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BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting

Award: BSc (Hons)
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 3 years or 4 with Foundation Year
Location: UGM Manchester 
UCAS Points: 104 Points for 3 Year Degree, 48 points for Foundation Degree
Start Date: September, January, May

*Our programme is now fully accredited by ACCA, granting graduates up to 9 exam exemptions toward ACCA membership.

The BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance equips students with the knowledge, technical competence, and professional awareness required for careers in accounting, finance, and related fields. The programme is designed to align with the requirements of leading professional accounting bodies and enables graduates to gain a full of 9 exemptions from ACCA papers. With an emphasis on ethical practice, regulatory frameworks, digital technologies, and real-world application, graduates are well prepared to progress towards professional qualification and to work effectively in national and global business environments.

Donglin Pei | Programme Leader
  • Overview

    • Overview

    The BSc (Hons) in Finance and Accounting offered by UGM Manchester provides excellent exposure to the principles and practices of accounting and finance. It offers a strong foundation for a career, regardless of whether you choose to become a professional accountant, work in financial services or build a career in auditing. You can develop high-level technical knowledge and conceptual understanding of accounting and finance in business contexts while experiencing life in the multicultural heart of Manchester.

    If you wish to pursue a specialist accounting interest and relate the course syllabus to professional body (ACCA) requirements, this course will support your ambition. Our expert team will guide you in developing core knowledge in critical areas such as financial auditing, reporting, and taxation. You'll also explore wider concepts for business management, including business economics, planning, strategy and performance. In order to gain membership to ACCA you must complete 13 exams; however, this course is now fully accredited by ACCA and can provide you with exemptions for up to 9 of these exams. This will give you a step up and allow you to gain membership quicker.

    During your studies, you'll learn the technical language and practices used in accountancy and finance and build sought-after skills such as communication, data analysis, time management, teamwork and problem-solving. We'll coach you in developing a wide range of high-level intellectual abilities, building your confidence in navigating people, analysing data and presenting reasoned arguments in a cross-cultural context. We'll also emphasise the social, political, ethical, technological, and environmental concerns in which business and the accountancy profession operate.

    The degree is expertly structured to combine academic and practical areas of finance and accounting, giving you the tools to successfully navigate these essential areas of business, commerce and management. We also aim to help you develop lifelong learning skills so that you can take ownership of your professional development for the future, maximising your potential for success.

    The final year dissertation allows you to combine your new skills with academic research. We'll guide you as you learn to apply your knowledge and prove your critical understanding of finance and accounting. By studying our BSc (Hons) in Finance and Accounting, you'll build essential knowledge and experience a range of opportunities that support you in developing the attitudes, abilities and competencies needed to launch your career in accounting and finance.

    Throughout this degree, some key programme aims are:

    • Utilize UGM Manchester's highly knowledgeable finance, accounting and business management lecturers who offer face-to-face sessions, online classes and one-to-one support, ensuring you can access help and advice when needed.
    • To build core academic and professional skills and explore key concepts in areas such as financial accounting; business planning, strategy and performance; financial management, reporting and auditing; economics, law and taxation for business.
    • The opportunity to undertake a major project in your final year that allows you to explore an area of professional interest in greater depth.
    • Learn from our highly experienced and enthusiastic lecturers who have worked in a wide variety of businesses ranging from multinational organisations to SMEs and offer face-to-face, online and one-to-one support.
    • Permit students to pursue a specialist accounting interest and to relate the syllabus to professional body (ACCA) requirements.

  • Entry Requirements

    • Entry Requirements

    Standard Entry Requirements 

    104 Points for a 3 Year Degree

    Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3.

    You should also have five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.

    Foundation Year Entry Requirements

    48 points for a Foundation Year. 

    English Language Requirements

    All students applying with International or EU qualifications must meet the minimum English language requirements of IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands for study at the undergraduate level.

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our English Language Requirements.

  • Employability

    • Employability

    No matter your age or background, studying accounting and finance can open doors to a fulfilling career. This course provides a solid foundation for becoming a qualified accountant or transitioning into finance from another field. Offering flexible study options to fit around work and family commitments while allowing you to leverage your existing experience.

