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

Study level: Undergraduate
Top-up courses
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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

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

NN43

Start date

September 2023
January 2024
May 2024

How to apply
Book an Open Day
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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.

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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings
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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

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 Europe, featuring 42 dual screen Bloomberg terminals4.
  • 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) and Chartered Practising Accountant Australia (CPA). 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:

ACCA Accredited Programme logo

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.

CPA Australia logo

Chartered Practising Accountants of Australia (CPA)

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 requirement to become certified, which may incur additional fees. 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 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).

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 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.

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.

This course is recognised by the above memberships for the 2022/23 intake.

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.

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • This module helps international students to develop their English language knowledge and skills to a level where they can operate effectively. This is achieved in a context where the language is used for the study of Finance. The emphasis is on developing practical reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support the study of 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

  • This module aims to ensure you have a clear understanding of employers’ expectations and how to best prepare to face the job market at this level. The module begins with an opportunity for self-evaluation where students complete a skills audit in order to identify strengths and weaknesses relative to the job applications. Once this reflective exercise is completed, you will address and enhance the areas of weaknesses identified and also be supported and mentored towards job opportunities that would best utilise your strengths.

    Compulsory

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

The below modules are studied in your second year on the course if you enter at Level 5, or the first year on your course if you enter at Level 6. You need 120 credits to successfully pass the year.

Modules

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • This module aims to further develop your understanding of the key concepts in finance. You will learn about the function of capital markets, the relationship between risk and return and how to price a variety of financial assets.

    Compulsory

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

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 is studied full-time over one or two years, depending on the level of entry. You can start in September or January.

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

If you would like more information, you can request information about teaching hours.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week, you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learned in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

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 2023/24 entry.

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 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

  • 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.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 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.

  • 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 government's 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 which allows you to get hands-on with industry-standard software. Housing 42 dual-screen Bloomberg terminals, the 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

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

  • International codes:
    FBLU029

    Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 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 for 2023. 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

     Chat with our admissions team.

     Complete our contact form.

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, 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 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 COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the 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 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

    Due 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.

    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 2023/24 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.

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