Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Two students using Bloomberg terminals on the Trading Floor

This course offers you the chance to gain a solid foundation in a broad range of potential career options within finance, accountancy, financial management or fiscal management.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

NN34

Start date

September 2027
November 2027
January 2028
March 2028
May 2028
July 2028

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Your UCAS Guide

Course overview

Sound financial knowledge and accountancy skills help businesses make informed decisions, develop the right strategies and achieve growth, while also considering ethics and sustainability. Management roles often require budgeting and financial administration skills to keep a business on track and achieve targets. Coventry University’s Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons) course is designed to help you develop these capabilities.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Shape your future in accounting and finance with a degree designed for flexibility, professional recognition and real-world experience.

Tailor your learning to your career goals - start with a strong foundation in accounting, finance and financial management. In later years, specialise in areas that match your ambitions.
Enjoy an engaging student experience - network with industry professionals, collaborate with international student delegations and compete in simulated business environments that bring theory to life.²
Put your skills into practice - analyse financial statements and explore the impact of finance on real businesses through case studies and practical exercises.
Learn in our Bloomberg Trading Floor - gain hands-on experience with market-leading tools like Bloomberg, LSEG Workspace and Fitch Connect, plus opportunities for professional certifications in Bloomberg, LSEG Workspace and ESG.^2,4
Boost your employability - take an optional sandwich year² for industry placement experience. Previous students have worked with HSBC, Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover and the NHS.
Join like-minded communities - enhance your experience by joining student-led societies such as the Investment Society or Economics Society.²

World-of-Work Mentoring Scheme

Our World-of-Work Mentoring Scheme² pairs you with experienced professionals from firms like Capital Asset Management, Cadence Financial Planning and Apollo Wealth Management. If selected for the scheme, you will receive one-on-one career guidance over several months, gaining insights into:

industry expectations and career progression
personal branding and CV enhancement
interview preparation and networking tactics.

Many graduates have successfully secured graduate jobs and internships through their mentorship experience, reflecting our effectiveness in enhancing your employability.

What you'll study

Your first year is shared with students from closely related courses. This approach allows you to learn alongside other disciplines, broaden your perspective and develop strong collaboration skills from the very start.

The common first year also offers flexibility. If you discover a stronger interest in another subject area, you may have the opportunity to transfer to a related course at the end of the year, subject to meeting progression requirements.

Common first year courses:

Accountancy BSc (Hons)
Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)

Modules

Principles of Finance – 30 credits

This module offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of finance, encompassing both personal and corporate finance. Delve into essential concepts, such as income, debt, savings and investments from a personal finance perspective. This module covers the components of the financial system and their role in the saving-investment process.

Gain an understanding of investment basics by examining financial risk and return. This module navigates the UK financial regulatory framework, emphasising the roles of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) in overseeing financial services and ensuring financial stability. It also discusses general regulation of the banking system with a focus on bank management practices.

Learn about the time value of money, including discounting and compounding techniques, to determine present and future values. From a corporate finance perspective, this module explores the fundamental objectives of a business and covers three primary business decisions: raising finance, investing finance and distributing finance. You should learn the methods of raising long-term finance by businesses and the valuation models used to estimate the value of shares and bonds. You should also develop the skills to analyse major investment decisions using various project appraisal techniques. Finally, you would learn key financial theories relating to the payment of dividends.

Compulsory

Principles of Financial Accounting – 30 credits

This module focuses on the main principles governing the recording of business transactions and the presentation of financial information for external reporting globally. Learn about the systems and techniques businesses use to produce financial statements. This module also covers the core concepts that underpin these statements. Furthermore, it aims to introduce the main financial statements produced by different business organisations and explain what these indicate about business performance.

Compulsory

Principles of Management Accounting – 30 credits

This module focuses on the nature and behaviour of costs. It introduces various approaches to the treatment of overheads and the different costing and decision-making techniques available to the management accountant. This module introduces you to a range of management accounting techniques, including, but not limited to, budgeting, measurement and analysis of variances, contribution analysis and throughput accounting.

Compulsory

Mathematics, Statistics and Academic Skills – 30 credits

This module aims to develop your ability to apply appropriate mathematical and statistical techniques to financial and economic problems. You should learn a range of academic skills to support your learning and future career options. You will build on your existing mathematical knowledge while developing a better understanding and application of other mathematical and statistical techniques relevant to accounting and finance.

