N401 BSc Accounting and Finance with Placement Year (4 years)
Offering unrivalled flexibility and the opportunity to gain invaluable experience on a one-year industry placement, this accredited degree covers key areas of finance and accounting and gives you the freedom to explore aspects of business that interest you – including some topics offered on only a few similar courses elsewhere.
Introducing your
degree
You’ll gain a comprehensive knowledge of accounting and finance and the opportunity to enhance your employability by spending a year in industry on this accredited BSc. Its highly flexible structure means you can choose from a wide range of optional modules, allowing you to deepen your accounting and finance knowledge or study complementary business and management topics that interest you. The course also includes distinctive modules – one on audit and tax, and an optional module on the history and evolution of international business – that you won’t find on most other programmes of this type. Whatever your module choice, you’ll be taught by academics who will keep you up to date with the latest developments in the field. The course is accredited by the main accounting bodies eg ICAEW, ACCA and CIMA, enabling you to apply for exemptions from professional exams.
On this accredited degree you’ll learn how to prepare and interpret financial and managerial information for a variety of users, as well as gaining an understanding of investment and finance. Our academics and practitioners are actively involved in research, with particular strengths in areas such as corporate governance, taxation, auditing, and financial accounting and reporting. This means your learning will be informed by the latest findings and current sector issues.
This is a four-year, full-time degree course. Each year you’ll study a combination of core, compulsory and optional modules. The compulsory modules provide a thorough grounding in management and financial accounting theory and practice. They also cover related areas such as commercial law, audit, tax and financial markets.
What distinguishes this course from many similar programmes offered at other universities is its flexibility. You’ll have the freedom to shape your course by choosing from a range of optional modules, allowing you to broaden your knowledge and explore possible career paths. You could learn more about futures and options or international banking, for example, or select modules in other areas of business and management, such as marketing, human resources management or project management. You could even study a language or take an interdisciplinary module on a topic of interest.
During your final year you’ll complete a dissertation on a business-related topic of your choice, with support from an academic supervisor.
Distinctive modules
The programme includes distinctive modules offered on few other accounting and finance courses:
The compulsory Principles of Audit and Taxation module provides an introduction to these two essential elements of accounting and finance, helping to guide your final-year module choice.
Organisation and Accountability from a Historical Perspective is an optional module that explores the process of change within the business world through the study of archive material. Students gain a greater understanding of the decision-making processes associated with the restructuring of economies in response to competition and technological change.
Your industry placement
In your third year you’ll spend a minimum of 32 weeks on an industry placement. This is a superb opportunity to apply your knowledge of accounting and finance in the real world and enhance your CV. As well as gaining relevant work experience, you’ll learn new skills and have the chance to develop your professional networks. In addition, students currently earn an average of £17,000 on placement.
BSc Accounting and Finance students have spent their placement year in companies such as:
Deloitte LLP
JP Morgan
Grant Thornton
PwC
The Walt Disney Company
L'Oreal Group
IBM
Virgin Media
Estée Lauder Companies
General Electric GE
All students on a placement year – whether Home, EU or International - will pay 20% of their tuition fees during Year three, and continue to enjoy the support of the University throughout the year.
Expert academics
You’ll be taught by academics who are experienced educators. They bring the latest developments in accounting and finance to the course.
Programme leader Dr Fatimah Zainudin has taught finance and accounting internationally for almost 17 years. Her research interests include corporate social and environmental reporting, comparative financial reporting and tax reporting. She is currently investigating the quality assurance process of higher education in the UK and Vietnam.
Dr Roy Edwards’ teaching focuses on financial accounting and decision making; his research interests include the history of decision making practices in government departments and companies.
Dr Pingli Li has taught management accounting in the UK and China. Her research interests include management control systems and organisational change, the institutionalisation of management accounting practices, and the use of management control techniques in Chinese state-owned enterprises and the public sector.
Gavin Midgley’s teaching is informed by over 10 years’ experience in the accounting profession, in both practice and industry environments. His current research is examining media representation of UK corporation tax affairs of multinational companies operating in the UK.
Industry links
Our strong links with industry enable us to involve practitioners from leading organisations in your education.
In the second-year Financial Accounting module, there is an opportunity to present an assignment to audit partners from PwC and receive feedback on your work from a professional perspective. This session is also an opportunity for students to find out more about careers in auditing.
Many modules include guest lectures from industry practitioners, giving you an insight into current sector issues. Recent examples include talks by representatives from Deloitte on the increase in narrative reporting in annual reports, and by senior staff from B&Q about production and pricing.
The course is informed by the exacting standards of the accrediting professional accountancy bodies.
In addition, numerous organisations work with us to offer third-year placements and to develop our placement preparation programme.
Key Facts
90% of accounting students were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall quality of their course (NSS 2019).
Offers the flexibility to personalise your learning and explore your interests as you progress through the course, with a range of optional modules on accounting, finance and business-related topics.
A one-year industry placement gives you the opportunity to put your learning into practice, gain invaluable professional experience and grow your networks.
Includes modules found on few similar courses elsewhere, looking at audit and tax, and the evolution of today’s business world.