    Graduates can pursue professional qualifications with bodies like ACCA or continue with a specialised master’s degree. Beyond accounting, this qualification leads to careers in finance, business leadership, and various industries, from healthcare to government. Many accountants advance to CEO roles, entrepreneurship, and fields like sales and HR.

    Despite rapid technological advancements, the accounting profession remains in high demand. Automation may handle repetitive tasks, but it cannot replace human accountants' strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Those who embrace technology and integrate it into their expertise will be highly valued in the evolving financial landscape.

    With the right qualifications and skillset, you can secure not just jobs, but fulfilling careers, contributing valuable insights that drive business success. Now is an exciting time for you to enter the accounting profession!

    Potential Career Paths Include:

    • Chartered Accountant (CA) / Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
    • Financial Analyst
    • Investment Banker
    • Forensic Accountant
    • Internal Auditor
    • Tax Consultant
    • Financial Controller
    • Risk Manager
    • Wealth Manager
    • Portfolio Manager
    • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
    • Stockbroker
    • FinTech Specialist

    Post-Graduation Support:

    To ensure that graduates are well-prepared for their chosen career paths, our university provides:

    • Career Services: We offer career counselling, interview preparation, CV writing workshops, and job placement support.
    • Industry Connections: Through partnerships with technology companies and internships, students have opportunities to network and gain valuable work experience.
    • Alumni Network: Our active alumni network provides mentorship, career advice, and job leads, connecting current students with professionals in their desired field.
    • Continuous Learning: Graduates are encouraged to stay ahead of industry trends through optional certifications, workshops, and training programs available post-graduation.
  • Structure and Content

    • Structure and content

    Foundation Level

    • Communication Skills
    • Data Skills
    • Professional Development Skills
    • Research Skills

    Year One

    • Academic and Professional Skills
    • Business Planning
    • Introduction to Financial Accounting
    • Business Environment 

    Year Two

    • Financial Reporting for Business
    • Taxation for Business
    • Legal Aspects of Business
    • Managing Business Performance

    Year Three

    • Financial Management in Organisation
    • Business Strategy
    • Undergraduate Major Project
    • Financial Auditing
  • Teaching and Assessment

    • Teaching and Assessment

    We understand that our students' learning needs and preferred learning styles vary, so we use a range of learning and teaching methods, including online (where appropriate). Lectures introduce the core course content, while seminars allow you to explore subjects in greater detail. Tutorials offer space to ask questions, ensuring you understand the topics covered in the lectures and seminars. We use case studies and practical scenarios to help you learn to apply academic theory to real-life practical scenarios, allowing you to gain insights into contemporary practice in working accounting, finance and business environments. We'll also expect you to undertake considerable guided independent study, for instance, library research and background reading, preparing for seminar and tutorial activities, and working on assignments.

    Guest lectures and presentations by visiting speakers from relevant employment areas will allow you to develop your knowledge and understanding further. You can expect time-constrained exams, essays, reports, presentations, portfolios, and others in terms of assessment. These contribute to your final module mark and demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes.

    We also use other assessment forms to help you learn, provide feedback, and inform your development. These do not, however, count towards your final module mark.

    Learning Activities 

    Course year Foundation Year (level 3) Year 1 (level 4) Year 2 (level 5) Year 3 (level 6)
             
    Scheduled learning and teaching activities  24% 24% 24% 24%
    Guided independent study 76% 76% 76% 76%

    Assessment Strategy

    Assessment task are linked to the learning outcomes of each module and are completed before and after the end of the module. Module assessments are typically either coursework or examination or a combination of both. Other types of assessment may include in-class tests, coursework, assignments, major project, presentation or projects.

    Assessment Methods

    Course year: Foundation Year (level 3) Year 1 (level 4) Year 2 (level 5) Year 3 (level 6)
    Written exams: 13% 50% 63% 29%
    Coursework: 38% 38% 25% 42%
    Practical exams: 50% 12% 12% 29%

     More information

    For an extensive list of assessment methods and learning activities and more visit the full profiles here:

  • Course Fees

    • Course Fees

    EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information. 

    Fees for this Course:

    3-Year Degree 3-Year Degree with Foundation Year
    Annual Fees (2026/27) £9,790 per year Foundation Year: £5,760
    Years 1–3: £9,790 per year
    Total Course Fee £29,370 £35,130

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