Accountancy BSc (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: N410
International Code: FBLU027

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years full-time (work placement)

Start date

September 2022

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

A good accountant is a valuable asset to practically all forms of business. Upon successful completion of this course, you could gain the skills to prove your value in a variety of sectors.

This course will interest you if:

  • You are looking for a career path that requires monitoring and reporting on financial performance.
  • Want to gain a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in accountancy within a business context.
  • Understand the financial world.
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

The Accountancy course offers an insight into the financial world. By studying this course you will have the opportunity to:

  • Develop your skills in our Trading Floor, which features 42 dual screen Bloomberg terminals – we are also currently a Bloomberg Experiential Learning partner, which recognises our commitment to integrating our terminals into our courses.
  • Learn in a Business School that was ranked ‘excellent’ in 2020 by Eduniversal, an annual ranking of business schools in over 150 countries.
  • Have the opportunity to select from a range of optional modules in your final year, allowing you to tailor your studies to a particular area of interest.
  • Gain professional accreditation from some of the UK’s leading professional accounting bodies, whose representatives have visited our previous students in the past to speak about the professions and give advice and guidance on how to potentially secure a job (subject to availability). Please refer to the Accreditation and Professional Recognition and Exemptions section.
  • A course that has a practical focus, preparing and analysing financial statements, as well as studying the impact of finance on real businesses through case studies of a diverse range of organisations, including easyJet, Ryanair, Apple and Ben & Jerry’s.
  • Access to the university’s sigma centre, which provides maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions with experienced tutors.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

This course is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the 2022/23 intake. Upon successful completion of the course you will be able to secure certain 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. If the accreditation of this course changes, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

CPA Australia

CPA Australia

This course is accredited by the Chartered Practising Accountants of Australia (CPA) for the 2022/23 intake. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to secure exemptions from certain requirements to achieving CPA status. Please note that you will still be required to complete the CPA programme and fulfil the practical experience requirementto become certified, which may incur additional fees. This may also be subject to competitive application, availability, and meeting any applicable visa requirements. If the accreditation of this course changes, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Exemptions

Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)

This course is recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) for the 2022/23 intake. CII recognition allows you 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.

Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW)

This course is recognised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW) for the 2022/23 intake. Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to secure particular exemptions from certain ICAEW papers, depending on your selection of modules, and you will also need to fulfil the practical experience requirement to qualify as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Please note this is subject to availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements and additional costs. If there is any change to the recognition of this course by the ICAEW, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Chartered Institute for Management Accountants (CIMA)

This course is recognised by the Chartered Institute for Management Accountants (CIMA) for the 2022/23 intake. Upon successful completion you will be able to secure exemptions from CIMA papers, depending on your choice of modules. Please note that additional papers will be required to be taken to attain the CIMA qualification, which will incur additional costs, and you will also need to fulfil the practical experience requirement. This may also be subject to competitive application, availability, and meeting any applicable visa requirements. If there is any change to the recognition of this course by the CIMA, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Memberships 

Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS)

Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) – Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, which has a membership of over 120 business schools and higher education providers, and supports its members in maintaining world-class standards of teaching and research.

European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)

European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) – Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the European Foundation for Management Development, a global membership organisation dedicated to management development, covering over 900 members across 91 countries.

Coventry Business School is recognised by the above memberships for the 2021/22 intake. There is currently no intention for either of these memberships to lapse however if either of these memberships were not to be renewed we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

What you'll study

With a focus on contemporary accounting and finance thought and practice, our course aims to equip you with the personal and professional skills and knowledge for a potential future career in the worlds of business, accounting and finance upon successful completion of the course.

The opportunity to develop the ability to apply theory to practice, placing accounting and finance problems in a real-world context, is a distinctive feature of this course. As well as simulation and practical exercises, such as preparing accounts or assessing financial investment options, you will be expected to apply theory to real-life scenarios that a professional might encounter on a day-to-day basis.

In the past, previous students have analysed financial statements from retailers such as Next plc and Marks and Spencer; they’ve also looked at the competencies and skills of easyJet in comparison to its competitors to try to ascertain what has contributed to its financial success.

As well as accounting topics, you will also study modules which aim to develop your academic and employment skills, to help you as you progress into a potential future career in accountancy or the financial sector.

The course has a common first year curriculum with the Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons) course, providing an opportunity to broaden your knowledge of accountancy and personal finance, together with key elements of business and decision-making. As this course progresses, however, optional modules are limited to accommodate a significant number of mandatory accounting and financial management modules.

Successful completion of the first year provides the foundations for all further study on this course. We will explore a range of topics that cover the basics of accounting and finance, including financial accounting, management accounting, finance, mathematics, statistics and business economics.

