Financial Management and Accounting BA (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses

Two students looking at a small screen between them

The Financial Management and Accounting BA (Hons) course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in accounting and finance.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26 2026-27

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

391N

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Event

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Foundation year

The strength of the course lies in preparing students, who are unable to follow the more traditional route onto a degree course in Financial Management and Accounting.

The foundation year aims to provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skill set in a range of mathematical and business principles, as well as the theories and concepts involved in investment risk and professional ethics.

If you successfully complete this foundation year, you will then have the chance to progress onto the Financial Management and Accounting BA (Hons), subject to meeting progression requirements.

Degree

The Financial Management and Accounting BA (Hons) degree part of the course aims to enable you to make a valid contribution to managerial and accounting functions of any organisation such as sole traders, partnerships, private and public companies, and charitable organisations.

Why you should study this course

You should study this degree course if you want to:

further enhance your knowledge of mathematical and business principles, as well as the theories and concepts involved in investment risk and professional ethics
develop and embed your sense commercial awareness
demonstrate an understanding of the work of a finance organisation.

The Institute of Financial Accountants have assessed this degree as meeting the requirements of Intermediate Financial Accountant (IFA AIPA) membership. It can provide graduates with exemptions into the IFA Direct: online education programme¹. Please note this is subject to availability, meeting any eligibility criteria and additional costs.

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

This course may gain module exemptions by The Institute of Chartered Accountants¹. Details about module exemptions:

ICAEW Exam	Awarded based on passes in	Minimum Pass Mark required for all modules
Accounting	506AF Financial Reporting	50%
Assurance	605AF Compliance and Assurance	50%
Business, Technology and Finance		Upper second or first class degree award
Law	407AF Law for Business Entities	50%
Management Information	408AF Financial Statements & Budgeting 507AF Managing Corporate Finance	50%
Principles of Taxation	606AF Taxation for Business Entities	50%
Business Strategy and Technology	607AF Strategic Performance Management	50%

Partnerships, collaborations, memberships, exemptions or additional certificates

What you'll study

The first year of this course aims to help you apply skills to identify and record financial transactions in accounts and ledgers following the principles of double entry bookkeeping, drafting and interpreting the financial statements of sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. You will also acquire knowledge of information to be presented to users of the financial statements and how to apply the rules and principles established by international accounting standards (IAS and IFRS) to these financial statements.

At the end of Year 1, you should be able to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems and communicate the results of your study or work accurately and reliably. Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Financial Management and Accounting.

Modules

Financial Marketing and Regulation - 30 credits

The specific aims of this module are to enable you to examine the institutional features of financial systems, as well as identify key issues and problems arising in Finance, both in a UK and international context.

You will study the history and context of financial services in the UK, in addition to the regulatory changes that have come about as a result of recent events in the sector.

Compulsory

Economics for Accounting and Finance - 30 credits

You will learn how to apply the fundamental principles to economic problems and propose alternatives for resource allocation in order to meet the objectives of an organisation. You should be able to understand the principle of supply and demand in the economy, and assess the implication of production and associated costs and revenue under short and long-run production capabilities.

Compulsory

Law for Business Entities - 30 credits

An entirely theoretical module - you will learn how to implement due diligence in both the macro and microenvironment. You will gain an understanding of how to operate within the legal remit, affecting precision and reliability to a high standard as an accountant. As businesses constantly enter contracts, you will also learn the basics of contract law and assess how the law impacts you as an accountant.

Compulsory

Financial Statements and Budgeting - 30 credits

This module aims to help you develop competence in drafting and interpreting the financial statements of limited companies and budgeting which is an essential tool in planning, coordinating, authorising and cost control. You can expect to attain competence in drafting financial statements of business entities and acquire an understanding of the fundamental managerial accounting concepts and techniques.

Compulsory

Year 2 of this course is concerned with providing the knowledge and skills of corporate finance, which forms the basis of investment analysis and decisions and enables you to undertake a variety of risk assessments relating to financial matters. You should expect to understand the models of financial risk management and their application within a range of professional settings.

