Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  The Accounting and Finance BSc will begin by considering the practical techniques involved in accounting and finance and then continue to develop skills to critically analyse the theory behind these techniques. It will also develop the interdisciplinary nature of business and integrate accounting with broader subject areas such as economics, law and human resources.

  There is also the option to complete a year’s work placement to prepare you for your future career.

  Nationwide, MacIntyre Hudson and Mazars are examples of recent visits and are also some of the sponsors who provide prizes at our annual awards ceremony. Local sponsors include Grant Thorntons, Hawsons and Elsby. Elsby are a growing company who will be developing a ‘Young Professionals Networking Platform’ in conjunction with the university in the very near future.

  At the Accounting, Finance and Banking Awards, which were incorporated into our Graduation celebrations, £1,000 was given out in prize money to our students. Grant Thorntons, Hawsons Chartered Accountants, McIntyre Hudson and Mazars were amongst the companies sponsoring these awards. Further information about the Accounting, Finance and Banking Awards can be found on our News section of the website.

  List of modules

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 22/23. The modules relating to the academic year 23/24 will be available from June 2023.

  • Stage 1
    • Financial Accounting (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC1001

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop skills in financial accounting. The subject covers terminology, concepts, principles, procedures and techniques of accounting. It provides an essential introduction to the preparation and presentation of financial statements and their relevance to stakeholders and other users.
    • Cost and Management Accounting (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC1002

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide the opportunity for an introductory consideration of accounting as an internal Management Information System (MIS). It considers the importance of the provision of accounting information and its role in control, planning and decision making. This is a core element of accounting, in general, and provides a contrast to the traditional accounting role of financial reporting.
    • The Accountant in Business (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC1009

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce the role of the accountant within a commercial environment applying relevant professional standards. In particular the module emphasises the role of the accountant in contributing to the efficient, effective and ethical management and development of an organisation.
    • Financial Skills and Numeracy (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC1012

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop decision making skills which rely on the proper collection, effective presentation and correct analysis and interpretation of numerical data. It introduces the basic concepts of business mathematics and statistical methods and lays the foundation of quantitative techniques.
    • The Economic Environment (20 Credits)
      Module code: ECN1006

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will enable students to understand the operation of markets and the economy and apply economic principles to material in their other courses. It considers both microeconomics - the analysis of choices made by individual decision-making units and macroeconomics - the analysis of the economy as a whole.
    • Business and Company Law (20 Credits)
      Module code: LAW1015

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable students to acquire a sound understanding of certain fundamental aspects of Business and Company Law. This will include the basic principles of contract law which underpins agency, employment and company law contracts. Students will understand how the legal rules operate to maintain harmonious relationships between a range of business and companies. .
  • Stage 2
    • Financial Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC2001

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop an understanding of how organisations can achieve their financial goals. Central to the achievement of the above is a sound knowledge of sources of finance (including capital markets) and a clear understanding and application of the techniques that lead to the correct investment decisions. The module will offer a thorough grounding in corporate finance.
    • Financial Reporting (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC2002

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop knowledge and skills in understanding and applying accounting standards and the theoretical framework in the preparation and presentation of financial statements of companies and groups.
    • Management Accounting (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC2003

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is critically evaluate management accounting techniques in the context of a rapidly changing business environment. It enhances the ability to apply management accounting principles and techniques to a range of business situations.
    • Accounting Software and Models (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC2005

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide practical and hands on exposure to the use of Excel and accounting packages likely to be used by accountants and other managers. It builds awareness of and proficiency in the use of Information Technology (IT) software within the financial environment.
    • Taxation Theory and Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC2009

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to examine how taxation affects the financial strategy of organisations, commercial and non-commercial, national and international. It develops an appreciation of the effect of taxation on financial decision-making.
    • Digital Business and Finance (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC2038

      Status: Compulsory
      This module examines the role that finance plays in organisations and the activities that finance professionals perform to fulfil these roles. It focuses on the technologies that define and drive the digital world in which finance operates, and how finance professionals can use data to create and preserve value for organisations. It explores how finance can interact with other parts of the organisation to achieve the objectives of the whole organisation, showing how finance can work collaboratively in a connected (and joined-up) organisation and not in isolation.
  • Stage 3
    • Advanced Accounting Theory and Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC3002

