Accounting and Finance BSc

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Loughborough University

Program Overview

This professionally accredited degree blends rigorous accounting and finance training with practical application, preparing students for careers in auditing, corporate finance, investment banking, and consultancy. It suits motivated learners who want to master financial reporting and management accounting while gaining exemptions from professional accountancy exams and benefiting from Loughborough’s strong industry links.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year builds a solid foundation in accounting, finance, and economics. Core modules include Financial Accounting Fundamentals, Principles of Finance, and Economics for Financial Studies, alongside Responsible Management Practice and Quantitative Business Skills A/B. This year ensures you develop technical knowledge and analytical skills essential for advanced study.

Year 2

In the second year, you’ll deepen your expertise in financial reporting and corporate finance. Compulsory modules include Financial Reporting, Corporate Finance, and Accounting for Management Decisions. You’ll also select optional modules such as Digital Technologies for Accounting and Finance, Programming for Business Analytics, or Marketing, allowing you to tailor your studies to your career interests.

Final Year

Your final year consolidates advanced accounting and finance knowledge while preparing you for professional roles. Core modules include Audit and Assurance, Financial Risk Management, and Ethics in Finance and Accounting. Optional modules let you specialise further, with choices such as Corporate Governance, Behavioural Finance, and Issues in Financial Reporting, ensuring you graduate with both technical expertise and applied skills.

Focus Areas

Accounting, finance, auditing, corporate governance, risk management, financial reporting, ethics in finance.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will master financial reporting, corporate finance, investment analysis, auditing, and risk management, while developing strong quantitative, analytical, and ethical decision-making skills valued across global financial services.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accredited by a triple-accredited UK business school (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA).
Offers exemptions from professional accountancy exams with bodies such as ACCA, ICAEW, and CIMA, giving graduates a head start in professional qualifications.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Ranked Top 10 in the UK for Accounting and Finance (Guardian University Guide 2026).
Ranked Top 10 in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Accounting and Finance (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).
2nd for job prospects among UK universities (StudentCrowd Best UK Universities 2025).
Graduates have secured roles at PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY, HSBC, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, reflecting strong industry connections.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the standout features of studying Accounting and Finance at Loughborough is the emphasis on practical, career-focused learning. You won’t just learn accounting theory and financial models — you’ll actively apply them through placements, projects, and access to specialist facilities. The program is professionally accredited, meaning your coursework is directly aligned with industry practice, and you’ll graduate with both academic knowledge and workplace-ready skills.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded into your degree:

Placement Year Opportunities: Students can take a year-long placement with leading firms such as PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY, HSBC, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, gaining invaluable professional experience before graduation.
Group Projects and Case Studies: Many modules integrate real-world case studies and collaborative projects, helping you develop teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills while tackling financial and business challenges.
Digital Tools and Analytics: Modules such as Accounting for Management Decisions and Programming for Business Analytics train you in quantitative and analytical methods, using industry-standard software and data-driven approaches.
Specialist Facilities: You’ll study within Loughborough Business School, a triple-accredited institution (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), with modern lecture theatres, collaborative learning spaces, and access to digital resources tailored for accounting and finance students.
Library and Research Resources: The University Library provides extensive databases, journals, and financial market resources to support coursework and independent research.
Industry Engagement: Benefit from employer-led workshops, guest lectures, and career fairs, connecting you with leading financial institutions and building networks while you study.
Professional Accreditation Pathways: The program offers exemptions from professional accountancy exams with ACCA, ICAEW, and CIMA, meaning your modules directly contribute to professional qualifications.

This combination of placements, employer engagement, and access to industry-standard tools ensures you graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with practical, career-ready skills that employers in accounting and finance value highly.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Loughborough’s Accounting and Finance program are highly sought after, combining technical expertise with professional accreditation and practical experience. Typical career paths include audit associate, corporate finance analyst, investment banking associate, and management consultant, with alumni securing roles at leading firms across finance, consultancy, and global business. The program’s strong professional focus ensures you’ll graduate with both academic knowledge and workplace-ready skills:

University Services: Loughborough’s Careers Network provides tailored employability support, including CV workshops, interview coaching, and access to employer-led events. The Business School also offers placement support, connecting students with top financial institutions.
Employment Stats: Loughborough is ranked Top 10 in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Accounting and Finance (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026). The university is also ranked 2nd for job prospects among UK universities (StudentCrowd Best UK Universities 2025).
Industry Partnerships: Students have secured placements and graduate roles at PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY, HSBC, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, reflecting the program’s strong employer connections.
Accreditation Value: The degree offers exemptions from professional accountancy exams with ACCA, ICAEW, and CIMA, giving graduates a head start in professional qualifications.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni progress into roles across auditing, corporate finance, consultancy, and investment banking, with competitive salaries and international career opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc Accounting and Finance, students can continue their studies at Loughborough through a Master’s in Finance, MSc International Financial Management, or MBA, deepening expertise in global markets, leadership, and advanced financial management. Many graduates also pursue professional qualifications such as ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA, or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), leveraging the exemptions gained during the degree to fast-track their professional development