Accounting and Finance - BSc (Hons) - 2023/24 Entry - Birmingham City Business School

Overview

The BSc (Honours) Accounting and Finance degree at Birmingham City Business School provides a valuable insight into the worlds of accountancy practice, commerce, industry and finance.

We create graduates who possess a global outlook, with the conceptual and applied knowledge in the fields of accounting and finance that will enable them to make a positive impact on society.

Delivery of the course is flexible and includes a blend of lectures, workshops, field trips and online learning. The modules, which feed into the course are broad and cover key current topics, such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and help you to appreciate accounting and finance from a range of perspectives. Ultimately, decision making in this field, calls for one to exercise judgement and intuition and this course helps you to strengthen that judgement.

This course has been designed to be accredited by the major professional accounting bodies, including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), offering significant exemptions from their professional qualifications.

Professional Placement Year

This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year (£1,850 for UK students).

This course is open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

This course offers an accounting and finance curriculum that is up to date, vocationally relevant, challenging and reflects the complex and challenging nature of the accounting and business environment.

You will gain expertise in areas including financial and management accounting, corporate finance, international accounting and finance issues, data analysis and business technology. You will have the opportunity to use software relevant to the modern business environment, equipping you with the skills and experience sought by employers.

You will develop scholarly attributes, becoming an independent learner with the ability to critically evaluate data and evidence, draw reasoned conclusions and communicate effectively in a professional manner.

With our practice-based approach to teaching, you will learn from professionally qualified academics with a wealth of industry experience, and research active academics whose research underpins and informs our approach to teaching.

You will be actively supported and encouraged to undertake an additional professional placement year, providing the opportunity to improve your employability skills. Our students have worked for industry leading accountancy practices including PwC and EY, as well as for organisations such as the NHS, IBM and Vodafone.

The international focus of the course is derived through a variety of means including the study of international accounting standards, student body, the teaching team and the use of international teaching materials. Moreover, students can choose to spend a full semester studying their modules overseas at a partner institution.

Accredited By

This course is accredited by:

Why Choose Us?

This degree course is aligned to the ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW and CIPFA professional bodies for maximum exemptions. This means that the course is as professionally relevant and up-to-date as possible, taking into account the very latest developments in the profession.
On all of our courses you will gain a professional focus and real world experience of accounting, ensuring you are equipped to make an immediate impact in the business world. You have the opportunity to embark on a year-long professional placement as part of your degree course. Your placement tutor will also give you guidance throughout.
Our links with accrediting bodies and big name businesses mean we regularly hold industry talks and guest visits on campus.
Recognising the global scope of business, all our courses have an international focus. This is embedded throughout the curriculum, giving you the opportunity to transform your experience with us into a global one. There are a variety of exciting possibilities open to you, including our many overseas study exchange programmes.
Your course will consider the study of accountancy, finance and business from an international perspective, and you will be given the opportunity to travel abroad as part of your course.
As a student on one of our undergraduate degrees, you will be able to benefit from our Graduate+ initiative. This three-year award course enables you to gain award levels for all the extra-curricular activities you undertake so that you can stand out from the crowd on graduation.
You will study in our state-of-the-art City Centre Campus, ideally located for you to take advantage of our links to Birmingham’s business district, one of the largest in the UK.
We keep group sizes small, and focus on teaching instead of lecturing, meaning you’ll get all the time and focus you need from our industry experienced staff.
Following graduation, you will have the opportunity to apply for STEAMhouse Business Incubator membership.

Find out more

Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic

The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.

Open Days

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to explore our campus and facilities in person. You'll be able to hear more about your chosen subject area in our course talks.

Next Open Day: Saturday 22 October 2022

Book your place

Entry Requirements

We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.