Accredited by the main accountancy bodies, enabling you to apply for exemptions from professional exams.
Graduates have gone on to work for leading banking and finance companies such as Deloitte and Barclay’s Capital.
“Being around more than 20,000 other students makes it a very inspiring and supporting place to study. I enjoy my course, especially how interactive some lectures are. The highlight of my time here has been my placement at Meridian Corporate Finance.
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 6/B). However a grade 5 in the reformed GCSE is acceptable if at least a B grade has been achieved in one of the following A-levels: Mathematics, Physics, Economics, Geography, Psychology or Business.
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer: ABB and grade A in the EPQ
We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: ABB
Further A-level information
Offers typically exclude General Studies The below subjects are considered as restricted. This means that we can accept one subject from the following list if combined with other academic subjects: Applied subjects Art: including Design, Fine Art, Photography, Textiles Communication Studies Communication and Culture Creative Media Creative Writing Critical Thinking Dance Drama Film Studies Health & Social Care Home Economics Hospitality and Supervision ICT/IT Leisure Studies Media Studies Music Technology Outdoor Education PE Performing Arts Public Services Sports Studies/Science Theatre Studies Travel & Tourism World Development
Please note: Computing, Computer Studies, Product Design and Applied Business (single and double awards) are not considered to be restricted subjects
Welsh Baccalaureate offer
AAB from 3 A levels or AA from 2 A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
International Baccalaureate Diploma offer
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma offer
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit. Offers typically exclude Social Care/Healthcare pathways
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U offer
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
Level 3 BTEC (QCF) offer (unreformed)
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels. DD in the Business BTEC Diploma plus A grade from one A-level. DDD in the Business BTEC Extended Diploma.
Level 3 BTEC (RQF) offer (reformed)
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels DD in the Business BTEC National Diploma plus A from one A-level. DDD in the Business BTEC National Extended Diploma.
European Baccalaureate offer
79-85% overall
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country. This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements. Band C IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components
For 2019 entry
Qualification
Grade
GCSE
Southampton Business School requires all applicants to achieve at least a Grade 4 in English and Grade 6 in Mathematics GCSEs (taken in England) or a Grade C in English and B in Mathematics (where taken in Northern Ireland or Wales). If you are taking an alternative Mathematics qualification please contact our admissions team via ugapply.FBL@southampton.ac.uk.
GCE A-level
AAB or ABB with A in Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) General Studies is not accepted. The below subjects are considered as restricted. This means that we can accept one subject from the following list if combined with other academic subjects: Applied subjects Art: including Design, Fine Art, Photography, Textiles Communication Studies Communication and Culture Creative Media Creative Writing Critical Thinking Dance Drama Film Studies Health & Social Care Home Economics Hospitality and Supervision ICT/IT Leisure Studies Media Studies Music Technology Outdoor Education PE Performing Arts Public Services Sports Studies/Science Theatre Studies Travel & Tourism
Please note: Computing, Computer Studies, Product Design and Applied Business (single and double awards) are not considered to be restricted subjects.
International Baccalaureate requirements
34 points, 17 at higher level
Contextual offers
The University of Southampton is committed to widening participation and ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data supports our admissions teams to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
A typical contextual offer is ABB from three A levels (the restricted subjects above will still apply).
We welcome applications from overseas students offering foundation programmes with a substantial amount of academic study. Less than half the programme should be English language tuition and you will be expected to reach a high standard in your programme comparable to our A level requirements. For more details on the suitability of you programme please contact the Admissions Team at UGapply.FBL@southampton.ac.uk.
Other Qualifications
We welcome students with other qualifications eg European or Welsh Baccalaureate, Scottish Advanced Highers and Irish Leaving Certificates. You will be expected to attain an equivalent standard to the A level applicant.
If you have professional experience, or credit through prior learning at another institution, you may be eligible to use this experience against some of the programme requirements for period of study. You will need to present evidence that you have met the learning outcomes of the programme. Full details can be found in the University’s Policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning. If you think this may apply to you, please contact the Faculty's Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Mature applicants
Age 21 and over - recent evidence of study in last two/three years-applicant could be interviewed.
In accordance with University regulations, applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of competency in English by offering one of the recognised tests in English. Alternatively, you should supply evidence that you have undertaken formal study in English at an institution that teaches award-bearing programmes in English.
The following test scores are accepted for direct entry:
IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all bands
For a complete list of the other English language qualifications accepted click here.
Test results should be less than two years old at the time of expected registration at the University of Southampton and must be verified before admission.
If you do not meet the University’s English language entry requirements for direct entry onto our BSc programmes, you may be eligible to study on one of the University’s pre-sessional English language courses. For further information on these pre-sessional programmes, please visit the Centre for Language Studies website.
Selection process:
Your application will be carefully considered and we will weigh up many factors – not only your academic achievements, interests and aptitudes, but also your motivation and your academic reference.
We make our decisions in most cases on the UCAS form alone. Candidates who require special consideration (eg on grounds of age, disability or non-standard entry qualifications) may be invited for an interview.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not currently meet our entry requirements may be able to join this course on successful completion of our International Foundation Year. For more information visit the International Foundation Year course page.
