BSc Accounting and Finance

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BSc Accounting and Finance at the University of Exeter is ideal for students who want to build strong expertise in accounting, finance, and business while preparing for careers in the global financial sector. The programme combines financial reporting, management accounting, corporate finance, economics, and analytical skills, with the option to complete a Year in Industry or Year Abroad to gain valuable professional or international experience.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
The first year introduces students to the key principles of accounting, finance, and business, helping them understand how organisations manage financial decisions. Students study modules including Introduction to Financial Accounting, Introduction to Management Accounting, Business Finance for Accountants, Business Law for Accountants, Statistical Methods for Accounting and Finance, Economic Principles, and Introduction to Business and Management, building essential numerical, analytical, and business skills.

Year 2:
The second year develops students’ understanding of financial reporting, corporate finance, and management decision-making while allowing them to explore areas of interest through optional modules. Core modules such as Intermediate Management Accounting, Corporate Finance, Financial Accounting A, and Financial Accounting B strengthen students’ technical accounting knowledge and prepare them for advanced study.

Year in Industry / Year Abroad:
Students can choose the BSc Accounting and Finance with Industrial Experience or Year Abroad option, extending their degree to four years. The Year in Industry allows students to apply their accounting and finance knowledge in a professional workplace, while the Year Abroad option provides international exposure and a wider understanding of global finance and business practices.

Final Year:
The final year focuses on advanced accounting and finance topics, helping students develop specialist knowledge for professional careers. Students study modules such as Advanced Management Accounting, Advanced Corporate Finance, and Advanced Financial Reporting, alongside optional modules that allow them to explore areas connected to their career ambitions.

Focus Areas

Financial accounting, management accounting, corporate finance, financial reporting, auditing, business finance, statistical analysis, economics, investment, financial decision-making, professional accounting practice, and business strategy.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyse financial data, interpret accounting information, evaluate business performance, and support effective financial decision-making. The programme also builds strong analytical, numerical, communication, teamwork, research, and problem-solving skills, preparing graduates for careers in finance and business.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is recognised by leading professional accounting organisations and may provide exemptions from selected professional examinations depending on the modules studied. It is accredited by ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, and CIPFA, helping students progress more efficiently towards internationally recognised accounting qualifications.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter Business School is a triple-accredited business school, recognised among leading business schools worldwide. The BSc Accounting and Finance 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 Finance at the University of Exeter combines academic study with practical experiences that help students understand how accounting and finance operate in real business environments. Students develop industry-relevant skills through applied learning, financial analysis activities, professional projects, and access to specialist resources within the University of Exeter Business School. The option to complete a Year in Industry or Year Abroad also allows students to gain valuable workplace experience or develop a global perspective before graduating.

Students gain practical experience through a range of learning opportunities, specialist facilities, and industry-focused activities:

Year in Industry Placement: Students can spend their third year working in a professional role related to accounting, finance, or business before returning to complete their final year. The Business School Careers Team supports students with placement searches, applications, interview preparation, and professional development throughout the process.
Year Abroad Experience: Students can study at one of the University of Exeter’s partner universities, gaining international exposure, cultural awareness, and a broader understanding of global accounting and finance practices.
Finance and Economics Experimental Laboratory at Exeter (FEELE): Students have access to a specialist research facility that explores financial decision-making, economics, and business behaviour through experimental research methods.
Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre (ESF): Students engage with research and learning focused on sustainable finance, responsible investment, and the evolving role of finance in addressing global challenges.
Professional Accounting Practice: Through modules aligned with professional accounting standards, students develop knowledge that can contribute towards exemptions from professional qualifications including ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, and CIPFA, depending on module choices.
Financial Data Analysis and Digital Skills: Students develop the ability to analyse financial information, interpret business performance, and use digital resources to support effective financial decision-making.
Business Case Studies and Applied Learning: Students apply accounting and finance concepts to real-world business situations, developing practical skills in analysis, research, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Group Projects and Team-Based Activities: Collaborative assignments help students strengthen teamwork, communication, leadership, presentation, and project management skills that are essential in finance-related careers.
Industry Engagement and Employer Exposure: Students benefit from connections with organisations such as KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, EY, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Nationwide, gaining valuable insights into professional careers and employer expectations.
Business School Facilities: Students benefit from modern teaching spaces, collaborative study areas, specialist business resources, and research facilities that support accounting and finance education and independent learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BSc Accounting and Finance at the University of Exeter prepares graduates with strong technical knowledge, analytical skills, and professional understanding needed for careers in accounting, finance, banking, consulting, and business. Students develop expertise in financial analysis, reporting, investment, and strategic decision-making, preparing them for roles such as Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst, Investment Analyst, Actuarial Pricing Trainee, and Tax Adviser. With professional accreditation, industry experience opportunities, and strong graduate outcomes, the programme provides a solid foundation for a successful career in the financial sector.

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

Career Support Services: The University of Exeter Business School Careers Team provides dedicated employability support, including career planning, CV and application guidance, interview preparation, placement support, employer events, and networking opportunities to help students prepare for the workplace.
Employment and Salary Outcomes: 95% of Finance and Accounting graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. Students who choose the Year in Industry option can gain paid professional experience, with placement salaries typically ranging from £19,000 to £23,000, while some placements offer salaries between £15,000 and £52,000.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students have opportunities to gain professional experience with organisations including KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, EY, Royal Bank of Scotland, Nationwide, Adidas, Apple, ASOS, Bank of England, Disney, GlaxoSmithKline, and Goldman Sachs, helping them develop industry knowledge and valuable professional networks.
Professional Accreditation Value: The programme is aligned with major accounting bodies including ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, and CIPFA. Depending on module choices, students may gain exemptions from selected professional examinations, helping them progress more efficiently towards recognised accounting qualifications.
Graduate Outcomes: Graduates develop strong financial, analytical, communication, research, and problem-solving skills that are valued across accounting, banking, investment, insurance, consulting, and business sectors. Recent graduate roles include Trainee Accountant, Auditor, Assurance Associate, Tax Adviser, Investment Analyst, Banking Operations Graduate Analyst, and Treasury Specialist.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc Accounting and Finance, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes in areas such as accounting, finance, banking, business, and management. Graduates can also pursue professional qualifications through organisations such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, and CIPFA to further specialise and progress in their chosen career path.