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Accounting and Finance with a Foundation Year - BSc (Hons) *

Currently viewing course to start in 2027/28 Entry.

Our Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year course provides a supportive route into undergraduate study, helping you develop the knowledge, confidence and academic skills you need to progress onto a degree within BCU Business School....

  • Level Foundation
  • Study mode Full Time

This course is:

Open to International Students

Overview

Our Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year course provides a supportive route into undergraduate study, helping you develop the knowledge, confidence and academic skills you need to progress onto a degree within BCU Business School. It is particularly suited to those returning to education after a break, changing career direction, or looking to strengthen their skills before beginning degree-level study.

During the Foundation Year, you will gain a broad introduction to business, exploring areas including accounting and finance, marketing, the business environment and contemporary business issues. You will also develop the academic, professional and transferable skills needed to support your future studies.

After successfully completing the Foundation Year, you will have the opportunity to progress onto a range of Accounting, Economics and Finance courses within BCU Business School, including BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance, BSc Business Finance, BSc Economics and BSc Finance & Investment. This gives you the opportunity to explore different areas of business before choosing a degree that matches your interests and ambitions.

What's covered in this course?

Foundation Year (Year One)

During your Foundation Year, you will study six modules covering areas including accounting and finance, business, marketing, diversity and inclusion, and academic and professional skills. Through case studies, workshops and practical activities, you will develop your understanding of how businesses operate while building skills in research, communication, problem-solving, teamwork and self-reflection. You will bring your learning together through a Foundation Project, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge to an extended piece of work and develop the independence and confidence needed for degree-level study.

BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Years Two-Four)

Our BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree will help you develop the technical knowledge, analytical skills and professional judgement needed to pursue a career in accounting, finance or the wider business environment. You’ll explore how financial information is prepared, interpreted and used to support business decisions, while developing the ability to evaluate complex information, solve problems and communicate financial insights clearly.

The course combines academic study with practical application, helping you understand how the principles and techniques you learn are used in professional settings. You’ll gain experience using industry-standard software such as Sage, Xero and Microsoft Office, explore the growing role of AI and data analytics in finance, and consider the ethical, sustainable and international factors that influence financial decision-making. With opportunities to gain experience through placements, internships and other forms of work experience, the course is designed to help you develop both the expertise and professional experience to support your future career.

You’ll study a broad range of accounting and finance topics, giving you a strong foundation before developing your knowledge in areas relevant to contemporary financial practice. These include Financial and Management Accounting, Corporate and Venture Finance, International Accounting Issues and financial reporting. You’ll develop your ability to analyse financial information, understand its implications for organisations and use it to support effective business and financial decision-making.

We place a strong emphasis on applying your learning to realistic business situations. Using professional accounting systems and industry-standard software, you’ll work through complex case studies and explore financial problems that reflect situations you could encounter in the workplace. Your learning will be supported by a range of teaching approaches, including lectures, workshops and tutorials, alongside employer-led masterclasses, field trips, and online and blended learning activities.

The course supports your progression towards professional accountancy qualifications and is mapped to align accreditation from major professional bodies including the ACCA, ICAEW and CIMA. When you graduate you may be eligible for exemptions from professional examinations, providing a distinct head start on your journey to becoming a qualified accountant.

You’ll have opportunities to build experience alongside your academic studies through live projects from businesses, a professional placement year, internships and virtual work experience. These opportunities can help you apply your learning in a professional environment, develop your CV and build a portfolio of experience before graduation. You’ll also receive support from the University’s Careers team and have opportunities to engage with our network of local, regional and national employers.

Accountancy and finance operate within an increasingly international business environment, and this is reflected throughout the course. You’ll develop an understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and consider international accounting issues, while learning alongside students and academics from a range of backgrounds. You may also have the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad at one of our partner universities, giving you the chance to experience a different academic and cultural environment.

Accredited By

This course is accredited by:

  • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
  • Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
  • Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales logo 150x62
  • Institute of Financial Accountants logo 150x82
  • ICAS

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 student

Why Choose Us?

  • We have a strong focus on employability and through placement opportunities and our links with local businesses, we aim to ensure you graduate not only with your degree but also with the skills and knowledge needed to embark on your chosen career.
  • The STEAMhouse offers amazing opportunities for entrepreneurial students to kick start and build a business. Services available include the Incubator which helps focus and solidify business ideas and the Hatchery which offers support in getting your business off the ground.
  • We pride ourselves on being the University for Birmingham and supporting and giving something back to the local business community. We have strong links with local businesses in the city across several industries. These links help us enhance students’ experiences by giving them access to industry experts for guest lectures, exciting placement opportunities and other chances to engage with the business community as a whole.
  • We aim to infuse learning with exposure to real-world experiences. Through the City Trading Room we give students the chance to work on real-life projects using industry-standard software and work with real-world clients. This offers a unique opportunity for students to gain this invaluable experience while they study.
  • This course is accredited and meets the high standards of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Open Day

Join us for our next Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.

