Accountancy BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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Develop your knowledge and skills to help businesses and organisations manage finances, make management decisions, face economic challenges and grow ethically and sustainably.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
Condensed first year available

UCAS codes

N410

Start date

September 2025
January 2026 - condensed


Course overview

Accountants with the skills to monitor the flow of money for a business while being able to spot and protect against potential challenges, are highly sought after. Global uncertainty and the challenges of the economic climate, mean that skills in this field could be more important than ever before.

The January start for this course is condensed in Year 1. Please see the ‘How you’ll learn’ section below for more details.

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Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

By studying this course you will have the opportunity to:

  • prepare for professional qualifications - Our degree is closely aligned to the syllabi of professional accountancy bodies1 including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
  • develop practical skills in our Bloomberg Trading Floor4 - Develop your skills on our Trading Floor, featuring contemporary dual screen Bloomberg terminals.
  • put your skills to the test - Prepare and analyse financial statements, as well as studying the impact of finance on real businesses through case studies of a diverse range of organisations.
  • access our sigma Maths and Stats Support Centre4 - Access maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions with experienced staff.
  • benefit from real-world exposure - Prepare for a future career in accountancy by applying for a work placement2. Past students have undertaken placements at PwC, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, Jaguar Land Rover and the NHS.

If you choose to start this course in January you will study exactly the same course but over a slightly shorter timescale in Year 1. This is ideal if you missed the September start, want to transfer from a different university or course or just need a bit more time to prepare for life at university.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

ACCA accredited programme logo

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

This course is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the 2025/26 intake. Upon successful completion of the course you will be able to secure up to nine exemptions from ACCA papers, depending on your choice of modules. Please note that additional papers will be required to be taken to become /qualified through the ACCA, which will incur additional costs, and you will also need to fulfil the practical experience requirement. Qualifying will be subject to competitive application, availability, and meeting any applicable visa requirements.


CIPFA logo

Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA)

This degree is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy CIPFA for the 2025/26/27/28 intakes. CIPFA recognition allows students who successful graduate from this degree to gain up to six professional examination exemptions as part CIPFA PAQ syllabus for professional qualification. This is subject to application, availability, meeting applicable visa requirements and additional fees may apply. If there is any change to the recognition of this course by the CIPFA, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.


Chartered Insurance Institute logo

Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)

This course is recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) for the 2025/26 intakes. CII recognition allows students to gain certain exemptions from some professional examinations, upon successful completion of this course (subject to application, availability, meeting applicable visa requirements and additional fees may apply). If there is any change to the recognition of this course by the CII, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.



What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year course:

  • Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

In year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with financial reporting and management accounting, amongst others. 

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

The final year aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from years one and two.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

The tutors are really helpful and there to listen, they don’t mind putting in their own time to ensure we would understand and encouraged us to ask questions. This is something that really impressed me and helped me to achieve in my studies.

Rahmatullah Amanullah (Course Tutor Prize Winner), Accountancy, 2023
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How you'll learn

Our teaching has a strong focus on merging theory and practice. You will be engaged in simulation and practical exercises, such as preparing and analysing financial statements or assessing financial investment options, giving you the opportunity to apply theory to real-life scenarios that professional accountants encounter on a day-to-day basis.

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which may include:

  • on-campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • group work
  • self-directed learning
  • work placement opportunities.2

If you choose to start this course in January it will be run as a condensed programme. You’ll start your course in January and finish your first year in August. Upon successful completion of Year 1, you will progress onto Year 2 in September and then continue to start subsequent years of your course in September, completing your degree at the same time as the September starters unless you opt to do a placement year.


Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15 -18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment 

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

  • phase tests
  • essays
  • group work
  • presentations
  • reports
  • projects
  • coursework
  • exams
  • individual assignments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

Coventry is a multicultural university, so our typically diverse student and staff body helps to facilitate a multicultural learning environment.

Coventry University aims to give you the global opportunities needed to become a truly global graduate, enhancing your employability on a global scale. Options might include language classes, studying or working abroad, international field trips, summer schools, leadership development or work experience2.

