Accounting and Finance for International Business BSc (Hons) top-up

Undergraduate
Top-up courses

Students in a meeting room in conversation.

Do you speak another language and are you interested in accounting and finance? Then international accounting and finance could be an ideal potential future career option for you.

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time (Entry at level 6)
2 years full-time (Entry at level 5)

Course code

NN43

Start date

January 2025
May 2025

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Primarily targeted at international students, this course is designed with a specific focus on accounting and finance in an international context, incorporating the study of English language for business, to better prepare you for potential global career options in areas such as business, accountancy or financial management.

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 2025

Why you should study this course

Aimed at international students, this top-up course has been designed with specific emphasis on international accounting and finance. We aim to adopt a multidisciplinary approach, which covers economics, business strategy, marketing, financial planning and accounting through a range of mandatory modules.

An advanced module in English aims to support development of your English skills to a higher level and with a focus on the language used in international business arenas. You will have the chance to practise and learn how to write reports in a suitable academic style on recent accounting, finance and international business topics, such as inflation and Brexit, then present your findings to help build your confidence in communication skills.

You will consolidate your previous studies, while having the chance to develop the higher-level skills needed for international business. For example, by examining real-life case studies in financial accounting, management accounting, financial theory and international finance, you will have the opportunity to develop your analytical and critical thinking skills. We encourage you to adopt a problem-based approach to identify, analyse, apply and evaluate real-world business problems, such as the implication of globalisation and relevance of international/corporate social responsibility.

You will examine how organisations interact with stakeholders within the external environment, with the opportunity to identify the different users of financial data and their varying needs, investigating the adequacy of information disclosure in corporate annual reports.

You will also look at some of the challenges facing financial management in an international context, such as overseas initial public offerings and variances of regional accounting standards. You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a range of accepted techniques and practices, like consolidation of financial statements and investment appraisal, considering how to apply them in different contexts, for example, evaluation of overseas investment opportunities.

By studying our top-up course you will benefit from:

Specialist content which covers the identification, analysis and solution of financial decision making.
Outstanding facilities include our Trading Floor, currently one of the largest of its kind in Europe⁴, featuring contemporary Bloomberg terminals.
Opportunities to access support from the university’s sigma centre, which can provide maths and stats help and advice through drop-in sessions with experienced staff⁴.
Professional accreditation from some leading professional accounting bodies, including those with a global reach, such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Please refer to the Accreditation and Professional Recognition and Exemptions section¹.
Experienced staff, who have worked in roles such as auditors for large scale professional services firms and as ACCA markers in the UK (please note that staff are subject to change).
Opportunities to join a variety of student led societies, including the Accounting and Finance society, the Investment Society and the Financial Trading Society.
Potential opportunities to network with like-minded professionals and visit key financial institutions, which have previously included the London Stock Exchange and Bank of England².

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is recognised by the following bodies¹:

Chartered Insurance Institute

This course is recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) for the 2024/25/26 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.

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

This course is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the 2023/24 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.

Chartered Institute for Management Accountants

This course is recognised by the Chartered Institute for Management Accountants (CIMA) for the 2024/25/26 intakes. 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.

Exemptions

Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)

This course is recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) for the 2024/25/26 intakes. 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).

Chartered Institute for Management Accountants (CIMA)

This course is recognised by the Chartered Institute for Management Accountants (CIMA) for the 2024/25/26 intakes. Upon successful completion you will be able to secure certain 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.

Additional certificates

As part of the degree you will have the option to work towards two additional certifications (outside of your study modules):

[1] Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate: Optional certification to help our students stand out and demonstrate their understanding of financial markets, central banking and the application of economic indicators, as well as hone their skills in utilising Bloomberg terminal functionalities for a fast moving market.

[2] Bloomberg ESG Certificate: Optional certification for students to demonstrate their understanding of the Environmental, Social and Governance factors, and their implications for strategy development and regulatory compliance.

Memberships

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)

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.

PRME - The Principles for Responsible Management Education

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). PRME is a United Nations-supported initiative founded in 2007 that aims to raise the profile of sustainability in their classrooms through seven principles focused on serving society and safeguarding our planet.

AACSB- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB is the world’s largest network of business schools and organisations committed to advancing business education and making a lasting, positive impact on society to create next generation of great leaders.

BGA - Business Graduates Association

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA). BGA’s student and graduate benefits have been crafted to enhance your learning experience, providing a range of tools to support professional and personal development.

SBC – Small Business Charter

Coventry Business School is a recipient of the Small Business Charter (SBC) Award. The award is a mark of excellence for business schools, recognising their expertise in supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship, and effective engagement in the local economy.