Next Open Day: 10 October

Book an Open Day

Course in Depth

Foundation Year

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

First Year

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

Second Year

To complete this course, a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules in Semester one totalling 40 credits: These represent core accounting skills; students can either opt for the PSRB accredited route or the non accredited route.

Semester One

Or

And either:

Or

AND 

20 credits from the following list of optional modules:

Semester Two

To complete this course, a student must successfully complete the following CORE module in semester two, totalling 20 credits:

To complete this course, a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules in semester two:

Final Year

To complete this course, a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 40 credits):

Semester One

OR

Semester Two

OR

To complete this course, a student must successfully complete at least 80 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules:

Download course specification

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If you progress to BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will continue to develop your knowledge and skills through the following modules. Please note that the modules listed above apply to the Accounting and Finance degree only. If you choose to progress onto a different undergraduate course, the modules and course content will be different. Please refer to the individual course page for full details.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integrated throughout our courses, helping you develop the digital skills, critical thinking and professional judgement needed in the modern accounting and finance profession. You’ll learn to use AI responsibly and transparently, while critically evaluating its outputs and considering issues such as accuracy, bias, data privacy, academic integrity and intellectual ownership.

You’ll apply AI through areas including digital accounting, data analytics and financial technology, developing your ability to verify AI-generated information and make informed professional decisions. AI is used in different ways across learning and assessment, and course content is regularly reviewed to reflect emerging technologies, professional practice and developments in the accounting and finance sector.

Sustainability, SDGs and Ethics

Sustainability, ethics and responsible practice are embedded throughout our courses, reflecting their growing importance to the accounting and finance professions. You will explore how financial and business decisions can affect organisations, people, society and the environment, developing your ability to consider wider responsibilities alongside financial and commercial objectives.

Throughout our your course, you will consider areas such as professional ethics, corporate governance, responsible investment, sustainability reporting, environmental and social considerations, and the responsible use of digital technologies and AI. You will also be introduced to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), helping you understand how global challenges, such as climate change, inequality and responsible economic growth, relate to accounting and finance. These perspectives are developed alongside your technical knowledge, supporting you to make informed, ethical and responsible professional judgements.

Professional alignment

The professional accreditations, exemptions or memberships referenced on this page apply specifically to the BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree and are not associated with the Foundation Year itself. If you choose to progress onto a different undergraduate course, the relevant accreditations and professional recognition will vary. Please refer to the individual course page for full details.

Our Accounting and Finance degree is 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.

*The professional accreditations, exemptions or memberships referenced on this page apply specifically to the BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree and are not associated with the Foundation Year itself. If you choose to progress onto a different undergraduate course, the relevant accreditations and professional recognition will vary. Please refer to the individual course page for full details.

This course is aligned to the following organisations

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

ACCA is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. They are a thriving global community of 241,000 members and 542,000 future members based in 178 countries that upholds the highest professional and ethical values.

ACCA provides the skills and resources to help forward-thinking finance professionals thrive in the public sector.

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
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.

Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales logo 150x62
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.

Institute of Financial Accountants logo 150x82
The Institute of Financial Accountants

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

ICAS
ICAS

A global professional membership organisation and business network for Chartered Accountants.

Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2027/28.

All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

Essential requirements

80 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.

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 2027

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees

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 2027

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 4 Years
  • £19,220 in 2027/28

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 are available through our library.

Excess printing (optional)

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

Personal stationery and study materials (optional)

Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £30 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials.

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, at extra cost. For example a final year trip may cost you around £100.

Books (optional)

All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. You may choose to purchase a copy. We suggest budgeting approximately £300 per year for this.

Accommodation and living costs (optional)

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/EU students

UCAS

UK and EU 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

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.

Facilities & Staff

Outside of Curzon 2024

Accounting, Finance and Economics facilities

Take a look around the facilities available to you as an Accounting, Economics and Finance student at BCU.

See our Accounting, Finance and Economics facilities

Our staff

Dr Issahaku Salifu

Lecturer in Accounting

Issahaku is a Lecturer in Accounting and is passionate about teaching and learning in Higher Education. Over the years, he has gained significant teaching experience in HE in Ghana and the UK. Prior to his appointment, he has been studying a PhD programme with Birmingham City University, which has shaped his research orientation and perspectives....

More about Issahaku

Samantha Roberts

Head of Department of Accountancy, Finance and Economics

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

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

Associate Professor in Accounting

Kulvinder is an Associate Professor in Accounting. He is part of the course leadership team across the undergraduate and postgraduate accounting suite of courses. He is the college subject lead for Accounting, and works closely with the course leaders across the portfolio of courses.

More about Kulvinder

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