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop potential accountants to a level where they are knowledgeable, skilled preparers, analysts and interpreters of published accounts and company performance. Contemporary developments in accounting regulation and changes in financial reporting standards are covered.
    • Taxation (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC3004

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is examine how taxation affects the financial strategy of an organisation, commercial and non-commercial, national and international. It will provide a means of developing a deeper appreciation of taxation, its effects and interconnectedness to financial decision-making at individual, business, corporate and national levels.
    • Audit and Investigations (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC3005

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to explore the role of the auditor and critically appraise the audit monitoring process and evaluate the professional and ethical requirements of the audit process.
    • Corporate Finance (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC3009

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to equip students with theoretical and practical skills in contemporary corporate finance. Apart from developing a greater understanding of the complexities of corporate financial management and risk, students will be exposed to risk management practices and methods to manage such risks.
    • Management Accounting - Decision Making (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC3014

      Status: Compulsory
      This module builds on the insights about costs and their drivers to provide the competences needed to analyse, plan and manage costs to support the implementation of the organisation?s strategy. It covers how to manage and control the performance of various units of the organisation in line with both short-term budgets and long-term strategy. This module includes investment decision making, the risks associated with such decisions and the basis for developing deeper understanding of various types of risks affecting the strategy and operations of organisations.
    • Strategic Financial Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC3023

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide a holistic and integrated approach to managing organisations, from external and internal perspectives. It is centred on the concept of financial strategy and how it can be implemented through people, projects, processes and relationships.
    • Accounting and Finance Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: ACC4001

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to apply knowledge gained on the programme by carrying out independent research on a relevant topic of their choice and develop an ability to present, analyse and evaluate information in a reflective and critical manner.
    • Accounting Project (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC4003

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to support the conceptualisation and development of a piece of independent research and an ability to present, analyse and evaluate financial and non-financial information from an industry case study in a critical manner.
    • Project Management: Managerial Perspectives (20 Credits)
      Module code: BSO3014

      Status: Designate
      This module aims to provide the learners with the managerial perspective in project management. Moreover, the module offers the opportunity to discuss some of the key concepts in modern project management. Learners will gain an understanding of the key issues surrounding project managers within a managerial context.

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• Entry Requirements

  A typical offer for Accounting and Finance would be:

  • BBC at A Level or
  • DDM at BTEC or
  • M at T Level.

  Standard university Accounting and Finance entry requirements apply. In addition, you should hold Mathematics GCSE at grade C/4 or above or equivalent.

  We welcome international applicants.

  We accept AAT Level 3 in Accounting for entry into the first year and applicants will not require GCSE Maths.

  ACCA modules F1, F2 & F3, (ACCA Diploma) will be considered for entry into Y2 and applicants with AAT Level 4 can also be considered for Y2.

  Other professional qualifications such as IFA, AIA or CAT will be considered.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands for study at undergraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  For information on how to apply to study with us as an International student, please see our How to apply for International Study page.

   

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• Fees and Funding

  23/24 Tuition Fees
  

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK Full Time: £9,250
  • UK Part Time: £1,550 per 20 credit module
  • International Full Time: £14,750
  • Optional Work Placement Year: £1,200

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2023. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  22/23 Tuition Fees
  

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK Full Time: £9,250
  • UK Part Time: £1,500 per 20 credit module
  • International Full Time: £14,000
  • Optional Work Placement Year: £1,100

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• Accreditation

  The Division has accreditations from ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) and AIA (Association of International Accountants). Representatives from these bodies and visiting speakers from a variety of businesses attend the university regularly. You will be invited and encouraged to attend these useful finance events and engage in the debates.

  Nationwide, MacIntyre Hudson and Mazars are examples of recent visits and are also some of the sponsors who provide prizes at our annual awards ceremony. Local sponsors include Grant Thorntons, Hawsons and Elsby. Elsby is a growing company which will be developing a ‘Young Professionals Networking Platform’ in conjunction with the university in the very near future.

