BSc Accounting and Finance (2-year degree)

Recent corporate scandals across the world have drawn attention to the importance of accountancy and finance. Degree programmes designed to meet the demands of the 21st Century, but which still teach the underlying skills, make it an exciting time to be studying accounting and finance at Buckingham.

The flagship Accounting and Finance programme (previously known as Accounting and Financial Management) provides an academically rigorous study of the principal accounting and finance disciplines. It also has a strong vocational orientation, providing significant exemptions from the examinations of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). The combination of a fast-track 2-year programme and the number of exemptions attained makes Buckingham Business School a very attractive option to the Accounting and Finance student.

Exemptions

Studying Accounting and Finance provides exemptions for further study with many professional institutions.  Click on “After your Degree” for more information.

Full details in the Curriculum Handbook

Typical offers

The typical A-Level offer is: BBC-CCC, IB: 29-31 or equivalent UCAS tariff points.

Applications to Buckingham are individually considered by the Admissions Tutor and other factors may be taken in to account. Applicants with BTEC qualifications are welcome to apply, including if you have a mix of BTEC and A levels.

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in a slightly lower A-level grade offer.

Foundation options are also available. Please contact the Admissions Office (admissions@buckingham.ac.uk or +44 (0)1280 820227) for more information.

Applicants must also have GCSE English and Maths at Grade C / Grade 4, or above (or equivalent). IELTS requirements are as follows: Average of 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component).

Flexible entry

All of our undergraduate programmes operate a flexible entry process, and the Admissions Tutor is happy to consider entrants from all backgrounds with slightly lower qualifications if they are able to demonstrate an alternative eligibility for the course. This may be in the form of relevant work experience, keen aptitude and a passion for the subject, or unlocked potential that you feel can be discovered through your studies at Buckingham. If you are uncertain whether you will be eligible to apply for this course, please contact the Admissions Team.

UCAS applications

You may apply either through the national UCAS university admissions system or at any time directly to the University using our own online application form.

Mature students

Because of our two-year degree, we find that the age range of our student body varies between those who have recently completed A-levels (or equivalent) to more mature students. Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.

International students

We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

The University is a UKVI Tier 4 Sponsor.

English levels

If English is not your first language, please check our undergraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.

Selection process

Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be contacted by Skype, email or phone.

Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or email: admissions@buckingham.ac.uk.

Terms and conditions for prospective students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the admissions terms and conditions > >

Quality teaching

We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.

Teaching methods

Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of Buckingham’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.

Assessment methods

The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.

Preparation for work

All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.

Graduate employment

Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.

Career options

While the Accounting and Finance degree programme provides a platform for a career in accounting and finance, it also serves as a basis for a career in general management, banking, financial services and consultancy (for which a solid grounding in accounting and finance is increasingly recognised as desirable). Graduates wishing to become professional accountants can ‘fast-track’ the completion of the relevant professional qualification. Those wishing to use accounting and finance training for wider management may wish to pursue our Master’s Programme in Accounting and Finance, thus gaining an honours degree and master’s degree in just three years.

Exemptions

Students who have successfully completed the BSc (Hons) Accounting and Financial Programme are eligible to apply for exemptions from many accounting professional bodies.

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

F1 Accountant in Business
F2 Management Accounting
F3 Financial Accounting
F4 Corporate and Business Law

In addition, the papers listed below will be exempted on the basis of the corresponding accredited modules.

F6 Taxation on the basis of Taxation A & B
F7 Financial Reporting on the basis of Financial Reporting

Read more about ACCA

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

Full exemption from Certificate in Business Accounting:

C01 Fundamentals of Management Accounting
Required module: Introduction to Management Accounting
C02 Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
Required module: Introduction to Financial Accounting
C03 Fundamentals of Business Mathematics
Required modules: Quantitative Methods 1 AND Quantitative Methods 2
C04 Fundamentals of Business Economics
Required module: The Economic Environment of Business
C05 Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law
Required modules: Introduction to Business AND Introduction to Management AND Corporate and Business Law AND Introduction to Marketing

