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BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting

UCAS CODE: NN43 (Full-time) or NN44 (Foundation Year)

TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

If you're interested in the world of finance, our BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting degree is recognised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), making it the perfect way to prepare yourself for a role in the industry.

Top 10 for Teaching Quality*

*The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

University of the Year for South East England*

*WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025

Top 5 Students' Union in the UK*

*Based on responses from taught BNU students (NSS 2025)

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

Why study BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting at BNU?

Professional accreditations

Our BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting course is recognised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). This gives 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 8 modules from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and up to 7 from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). You can also obtain membership at various levels with the IFA.

Cutting-edge

Our curriculum is continuously evolved to stay relevant to updates in the finance and business industries. You'll learn about the issues which are driving change, such as blockchain in accounting and the use of AI in accounting. You'll also get to hear from guest speakers from professional bodies on specialist subjects. All of this means you can be confident that you'll graduate ready to step into a role; many of our finance graduates go straight into executive level positions rather than assistant level.

Learn industry-standard accounting software

You'll get lots of practical experience using accountancy software, including Sage. In addition to the time spent using these software programmes in class, you'll have 24/7 access to them to practice in your own time. You'll have the opportunity to gain additional certificates from professional bodies to demonstrate your competence with these software programmes.

Taught by industry professionals

Our BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting degree is led by a dedicated and experienced course team. They bring a wealth of both industry and academic experience to the classroom and include accountants and consultants who have worked for some of the most well-known financial organisations in the world. You can be confident that you are learning about current trends, challenges and opportunities, and will graduate fully prepared for the working landscape. You can learn more about the teaching team below.

What will I study?

We are focused on providing you with all the building blocks you need to create a solid understanding of the financial accounting and business environments. You may have the opportunity to take part in trips to enhance your classroom learning; previous visits for students at our High Wycombe Campus have included the Bank of England Museum in London. You will also hear from guest speakers from professional bodies. For students studying in Nottingham, you will also benefit from a range of trips to local organisations to enrich your studies.

In your first year, you'll begin to use Microsoft Excel in financial and business reporting, and Sage software. During your second year you will study topics in more detail, as well as advance management accounting and be introduced to UK taxation principles and rules. You will also be introduced to financial reporting. This module will teach you how to apply accounting standards and the theoretical framework in the preparation of financial statements of entities. You’ll learn to apply, analyse and evaluate the principles and theories you have learned and be able to reference and apply them to contemporary situations. By putting your knowledge into practice, you’ll feel confidence and well-equipped for your future career.

In your final year, you will focus on preparing yourself for life after BNU. You will learn about international finance, auditing, UK corporation tax and move onto advanced financial reporting. You will also complete a major piece of independent research that will enhance your employability within the finance and accounting industry. You'll have the opportunity to take part in the University's Accountancy Clinic, assisting the local community.

In addition to your studies, the College of Leadership and Innovation regularly holds events at our High Wycombe Campus to enrich your university experience and enhance your employability, such as a management fair, recruitment events, and alumni networking social meetings. Students studying in Nottingham will be able to attend these events at the High Wycombe Campus or join any online events. There will also be events held in Nottingham to help bolster your career prospects.

a birds-eye view of a person typing on a key board whilst looking at two screens

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 BNU we like to foster an interactive and student-focused teaching style. 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 skill-sets employers are looking for.

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

essays
reports
exams
presentations (individual and group)
dissertation

BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting 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)

UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.

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.

Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, including demonstrating the necessary knowledge and understanding, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BSc (Hons) degree, however may be offered the four-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.

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.

Foundation Year

Core Modules

Developing Personal Effectiveness

This module hones your study and job skills, fostering leadership and resilience. You’ll learn BNU’s values and support systems, bridging academic skills with employability to thrive at university and beyond.

Research in Practice

In Research in Practice, you’ll master key research skills, from methodologies to efficient library use. You’ll practice summarizing and critical reading, tailored to your field, through interactive workshops, setting a strong foundation for your academic and professional growth.

Communications in Practice

This module provides you with vital workplace communication skills and professional growth. You’ll engage in group work to explore industry communications through PESTEL analysis and develop a live industry demo. You’ll gain insights via practical seminars, real-life examples, and case studies, preparing you for effective communication.

Live Learning Project

In this module, you’ll lead a mini-project. You will be taught and then use project management techniques as well as applying skills from other modules. You’ll tackle real-world problems, enhance your expertise, and gain confidence through regular tutorials and case study discussions.

Accounting in Practice

In this module you’ll a clear understanding of accounting in business, from transaction recording to reporting. You’ll explore accounting’s nature, tools, and contemporary issues like AI and corporate governance, setting a strong foundation for further studies.

Finance in Society

Dive into finance fundamentals and their impact on people and society. You’ll grasp essential concepts and practices through theories and case studies, preparing you for advanced courses and real-world financial analysis.

Year 1

Core Modules

Credits

Management Accounting

20

Credits: 20

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.

Financial Accounting

20

Credits: 20

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.

Business and Technology

20

Credits: 20

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.

Computerised Accounting

20

Credits: 20

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.

Global Business and Sustainability with Academic Skills

20

Credits: 20

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.

Introduction to Data and Analytics

20

Credits: 20

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.

Year 2

Core Modules

Credits

Advanced Management Accounting

20

Credits: 20

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.

Financial Management

20

Credits: 20

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.

Financial Reporting 1

20

Credits: 20

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.

Introduction to UK Taxation (Personal Tax)

20

Credits: 20

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...

Responsible Enterprise and Ethical Research

20

Credits: 20

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.

Business Law and Practice

20

Credits: 20

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.

Year 3

Core Modules

Credits

Financial Reporting 2

20

Credits: 20

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.

International Finance

20

Credits: 20

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...

UK Taxation (Corporation Tax)

20

Credits: 20

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...

Independent Professional Project

40

Credits: 40

You’ll complete a major piece of independent research that will enhance your employability. This module will enable students to identify their own research question, set research objectives, gather and analyse appropriate literature, secondary and primary research to meet those objectives. Students must analyse and evaluate the theories and concept...

International Auditing

20

Credits: 20

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...

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £5,760 *
Home, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £9,790 per year *

International

Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £15,910 *
Overseas/International, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £15,910 per year *

** Please note International students can only study this course at our High Wycombe Campus.

The lecturers' support and kindness in using their time to help me, guide me, read my work many times to give me extra feedback, advise, or explain something again meant the world to me. I’ve never met such dedicated and helpful people. Without their support, I wouldn’t have completed my course and achieved a first-class degree.

Kamil Bilski BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting Graduate

What are my career prospects?

There has always been a big demand for qualified specialists in accounting and finance. You can expect to graduate with a variety of rewarding career options ahead of you, in a variety of sectors, from business, banking, non-profit to international corporations. Previous graduates have gone on to work at companies including PWC, and many are able to go straight into executive level positions, rather than assistant level.

Not only will you be graduating with a coveted qualification, the additional benefit of having studied a degree accredited by professional bodies such as, the ACCA, IFA, CIMA and ICAEW means that you are one step closer to becoming a fully qualified accountant. You will have earned module exemptions from some of these bodies, which are:

ACCA: maximum of 9 out of 13 modules

CIMA: 8 out of 16 modules

ICAEW: 7 out of 15 modules

IFA: Graduates will be eligible to apply to become Associate members.