With the UK being one of the world's leading financial centres, studying Accounting and Finance in the UK provides students with exposure to a diverse range of financial markets, institutions, and regulatory frameworks, which gives them an edge in the global job market.
At undergraduate level accounting degrees, students will gain a solid foundation in accounting principles, financial management, taxation, and auditing. They will also develop critical skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making. At the postgraduate level, students can specialise in various areas such as corporate finance, investment banking, risk management, financial reporting, and accounting analytics.
These programmes give students a deeper understanding of advanced financial concepts and theories and equip them with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the finance industry.
Studying Accounting and Finance in the UK also offers students a wide range of specialisations to choose from. For instance, they can focus on financial management, financial reporting, auditing, taxation, or investment banking. This allows students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals.
Accounting and Finance courses in the UK typically last for three years for undergraduate degrees and one to two years for postgraduate programmes. However, the exact duration of the course may vary depending on the university, programme, and any additional options such as industrial placements or study abroad opportunities.
Accounting and finance courses aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of financial concepts and theories, as well as the practical skills needed to succeed in the finance industry.
Tuition fees for this degree programme vary depending on the university, with some of the top universities charging £25,656 per year for undergraduate courses and £34,128 for masters. It applies to international students from all countries.
When it comes to funding your studies, you have several options. You may be eligible for student finance, which includes loans and grants. Alternatively, you may secure sponsorship from an organisation or government. Finally, you can choose to self-finance your studies. To obtain the most accurate and current availability of funding and scholarships, it's recommended to visit university websites. Below is the UK’s top five accounting and finance programmes and their international fees for 2023/24 intake.
| University | Course | International Fees |
|---|---|---|
|
London School of Economics and Political Science |
£25,656 |
|
|
University of Warwick |
£23,390 |
|
|
University of Aberdeen |
£24,507 |
|
|
University of Edinburgh |
£24,500 |
|
|
University of Bath |
£23,500 |
A Bachelor of Accounting provides students with a comprehensive education in accounting principles, financial management, auditing, taxation, and related business areas. Bachelor of Accounting programmes generally last three years in the UK, and the curriculum includes a combination of core and elective courses. The general syllabus for Bachelor of Accounting programmes in the UK may include the following:
Masters in Accounting provides students with advanced education in accounting, finance, taxation, auditing, and related business areas. Programmes are designed to prepare students for senior-level positions in accounting, finance, and business, as well as for professional accounting certifications such as the Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) and Chartered Accountant (CA).
Master’s in Accounting programmes in the UK typically last for one year if pursued full-time, and the curriculum includes a combination of core and elective courses. The general syllabus for Master in accounting includes:
A bachelor's degree in finance delivers an in-depth understanding of financial concepts and principles. The course focuses on financial theory, quantitative methods, investment analysis, financial management, and corporate finance.
The general topics covered in a Bachelor's in Finance programme include:
A Master's in Finance equips students with an advanced understanding of financial principles and their applications in real-world scenarios. The degree is built on the foundational knowledge acquired during a Bachelor's in Finance or related undergraduate degree and delves deeper into the subject matter.
In the UK, a Master's in Finance program usually lasts for one year, but some universities offer two-year programs as well. Specialisations available in master’s in finance in the UK are real estate finance, sustainable finance, and fintech.
The acquisition of new skills, more experience, and the realisation of potential often lead to an increase in age and salary for many individuals. London, as the education capital of the world and the UK's primary hub for graduate recruitment, offers a wealth of lucrative career opportunities.
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education 2016-17.
According to the Guardian University Guide 2023 Accounting and Finance subject rankings, the following five universities have the highest percentage of graduates who find graduate-level jobs, or are in further study at professional or higher education level within 15 months of graduation.
Please note that entry requirements for accounting and finance courses vary at each UK university, but generally, students will need the following:
To learn more about the best Accounting and Finance courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Accounting and Finance universities in the Guardian University Guide 2023 below:
The top five in-demand careers in Accounting and Finance are Financial Analyst, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Investment Banker, Data Analyst and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
The five major accounts in accounting are Assets, Liabilities, Equity, Revenue and Expenses.
Accountants perform various tasks, but most commonly, they prepare financial statements, manage bookkeeping, perform audits, provide financial advice and analyse financial data.
There is no one "best" field in accounting, as different fields can be more suitable for different individuals based on their interests, skills, and career goals. Common fields within accounting include public, corporate, government forensic and tax accountancy. Each field has its unique challenges and opportunities. It's important to consider your interests, skills, and career goals when deciding on a field within accounting.
Financial accounting is a crucial function within the accounting profession, and there are several career paths available in this field. They include financial accountants, financial analysts, controllers, auditors and tax accountants. These are just a few examples of careers in financial accounting. There are many other specialised roles within financial accounting, and individuals can choose a career path that aligns with their interests, skills, and career goals.
The salaries for finance and accounting professionals can vary depending on various factors such as job title, years of experience, location, and industry. In general, finance and accounting careers can both offer high earning potential. It's important to note that salaries vary widely within each field based on various factors, including job title, experience, and location. Additionally, finance and accounting offer opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential over time.
Accounting and finance and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) are different academic courses with unique focus areas. Whether one is better than the other depends on an individual's interests, skills, and career goals. Accounting and finance degrees are typically more focused on developing technical accounting and financial skills, such as financial statement analysis, auditing, tax planning, and investment analysis. On the other hand, BBA programs are more broad-based, covering a range of business topics such as management, marketing, accounting, economics, and finance. BBA degrees are typically more suitable for individuals who are interested in gaining a general business education.
If you are interested in studying Accounting and Finance degree in the UK, arrange your free consultation with SI-UK today. Don't forget the Premium Service will guarantee you at least one offer from a UK university!
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end.
Rashmi Lakshanya Urban Development and Planning at University College London