The module content aims to develop and improve your skills in time management, academic research, writing and digital literacy in spreadsheets and statistical packages.

Compulsory

Modules

Business Law, Ethics and Sustainability – 30 credits

Gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to identify and deal with legal and ethical issues likely to be encountered in business. This includes an understanding of how the law and ethical frameworks operate, and the ability to apply the law and the frameworks to real-life scenarios. This module aims to cover the legal system, the law of contract, tort law (including professional negligence), business formation (including types of business: sole trader, partnership, limited company; funding and liability), the nature and function of various types of company structures and the rights and obligations of shareholders and directors.

This module also covers the fundamentals of business ethics and sustainable decision-making and the various dilemmas that individuals and organisations might face. You will consider the impact of business ethics and sustainability concepts within corporations, including decision-making, governance and corporate social responsibility within a global economy. This module will draw on local and global case study material and relevant academic literature drawn from a variety of business disciplines.

Compulsory

Financial Reporting – 30 credits

The Financial Reporting module focuses primarily on the preparation of published financial statements by public limited companies. Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and apply International Financial Reporting Standards and accounting theory in the preparation of published financial statements of entities, including a simple group structure. Develop the skills necessary to critically analyse and interpret financial statements and become aware of limitations in published accounting information. Throughout the module, you will apply theories and concepts to real-world examples, replicating scenarios that accountants regularly face.

Compulsory

Financial Information Systems – 30 credits

Explore the role of information systems in modern accounting (financial and management). Examine the support of Accounting Information Systems (AIS) within financial reporting, internal control, risk management and strategic decision-making. Gain hands-on experience with database management, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems (for example, SAP), small and medium enterprise accounting systems (for example, SAGE) and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and cloud computing.

The module also emphasises cybersecurity, regulatory compliance and ethical considerations in AIS. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and practical case studies, you should develop the skills necessary to design, evaluate and optimise AIS sustainable solutions in a business environment within industries.

Compulsory

Financial Management – 30 credits

Develop the knowledge and skills expected of a finance manager. Module content will focus on investment, financing and working capital decisions. You will critically evaluate financial objectives, risk management strategies and capital market operations. You should develop an understanding of the trade-off between risk and return and the valuation of financial assets. This module emphasises business financing decisions, investment appraisal techniques and working capital management to ensure effective financial decision-making. You should also learn to apply numerical and analytical skills within a framework that promotes sustainability, social responsibility and ethical financial practices.

Compulsory

A placement year² provides optional first-hand industry experience and helps you discover where your skills and interests truly lie. Taken between your second and final years, it allows you to step into a professional environment, apply your learning and gain valuable insight into your chosen sector.

By spending an extended period in industry, you should develop confidence, build professional networks and strengthen the transferable skills that employers value most. This experience offers a powerful way to explore career paths and return to your final year with real -world expertise and a clearer sense of direction.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: gain practical experience aligned with your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the specific skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: optionally undertake an international work or study placement to experience a different professional or cultural context.

While this optional year is non-credit-bearing, successful completion ensures your experience is formally recognised on your final degree certificate to showcase your expertise to future employers.

Students sponsored by the University who opt for an international work placement must ensure they comply with the UKVI immigration regulations and should contact us for further guidance.

Modules

Undergraduate Project – 30 credits

This module is your chance to apply the knowledge and insights learnt on the course. It aims to develop you into an independent and ethical researcher. You will conduct a research project related to your course to evidence your intellectual, technical and analytical skills. You will receive personalised support and guidance from a supervisor and benefit from critical discussions and cross-fertilisation in group supervision sessions.

Compulsory

Performance Management for Decision-making – 30 credits

This module builds on the Principles of Management Accounting module covered in your first year. It introduces more complex techniques that can be used to facilitate organisational performance management and enhance the decision-making process. You should develop the knowledge and skills necessary to select appropriate management accounting techniques and apply these to business situations. Learn the limitations of techniques employed, appreciate the role of risk and uncertainty and consider the influence of behaviours that can undermine entity performance.

Compulsory

International Finance and Portfolio Management – 30 credits

This module examines how portfolios are structured, monitored and managed, considering the impact of global financial markets, macroeconomic factors and international financial flows on investment strategies. Develop a strong understanding of portfolio optimisation techniques, risk-return trade-offs and performance evaluation methods.

Explore key international finance management topics such as exchange rate determination, balance of payments, global capital flows and financial risk management, assessing their implications for asset valuation and investment performance.