What you'll study

The below modules are studied in your first year on the course if you enter at Level 5, having already gained a Level 4 award in a related field. You will need 120 credits to pass the year.

Modules

Quantitative Analysis - 20 credits

This module aims to introduce students to relevant concepts in finance. You will learn about the workings of the equity and bond markets and acquire techniques to exploit the trade-off between risk and return to an optimal effect. This module also aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical underpinnings of modern-day finance. It will cover a broad range of topics to provide an understanding of the structure, operation and functions of the financial industry.

Compulsory

Software Applications in Finance - 20 credits

The use and scope of technology is expanding in every sector of finance. This module will develop your understanding and use of a variety of software applications used in finance and investment analysis. The module significantly develops the practical Microsoft Excel skills required for the measurement, analysis and presentation of financial data. Various data sources and databases are also explored (e.g. FAME). The module also offers training in the software in use in the Trading Floor⁴, such as Bloomberg and Reuters.

Compulsory

Business Accounting For Decision Making - 20 credits

The module aims to develop your understanding of the fundamental aspects of management accounting and accounts and will build an understanding of the tools and techniques that are commonly used for short and long term decision making in various business scenarios. Also, this module will seek to develop your basic understanding of solving different problems, choosing the best alternative by critical analysis and guiding management in implementing the organisation’s strategic choices.

Compulsory

Principles of Finance - 20 credits

This module aims to introduce you to relevant concepts in finance. You will learn about the workings of the equity and bond markets and acquire techniques to exploit the trade-off between risk and return to an optimal effect. This module also aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical underpinnings of modern-day finance. It will cover a broad range of topics to provide an understanding of the structure, operation and functions of the financial industry.

Compulsory

Governance and Ethics in Finance - 20 credits

The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of a number of key topics of corporate governance theory including research and practice (incorporating associated reporting and regulation, and issues of ethics). It will also develop your ability to evaluate the academic literature and current issues, and to integrate and synthesise topics in order to participate in current debates and to suggest potential insights for development.

Compulsory

Effective Business Communication - 20 credits

This module aims to help you build your English language awareness and skills so you can communicate successfully within an academic setting. The emphasis is on developing reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support the study of business and finance courses at the university. There will also be opportunities for you to expand your knowledge of business and finance vocabulary. On this module, activities are designed to improve your ability to communicate effectively in English in academic contexts and also foster study skills.

Compulsory

The below modules are studied in your second year on the course if you enter at Level 5. You need 120 credits to successfully pass the year.

Modules

Corporate Reporting and Analysis - 20 credits

This module builds on your existing financial accounting knowledge. The module focuses primarily on the preparation and analysis of published financial statements by public limited companies. It aims to introduce you to some of the key International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), enabling you to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and apply a number of IFRS and accounting theories in the preparation of the published financial statements of entities, including a simple group. You will also develop the skills necessary to critically analyse and interpret these financial statements and become aware of their limitations.

Compulsory

Financial Theory - 20 credits

International Financial Management - 20 credits

The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the international dimension of finance and how this impacts upon business. By the end of this module, you should appreciate the workings and operation of currency derivatives markets, the international money and capital markets and the principles of currency risk management.

Compulsory

Management Accounting for Business Decisions - 20 credits

You will seek to gain an important understanding of management accounting techniques and through practical case studies, will learn how to apply these techniques to business. An increasingly important area is the behavioural aspects of managerial accounting which will be investigated in areas such as budgeting, divisional performance and business performance management. The module will build on previous studies and will aim to develop your problem-solving and critical abilities, which is critical for the non-accounting professional in business.

Compulsory

Case Studies in Accounting and Finance - 20 credits

The module aims to develop your skills of analysis and evaluation through the use of case studies in financial accounting, management accounting, financial theory and international finance. The module adopts a problem-based approach requiring you to integrate learning from across the course from all disciplines studied to identify, analyse, apply and evaluate real-world business problems.

Compulsory

Developing Employability Skills for Business - 20 credits

This module aims to build your English language knowledge and skills to an advanced level, so you can communicate effectively and independently in academic settings. The module will involve tasks and activities designed to increase the range and effectiveness of your use of English language and the development of study and communication skills in a business and academic context. There will be a specific focus on the theme of employability as we prepare you for the workplace and your future career.

Compulsory

The below modules are studied in your first year on your course if you enter at Level 6. You need 120 credits to successfully pass the year.

Modules

Academic English for Accounting and Finance - 10 credits

This module helps international students on this course to further develop their English language knowledge and skills to a level where they can operate effectively and independently. This is achieved in a context where the language is used for the study of accounting, finance and business skills. The emphasis is on developing practical reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support the study of accounting and finance courses at the university. This module will involve activities and tasks designed to increase the range and effectiveness of your use of language and the development of study and communication skills in a professional and academic context.