Essential Requirements

Level 2 Qualifications
BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from a maximum of 3 subjects.
UK Qualification	Requirements 2022/23
GCSE	GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C/4 or above Equivalent level 2 qualifications can be accepted Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level)	See level 3 entry under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details.
Scottish National 5	English language and mathematics at grade C or above Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications
UK Qualification	Requirements 2022/23
A level and Advanced VCE	BBC / 112 UCAS points A maximum of 3 subjects are considered. These can be other A-levels or level 3 equivalents.
AAT Diploma in Accounting (QCF)	Pass or above Achievement of the AAT Level 3 Diploma will be accepted as fully meeting the level 3 entry criteria AAT Level 4 Diploma can be considered for advanced entry.
Access to HE Diploma	Pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at level 3
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2002 – 2010)	DMM
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) (2010 – 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (2002 – 2010)	112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
Pearson BTEC National Foundation Diploma (2016 to present) Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)	112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Award (2002 - 2010)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
IBO Certificate in Higher Level	Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates if they obtain a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects Considered with other acceptable level 3 qualifications to meet 112 UCAS Tariff Points For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma will be accepted For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted.
International Baccalaureate Diploma	Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma will be accepted For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted.
IFS / LIBF Diploma in Financial Studies	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)	Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 112 tariff points, achieved in four Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum grade H5/D1)
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Applied General Certificate in Health and Social Care	112 UCAS points. Can be considered along with A-levels or a combination of equivalent level 3 qualifications
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma	DMM
OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (2016 – present) OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma (until 2016)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate	112 UCAS points Considered alongside other level three qualification
Scottish Advanced Higher	Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades CCD. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers).
Scottish Higher	Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either five Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. Where only Highers have been taken a minimum of grades BBCCC is required. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers.
T-Levels	112 UCAS points (Merit overall)
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Other Qualifications
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website.

Additional information for EU/International students

Essential
Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications to 112 points are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table.
English language requirements 2020/21
IELTS	6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information.
Other accepted qualifications	Visit our English language page

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply

UK Student
International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BSc (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2023

Full Time
3 Years
£9,250 in 2023/24
Apply via UCAS

Full Time
4 Years with Professional Placement
Show fees
Apply via UCAS

Professional Placement Fees

The tuition fee for your first year of study at the university is shown above. Full-time courses with a Professional Placement also incur a fee during the placement year. The fee for your placement year will be £1,850, which is equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee.

Part Time
5 Years
TBC

International students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BSc (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2023

Full Time
3 Years
TBC

Full Time
4 Years with Professional Placement
Show fees

Professional Placement Fees

Full-time courses with a Professional Placement also incur a fee during the placement year. The fee for your placement year will be equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.

If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites and available through our library.

Free access to Rosetta Stone

All students can sign up to the online learning language platform for free through the Graduate+ scheme.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Project materials (optional)

This course includes project work that requires you to develop and produce a portfolio. This could be digital, but if you choose to create a physical portfolio, you will be expected to provide the materials; costs will vary depending on the materials selected.

Books (optional)

Some modules may suggest that you purchase a key textbook. All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. Many students choose to purchase a copy.

Placement expenses (optional)

If you choose to undertake a placement, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home.

Field trips (optional)

This course includes the option of additional trips that may enhance your experience.

Memberships (optional)

You may wish to join a union or professional body related to this course.

Accommodation and living costs

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Guidance for UK students

UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

Applying through UCAS

Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS and complete your details
Select your course and write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee and submit your application

Guidance for International students

There are three ways to apply:

1) Direct to the University

You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.

2) Through a country representative

Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.

3) Through UCAS

If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.

Personal statement

UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*

The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:

Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

Worried about Personal Statements?

If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.

Get personal statement advice

*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.

Course in Depth

Year One

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits)

Governance, Ethics and Law 20 credits

Professional Development in Accounting 20 credits

Introduction to Economics and Finance 20 credits

Introduction to Financial Accounting 20 credits

Introduction to Management Accounting 20 credits

Data Intelligence 20 credits

Year Two

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).

Financial Reporting 20 credits

Management Accounting* 20 credits

Corporate Finance 20 credits

International Accounting and Finance Issues 20 credits

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.

Principles of Taxation 20 credits

Business Technology and the Finance Function 20 credits

Business Operations 20 credits

Personal Wealth Planning and Management 20 credits

Study Abroad 20 credits

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

Professional Placement Year (Optional)

In order to qualify for the award of BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Professional Placement Year a student must successfully complete the following module.

Professional Placement Year 120 credits

Final Year

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 60 credits)

Advanced Financial Reporting 20 credits

Strategic Management Accounting* 20 credits

Corporate Financial Strategy 20 credits

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 60 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.

Tax Planning 20 credits

Banking, Financial Markets and Institutions 20 credits

Accounting for the Planet 20 credits

Principles of Not-For-Profit Accounting and Governance 20 credits

Empowering Future Leaders 20 credits

Business Research Project 40 credits

Business Research Methodology and Practice + Community Advice Project 40 credits

Business Research Methodology and Practice + Business Start-Up Project 40 credits

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

Download course specification

Download now

*CIMA is sponsoring our second and third year Management Accounting modules and is offering a prize to the top performing student in our second year Management Accounting module and certificates for the top three performing students in both second and third year. This is a brilliant opportunity to have evidence of your management accounting skills when applying for jobs or placements.

