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Accounting and Finance

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Ready to apply? You can apply for this course online now using the UCAS website. The deadline for UK students to apply for this course is 29 January 2025.

The deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.

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  • University name: University of Liverpool
  • Course: Accounting and Finance N400
  • Location: Main site
  • Start date: 22 September 2025

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Bachelor of Arts

A Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate programme in the arts.

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Course overview

You can expect to gain a foundation for deeper study of accounting issues in addition to having an understanding of fundamental accounting and finance concepts and principles by undertaking our Accounting and Finance programme.

It is an exciting time to join us, our Accounting and Finance programmes are ranked: 10th from 98 providers, Times Good University Guide (a rise of 4 places from last year). We are 11th in Guardian League tables 2025 (up a place from last year), and outperformed the sector benchmarks for all 7 question themes for NSS 2024.

*based on subject area.

Introduction

Taught by professionally qualified accountants who have a range of experience and industry links, you can expect our Accounting and Finance BA programme to provide you with the latest knowledge from those that have applied it in the business world. By selecting this highly accredited course, you will gain an advantage in a range of careers including: accountancy, investment banking, asset management and insurance.

After you’ve covered the core elements of the programme, we give you the flexibility to gain exposure to specialist areas such as auditing, taxation and strategy to a level equivalent to the ICAEW professional stage.

What you'll learn

  • Financial accounting
  • Economic principles for accounting and finance
  • Business law
  • Accounting theory and its relevance to accounting practice
  • Financial management and reporting
  • UK tax compliance
  • Corporate reporting and analysis
  • Developing and implementing business strategy
  • Managing an assurance engagement and audit engagements

Accreditation

The University of Liverpool Management School holds accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. This makes it one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard triple accreditation.

With close industry links, excellent teaching, and quality content this course is accredited by professional accountancy bodies including the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants (CIPFA), and Institute of Charted Accountants of Scotland (ICAS).

Accreditations in detail

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.

Accreditations

The University of Liverpool Management School holds accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. This makes it one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard triple accreditation.

With close industry links, excellent teaching, and quality content this course is accredited by professional accountancy bodies including the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants (CIPFA), and Institute of Charted Accountants of Scotland (ICAS).

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

Your first year of study will provide you with a foundation for deeper study of accounting issues in the following stages of the programme in addition to being able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental accounting and finance concepts and principles whilst being able to analyse introductory quantitative and qualitative techniques. You will also begin to develop key employability skills required for roles where personal responsibility is necessary.

This programme has been designed to ensure that our graduates can apply for the maximum number of exemptions from professional accounting qualifications upon completing their degree studies. This means that many of our modules, including all those that you take in year one, are compulsory.

Compulsory modules

Data Analysis for Accountants (ACFI120)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

The analysis of data is a fundamental activity in all aspects of accountancy. The modern data driven world has seen the importance of data in organisations increase exponentially. It is therefore essential for accountants to understand both the key concepts behind the origin and use of data as well as be able to practically analyse data to produce meaningful and value adding information.

This module will introduce and demonstrate the importance of data in modern businesses, discussing the key role accountants play in both the analysis of data and the dissemination of information across an organisation.

The types and use of data will be linked back to other fundamental modules on this course to both demonstrate and develop your skills in some of the core practical uses of data in both financial accounting and management accounting.

ECONOMICS PRINCIPLES FOR ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE (ACFI127)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The aim of this module is to introduce the core principles of economics (both micro and macro), to develop economic perspectives relevant to accounting and finance students and demonstrate how modern economics can influence the problems that management of businesses (both national and international) face on a day-to-day basis.

INTRODUCTION TO FINANCE (ACFI103)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module introduces students to fundamental concepts in finance. The course aims to provide a firm foundation for the students to build on later on in the second and third years of their programmes, by covering basic logical and rational analytical tools that underpin financial decisions. The course covers topics such as the structure of firms and time value of money. Building on these notions, we then discuss the valuation of simple securities such as bonds and equities. The course also introduces students to project appraisal techniques.

INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING (ACFI101)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

ACFI101 aims to develop a sound understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques of financial accounting. The context and purpose of financial statements is introduced, after which students are introduced to the techniques of recording financial transactions, adjusting financial records and preparing basic financial statements. Successful students will possess a sound base of knowledge for progression towards studying financial reporting in greater depth in the second and final years: the preparation of complex financial statements in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), both for single entities and groups of companies, and for entities undertaking a wide range of accounting transactions. This module is delivered by means of lectures and tutorials, supported by online self-study question material.

INTRODUCTION TO MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING (ACFI102)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the nature and purpose of management accounting and to establish a solid foundation in its fundamental techniques. The module will explore and apply a range of basic techniques to produce information that aids management decision making. The techniques covered include cost volume profit analysis, budgeting and investment appraisal. Throughout the module the techniques studied will be applied to contemporary issues in the commercial world.

SKILLS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT (ACFI115)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The module provides students with an understanding of the key skills required of the professional accountant in the current business environment, and the opportunity to acquire, develop and apply those skills.

INTRODUCTION TO THE GRADUATE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (ULMS170)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module introduces students to the graduate recruitment process by providing them with the skills required to secure a work placement or summer internship. It also provides the opportunity to acquire, develop and apply these skills.   

Optional modules

QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE (ACFI111)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The module aims to provide an introduction to quantitative methods that will assist students in establishing basic quantitative and statistical skills for the study of accounting and finance.

Business Mathematics and Statistics (ACFI112)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module will enable students to appreciate the role of statistical and mathematical methods in a business environment. It will also introduce students to different data types and approaches required for analysis. Upon successful completion of the module students will be able to confidently apply mathematical skills throughout their degree.

Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global Opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.

What's available on this course?

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

  • Learn Chinese
  • Study in a bustling world heritage city
  • Improve employment prospects
  • Study Chinese culture
  • 30 minutes from Shanghai
  • Learn new skills

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

Year in industry

Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.

  • Develop key employability skills that graduate employers are looking for
  • Experience and understand workplace culture and disciple
  • Understand the relationship between academic theory and real world application
  • Begin your professional network
  • Gain industry insight and insight into potential career options.

If you'd like to undertake a year in industry, you can transfer to Accounting and Finance with a Year in Industry BA (Hons) during your studies, subject to meeting the academic requirements of your course.

View Accounting and Finance with a Year in Industry BA (Hons)

To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/ minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

Study as part of XJTLU 2+2

Students studying Accounting BA at XJTLU can study this course at the University of Liverpool. Read more about Accounting and Finance BA (Hons) as part of the 2+2 programme.

The natural next step for ambitious XJTLU students who want to build a brilliant career.

  • Spend two years at the University of Liverpool campus
  • Improve your prospects of progressing to postgraduate study at a top 100 university
  • Receive two degrees: one from XJTLU, one from the University of Liverpool
  • Get support with visas, accommodation and your career.

Read more about the 2+2 programme.

Your experience

Day-to-day teaching will take place in the University of Liverpool Management School; a world leading centre for management and leadership education and research and is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation. At the Management School, students have access to careers education, opportunities to work as well as excellent library and IT facilities, just one minute’s walk away.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

What students say...

My student experience has always been about self-discovery. I am a completely different person now than I was when I first started. I’ve enjoyed meeting new people from diverse backgrounds, embracing fresh perspectives and challenging myself to grow both personally and academically.

, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance with a Year in Industry

Careers and employability

This degree will provide you with the skills applicable to many financial professions and a range of different sectors. Graduates from the University of Liverpool Management School often go on to undertake postgraduate programmes within our school.

Typical roles our graduates have gone on to include:

  • trainee accountants
  • marketing analyst
  • financial and business development consultant
  • accounting technicians
  • chartered accountants
  • internal/external auditors

You will be encouraged to undertake a Year in Industry as part of the four-year sandwich degree programme.

