.
The aim of this module is to understand how to apply accounting standards and the theoretical framework in the preparation of financial statements of entities. You will study financial reporting with reference to qualitative characteristics and regulatory framework of accounting and how this informs the standard setting process.
This module introduces the concept of personal taxation. This will include an understanding of the principles behind taxation, the sources UK tax and types of personal income tax such as employment, business, inheritance, capital gains. This modules looks at how to calculate personal income tax liability from different sources, whilst understanding...

Read more

Entrepreneurship is an important part of our cultural DNA. With the rise of the side-hustle economy more people are taking their financial security into their own hands. You’ll learn the necessary tools and knowledge to start your own business venture and examine the environmental sustainability, social and ethical aspects of it. 
Examine the legal relationship, and legal obligations, of businesses to their stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and employees. You’ll be introduced to the various business structures, sole trader, partnerships and limited companies, and the legal rights and obligations of directors and partners, both contractual and non-contractual.
Core Modules
Credits
This module will further expand on the techniques for analysing and interpreting financial statements to diagnose a business’s strengths and weaknesses to develop working strategies. You’ll learn how financial accounts are prepared in compliance with accounting standards.
This module covers five major topics in international finance, including time value of money and valuations, cash-flow analysis, capital budgeting, financing (corporate capital structure or leverage decisions), and dividend policy and working capital management. You’ll gain an overview of the acquisition, financing and management of business assets...

Read more

This module is designed to build on the personal income tax and introduces company tax including sources of income, adjustments and rules, Chargeable gains, losses, VAT and general administration of corporate tax including filing rules, penalties and interests for non-compliance. You will be equipped with all the skills necessary for the preparatio...

Read more

You will complete a major piece of independent research related to your degree that will enhance your employability. Motivation, time management, professionalism and personal discipline will be required to negotiate access to research participants and organisations involved in the collection of primary empirical data.
This module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the process of carrying out assurance engagement and its application in the context of the professional regulatory framework. You will also develop your understanding of the skills required of an auditor. It will inform and challenge you to evaluate the system of external audit that is adop...

Read more

Finance and Business Pathway
Core Modules
Credits
You’ll learn about the overlap between study skills and employability skills and develop your existing abilities in both areas. You’ll be prepared for successful progression to Level 4 academic study whilst preparing yourself for employment through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.
You’ll develop the skills associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work. This module will prepare you for successful progression to Level 4 academic study while allowing you to learn about employment in the twenty-firs...

