Study accounting and finance in the UK
Where can I study accounting and finance? Read More
The UK is home to three of the best universities for accounting and finance in the world – the London
School of Economics and Political Science (forth), the University of Oxford (fifth) and the University of
Cambridge (sixth). In total you have 250 universities to choose from, and more than 4000 courses up
and down the country.
Undergraduate degrees you can choose from are typically:
• BA Hons Accounting
• BA Hons Finance
• BA Hons Accounting & Finance
Some joint degrees are also available, combining accounting and finance with related subjects like
business, economics, or mathematics.
What is the application process? Read More
Most finance and accountancy courses will expect an A–level (or equivalent) in mathematics,
business or accountancy. The exact entry requirements will depend on the institution, but required
grades are commonly AAB. Typical requirements for International Baccalaureate will be around 35
points, with an IELTS of 6.5 overall, and no lower than 6.0 in any one component.
How long does it take to graduate? Read More
Most accounting and finance undergraduate degrees take around three years to finish in the UK, with
many offering opportunities for a year of work experience or study abroad. Postgraduate degrees are
usually between one and two years.
Some universities also offer an integrated MAcc course, which allows you to complete both the
undergraduate and postgraduate components in four years of full–time study.
What will I learn? Read More
All UK degrees are flexible and modular, giving you a thorough understanding of the core subject
whilst allowing you to specialise in the aspects of the course that interest you most as you progress.
If you choose to study accountancy and finance that means you’ll leave with an in–depth knowledge
of accountancy practices, industry, commerce, and finance – with specific modules in everything from
business law to auditing, entrepreneurship and corporation tax. You’ll also gain broader skills that will
benefit you in your career, such as analytical and debating skills, problem solving, global business issues and – of course – the English language.
Why is the UK a good choice for accounting and finance? Read More
The UK has a long history of understanding the numbers that drive business. London has been a
prominent trade and financial hub since the middle ages and remains one of the biggest and most
important financial centres in the world.
With a financial sector worth £132bn and a vibrant entrepreneurial environment for start–ups, it offers
one of the most varied, well–developed, and exciting contexts in which to learn the fundamentals of
finance and accounting for all kinds of organisations.
Are there any scholarships for accounting and finance? Read More
A wide range of scholarships are available to international students around the world. These range
from undergraduate options – such as the University of Bristol’s Global Accounting and Finance
Undergraduate Scholarship, which spans a wide range of bachelor’s courses in finance and
accounting – to MSc scholarships opportunities.
You can also choose to apply for one of the more high–profile opportunities such as the Chevening
Scholarships or Commonwealth Scholarships, which are both open to residents of any country.
What are my work options after I graduate? Read More
Accounting and finance graduates have a range of career paths open to them. Approximately a third
go into chartered and certified accountancy roles, while other common jobs include company
secretary, external auditor and forensic accountant.
Starting salaries for accountants are typically around £23–25,000, though graduates who enter
banking or stockbroking can expect to start on more than double that, with very high earning potential
throughout their careers.
Many courses are also accredited by one or more industry bodies such as the Association of
Chartered Certified Accountants, which can provide a key advantage in your job hunt.
International students who have completed an undergraduate or master’s degree can apply to stay
and work in the UK for two years upon graduation, through the Graduate Route.