At the end of Year 2, you should be able to critically analyse, propose solutions from analysis and communicate information to specialists and non-specialists. Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Financial Management and Accounting.

Modules

Managing Corporate Finance - 30 credits

You will be able to examine the key elements and range of investment theories, apply a range of techniques for determining working capital management, analyse the Capital Asset Pricing Model in relation to the Arbitrage Pricing Model and evaluate behavioural finance and how it affects investor behaviour.

Compulsory

Financial Reporting (International Standards) - 30 credits

Upon successful completion of the accounting module, you should be proficient in the use of double-entry accounting techniques and the maintenance of accounting records. You will be able to specify the components of financial statements and prepare and present non-complex accounts for a range of different business structures including sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.

Compulsory

Corporate Governance and Risk - 30 credits

The module will widen your knowledge of corporate governance and explore the role of financial regulation and legal mechanisms in averting financial crises. The module will focus on UK and European corporate governance, financial regulation and practices, including international developments in the financial industry.

Compulsory

Introduction to Islamic Finance and Investment - 30 credits

This module provides an understanding of equity-based and fee-based contracts. You will also learn how to describe Intermediation contracts in Islamic Finance, and be introduced to the framework for the Islamic Financial System and investment, the Islamic Banking System and its financial products.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement²can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur before your final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK Work Placement - 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International/Work Placement - 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

In the final year, you will learn to evaluate the concept of compliance and assurance, why compliance is required and the reasons for assurance engagements being carried out by appropriately qualified professionals.

At the end of the final year you should be able to critically discuss tax and ethical issues relating to it, evaluate an organisation’s strategic operations and evaluate incomplete data to make judgements.

Modules

Compliance and Assurance - 30 credits

This module will prepare you with the necessary knowledge and skills so that you are able to contribute to the assessment of internal controls and gathering of evidence on an assurance engagement. You should also develop a critical understanding of the importance of ethical behaviour for a professional accountant and be able to assess issues relating to integrity, objectivity, conflicts of interest, conflicts of loyalty, confidentiality and independence.

Compulsory

Taxation for Business Entities - 30 credits

This module assumes some basic knowledge of taxation and will enable you to develop knowledge in this area to include the processes for calculating income tax, national insurance contributions, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, taxation of trust, stamp taxes, corporation tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) in a variety of scenarios.

Compulsory

Strategic Performance Management - 30 credits

You will be introduced to the application of models used for strategic planning, controlling and monitoring of organisational performance, assessing the impact of risk and uncertainty on business entity performance, incorporating technology into performance management information systems and advising business entities on how to recognise susceptibility to corporate failure.

Compulsory

Research Proposal in Accounting and Finance - 30 credits

This module will provide you with the opportunity to explore a topic in accounting or finance that is current and relevant to the sector. You should be able to demonstrate the ability to use research and enquiry skills and to know how to conduct the research project from designing it through to writing up the research proposal.

Compulsory

Your foundation year is a common first year for this course which could mean you will work alongside students doing similar courses to you. This can widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You may also have the opportunity² to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

This course shares a common foundation year with Professional Accounting with foundation year BA (Hons).

Modules

Academic Skills for Accounting and Finance - 30 credits

In this module, you will start the year by setting academic goals. This helps track your development throughout the course. You will be introduced to a range of skills that will aid you throughout the course and further study, such as critical thinking, planning and resource management, and interpersonal skills.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to gain skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), team working, communication, planning and more. We will also discuss plagiarism, referencing and professional standard skills throughout the module so that you receive thorough academic training.

Compulsory

Accounting and Spreadsheets - 30 credits

In this module, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of accounting and finance. You will explore and analyse different streams of accounting, such as partnership accounts, control accounts, sole trader accounts and accounting systems. We introduce professional software to you from the outset, so that by the end of the year, you should be proficient in industry-standard courses.

To solidify your understanding, we test your knowledge through case studies centred around spreadsheet software.