Read more

This module introduces you to the different business functions within an organisation, including finance, marketing and HR. You’ll learn about the business environment, including the internal and external factors which impact on businesses. This module will equip you with appropriate business language and terminology ready for undergraduate study.
This module has been designed to develop your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work. You’ll have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject area, making use of information gathered from various sources using different methods and strategies.
Core Modules
Credits
You will develop knowledge and understanding of management accounting techniques to support management in planning, controlling and monitoring performance in a variety of business contexts. The module is one of the core modules for professional bodies such as ACCA and CIMA and therefore is designed to focus on employability and industry practice.
You’ll learn the essentials of the regulatory framework relating to accounts preparation and the qualitative characteristics of useful information. You’ll also cover drafting financial statements and the principles of accounts preparation. The module also concentrates in-depth on recording, processing and reporting business transactions and events.
This module will introduce business and its environment and the influence this has on how organisations are structured. You’ll gain an understanding of the role of accounting and other key business functions in contributing to the efficient, effective and ethical management and development of an organisation and its people and systems.
You will be taught how to use Microsoft Excel in the preparation of management reports and statutory accounts including invoices, budgets, variance analysis, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and cashflow forecasts. You’ll be taught to use Sage Line 50 to create accounting records and prepare financial statements from records of prime entry.
Business is an interconnected series of systems, networks and operations that span the globe where it is possible to conduct business at any hour of the day. You’ll learn about the impact and challenges of technology and the growth and benefits of emerging markets.
This module examines the importance of collecting and managing data to facilitate informed business decision making. You’ll study both qualitative and quantitative forms of data collection and use of appropriate software for the analysis and interpretation of data to provide insight into business and management research issues.
Core Modules
Credits
This module develops knowledge and skills in the application of management accounting techniques to quantitative and qualitative information for planning, decision-making, performance evaluation, and control. You’ll learn about the information needs, technologies and systems required by organisations to manage and measure performance.
This module introduces the role and purpose of financial management function within a business, the business financial environment, capital management and investment appraisal. The module will also explore the business environment and how it operates, especially the role of financial management and appraisal skills.
You’ll learn about working effectively in a team, pitching for business and will be provided with live project briefs from clients. The module will also consider how business research sources can support the consultant in understanding the client, their industry and the issues they are trying to address.
The aim of this module is to understand how to apply accounting standards and the theoretical framework in the preparation of financial statements of entities. You will study financial reporting with reference to qualitative characteristics and regulatory framework of accounting and how this informs the standard setting process.
Entrepreneurship is an important part of our cultural DNA. With the rise of the side-hustle economy more people are taking their financial security into their own hands. You’ll learn the necessary tools and knowledge to start your own business venture and examine the environmental sustainability, social and ethical aspects of it. 
Examine the legal relationship, and legal obligations, of businesses to their stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and employees. You’ll be introduced to the various business structures, sole trader, partnerships and limited companies, and the legal rights and obligations of directors and partners, both contractual and non-contractual.
Core Modules
Credits
This module will equip you with the necessary skills for understanding, designing and assessing strategies from an orthodox and agile perspective in a fast-moving business environment. You will critically examine and design social and environmental safeguards in strategies such as diversity, inclusivity and ethical practices.
This module will further expand on the techniques for analysing and interpreting financial statements to diagnose a business’s strengths and weaknesses to develop working strategies. You’ll learn how financial accounts are prepared in compliance with accounting standards.
This module will give you the skills to carry out the role of accountant relating to governance, internal control, compliance and the management of risk within an organisation. You’ll study personal and professional ethics, ethical frameworks and professional values as applied in the context of the accountant’s duties. 
This module covers five major topics in international finance, including time value of money and valuations, cash-flow analysis, capital budgeting, financing (corporate capital structure or leverage decisions), and dividend policy and working capital management. You’ll gain an overview of the acquisition, financing and management of business assets...

Read more

You will complete a major piece of independent research related to your degree that will enhance your employability. Motivation, time management, professionalism and personal discipline will be required to negotiate access to research participants and organisations involved in the collection of primary empirical data.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home, Academic Year 2023 - 2024

£9,250 per year

International

Overseas/International, Academic Year 2023 - 2024

£15,000 per year

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.

You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

Contact our Enquiries Team:

0330 123 2023

advice@bnu.ac.uk

What are my career prospects? 

BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting pathway

There has always been a big demand for qualified specialists in accounting and finance, meaning that you can expect to graduate with a variety of rewarding career options ahead of you. With the diverse nature of accounting and finance you can seek out jobs in any sector, from business, banking, non-profit to international corporations.

Not only will you be graduating with a coveted qualification, the additional benefit of having studied a degree accredited professional bodies, the ACCA, CIMA, IFA and ICAEW means that you start one step closer to becoming a fully qualified accountant.

BA (Hons) Finance and Business pathway

You will graduate with an industry accredited degree from the ACCA, CIMA and ICAEW which means that you start one step closer to becoming a fully qualified accountant.

Recent graduates from this course have gone onto jobs such as, Accounting Assistant, Personal Banker, Financial Analyst and Graduate Accountant.

You will also be equipped to develop and manage your own businesses, be this sole proprietorships, partnerships or companies.

Course leader

Albert Owusu staff profile photo
Albert Owusu FCCA
  • Programme Leader
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Emmanuel Ntim staff profile photo
Emmanuel Kwadwo Ntim
  • Senior Lecturer
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Dr Sainey Faye
Sainey Faye PhD, FCIM, FHEA
  • Associate Professor
  • Associate Head of School
Read full profile
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