Course structure

The first year of the course will provide a solid grounding in accounting and its importance in business, as well as ensuring you are fully prepared to make informed decisions as to your study route in future years of the course.

During the second and third years of the course, there will be more flexible learning opportunities, enabling you to specialise in particular subject areas, and to tailor your course to a particular career aim or specific professional body. There will also be opportunities to experience different graduate roles, with a wide variety of placements and internships on offer to compliment your studies.

Trips and visits

You will visit a range of businesses, gaining key industry insight and getting a focus on how businesses operate. In recent years, we have visited JCB, Morgan Motor Company and Cadbury World.

Professional alignment

Our Accounting and Finance programmes are aligned to a range of professional bodies. The main benefit of this is that you will may be exempt from a range of professional body exams when it comes to graduating. It also ensures you’re fully prepared for the world of work, undertaking tasks that’ll stand you in good stead for your future.

Exemptions available will depend upon modules selected in the second and further years of study and are at the discretion of the awarding professional body.

This course is aligned to the following organisations:

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route. This accreditation is dependent on particular modules you choose.

ACCA Platinum Level Tuition Provider

We have been approved under ACCA's Approved Learning Partner - student tuition (ALP-st) programme and given the award of Platinum Level Tuition Provider.

This means you can be sure:

We have been assessed against ACCA's widely recognised and highly-regarded global best practice benchmarks.
we have access to a range of development opportunities and tools provided by ACCA.
An investigation will be carried out in the event of any student complaints.

Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Association of International Accountants

Accredited by the Association of International Accountants (AIA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

The Institute of Financial Accountants

Accredited by The Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Employability

Enhancing employability skills

Your course will prepare and equip you for a career in accountancy, finance, management or business, by relating your studies to the latest practice-based business developments.

Throughout the course, we have regular visits from professional bodies such as the ICAEW, CIMA and ACCA. These visits help ensure that you are learning the exact skills organisations and regulator bodies are looking for.

You will also have the opportunity to attain the Microsoft Office Specialist – Excel qualification, enhancing your employability prospects.

Placements

In order to apply and enhance the skills you learn from the course, you will have the option to undertake a year-long work placement in the UK or overseas. Shorter-term work placements, voluntary work and internships will also be available.

In the past, students have benefited from our partnerships with the NHS, Volkswagen and Bentley.

More about our placement opportunities

International

Welcome to the Birmingham City Business School, home to students from over 70 countries all around the world!

Birmingham City Business School is one of the UK’s largest, most established and most respected business schools. Our programmes are practice based and many have an international focus, which means your course will be entirely relevant to today’s business world. Almost all of our courses, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, are open to international students.

We also have links with universities across the world, including Europe, the USA, China, India and Malaysia.

International Services

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here
Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies
Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country
Learn where to find financial support for your studies

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Facilities & Staff

Our Facilities

We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.

The Curzon Building

This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law and Business students.

The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.

The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.

The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.

The Curzon Building also features:

An impressive new library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
Brand new, accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
Shared facilities with the wider campus including the recently opened Parkside Building and Millennium Point

Our staff

Samantha Roberts

Associate Director Education & Student Experience

Samantha Roberts holds an honours degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Accounting and Financial Management. She is ACMA, CGMA qualified and after a 15 year career in the banking and finance sector Samantha moved into higher education.

More about Samantha

Margaret Saunders

Senior Teaching Fellow

Margaret Saunders is a CIMA qualified accountant who gained a vast amount of experience working within industry before moving into education. After a number of years teaching within further education and working with apprentices, she joined the Business School in 2013 where she now teaches across a number of undergraduate courses.

More about Margaret

Shaista Mukadam

Senior Lecturer

After completion of her Chartered Accountancy Professional Qualification from India, Shaista Mukadam worked and audited in many of the multi-national companies in India. She retrained as a lecturer, and now teaches on accounting modules at Birmingham City University. In December 2021, Shaista was presented with Womani Award for 2021 by...

More about Shaista

Kulvinder Singh

Senior Teaching Fellow in Financial Accounting

Kulvinder is a senior teaching fellow in financial accounting. He is part of the course management team and is the course leader for the BSc Accounting and Finance course. He has taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as on the professional ACCA programme.

More about Kulvinder