Compulsory

Investment and Risk - 30 credits

Investment and risk are specialist sectors within financial services, yet the discipline is required in every business.

In this informative module, you will understand the impact that macro and micro environments have on investment and returns, as well as the nuances of ethically and socially responsible investments. Exploring modern and exciting case studies, you will learn about asset class, packaged investment products and asset allocation.

Throughout this module, we will introduce you to the notion of working autonomously, taking control of your work and gaining the confidence to make informed decisions.

Compulsory

Cost, Revenue and Professional Ethics - 30 credits

This module focuses on the application of the fundamental concepts for accountants, including, ethics, costs and revenues. In preparation for progression onto our degree course, this module teaches you the ethical side of accounting, such as resolutions to ethical dilemmas and legal considerations when dealing with clients. In addition, you will look closely at costing methods and behaviours within the accounting profession. At this stage, you are able to analyse data and information and you will be required to complete a test to confirm your competency of this subject.

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

The foundation year is focused on applied learning through a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning. There are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which are more reflective of a working environment.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Teaching contact hours

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:

Teaching hours vary depending on year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 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 learned 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

The foundation year will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module and may include:

coursework
phase tests
presentations
reports.

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.

Our teaching methods for the degree courses are varied depending on which course/modules you take, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our current online learning platform, Aula.

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Guided and 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. The assessment methods may include:

phase tests
essays
group work
reports
projects
individual assignments.

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 entry requirements:

40 UCAS tariff points. All Foundation courses require GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

English language requirements

IELTS: Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part 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.

Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£5,760	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535 per year	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	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 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 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 above table 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 inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. 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 inflation.

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.

Applies to degree only:

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).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*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.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

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

The modern CU Coventry Mile Lane campus has been designed to promote collaboration, creativity, and innovation⁴.

indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a ground floor café
a ground floor library that includes loan laptops and a silent study area
open-access IT suites
student support and careers advice teams.

CU Coventry students also have access to facilities located on the Coventry University campus. These include the Lanchester Library and The Hub⁴.

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.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of the Financial Management and Accounting BA (Hons), you will be able to:

evaluate the legal, ethical and social context, in which accounting can be seen as operating in the accountancy profession - business entity, the capital markets and the public sector
apply the main current technical language and practices of accounting in regard to recognition, measurement and disclosure of financial statements, managerial accounting, auditing and taxation on a national and international basis
critically evaluate the main current technical language and practices of accounting in regard to alternative recognition rules and valuation bases, accounting rules applicable nationally and internationally, different managerial accounting methods used in management control and decision-making
apply the relevant skills in recording and summarising transactions and other economic events, preparation of financial statements using international standards, performance measurement of managers and business entities, management control, analysis of financial ratios or performance indicators, discounted cash flow analysis, budgeting and forecasting, and financial options and associated risks. These skills must be in the contexts in which accounting data and information is processed and provided within a variety of organisational environments
critically evaluate contemporary theories and empirical evidence, concerning the operation and effects of accounting, in the contexts of accounting and accountability, accounting and corporate governance, accounting and capital markets, accounting and sustainability, and auditing
appreciate the nature of the contexts in which finance can be seen as operating, including knowledge of the institutional framework necessary for understanding the role, operation and function of markets and financial institutions
develop an understanding of the financing arrangements and governance mechanisms and structures of business entities, and a better appreciation of how theory and evidence can be combined to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of such arrangements (e.g. decisions as to sources of finance and financial structure of the pricing of corporate securities, the market for corporate control, corporate governance, financial planning and the international dimensions of finance).

Where our graduates work

Upon graduation, this course could open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in roles, such as chartered and certified accountant, finance and investment analyst, taxation expert financial manager and advisor. Some roles may require additional training and incur additional costs.

How to apply

BA (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. If a part-time option is available, part-time students should apply directly to CU Coventry. 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) 02477 652222

cuc@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CUCU067I

International students should apply to CU Coventry directly. 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 pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

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

(+44) 02477 652222

internationalenquiries.io@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

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 for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. 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.