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

Study level: 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

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

NN43

Start date

May 2023


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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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities

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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field

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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

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 module

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 recent financial crisis 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 terminals.
  • Opportunity to access support from the university’s sigma centre, which can provide maths and stats help and advice through drop-in sessions with experienced staff (subject to availability).
  • 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 section.
  • Experienced staff, who have worked as auditors for large scale professional services firms in different countries and as ACCA markers in the UK (please note that staff are subject to change).
  • Opportunity to join a variety of student led societies, including the Accounting and Finance society, the Investment Society and the Financial Trading Society.
  • Opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and visit key financial institutions, which have previously included the London Stock Exchange and Bank of England (subject to availability and additional costs may apply).

Accredited by:

Accredited Programme ACCA

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

This course is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the 2022/23 intake. Upon successful completion of the course you will be able to secure certain exemptions from ACCA papers, depending on your choice of modules. Please note that additional papers will be required to be taken to become qualified through the ACCA, which will incur additional costs, and you will also need to fulfil the practical experience requirement. Qualifying will be subject to competitive application, availability, and meeting any applicable visa requirements. If the accreditation of this course changes, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.


CPA Australia

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. If the accreditation of this course changes, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.


Exemptions

Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)

This course is recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) for the 2022/23 intake. CII recognition allows you to gain certain exemptions from some professional examinations, upon successful completion of this course (subject to application, availability, meeting applicable visa requirements and additional fees may apply). If there is any change to the recognition of this course by the CII, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

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. If there is any change to the recognition of this course by the CIMA, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.


Memberships

Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS)

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

European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)

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

This course is recognised by the above memberships for the 2022/23 intake. There is currently no intention for either of these memberships to lapse however if either of these memberships were not to be renewed we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.


What you'll study

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. Students 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 student's 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 Floor, 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 students’ use of language and the development of study and communication skills in a professional and academic context.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to ensure students have a clear understanding of the employers expectation 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, students will address and enhance the areas of weaknesses identified and also be supported and mentored towards job opportunities that would best utilise their strengths.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to develop student 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 develop a basic understanding of the students in 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 students to relevant concepts in finance. Students 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 students 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 their 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 Accounting & Finance for International Business 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 & Finance courses at the university. This module will involve activities and tasks designed to increase the range and effectiveness of students’ 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 in students a range of key skills necessary for their learning, research and intercultural communication during their study of a top up programme on Accounting and Finance. This module will enable students to actively pursue their academic development and will also lead to greater confidence in their broader lives, thereby allowing them to make the most of their overseas experience. Intercultural communication skills are recognised as valuable assets in the world of expanding global business. This module will help students 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 students’ overall academic study. Students are required to demonstrate skills to reflect on their progress on the course.

    Compulsory

  • This module builds on the existing financial accounting knowledge of students. The module focuses primarily on the preparation and analysis of published financial statements by public limited companies. It aims to introduce students to some of the key International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS’s). Enabling them to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and apply a number of IFRS’s and accounting theory in the preparation of the published financial statements of entities, including a simple group. Students 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 student’s understanding in the key concepts in finance. Students 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 students with an understanding of the international dimension of finance and how this impacts upon business. By the end of this module, students should appreciate the workings and operation of currency derivatives markets, the international money and capital markets and the principles of currency risk management.

    Compulsory

  • Students will 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 develop students' problem-solving and critical abilities, which is critical for the non-accounting professional in business.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to develop students’ 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 students 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 and January.

Seminars and workshops are smaller group teaching environments, they are interactive and may involve hypothetical problem questions, simulations, case studies and the analysis of more theoretical issues. Teaching methods include: lectures, seminars, workshops and personal study.


Assessment

Coventry University aims to ensure that its courses are fairly assessed and endeavours to monitor student progression towards achieving the learning outcomes.

Assessments may include:

  • Exams
  • Individual assignments
  • Practical assessments
  • Group work elements.

Job ready

On successful completion, 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.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022/23 entry.

This course is designed for international students, and features modules dedicated to the study of English within a business context. If you are a UK student and would like to study the course, please contact us at info.fbl@coventry.ac.uk for more information.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


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

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an International Foundation Year. Upon successful completion our International 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 no component lower than 5.5.

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.

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

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Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

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

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

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

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

  • 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

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.

Further study

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

  • Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS. Part-time students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.


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

  • International codes:
    FBLU029

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

    How to apply

    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.

  • Student Contract

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

    Tuition fees

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

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

    Accreditations

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

    Facilities

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

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

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

    Additional costs

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