BSc Accounting and Finance

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

London School of Economics and Political Science

Program Overview

This program at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) combines rigorous training in accounting and finance with insights from economics and the broader social sciences. It suits students with strong analytical and mathematical skills who want to understand how accounting and finance shape organisations, markets, and societies, while preparing for careers in professional accountancy, investment banking, consultancy, or financial management.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year introduces the fundamentals of accounting, finance, economics, and quantitative methods. You’ll study Introduction to Financial Accounting (AC105), Introduction to Management Accounting (AC106), Finance (FM101), and Quantitative Methods (Statistics) (ST107), alongside Microeconomics I and Macroeconomics I. This year builds your foundation in financial reporting, management decision-making, and economic analysis, supported by LSE100, the interdisciplinary course on social sciences.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll deepen your knowledge with Intermediate Financial Accounting (AC205), Intermediate Management Accounting (AC206), and Principles of Finance I & II (FM210/FM211). You’ll also take advanced economics modules such as Microeconomics II, Macroeconomics II, or Econometrics I, plus optional courses outside the department. This year develops your ability to analyse financial statements, apply corporate finance principles, and use econometric tools for data-driven decision-making.

Final Year

Your final year focuses on advanced accounting and finance topics. Compulsory modules include Contemporary Issues in Financial Accounting (AC331), Results Accountability and Management Control for Strategy Implementation (AC311), and Corporate Finance, Investments and Financial Markets (FM310/FM311). You’ll also choose from accounting options and external electives, tailoring your expertise to areas such as governance, regulation, or sustainability.

Focus Areas

Accounting, finance, economics, corporate governance, risk management, sustainability, regulation.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will master financial reporting, corporate finance, investment analysis, and management control, while developing critical thinking, quantitative skills, and an understanding of the role of accounting and finance in society.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accredited for exemptions from professional exams by ACCA, CIMA, and ICAEW.
Provides a head start in professional accountancy qualifications.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The Department of Accounting at LSE is ranked 8th globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
Ranked the top place in the UK to study accounting by the Guardian University Guide 2025 and 2026.
Median salary of graduates 15 months after graduation: £39,000, with top sectors including financial services, consultancy, and auditing.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

LSE focuses heavily on experiential learning, with students provided with first-rate opportunities for practical experience alongside academic study:

Internships: LSE's close relationships with top international financial institutions such as Barclays, Goldman Sachs, and J.P. Morgan give students access to internships where they can apply classroom learning to real-world finance scenarios.
Student Societies and Clubs: Students can join the LSE Finance Society and engage in activities such as trading simulations, guest lectures, and networking events with industry professionals.
Competitions: LSE encourages students to participate in financial competitions such as the CFA Institute Research Challenge, where they can produce actual financial analysis and compete against other top universities' students.
International Opportunities: Students can gain international experience and expand their international knowledge of finance through exchange programs and foreign study programs and cooperation with cooperating universities around the world.

Progression & Future Opportunities

LSE delivers enhanced support through its Careers Service, which supports students to make the transition from university to the work environment. The support involves:

Career Counseling: Personal guidance on career goals, job searching, and professional development.
Resume and Interview Workshops: Students may refine their resumes and cover letters and receive necessary practice through mock interviews.
On-Campus Recruiting: LSE organizes recruitment fairs and networking events in which students are able to interact with potential employers and learn about career opportunities within the finance sector.

Employability:

BSc Finance graduates are highly sought after by top employers in the financial industry. Alumni have been recruited into investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, and financial consultancy positions at blue-chip firms such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, PwC, and HSBC. The emphasis in the program on both academic distinction and work experience ensures that students are well prepared for a successful career in finance.

Higher Academic Progression:

After completing the BSc Finance, graduates can proceed to postgraduate study in specialized areas of finance, financial engineering, business administration (MBA), or economics. Some of the graduates also choose to undertake professional examinations such as the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), further increasing their prospects in the finance industry.