  At the Accounting, Finance and Banking Awards, which were incorporated into our graduation celebrations, £1,000 was given out in prize money to our students. Grant Thorntons, Hawsons Chartered Accountants, McIntyre Hudson and Mazars were amongst the companies sponsoring these awards. Further information about the Accounting, Finance and Banking Awards can be found on our News section of the website.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join our full-time BSc Accounting and Finance degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *Home fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• FAQs

  Why study BSc Accounting and Finance?

  There are many benefits of studying for an Accounting and Finance degree, including a wide scope of options to work across multiple sectors, from economics to business law and management. You’ll learn through a highly practical approach and will be able to get first-hand accounting and finance work experience through optional placements and opportunities. You’ll also have the added advantage of excellent prospects and graduate schemes to help propel you into your career, with joint honours and postgraduate degrees allowing for further specialisation and knowledge advancement.

  What do you learn in an Accounting and Finance degree?

  University Accounting and Finance courses on finance and accounting are highly vocational, putting a huge emphasis on career prospects within financial industries. This means you will learn through a practical approach, giving you valuable experience of accounting and finance through simulated situations, real-life scenarios and placements.

  Alongside these practical techniques, you will also develop a critical understanding of the theories behind them. You will learn the concepts of business, management and money, and will be able to apply your accountancy skills across a broad range of business subjects, including law, economics and human resources.

  How will I learn?

  On this BSc Accounting and Finance degree, you can expect taught study to be a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops which usually consist of 14 contact hours per week. We recommend that you spend 20 hours per week in self-directed study time, as a full-time student, or usually seven contact hours and ten hours per week in self-directed study time if you are studying part-time.

  How will I be assessed?

  A wide variety of assessment strategies are used, including examinations, simulations, spreadsheet activities, presentations and group activities.

  Will I have to do exams on this Accounting and Finance course?

  Yes, there are exams for most of the modules on this course. However, exams do not make up the total grade for the modules and you will do a number of different assignments during your studies. We teach in semesters, which means the exam period is more spread out so you will only be doing 3 exams during an exam period, rather than 6. We offer a lot of support for exams during your module workshops; we do practice questions, mock exams, and prepare you as much as possible for the exams so you feel confident going into them.

  How big will the teaching groups be?

  The teaching groups will be typically around 20 – 25 students. There are more across the whole cohort but we split you up into smaller groups which allows more active learning.

  What are the benefits of the exemptions that I will get by studying BSc Accounting and Finance?

  The exemptions to the professional bodies such as ACCA, CIMA and ICAEW will enable you to qualify as an accountant a lot quicker after you graduate, as you will not need to go through the process of sitting the exams required by the professional bodies. You will have covered all the elements of these exams during your modules and assignments. This means that 1-2 years after graduating you will be much closer to being a fully qualified accountant. There are other requirements to becoming fully qualified, all of which will be explained to you during your studies.

  Who are the Student Support Team?

  The Student Experience Support Team are a team of previous graduates of the University of Northampton, they are here to support all Faculty of Business and Law students by offering a friendly listening ear and ensuring students are aware of the numerous support systems that the University has to offer. The team provide confidential 1-1 meetings in person and online where they will signpost the students to the relevant support teams to ensure they are aware of the support available for them throughout their studies. You can follow the Student Experience Support Team to see the services they offer.

  Are there any special features on this course?

  • Optional work-based learning placement year
  • Proven student support system
  • Specialised pathway
  • Significant exemptions from professional body exams

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Careers and Employability

Excellent career opportunities are available for graduates holding a BSc Accounting and Finance degree, especially those that will be part professionally qualified. This course will prepare you for work in any of the key accounting fields of auditing, financial accounting, management accounting, budgeting and taxation. A career in accounting offers you the flexibility to work in industry, commerce, the public sector or even private practice.

Postgraduate Opportunities

Our postgraduate Accounting and Finance courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give you a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

• Accounting and Finance MSc
• Financial and Investment Analysis MSc