Accounting and Finance Courses

Become an expert in financial accounting, management accounting, and financial management with an Accounting and Finance degree

An accounting and finance degree in the UK will help you craft unique perspectives and knowledge on economics, mathematics, political science, psychology and sociology. Students will learn how to prepare and interpret financial information, as well as gain a theoretical and practical understanding of the core financial practice.

Modules at each university will broadly be the same and cover topics such as bookkeeping, statistics and credit and financial analytics. Year 1 will introduce you to key financial and economic practices, laying the foundations for all future studies. Year 2 will continue to develop your understanding of corporate finance while also introducing optional modules you may wish to focus on. Year 3 will see you focus on a year long project, often in the form of a dissertation.

Most accounting and finance degrees in the UK last for three years, whilst masters in accounting courses last 1-2 years, depending on if they are taken full or part-time. International students can expect to pay between £15,000 to £29,000 per academic year when studying for an accounting and finance degree in the UK. Elements that affect international tuition fees include location, ranking and global reputation.

Types of Accounting Courses

Bachelor of Accounting

Undergraduate courses in accounting at UK universities generally last for four years (including placement option) and will provide a solid foundation for either further study or progression into your desired accounting or auditing profession.

Students will develop accounting knowledge and skills and undertake special ACCA-accredited (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) modules, meaning they will be exempt from a select number of ACCA professional exams if they choose to work towards their full accountancy qualification.

Master’s in Accounting

A postgraduate qualification in accountancy will help boost your career prospects with specialist and advanced modules in financial reporting, corporate governance and data analysis. Many accounting courses at master’s level also feature accelerated progression to CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), meaning you will be exempt from up to 11 CIMA certificate exams.

Types of Finance Course

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance

A bachelor’s degree in finance will help you learn how to examine international financial markets, manage money and assets and conduct risk management. Undergraduate finance degrees have been designed to offer learning in traditional and emerging financial fields, and students will have access to state-of-the-art Trading Room and Bloomberg terminals to develop analytical skills and experience.

Master’s in Finance

A postgraduate finance degree in the UK will provide the flexibility to tailor your studies in areas that interest you, such as real estate finance, corporate finance and statistical machine learning. Once your study has been completed, there is a constant demand for skilled master’s in finance graduates at investment banks, hedge funds and financial institutions.

Graduate Accounting and Finance Careers and Salary

Career options for accounting and finance graduates continue to span a wide spectrum, including:

• Accountancy and Chartered Accountancy – roles in audit, tax, and advisory across practice and industry.
• Banking and Financial Services – opportunities in retail, corporate, and investment banking.
• Insurance Brokering and Risk Management – advising clients on coverage and compliance.
• Financial Advisory and Wealth Management – supporting individuals and businesses with investment and planning.
• Financial Trading and Investment Analysis – roles in capital markets, portfolio management, and equity research.
• Tax Advisory – providing specialist guidance on corporate and personal taxation.

Because of the broad nature of the profession, graduates find employment across multiple sectors, from multinational corporations and financial institutions to boutique advisory firms and start-ups.

• Graduate starting salaries: £28,000–£40,000
• Technician-level roles (AAT-qualified): from £22,000
• Specialist positions:
  • Auditors: £41,000–£53,000
  • Financial Controllers: £65,000–£90,000
  • Chartered Accountants: up to £90,000
  • CFOs: £115,000–£128,000
  • Finance Traders: often exceeding £230,000

Graduate Employability Rate for Accounting and Finance

According to the Guardian University Guide Accounting and Finance subject rankings, the following five universities have the highest percentage of graduates who find graduate-level jobs or are in further study at a professional or higher education level within 15 months of graduation.

1. London School of Economics and Political Science (97%)
2. University of Edinburgh (94%)
3. University of Warwick (93%)
4. University of Leeds (93%)
5. Queen’s University Belfast (93%)

Accounting and Finance UK Entry Requirements

Please note that entry requirements for accounting and finance courses vary at each UK university, but generally, students will need the following:

• Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: Minimum 35 points.
• Typical A-level requirements: AAB and studying at least one of accountancy, business or mathematics.
• Typical IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall, with no lower than 6.0 in any one component.

Where can I study Accounting and Finance in the UK?

To learn more about the best accounting and finance courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Accounting and Finance universities in the Guardian University Guide 2026 below:

1. London School of Economics
2. University of Warwick
3. Durham University
4. University of Bath
5. University of Sheffield
6. University of Aberdeen
7. Loughborough University
8. Edge Hill University
9. University of Liverpool
10. Liverpool John Moores University

Study Accounting and Finance in the UK

If you want to study Accounting and Finance in the UK, arrange your free consultation today. Don’t forget the Premium Service will guarantee you at least one offer from a UK university.

FAQs

What qualifications do you need to be an accountant in the UK?

To become an accountant in the UK, you will need to secure professional qualifications from recognised accounting bodies such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Which accounting course is best in the UK?

The London School of Economics BSc Accounting and Finance is the best accountancy course in the UK.

How much does an accounting course cost in the UK?

Tuition fees vary depending on the location, ranking and global reputation of a university. International students can expect to pay between £15,000-£29,000 per year for an accounting degree.

How do I start a career in accounting and finance in the UK?

You will first need a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field and then find suitable work experience within the accounting and finance sector. From this point, you need to begin earning qualifications such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA. Once you’ve gained a degree, work experience, and professional qualifications, you can start applying for entry-level positions in accounting and finance.

What courses are similar to accounting courses?

Students interested in studying an accounting degree may also be interested in studying economics. Many UK universities offer joint-honours programmes in courses such as this.

Where can I study accounting and finance in the UK?

Almost every university in the UK offers some form of accounting and finance degree. Use our course search to find your desired university.