Compulsory

Optional Modules

Choose one from the following three optional modules:

Availability of optional modules may vary depending on student demand.

Optional

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

Why study economics, finance and accounting at Coventry University?

Dr Uchenna Tony Okeke discusses what makes studying at Coventry University’s School of Economics, Finance and Accounting a great choice.

Read Dr Okeke's blog

My experience at Coventry University was characterised by exceptional education and unwavering support from faculty members. They demonstrated a profound sense of responsibility, nurturing both my academic achievements and my personal growth. During seminars, teachers diligently addressed my queries, and their prompt responses to emails further demonstrated their dedication to my learning.
Leyi Chen, Accounting and Finance BSc (2024)

Two students working on a bloomberg terminal in the trading floor

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.

You will have the opportunity to use one of the largest educational trading floors in Europe⁴, running Bloomberg trading terminals and giving access to a wealth of live and historical trading market data.

You will benefit from formative feedback on your work delivered in class and online.

You will aim to develop team working, communication and leadership skills through participating in group projects.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 12 and 15 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional 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 will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

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

Your assessments are designed to be varied, and relevant to your learning. Depending on the module, you may demonstrate your skills and knowledge through:

group work: to build collaboration skills
presentations: to develop confidence in sharing your ideas
reports or projects: that reflect real-world practice
coursework: for ongoing engagement with the subject
exams: to test your knowledge under timed conditions
individual assignments: to showcase your independent thinking

Our assessment strategy is structured to be fair and transparent, helping us and you to track your progress towards achieving the course learning outcomes that matter for your future.

International Experience Opportunities

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.

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

My passion is to help build students' confidence in their own abilities to disentangle the complex issues of accounting and finance. It’s great when students question assumptions, consider alternative perspectives, reflect on ethical dilemmas, and discuss wider social or environmental implications. I qualified with two professional accounting bodies (CIMA & CPA Australia) and worked as an auditor and commercial analyst. Subsequently, I taught for many years at various institutions in several countries. Whilst I share my experience with learners, I also listen to them as well as hope to inspire them, so they embrace the life-changing possibilities this course offers them.
Dr Simon Huston, Associate Course Director 2024

Two people looking at screens displaying stock market stats

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC
GCSE	GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards
BTEC	DMM
T level	Overall grade of Merit in the T level qualification in any subject.
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/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

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.

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	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
International	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £17,600 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 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees.

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 table above 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 the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above RPI.

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) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

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.

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) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related costs.

*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.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

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

Take a virtual tour

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

The Trading Floor

The Trading Floor is an invaluable facility that allows you to get hands-on with industry-standard software. Featuring contemporary dual-screen Bloomberg terminals, the facility can add a dynamic, practical element to your course.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 364 days a year. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams that can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 18 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Careers and opportunities

According to the Hays 2025 UK salary and recruiting trends data, a trainee accountant in the UK can earn anything between £22,500 and £37,000, while part-qualified can earn as much as £50,000.

The global average salary for a newly qualified ACA in 2025 is £55,000 according to ICAEW data, with the average salary for members across all sectors standing at £107,000. For members working in industry, the average global salary rises to £132,000.

You should graduate this course with highly sought-after technical, analytical and professional skills, ready to launch an impressive global career. You should be well placed to pursue a wide variety of potential future career options in areas such as:

finance
management
accounting
banking
auditing
personal and corporate finance
business
education in private, public and third sector organisations.

Alternatively, this course could set you on the path towards further study for a professional qualification as a Chartered Accountant.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Where our graduates work

Our graduates have gone on to work for companies spanning a range of sectors such as BDO, Britvic, Meggit, ICON plc, and The Wigley Group.

Further study

Upon successful completion of our Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons) course, you may wish to continue to further your studies at postgraduate level with our Finance MSc here at Coventry Business School.

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.

Please note that further study opportunities² are subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements and additional costs may apply.

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Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

You can now register and start your application in your UCAS Hub. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CBLU006

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University, Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

Some 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. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. Before seeking an overseas placement, read our visa advice page.

³Tuition fees

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 the Parliament permit 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 annually 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 (for example to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised. Availability and access may be reduced or restricted when the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders or internal health and safety requirements.

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 current 2025/26 contract is available for information purposes only. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes and may differ from the current version. 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 applicable Student Contract carefully before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.