Compulsory

Intercultural Communication Skills for Accounting and Finance - 10 credits

The aim of this module is to develop your range of key skills necessary for learning, research and intercultural communication during your study of a top up programme on accounting and finance. This module will enable you to actively pursue your academic development and will also lead to greater confidence in your broader lives, thereby allowing you to make the most of your overseas experience. Intercultural communication skills are recognised as valuable assets in the world of expanding global business. This module will help you develop a range of intercultural competences to work effectively with diverse teams to enhance opportunities for future careers or further study. The module relates to the your overall academic study. You are required to demonstrate skills to reflect on your progress on the course.

Compulsory

Corporate Reporting and Analysis - 20 credits

Compulsory

Financial Theory - 20 credits

International Financial Management - 20 credits

Compulsory

Management Accounting for Business Decisions - 20 credits

Compulsory

Case Studies in Accounting and Finance - 20 credits

Compulsory

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.

How you'll learn

This course can be studied full-time over two years from level 5 or one year at level 6.

Seminars and workshops are interactive teaching environments, often involving hypothetical problem questions, simulations, case studies and the analysis of more theoretical issues. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops and personal study.

Teaching contact hours

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 opportunities²

This course can be studied full-time over two years from level 5 or one year at level 6.

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:

Starting at level 5: Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. You can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week during the second year of a degree course. 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.

Starting at level 6: Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your top-up year you can expect 9-12 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 learnt 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 include:

Formal examinations
Phase tests
Essays
Group work
Presentations
Reports
Projects
Coursework
Exams
Individual Assignments
Laboratories

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

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

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.

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.

Typical entry requirements

For level 5 you will have successful completion of 1 years appropriate academic study in Higher Education. For level 6 you will have successful completion of 2 years appropriate academic study in Higher Education.

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

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

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.

Fees and funding

2024/25 Tuition fees

Student	Full-time	Part-time
International	£16,800 per year	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ 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.

*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.

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

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

We have a range of facilities⁴ available to support you in putting the theories you're taught into practice. 

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 adds a dynamic practical element to your course.

Talent Team

Employability is at the forefront of all our accounting and finance courses. Our dedicated Talent Team are also on hand to help. They can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate level jobs and offer skills development workshops, and also organise networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts.

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

sigma Centre

The sigma Centre is housed in our Lanchester Library and offers maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions and bookable appointments. It is the ideal place to help you navigate any issues you might have while studying an accounting and finance degree.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion, you should be well placed to pursue a wide variety of potential future career options in finance, management, accounting, banking, personal and corporate finance and IT in private, public and third sector organisations. You could explore potential future roles as an accountant, auditor, business analyst, investment consultant, stock controller, tax assistant or teacher.

You will be able to:

Demonstrate sound knowledge and understanding of the fundamental functions of and contexts in which accounting and finance operates in an international context.
Communicate accounting and finance concepts, models and techniques – including interpretation and forecasting of financial statement and business valuation – in a clear and precise style through written and oral work.
Analyse and draw reasoned conclusions concerning structured and unstructured problems from sets of data drawn from a range of sources, such as corporate annual reports, FAME and Bloomberg etc.
Analyse and discuss contemporary accounting and finance issues using appropriate accounting and finance principles and conventions.
Record and summarise transactions and other economic events in accounting systems for presentation and decision-making purposes.
Prepare and analyse financial statements through the use of recognised accounting conventions, statistical methods and computer-based techniques.
Analyse and produce financial solutions to complex business decisions.

Further study

Alternatively, you may decide to pursue postgraduate study opportunities by studying courses such as Accounting and Financial Management MSc or Finance MSc here at Coventry Business School, which could further enhance your employability. Please note that further study opportunities are subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements and additional costs may apply.

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

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

International students

International codes:
FBLU107

Full-time students should apply directly to the university.
Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

You can also apply through UCAS. Our university code is C85 and this course code is NN43.

Apply via UCAS

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

You can also download our International Guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation, tips for travel and guidance on how to apply.

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

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with 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

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.

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. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

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 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 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.

⁴Facilities

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.

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 2024/2025 contract is available on the website. 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.

Accounting and Finance for International Business BSc (Hons) top-up

Course overview

Rated Gold Overall

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

Why you should study this course

Accreditation and professional recognition

Chartered Insurance Institute

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Chartered Institute for Management Accountants

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Guided and independent study:

Online learning:

Assessment

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

**EU Support Bursary

Facilities

The Trading Floor

Talent Team

sigma Centre

Careers and opportunities

Further study

How to apply

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