Modules

  • This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the importance of business finance, and of the constraints and opportunities relating to business finance.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to introduce students to the economic environment in which a business organisation operates and to develop an understanding of basic economic concepts that are applicable to careers in business, accountancy, and finance.

    Compulsory

  • The principal aims of this module are to

    1. Introduce students to the nature and behaviour of costs, the various approaches to the treatment of overheads and the different methods of costing available to the professional management accountant.
    2. Introduce students to the concept of budgeting, measurement of variances, contribution analysis and other accounting concepts.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide students with transferable skills required for subsequent accounting and finance modules. In addition it provides the statistics based skills required to obtain exemptions from professional qualifications. The module will give the student a grounding in two principal areas:

    ICT skills: basic I.T. based numeracy skills and also accounting data-based research skills using appropriate databases resources.

    Statistics - an introduction to statistical methods relevant to accounting and finance including: descriptive statistics, statistical inference and regression modelling.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop students’ ability to apply appropriate mathematical techniques to financial and economic problems. It starts by applying basic mathematical methods that students will have covered at GCSE level or equivalent, and then introduces students to other techniques in the context of financial and economic applications.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to introduce students to the main principles behind recording and presenting financial information for external reporting worldwide, the systems and techniques used by businesses to produce these statements and the core concepts underpinning these statements.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide students on non-law degree courses with the knowledge, understanding and skills to identify and deal with a range of legal issues likely to be encountered in business. This will include an understanding of how the law works and the ability to apply the law to appropriate scenarios.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide students with a range of skills which will enable them to become effective learners and enhance their employability. During the module students will be introduced to a range of subject specific knowledge and communication skills. In addition they will be introduced to a personal development planning and will be encouraged to become reflective learners.

    Compulsory

In year two, the course’s content focuses on key accounting modules, expanding on financial and management accounting, while also covering taxation and accounting information systems. You will need 120 credits to pass the year.

Modules

  • This module builds on 4001ACC Financial Accounting and focuses primarily on the preparation and interpretation of published financial statements by public limited companies. Through use of real world examples students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and apply a number of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and accounting theory in the preparation of published financial statements for entities, including a simple group structure. Students will also develop the skills necessary to critically analyse and interpret these financial statements and become aware of limitations in published accounting information.

    Compulsory

  • The overall aims of this module are to enable students to develop knowledge and understanding in the core areas of UK tax related to business and their employees, and to prepare simple tax computations for individuals and companies.

    Compulsory

  • The Accounting Information Systems module explores the processes by which financial and management accounting is supported by various Enterprise Resource Planning Tools such as (SAP), and market leading software such as (SAGE) in the decision-making process.

    Compulsory

  • This module investigates how relevant accounting techniques can be used to assist managers in decision-making. The aims are for students to understand the techniques, be able to apply them to business situations and to be aware of their limitations.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to further develop and practice a range of key skills required of the professional accountant and financier.

    Compulsory

  • Choose one of the following modules:

    • Economics of Banking and Finance
      The aim of this module is to enable students to analyse the nature and functions of financial institutions, to equip students with the necessary tools and concepts to be able to explain and interpret the process of financial intermediation, and to understand the system of regulation in financial markets. The module also examines the underlying principles and characteristics of money and banking that are the foundation for understanding their role in the economy.
    • Principles of Financial Investment

    Optional

After your second year, you have an opportunity to take a sandwich year, studying abroad or on professional placement. 

Placement years are subject to additional costs, application, meeting applicable visa requirements and availability. Further costs incurred as a result of the professional work placement or study abroad shall be borne by the student.

The final year of study is designed to provide a greater level of specialisation, with the chance to enhance your analysis and rigour, evaluative and critical thinking. You will also undertake the module Leadership and Strategy, which gives you the opportunity to explore how to develop business strategy and lead teams towards common objectives.

You will be required to write a dissertation to demonstrate your understanding of accountancy and students often choose a specific contemporary issue of interest to them. Previous topics have included: the problems in accounting for internally generated intangible assets; the impact of UEFA Financial Fair Play Rules on the financial performance of football clubs in the English Premier League; and using accounting techniques to predict the likelihood of corporate bankruptcy.

You need 120 credits to successfully pass the year.

Modules

  • The module builds on and requires knowledge and understanding of financial accounting and reporting developed by Financial Reporting and Analysis or equivalent. Its aim, for different business entities operating in an international environment, is to develop understanding and critical evaluation of:

    • Internal control risks and organisational responses, and
    • Audit processes and their application in the context of the external regulatory framework.

