- UCAS Code: NN43
- Level: Undergraduate
- Starting: September 2021
- Study mode: Full Time (3 Years), Sandwich (4 Years), Part Time (5 Years)
- Location: City Centre
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Looking to study an accountancy course in Birmingham? Our BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree is aligned to the ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA and ICAEW, and allows you to take a year-long placement.
This degree is accredited by all the right professional bodies for maximum exemptions, providing you with the opportunities to develop the skills necessary to succeed in the worlds of accounting, finance and business.
The course is designed to equip you with the building blocks to become an intellectual and moral professional accountant.
What's covered in the course?
As you progress, you will be given the opportunity to become a more effective and creative problem solver, and develop the skills necessary to critically advise individuals and companies in the UK and internationally on a range of accounting-related matters.
There will also be opportunities to experience different graduate roles, with a wide variety of placements and internships on offer to complement your studies and get you industry ready.
This course covers a range of areas such as accounting, taxation, business economics and law, strategic decision-making, and management, with real-life briefs and projects to work on.
This course offers you the choice of studying for the conventional three years or undertaking an additional professional placement for a year. A year of work experience will not only provide you with real-world experience of your subject, but will also give your employability credentials a substantial boost.
As part of their studies, previous students have worked with renowned names such as AXA Investments, Bentley, Goodyear Dunlop and Volkswagen.
With our practice-based approach to teaching, you'll have the chance to learn from professionally qualified, experienced academics who continue to work with industry. They've worked for companies such as KPMG, BMW and Cadbury Schweppes.
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 sandwich 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, ranging from our successful international travel scholarships scheme, through which you can spend a summer working for a charitable organisation overseas, to one of 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.
Find out more
Open Days
Our Virtual Open Day for this course will take place on 22 November 2020. Book now and we will email you with a link to the Virtual Open Day for your subject area of choice.
Register your interest
This course is open to International students
Discover Birmingham City Business School
Visit our School site for more student work and extra information.
I AM BCU
Mary Okyere
Having originally turned down her offer from BCU, Mary joined the university through Clearing and began her journey into a career in Accounting.
Course Accreditations
This course is accredited by:
Subject to approval
This course is in the final stages of approval to ensure it meets the very highest standards of quality, creativity and applied learning.
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from a maximum of 3 subjects. |
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| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| GCSE |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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| Scottish National 5 |
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| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| A level and Advanced VCE |
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| AAT Diploma in Accounting (QCF) |
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| Access to HE Diploma |
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IBO Certificate in Higher Level |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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IFS / LIBF Diploma in Financial Studies |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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Scottish Higher |
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T-Levels |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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| 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. |
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Additional information for EU/International students
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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. |
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| English language requirements 2020/21 | ||
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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. |
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| Other accepted qualifications | Visit our English language page | |
From A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels
Don’t meet our entry requirements?
You could apply for a foundation course or a course at our International College. These routes have lower entry requirements and act as the bridge to a full degree. To find out more, please select your status:
- UK students
- International students
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via UCAS
- Sandwich
- 4 Years
- Show fees
- Apply via UCAS
- Study Year £9,250
- Placement Year £1,650
Sandwich Fees
Our Sandwich courses incur a fee during the placement year, the costs for years when you attend the university for study, and the cost for the placement year are shown here.
- Part Time
- 5 Years
- Show fees
- Year 1 (80 credits) £6,400
- Year 2 (80 credits) £6,400
- Year 3 (80 credits) £6,400
- Year 4 (80 credits) £6,400
- Year 5 (40 credits) £3,200
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year as shown here.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £13,200 per year
- Sandwich
- 4 Years
- Show fees
- Study Year £13,200
- Placement Year £13,200
Sandwich Fees
Our Sandwich courses incur a fee during the placement year, the costs for years when you attend the university for study, and the cost for the placement year are shown here.
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. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
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
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
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.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Fees for part time students
If you study this course part-time or via distance learning, you will be charged on a pro-rata basis. This means your fee will be calculated per module.
Additional costs
There are no compulsory additional costs or charges associated with studying on this course. While you may choose to purchase personal copies of text books, all our key text books are available from our library or online (subject to normal library loan and online access arrangements).
Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £50 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials. All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
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.
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.
Financial Support
We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits) |
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits). |
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules. |
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All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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Final Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete 120 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules. |
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All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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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.
International opportunities
Your course will consider the study of accountancy, finance and business from an international perspective. You will be given the opportunity to travel abroad to work or study and will be encouraged to engage in UK, European and global business games and challenges.
Further study
You will have the opportunity to transfer onto the MAcc in Accountancy and Finance before level six. Upon completing of this, you can move onto professional examinations with various accountancy bodies, helping to gain important skills and qualifications.
Alternatively, you could progress onto the MSc Accounting and Finance or the ACCA professional programme.
What our students say
"BCU is developing and tailoring my professional Accounting and Finance skills, whilst providing me with a CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW and ACCA accredited degree which is highly demanded by employers. I am able to benefit from modern learning facilities and experience routine practical business group activities which improve my confidence and delivery."
Alhage Baboucarr, Accounting and Finance student
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.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
BCU Graduate+
Through our courses we give you the skills and experience needed to get a head start when applying for jobs. But we offer something extra too – Graduate+.
Our unique programme gives you the chance to develop valuable skills outside of the more formal classroom learning. We award points for Graduate+ activities (including firewalking!) and these can be put towards a final Graduate+ award.
More about Graduate+
Graduate jobs
Many of our graduates move on to exciting roles within accounting and finance. Because of the range of areas our course covers, students also go on to more diverse careers. We’ve seen graduates go into roles as fraud officers, hedge fund analysts and office managers.
What our graduates say
"Part of my decision to come to BCU was the fact that the Accounting and Finance course offered the sandwich year. As soon as I saw that, I didn’t have to think twice!"
Christopher Cocksedge, Accounting and Finance graduate
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
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.
Our international students
International student Ally Hirji came to our course from Tanzania. He has found our competitions and industry challenges hugely beneficial. Following his involvement in our Employability Challenge Week, he went to Germany to represent us and the UK at a student event.
Students also come to us because of our globally recognised ACCA Platinum approved status. It gives them assurance that they’re joining a quality course with high standards and excellent pass rates.
Find out your country entry requirements here
Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
China
Bahrain
India
Nigeria
Vietnam
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, Business and English 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
"Through our links with big businesses, range of field trips and exciting projects, you’ll be set up with all the skills you’ll need to begin your career."
Margaret Saunders, Course Leader
Samantha Roberts
Deputy Head of Department
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.
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.
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.
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.