BSc Accounting and Business

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BSc Accounting and Business at the University of Exeter is ideal for students who want to combine professional accounting knowledge with a broad understanding of business and management. The programme develops expertise in accounting, finance, economics, and business strategy, while offering the opportunity to complete a Year in Industry or Year Abroad to gain valuable professional or international experience.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
The first year provides a strong introduction to accounting and business while helping students understand the financial, legal, and economic environment in which organisations operate. Students study modules including Introduction to Financial Accounting, Introduction to Management Accounting, Business Finance for Accountants, Business Law for Accountants, Economic Principles, and Introduction to Business and Management, building essential analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.

Year 2:
The second year develops a deeper understanding of accounting while giving students greater flexibility to tailor their studies. Core modules such as Intermediate Management Accounting, Financial Accounting A, and Financial Accounting B are complemented by optional modules across business, finance, economics, and management, allowing students to explore subjects that match their interests and future career plans.

Year in Industry / Year Abroad:
Students can choose to extend their degree by completing a Year in Industry or a Year Abroad before their final year. A professional placement provides valuable workplace experience and helps students develop practical business skills, while studying abroad offers international exposure and a broader understanding of global business environments.

Final Year:
The final year focuses on advanced accounting, strategic decision-making, and specialist areas of business. Students study Advanced Management Accounting and Strategy, alongside optional modules such as Advanced Corporate Finance, Auditing, Financial Modelling, Corporate Law, Sustainable and Responsible Finance, and Advanced Financial Reporting, enabling them to specialise according to their career aspirations.

Focus Areas

Financial accounting, management accounting, business finance, economics, business law, corporate finance, auditing, financial reporting, strategic management, sustainable finance, financial modelling, business analytics, leadership, and organisational management.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop strong accounting knowledge alongside analytical, quantitative, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The programme prepares graduates to interpret financial information, support business decision-making, evaluate organisational performance, and apply professional knowledge across a wide range of industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is recognised by leading professional accounting bodies and offers exemptions from selected professional examinations, depending on the modules studied. It is accredited by ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, and CIPFA, helping graduates make faster progress towards professional accounting qualifications.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter Business School is triple accredited, placing it among a small group of leading business schools worldwide. The university is ranked among the Top 10 in the UK for Accounting and Finance and Joint 3rd in the UK for Accounting and Finance graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide 2027, while 95% of Finance and Accounting graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BSc Accounting and Business at the University of Exeter blends academic learning with practical experiences that prepare students for successful careers in accounting, finance, and business. Throughout the programme, students apply what they learn through real business case studies, financial analysis, collaborative projects, and problem-solving activities while learning from research-active academics and industry professionals. Students can also choose a Year in Industry or Year Abroad, giving them valuable professional or international experience before graduation.

Students build practical skills through a variety of hands-on learning opportunities and specialist facilities:

Year in Industry: Students can complete a professional placement between their second and final year, gaining valuable workplace experience, applying their knowledge in a business environment, and developing the skills employers look for.
Year Abroad: Students have the opportunity to study at one of Exeter's international partner universities, gaining a broader understanding of global business while experiencing a different academic and cultural environment.
Case Study-Based Learning: Many modules are built around real business scenarios, allowing students to analyse financial information, solve business challenges, and make informed strategic decisions.
Group Projects and Presentations: Students regularly work in teams on business and accounting assignments, strengthening their communication, leadership, collaboration, and project management skills.
Financial Data and Digital Resources: Students use professional financial databases and digital resources to analyse accounting information, evaluate business performance, and interpret financial markets using industry-relevant data.
Bloomberg Finance Lab: Students have access to the Bloomberg Finance Lab, where they use Bloomberg Terminal technology to explore financial markets, company performance, investment data, and economic trends using tools widely adopted across the finance industry.
Research-Led Teaching: Students learn from academics whose research covers accounting, finance, corporate governance, sustainability, and business management, ensuring course content reflects current industry developments.
Guest Speakers and Employer Events: The Business School regularly welcomes employers, industry professionals, and alumni who share practical insights, career advice, and the latest developments in the business world.
Career Zone Support: Dedicated employability services include CV and application guidance, interview preparation, careers fairs, networking events, placement support, and one-to-one careers advice throughout the programme.
Business School Facilities: Students benefit from modern teaching spaces, collaborative study areas, computer facilities, specialist business resources, and extensive library collections that support both independent study and group work.
Professional Accounting Preparation: The programme is aligned with major professional accounting bodies, allowing students to work towards professional exemptions while developing practical knowledge that supports future careers in accounting and finance.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BSc Accounting and Business at the University of Exeter prepares graduates with the technical knowledge, commercial awareness, and professional skills needed to succeed in accounting, finance, and the wider business world. Students develop expertise in financial reporting, management accounting, business strategy, and data analysis, preparing them for careers such as Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Tax Adviser, and Business Analyst. With professional accreditation, the option to complete a Year in Industry or Year Abroad, and strong employer connections, graduates are well equipped for long-term career success.

The programme supports students in building successful careers through professional guidance, practical experience, and industry engagement:

Dedicated Career Support: The University of Exeter Business School Careers Team and Career Zone provide one-to-one careers advice, CV and application support, interview coaching, employer networking events, internship guidance, and access to graduate recruitment opportunities throughout the degree.
Employment and Salary Outcomes: 95% of Finance and Accounting graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. Students who complete the Year in Industry gain paid professional experience, with placement salaries typically ranging from £19,000 to £23,000, while some placements offer salaries of up to £52,000. Many students also receive graduate job offers from their placement employer.
University–Industry Connections: Students have opportunities to complete placements with leading organisations including Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, Apple, Adidas, Disney, Bank of England, and GlaxoSmithKline, helping them build professional networks and gain valuable real-world experience.
Professional Accreditation Value: The programme is accredited by leading professional accounting bodies including ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, and CIPFA. Depending on the modules studied, students may receive exemptions from selected professional examinations, allowing them to progress more quickly towards recognised accounting qualifications.
Graduate Outcomes: Graduates leave with strong analytical, financial, research, communication, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across accounting, banking, consulting, finance, and business management. Exeter graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, EY, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Nationwide.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc Accounting and Business, students can continue their studies with postgraduate programmes such as an MSc Accounting and Finance, MSc International Finance and Banking, MSc International Business, or other specialist business and management degrees. Graduates can also work towards professional qualifications through organisations such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, and CIPFA, further strengthening their expertise and career opportunities.