Accounting and Finance - BSc (Hons)
September 2021 — UCAS code NN43
This course has recently been updated. Please download the course specification for the up to date information. 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....
96points required
Clearing 2021
There are places available on this course.
Two ways to apply now
Call us 0121 331 6777
Clearing hotline opens Tuesday 10 August
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. Information about the arrangements the University has put in place for the 2021/22 academic year in response to Covid-19 and the emerging variants can be found here.
Should the impact of Covid-19 continue in subsequent years of your course, any additional and/or alternative arrangements put in place by the University in response 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.
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time/Part Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2021
- Fees View course fees
- School Birmingham City Business School
- Faculty Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences
Clearing 2021
Please note: the entry requirements listed below are relevant for main cycle applications and may not be applicable during Clearing.
Overview
This course has recently been updated. Please download the course specification for the up to date information.
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.
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.
This course shares a common first year with other accounting courses within the Business School with full transferability between courses at the end of the first year.
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.
- You will be able to work on exciting projects for real-life clients through our Business Advice Centre, giving you exposure to the challenges and issues faced by businesses as well as the chance to develop successful solutions. Opportunities are available with local, regional, national and even global businesses such as BMW.
- The Centre also offers expert support for your own entrepreneurial ideas, so you can start planning your own start-up or take your existing business to the next level. Following graduation, you will have the opportunity to apply for STEAMhouse Business Incubator membership.
Find out more
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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| Level 2 Qualifications | ||
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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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| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
| 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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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Applied General Certificate in Health and Social Care |
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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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| 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. |
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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 | ||
| 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. |
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| Other accepted qualifications | Visit our English language page | |
Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via Clearing
- Full Time
- 4 Years with Professional Placement
- Show fees
- Apply via Clearing
- Study Year £9,250
- Placement Year £1,650
Professional Placement Fees
Full-Time courses with a Professional Placement incur a fee during the placement year. The costs for those 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
- Full Time
- 4 Years with Professional Placement
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TBC
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.
Places available to start in September 2021
If you'd like to start this course full-time this September, you can apply through Clearing.
International and part-time students can apply online as normal using the links above.
Want to start in September 2022?
You can apply via UCAS from September 2021.
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.
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.
ICAEW Bursary
Provided by The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Foundation, this bursary is for a talented but financially disadvantaged (a family income of circa £25,000 p.a.) school leaver, looking to study BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance or BSc (Hons) Accountancy.
The bursary is a £12,000 cash award, comprised of £4,000 to be paid each year for the first three years of study.
Am I eligible?
The application process is open to full-time undergraduate students with Home or International fee status studying BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance or BSc (Hons) Accountancy (with or without a year on a professional placement) within Birmingham City Business School.
You must have achieved, or be predicted to achieve, high grades in A-levels or equivalent, provide a strong scholarship statement and meet the family income criteria.
Applications are assessed on previous education, work experience and achievements, academic interests and career objectives, as well as personal circumstances.
You will also need to hold a current conditional or unconditional offer to study at Birmingham City University before you can apply.
How do I apply?
To apply, please complete the application form, where you will be able to complete your statement.
Applications should be submitted, along with any required documents including your grades transcript, to BusinessAdministration@bcu.ac.uk, with the subject line "ICAEW Bursary Application".
The deadline for applications is 1 September 2021.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Business Advice Centre
The Business Advice Centre (BAC) is the Business School's hub that offers a range of support services to you throughout each stage of your student learning experience.
We have a range of support solutions for students as well as opportunities to enhance your employability and entrepreneurial qualities.
Whether you are considering starting your business, connecting with real companies or enhancing your graduate opportunities, the Business Advice Centre can help you.
More on our Business Advice CentreInternational Students
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 ServicesOur 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 and 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, 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
Our staff
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.
More about SamanthaMargaret 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 MargaretShaista 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.
More about ShaistaKulvinder 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