In the past, our students have had the opportunity to visit universities abroad to study alongside students, see how finance is taught internationally, appreciate the issues in different countries and broaden their perspectives.

Closer to home, you could have the chance to participate in European field trips2 as part of events like, for example, the annual Tax Week initiative or the annual Audit Week, both of which were conducted in collaboration with European universities, and saw students work collaboratively on related projects.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed2.

I bring professional experience of working in accounting and financial management to the Accountancy and Accounting and Finance BSc programmes. Our teaching teams bring an outstanding balance of academic and industry experience to teaching a broad range of modules, to prepare students for careers in all industry sectors.

Richard Pennington, Assistant Professor in Accounting and Course Director, 2022
Two people looking at dual monitors displaying financial information

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 120
A level BBB
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 4 / C including Maths and English
BTEC DDM
IB Diploma 24 points
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Accounting and Finance will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.


Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year
Not available
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £16,800 per year
Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement2 or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee3 of £1,250 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip
  • any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Condensed course – January start date

If you choose to start this course in January please make sure you check the Fees and Finance page for more information. Although starting this course in January does not prohibit you from being eligible for student finance, the way it is paid in your first year differs from those who start their course in September.

If you start the course in January, your tuition fees will be paid in accordance with the university’s Tuition Fees, Refund and Withdrawal Terms and Conditions for January starters and for any further years of study, your fees will be paid in accordance with the terms for September starters.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

We have a range of facilities4  available to support our students in putting the theories you are taught into practice.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

A student using a computer at a desk wearing glasses next to a tutor pointing at the screen

The Trading Floor

With contemporary Bloomberg terminals, this facility can add a dynamic practical element to your course.

 

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Talent Team

Our dedicated Talent Team can assist you in applying for work placements and graduate level jobs; they also aim to offer skills development workshops.

A female student sat at a desk holding a pen and looking at a laptop.

sigma Centre

The sigma Centre offers maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions and bookable appointments.


Careers and opportunities

Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • explore and evaluate the complex and dynamic global business environment in which accounting operates including detailed analysis of the legal and ethical frameworks applicable to accounting and business, and awareness of interdependencies between the regulatory, legal, ethical and economic frameworks.
  • identify, extract and interpret data from a variety of financial and other numerical sources using appropriate analysis techniques and an appreciation of statistical concepts.
  • record and summarise transactions and other global economic events; prepare financial statements in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements; and demonstrate awareness of the contexts in which accounting data and information is processed and used, by different stakeholder groups.
  • critically evaluate different theories of taxation, describe the principal types, rules and requirements of UK taxation and prepare computations of the income tax liability for employees, sole traders, partnerships and corporations.
  • critically evaluate a range of contemporary theories, models and concepts in accounting, and synthesise these to devise optimal strategies for entities.
  • apply critical, analytical and problem-solving skills, including critical analysis and evaluation of data, drawing reasoned conclusions to formulate effective strategies for individuals or organisations.
  • use digital information and communications technology for the acquisition, analysis and communication of information.
  • effectively communicate and present quantitative and qualitative information, analysis and findings in a form appropriate to the intended audience.
  • evidence effective critical self-reflection, ethical awareness, intercultural awareness and well-developed interpersonal skills including numeracy, collaborative problem-solving and effective time management.

Upon completion, you should have the confidence to give sound financial advice and make effective financial decisions. You should be well-placed to pursue a wide variety of potential future careers options in areas such as:

  • accounting
  • finance
  • management
  • banking
  • personal and Corporate Finance
  • business
  • education in private, public and third sector organisations.

In addition, this course could set you on the path towards a professional qualification as a Chartered Accountant.

Where our graduates work

Past students have gone on to work for prestigious companies including Samsung, HSBC and Greene King.

Typical roles that graduates of this course may progress to include Graduate Financial Accountant, Trainee Tax Advisor, Finance Graduate Scheme, and Finance Assistant.

Further study

Upon successful completion of our Accountancy BSc (Hons) course, you may wish to continue to further your studies at postgraduate level with our Finance MSc here at Coventry Business School, or our Professional Accounting MSc at Coventry University London. You can explore all of your options using our postgraduate course search tool. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

 

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