CIMA Professional qualification, Operational level:

P1 Management Accounting
Required modules: Introduction to Management Accounting AND Management Accounting
F1 Financial Operations and Taxation
Required modules (only available to Single Honours Accounting and Financial Management students): Financial Accounting AND Financial Reporting AND Financial Management AND Taxation A AND Taxation B

CPA Australia

1. IT and Business Processes on the basis of   BIS 1 and BIS2
2. Economics and Markets on the basis of  The Economic Environment of Business, Quantitative Methods 1 AND  Quantitative Methods 2
3. Foundations of Accounting on the basis of  Introduction to Financial Accounting AND Financial Accounting
4. Fundamentals of Business Law on the basis of  Corporate and Business Law
5. Business Finance on the basis of  Financial Management
6. Financial Accounting and Reporting on the basis of  Introduction to Financial Accounting, Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting, Taxation A AND Taxation B
7. Management Accounting on the basis of  Introduction to Management Accounting AND Management Accounting
8. Accounting Concepts and Principles on the basis of  Financial Reporting and Auditing

ICAEW

Please contact the Business School directly to discuss ICAEW exemptions.

Management accounting

Have you thought about a career in management accounting? Management accounting is a great career path for anyone interested in business and finance, and can lead you on to a salary in the region of £100-150,000 in senior roles. And thanks to the CIMA and CGMA qualifications, you can work anywhere in the world, making this a great career for any driven and determined graduate who wants to explore and travel the world as well as earn a great income! If you’re looking to travel, develop strong leadership skills, and fast-track your way to a senior finance related role, then read on!

What our students and alumni say

“After first studying Taxation at Buckingham I became interested in the area, I find it quite challenging and never boring. There is always something new to be learnt with the ever changing tax legislation. Since joining TPC, I have gained hands-on experience with many different tax issues, and I have also worked with many clients and tax professionals in the process. A wide variety of opportunities have been made available to me such as the tax training. I have successfully completed my Association of Taxation Technician (ATT) exams within a year, and I am currently studying for the Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) exams, which are all funded by the firm. Success in these exams not only enables me to gain professional qualifications, but they also equip me with the necessary skills to become a competent tax adviser. Buckingham enabled me to gain knowledge and now I am applying it outside of the classroom.”

Ola Igun
Accounting and Financial Management, 2009

“Doing an Accounting and Financial Management degree at Buckingham offered me the ability to understand the rules and principals in creating and presenting of financial information for a UK and Global perspective. Through the professional abilities of the lecturers and the personal tutorials available, I was capable of leaving the university with a good understanding of the subject. Unlike public university, Buckingham is provided with a student support division which can be used to help resolve any problems or difficulties which may be encountered, whilst also assist students who may have any disabilities whilst providing assistance for studying. The degree enabled me to operate in a wide range of fields in any business environment, and allow me to enhance my skills for the job market.”

James Jordan
Accounting and Financial Management, 2008

You may also find it useful to visit the following fee related information on our site:

• Estimated Living Costs
• Grants and Loans

Discounts

Students who graduate from the University and plan to continue their studies with a postgraduate degree at Buckingham can benefit from a very generous automatic discount on their fees:

• 33%, those with a first class honours degree from Buckingham
• 25%, those with a Second Class Honours, Upper Division (2:1) degree from Buckingham

Scholarships

Details of our scholarships can be found on our Bursaries and Scholarships page.

On-campus accommodation

We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.

Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.

What’s included?

All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.

Find out more

If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.

We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, and campus tours include a typical student room. Arrange a tour via your Admissions Officer.

We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form or through UCAS.

If you’re interested in transferring to Buckingham from another university then please get in touch to talk through your options.

Help and support

If you need any help making your application or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by email, or by phone on +44 (0)1280 820227. We are available between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday.

You may find it useful to download these great tips from Which University? on writing your personal statement.

Current applicants

If you would like to make any changes to your current application, please email (and make sure you have your application number ready!).