You can also explore taught postgraduate opportunities in our management school including:

  • MSc Economics;
  • MSc Accounting and Finance;
  • MSc Project Management.

4 in 5  agree their main activity after graduation fits in with their future plans.

Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19

Fees and funding

Your tuition fee covers almost everything, but you may have additional study costs to consider, such as books, specialist equipment or field trips.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,535
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £25,000
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £12,500
The UK full-time tuition fee, international course fee and fee for the year abroad for international students shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. We are currently awaiting confirmation of whether the year abroad fee for UK students, as well as the year in industry fee will change, so the fees shown are for 2024/25. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about fees and funding.

Additional costs

All students have the opportunity to spend a semester studying overseas during their second year, subject to your year one performance. If you elect to study abroad you will need to cover associated travel and living costs. University travel bursaries and subsistence grants are available.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

All students have the opportunity to spend a semester studying overseas during their second year, subject to your year one performance. If you elect to study abroad you will need to cover associated travel and living costs. University travel bursaries and subsistence grants are available.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here


Kaplan Digital Pathways Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Kaplan Digital Pathways Foundation Certificate? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study for a maximum of two high achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from an online Kaplan Foundation Certificate.

Rigby Enterprise Award

  • Home students

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

The Liverpool Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Asylum Seekers Scholarship

  • Home students

Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

  • Home students

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

  • Home students

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Estranged Students Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship

  • Home students

Joining a School of Biosciences degree in a non-clinical subject and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Undergraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • Hong Kong

If you’re an undergraduate student from Hong Kong who can demonstrate academic excellence, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship worth £10,000 in partnership with the Tung Foundation.

Nolan Scholarships

  • Home students

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

  • Home students

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

  • Home and international students

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

  • Home students

Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.

Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re a high-achieving international student starting an undergraduate degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a fee discount of up to £5,000. You’ll need to achieve grades equivalent to AAA in A levels and be joining a non-clinical degree.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Foundation Certificate at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College First Class Scholarship

  • International students

We’re offering a £1,000 fee discount for years 2 and 3 of undergraduate study to eligible students progressing from University of Liverpool International College. You’ll need to be studying a non-clinical subject and get an average of 70% or above in year 1 of your degree.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a £3,000 fee discount off the first year of your undergraduate degree.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

A levels

AAB

You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.

T levels

Accounting considered.

Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.

GCSE GCSE Mathematics at grade 5/C and GCSE English at grade 4/C required. Applicants with equivalent qualifications and applicants who do not meet the GCSE English requirements will be considered on an individual basis according to their circumstances.
Subject requirements

Some Level 3 qualifications are only acceptable alongside 2 A levels, please contact us for details.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

BTEC Diploma at D*D* plus one A level at a minimum grade of B.

Or BTEC Extended Diploma at D*D*D

BTEC qualifications must be in a Business related subject:

  • Applied Law
  • Applied Psychology
  • Business
  • Business, Accounting and Finance
  • Computing
  • Creative Digital Media Production
  • Engineering
  • Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
  • Health and Social Care
  • Hospitality
  • Information Communications Technology
  • Information Technology
  • Media
  • Public Services
  • Strategic Management and Leadership
  • Travel and Tourism
International Baccalaureate

35 points with no score less than 4 – International Baccalaureate Mathematical Studies is not accepted for any Management School programme in lieu of GCSE Mathematics, or Higher Level Mathematics where this is a requirement

Irish Leaving Certificate H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H3 
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

Scottish Advanced Highers accepted at AAB

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Accepted at grade A or B alongside two A Levels only.
Access 45 credits at Distinction in graded level 3 units in a relevant Diploma.
International qualifications

Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 95
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate English B Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced 176 overall, with no paper below 162

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 6 weeks On campus
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5, for further details.

Contextual offers: reduced grade requirements

Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

  • If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
  • If you are returning to learning, have had a disrupted education or are switching career pathways, the one-year Go Higher diploma qualifies you to apply for University of Liverpool arts, humanities and social sciences programmes
  • Applications from mature students are welcome.

Changes to Accounting and Finance BA (Hons)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.