About this course

Learn how to prepare and interpret financial and managerial information for a variety of users on BSc Accounting and Finance with placement year.

You'll gain a sound understanding of investment and finance, and increase your employability by completing a year's paid work placement in industry. Our research-focused academics keep the course up to date with the latest financial, regulatory and accounting requirements and trends.

The programme is very flexible and can be tailored to your own interests and career plans. You could choose to learn more about international banking, or select modules in other areas of business and management such as marketing, human resources management, or project management.

You'll gain valuable skills and experience by spending your third year on an approved finance and accounting placement year in a business organisation.

With this course, you can:

benefit from direct contact with research-led academics who are experts in corporate governance, taxation, auditing, and financial accounting and reporting
gain a thorough grounding in management and financial accounting theory and practice
explore career paths by taking optional modules in a range of business and management topics
benefit from our strong links with industry.
gain accreditations which will enable you to apply for exemptions from professional exams

You'll receive dedicated support from our Placements Office throughout this course. This is our means of driving collaboration between students and businesses, and ensuring you're supported as you apply your learning to real-world scenarios.

With this support, our graduates have gone on to work for leading banking and finance companies such as Deloitte and Barclays Capital.

Your A level results will determine which core or compulsory modules you'll need to take.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Accreditations

Association of International Accountants (AIA)

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA)

CPA Australia (Certified Practising Accountant of Australia)

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

ODT

Download 2023-24 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAB

A-levels additional information

Excluded subjects are General Studies.

The below subjects are considered as restricted. This means that we can accept one subject from the following list if combined with other academic subjects:

Applied subjects, Art (including Design, Fine Art, Photography, Textiles), Communication Studies, Communication and Culture, Creative Media, Creative Writing, Critical Thinking, Dance, Drama, Film Studies, Health & Social Care, Home Economics, Hospitality and Supervision, ICT/IT Leisure Studies, Media Studies, Music Technology, Outdoor Education, PE, Performing Arts, Public Services, Sports Studies/Science, Theatre Studies, Travel & Tourism, World Development.

Please note; Computing, Computer Studies, Product Design and Applied Business (single and double awards) are not considered to be restricted subjects

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: ABB and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. The contextual offer for this programme is ABB.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Some subjects are excluded and restricted - please check the subjects listed under the A level section which also applies to all qualifications.

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

D in the Business BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels

DD in the Business BTEC National Diploma plus A grade from one A-level

DDD in the Business BTEC National Extended Diploma

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

BTEC qualifications should be in Business, please check with us if your BTEC qualification is in a different subject before applying.

QCF BTEC

D in the Business BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels

DD in the Business BTEC Diploma plus A grade from one A-level

DDD in the Business BTEC Extended Diploma

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 6/B *).

* We can accept a grade 5 in GCSE mathematics if you achieve grade B in A level Maths, Physics, Economics, Geography, Psychology or Business.

Please note we can only accept grade 6 in GCSE mathematics if you are studying BTEC qualifications.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

Years 1, 2 and 4 of your course are made up of a combination of modules.

Compulsory modules will give you a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of management and financial accounting.

You can choose from a wide range of optional modules that cover topics from risk management to learning a language.

You do not need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.

Year 3 is your industry placement year.

Year 1 overview

You'll study the fundamentals of management. You'll gain a vital understanding of the theories and techniques of successful management, and work as a team to develop and deliver a presentation.

Other key subjects include management accounting and financial management. Your optional modules cover management analysis and the foundations of business analytics.

Year 2 overview

You'll gain a greater understanding of business essentials such as financial accounting, company law, portfolio theory, and the principles of audit and taxation.

You can choose from a wide range of module options including human resource management, digital marketing, and management ethics.

You'll also be able to broaden your studies by choosing:

Year 3 overview

This is your paid industry placement year. You'll spend a minimum of 32 weeks working in a real business. You'll learn new skills, apply the knowledge you've already acquired, and gain work experience that will boost your future career.

You'll be fully supported by the University throughout your year in industry. Students currently earn an average of £17,500 during their placement year.

Accounting and Finance students have spent their placement years in companies such as:

Deloitte LLP
JP Morgan
Grant Thornton
PwC
The Walt Disney Company
L'Oreal Group
IBM
Virgin Media
Estée Lauder Companies
General Electric GE

Year 4 overview

Your final-year dissertation is a chance for you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills by completing an extended piece of writing on a business-related topic of your choice.

You'll also study further compulsory modules covering financial and management accounting.

Your optional module choices include strategic marketing, project management, and futures and options.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2024 to 2025

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Commercial Law

The purpose of the module is to provide a general overview of law relevant to students working in business and finance. The course provides an introduction to law, before focusing in more depth on areas of Contract Law and Tort Law. There is then an intro...

Financial Accounting 1

• Introduction. • Conceptualising Financial Statements. • Introduction to Double Entry & Accounting Equation & Trial Balance. • Adjustments: Accruals, Prepayments & Bad Debt. • Assets, Inventory, Depreciation and Disposal. • Sources of finance and...

Introduction to Economics For Non-Economists

This module introduces economic principles, theories, and methods of analysis. It provides a framework for the application of economic theory to real-world problems. The module will cover key concepts in economics. It will provide a non-technical overv...

Introduction to Management

This module provides you with a broad view on key management related topics. It also provides a chance for you to gain hands-on experience on teamwork through preparation and delivery of a group presentation as part of the module assessment. The lectures ...

Management Accounting 1

• To introduce the main functions of management accounting systems • To introduce the roles of management accountants in the context of for-profit-organisations • To introduce the key traditional management accounting techniques

Realising Success

Welcome to the “Realising Success” module. This is where you are going to learn how to create a successful future and make the most of opportunities at university to maximise success and get yourself in a competitive position. The module is designed to e...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:

Foundations of Business Analytics

Business analytics is closely related to management science and operational research. It refers to the use of statistical methods and models as well as empirical data to support the process of making business decisions. This module provides general knowle...

Management Analysis

Management Analysis seeks to develop and enhance the basic mathematics and statistics knowledge and skills that are relevant to decision making in organisations. Management Analysis is a comprehensive module. It covers a wide range of fundamental quantita...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

23%

Scheduled learning & teaching

77%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

dissertations
essays
individual and group projects
written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

71%

Written exam

27%

Coursework

2%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Jacqueline Campbell is the course leader.

Careers

Most of our graduates go straight into professional roles within the finance and accounting sector. You'll graduate with the analytical and problem-solving skills needed for a wide range of financial careers.

You'll also have gained real-world experience of finance and accounting on your placement. You could choose to become an auditor, a tax specialist, a management accountant or consultant.

Business school graduates from Southampton have secured roles in financial organisations including:

Bank of China
Deloitte
Development Bank of Singapore
Deutsche Bank
Ernst & Young (EY)
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

Like all our business school courses, this degree is also a good foundation for further study at postgraduate level.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £22,300.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: N401
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

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Accounting and Finance with Placement Year (BSc) is a course in the Business, accounting, finance and marketing subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

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