BSc Economics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Turku

Program Overview

The Accounting and Finance specialisation at the University of Turku is a great choice for students who want to understand how businesses grow, make financial decisions, and operate in international markets. The programme combines business strategy, accounting, and finance with practical analytical skills, making it ideal for students interested in careers in banking, consulting, auditing, corporate finance, or investment management.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in business and economics while learning how organisations manage money and make strategic decisions. Courses such as Financial Accounting, Introduction to Finance, and Business Economics introduce students to financial reporting, budgeting, and the fundamentals of business operations in global markets. Students also begin developing analytical and communication skills that are essential in modern business environments.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on deeper financial and managerial understanding. Students study subjects like Management Accounting, Corporate Finance, and Investment Analysis, learning how companies evaluate investments, manage risk, and improve financial performance. The programme also strengthens quantitative and research skills, helping students apply financial theories to real-world business situations.

Year 3:
In the final year, students specialise further and gain more independent academic and professional experience. Advanced studies in areas such as Auditing, Strategic Financial Management, and International Business Finance allow students to explore complex financial challenges while completing a bachelor’s thesis. By the end of the programme, students graduate with a strong understanding of both accounting systems and financial strategy in international business settings.

Focus areas: Financial Accounting, Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis, Auditing, International Business, Strategic Financial Management, Business Economics, Quantitative Analysis

Learning outcomes: Develop strong financial analysis skills, understand international business operations, evaluate investment opportunities, interpret accounting information, apply strategic financial thinking, and conduct independent business research

Professional alignment (accreditation): The Turku School of Economics holds AACSB accreditation, an internationally recognised accreditation awarded to leading business schools worldwide.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Turku is internationally recognised for its business education and research quality, and the university is ranked among the top universities globally in QS and Times Higher Education rankings. Students benefit from strong academic reputation, international study opportunities, and connections with global business networks.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Accounting and Finance programme at the University of Turku gain much more than theoretical business knowledge — they learn how financial decisions are made in real organisations and how global markets operate in practice. Through research-based teaching, analytical coursework, collaborative learning, and international exposure, students build practical skills that prepare them for careers in finance, banking, consulting, auditing, and corporate management within an internationally recognised business school environment.

The learning experience is highly interactive and internationally focused, giving students opportunities to work on research projects, develop quantitative analysis skills, and engage with modern business challenges while studying in one of Finland’s leading universities for economics and business education:

• Students study practical areas such as financial accounting, corporate finance, management accounting, and auditing through case-based and analytical learning
• Research-oriented teaching helps students strengthen problem-solving, quantitative analysis, and decision-making skills used in real financial environments
• Internship opportunities allow students to gain valuable professional experience and apply classroom knowledge in workplaces during their studies
• Students have access to extensive digital databases, academic journals, and library services that support finance and business research
• The Turku School of Economics collaborates with internationally recognised universities including the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Oxford, HEC Paris, and University of California, Berkeley
• AACSB accreditation places the business school among internationally recognised institutions for high-quality business education
• Students participate in seminars, independent research projects, and bachelor’s thesis work connected to current topics in accounting, finance, sustainability, and governance
• Collaborative learning environments encourage teamwork, international networking, and interaction with researchers and visiting academics from around the world
• International exchange and Erasmus opportunities help students develop global business understanding and multicultural communication skills

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Accounting and Finance specialisation at the University of Turku are well prepared for careers in banking, corporate finance, consulting, auditing, and international business. The programme develops strong analytical, financial, and strategic thinking skills that employers value across global industries, while the internationally recognised AACSB-accredited business education helps graduates build long-term career opportunities both in Finland and internationally. Students commonly move into roles such as Financial Analyst, Auditor, Investment Analyst, Risk Consultant, Controller, and Business Consultant.

The programme also gives students access to strong professional networks, career development support, and industry collaboration opportunities that help them transition smoothly from university into the professional world:

• The University of Turku Career Services supports students through career counselling, CV and interview workshops, mentoring opportunities, employer networking events, and recruitment fairs
• Internship opportunities allow students to gain practical workplace experience and build industry connections during their studies
• The Turku School of Economics collaborates with hundreds of organisations, creating opportunities for company projects, thesis cooperation, and professional networking
• International partnerships with universities such as the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Oxford, HEC Paris, and University of California, Berkeley provide valuable global exposure and international academic connections
• AACSB accreditation adds strong international recognition to the degree and reflects the high quality of business education offered by the university
• Graduates have progressed into careers within finance, consulting, auditing, investment management, entrepreneurship, and multinational business organisations
• Research projects and employer-connected assignments help students develop practical business experience while strengthening employability after graduation

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the bachelor’s degree, students can continue into master’s programmes in areas such as Accounting, Finance, Economics, International Business, and Management at the University of Turku or other leading universities around the world. The programme also provides a strong academic foundation for future doctoral studies, research careers, and specialised professional pathways within finance and business.