    Compulsory

  • The module focuses primarily on the preparation of published financial statements by public limited companies. The module aims to enable students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and apply International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and accounting theory in the preparation of published financial statements of entities, including groups.

    Compulsory

  • This module seeks to equip students to design, use and critically appraise management and cost accounting information systems. Students will learn how to employ advanced management accounting techniques, but also to evaluate their strengths and limitations and appreciate when different techniques may or may not be appropriate in the light of recent research in this area.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide an understanding of strategic leadership and management, strategic analysis and strategic decision-making within organisations, and appraise what is required for high performance in an uncertain environment. Students will consider the usefulness of effective leadership and its impact on corporate culture and strategic choice. Through the use of case studies students will have the opportunity to study and critique a range of strategic management concepts and theories and apply these to real world organisations and situations.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to integrate the various skills acquired during their undergraduate studies, and extend their knowledge and experience to a specialist area of interest within the field of accounting. Through independent, student led research into a topic of their own choice, the module aims to develop skills in investigation and communication; develop the ability to identify and critique relevant academic literature and professional studies related to a chosen contemporary issue in accounting; and provide an opportunity for initiative and judgement in the management of a research project.

    Compulsory

  • Choose one of the following modules:

    • Corporate Governance and Business Ethics
    • Financial Management for Accountants

    The overall aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge and skills expected of an Accountant working in or providing advice and consultancy services to a modern corporation in relation to financing, and dividend policy decisions.

    Optional

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.

I am currently taking part in a work placement as a finance assistant, improving core skills such as teamwork and time management as well as gaining a better understanding of the real world purpose of accounting within a company. 

Caleb Mellen, BA (Hons) Accountancy, current student
Student Caleb Mellen in a shirt and tie in an office

How you'll learn

Within your first and second year, you will have around 12 contact hours of teaching a week which includes:

  • Medium group teaching: practical classes, seminars or workshops per week.
  • Large group teaching: lectures each week.

In your final year, if you are undertaking a project/dissertation, there is a greater emphasis placed on independent study and therefore total contact hours may be reduced.

In addition, you will be expected to undertake a significant amount of studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using for example, seminar exercises or online activities.

Assessment 

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations, phase tests, essays, group work and presentations.

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. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.

In addition, you will be expected to undertake a significant amount of studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using for example, seminar exercises or online activities.

Job ready

  • Understand the complex and dynamic global business environment in which accounting operates including 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 financial 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 show awareness of the contexts in which accounting data and information is processed and used by different stakeholder groups.
  • Critically evaluate a range of contemporary theories, models and concepts in accounting and finance, 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 contemporary 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, global networking, collaborative problem-solving and effective time management.

International experience opportunities

You will have the opportunity to take part in an overseas study trip, or a full year abroad.

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

Closer to home, you will have the opportunity to participate in European field trips* as part of the annual Tax Week initiative or the annual Audit Week, both of which are conducted in partnership with European universities, and see students work collaboratively on related projects.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBB
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSE's graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths English
BTEC DDM
IB Diploma 31-30 points

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

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 or International Year One (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

To be accepted for the programme students must possess 240 credits (120 ECTS) at level 4 and 5 obtained in a relevant subject area, covering either accounting or finance.

  • 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.

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Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £15,300 per year Not available

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.

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. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Facilities

Get hands-on in our Trading Floor, which features 42 dual-screen Bloomberg terminals.

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

The Trading Floor

With 42 Bloomberg terminals, this facility can add a dynamic practical element to your course.

 

People at the Talent team fair on the balcony and on the ground floor

Talent Team

Our dedicated Talent Team can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate-level jobs and 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

Our course is designed to give you the opportunity to gain the practical skills and experience needed for your potential future career, so that upon successful completion you have the confidence to give sound financial advice and make effective financial decisions. 

You’ll also benefit from exploring a wide range of desirable professional skills, including team working; critical evaluation; self-directed learning; problem-solving; action planning and organising; written and oral communication; presentation; questioning and listening. The following personal qualities will also be addressed in each of the skills modules: achievement orientation; initiative and creativity; self-confidence; decisiveness; reflectiveness; adaptability and flexibility.

On successful completion, you should be well placed to pursue a wide variety of potential future careers options in areas such as finance, management, accounting, banking, personal and corporate finance, business, or education in private, public and third sector organisations. Alternatively, this course could set you on the path towards a professional qualification as a Chartered Accountant.

Where our graduates work

Past students have undertaken placements* and gone on to work for prestigious companies including PwC, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, Jaguar Land Rover and the NHS.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the MSc Accounting and Financial Management or MSc Finance. 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.

How to apply

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Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

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  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we 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. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).