Four modules must be taken each semester. To progress to the second year and again to the third year, you are required to pass (40%) at least six modules including all core modules and achieve at least 25% in all eight modules plus obtain an average mark of at least 40%.
In calculating the overall degree result, the weighting of second year modules to third year modules is 1:2.
In Year 1 there are three optional modules from Southampton Business School, a language or other approved subjects.
In Year 2 there is one option - from either the Business School or a language.
In Year 3, the final year of the BSc Accounting and Finance, there are three optional modules from the Business School. In this year you will submit a double-weighted project (a dissertation).
You must choose at least ONE Economics module. ECON1001, ECON1002 and ECON1003 can only be taken if you have A level Mathematics at grade C or higher. If you do not have A level Mathematics at grade C or above you will have to take ECON1009 Economics for Non-Economists.
Innovation modules outside of your subject area
Our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers you the chance to take optional modules outside of your chosen subject area. This allows you to personalise your education, to develop new skills and knowledge for your future. Modules range from 'Living and working on the web' to 'Business skills for employability'.
Learn a language
Some of our courses also give you the option of taking a language module, which can count towards your degree. These modules cover 10 languages and range from absolute beginner to near-native speaker level.
Year
1
Semester One
Core
[?]
A core module is a module which must be taken and passed.
MANG1001Credit[?]
Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical
student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage
of the learning opportunities that are provided.
More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide
or website).
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
List of tuition fees for this course and it's variations
Scholarships, bursaries or grants may be available to support you through your
course.
Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or
your country of origin.
These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such
essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the
academic requirements for each programme of study.
There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the
University:
Type
Description
Books
Where a module specifies core texts these should generally be
available on the reserve list in the library. However, due to demand,
students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased
from any source.
Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading.
The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may
wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading,
you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module.
Stationery
You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery
items (eg pens, pencils, notebooks, etc). Any specialist stationery
items will be specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant
module profile.
Printing and copying
In most cases, written coursework such as essays, projects or
dissertations are submitted online and by hard copy. The costs of
printing a hard copy for submission of such coursework will be the
responsibility of the student.
The cost of photocopying will also be the responsibility of the student. Find out more about University printing costs at: www.southampton.ac.uk/isolutions/students/printing
Other
Approved calculators:
Candidates may use calculators in the examination room only as
specified by the University and as permitted by the rubric of individual
examination papers. The University approved models are Casio FX-570
and Casio FX-85GT Plus. These may be purchased from any source
and no longer need to carry the University logo.
Placements
Accommodation/travel costs
Student will be expected to cover travel and accommodation costs (including the costs of travelling to interviews, which some employers may reimburse).
Insurance
If you choose to take a placement outside of the UK, you will need to pay for adequate insurance to cover both your travel and your work on placement.
Medical insurance
If you choose to take a placement outside of the UK, you will need to pay for adequate medical insurance cover.
Immunisation/vaccination costs
If you choose to take a placement outside of the UK you may need to pay for immunisations and vaccinations.
Disclosure and Barring Certificates or Clearance
For certain placements, your employer may request you undergo a Disclosure and Barring check. Your employer may or may not pay for this.
In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated
with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also
ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and
Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.
Career Opportunities
You will graduate with a wide choice of career options in finance and accounting fields. You could choose to become an auditor, a tax specialist, a management accountant or consultant, or a financial controller. Graduates have gone on to work for financial organisations such as Barclay’s Capital and Deloitte. This course is also an excellent foundation for further study at postgraduate level.
The BSc Accounting and Finance is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and the Association of International Accountants (AIA). When you graduate you may be able to apply for exemptions from these organisations’ professional qualifications.
Learning & Assessment
You may learn in lectures, seminars and computer lab sessions, and through independent study. Our academics use case studies, simulations, group work and problem-solving exercises to encourage you to explore concepts and their applications. These activities will also help you to develop team working, presentation and communication skills, which are essential in the workplace.
You’ll have access to all the resources you need to undertake your studies, including Bloomberg terminals, statistical software and wide range of databases from which you can extract data for your coursework or dissertation.
Various assessment methods are used to measure your progress, including exams, individual and group assignments, and in-class tests. Your dissertation also forms part of your overall assessment, and you’ll be required to write a reflective learning report on your industry placement.
Student support
We offer plenty of support to help you achieve your academic potential. Every student is assigned a personal academic tutor who can advise on course-related and pastoral care throughout your degree. The module leaders are also available during timetabled hours each week to offer support and respond to students’ queries. In addition, a dedicated Facebook group provides a forum for students on the third-year Finance and Accounting module, where they can ask questions and share information.
For more informal support, the Business School runs a 'peer assisted learning scheme' for new students. You can talk to trained, friendly second-year or third-year students who can direct you towards any additional support services you might need.
Supporting your placement
To help you get the most out of your industry placement, in years one and two we run a comprehensive placement preparation programme, developed with input from top employers. You’ll also be able to access dedicated support from our placement officers.
The placement officers will also support you during your placement year through regular visits, phone calls, emails and social media.
Breakdown of study time and assessment
Proportion of time spent in scheduled learning, teaching and independent study
