Accounting and Finance with Placement Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Warwick

Program Overview

This professionally orientated degree at Warwick Business School combines rigorous academic training in accounting and finance with a year of real-world industry experience. It suits students who want to develop technical expertise while gaining practical insights into multinational companies and global financial markets, preparing for careers in accountancy, investment banking, consultancy, or financial services.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year introduces the fundamentals of accounting, finance, and statistics. You’ll study seven core modules, including Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, and Statistics for Business, alongside either Business Analytics or Management, Organisations and Society. This year builds your technical foundation and develops your ability to analyse and interpret real-life business issues.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll deepen your expertise with five core modules in accounting and finance. You’ll also choose three optional modules, two focused on accounting and finance (such as Financial Reporting or Corporate Finance) and one from a wider range including Entrepreneurship, Marketing, or Strategy. This year strengthens your analytical and critical thinking skills while allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests.

Year 3 – Placement Year

You’ll spend a year working in industry, gaining invaluable professional experience and building connections with leading employers. Warwick’s strong partnerships with firms such as Barclays, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, EY, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JP Morgan, KPMG, PwC, and Santander ensure excellent placement opportunities across finance and consultancy.

Final Year

Your final year includes one core module and seven optional modules, of which four must be in accounting or finance. Options include advanced topics such as Audit and Assurance, Financial Statement Analysis, and International Financial Management, while the remaining three can be chosen from areas like Law, Organisational Behaviour, or Entrepreneurship. This year gives you the flexibility to specialise while preparing for professional accountancy exams and graduate-level roles.

Focus Areas

Accounting, finance, corporate governance, risk management, economics, management, entrepreneurship.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will master financial reporting, corporate finance, investment analysis, and auditing, while developing critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork skills to operate effectively in global markets.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Module combinations can lead to exemptions from professional accountancy exams with bodies such as ACCA, ICAEW, and CIMA.
Professionally orientated curriculum designed to align with industry standards.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Ranked 8th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2025).
Ranked 74th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026).
Warwick is the 4th most targeted university by the UK’s top 100 graduate employers (High Fliers Research 2025).
Graduates have gone on to work at Barclays, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, EY, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JP Morgan, KPMG, PwC, and Santander.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential Learning – University of Warwick BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance

One of the most exciting aspects of studying Accounting and Finance at Warwick Business School is how much emphasis is placed on learning by doing. You won’t just study accounting theory and financial models — you’ll actively apply them through case studies, group projects, and opportunities to gain professional experience. Warwick’s reputation for employability is built on this practical approach, ensuring you graduate with both academic knowledge and workplace-ready skills.

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

Group Projects and Case Studies: Many modules use real-world case studies and collaborative projects, helping you develop teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills while tackling financial and business challenges.
Professional Accreditation Pathways: By selecting the right module combinations, you can gain exemptions from professional exams with ACCA, ICAEW, and CIMA, meaning your coursework directly contributes to professional qualifications.
Placement and Internship Opportunities: Warwick Business School has strong links with employers such as Barclays, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, EY, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JP Morgan, KPMG, PwC, and Santander, giving you access to internships and graduate opportunities.
Digital Tools and Analytics: Modules such as Statistics for Business and Business Analytics train you in quantitative and analytical methods, using industry-standard software and data-driven approaches.
Flexible Module Choices: In later years, you can tailor your studies with options like Audit and Assurance, Financial Statement Analysis, or International Financial Management, applying advanced accounting and finance techniques to practical scenarios.
Warwick Business School Facilities: You’ll study in the WBS building at the University of Warwick campus, which includes modern lecture theatres, collaborative learning spaces, and access to specialist resources.
Library and Research Resources: The University of Warwick Library provides extensive databases, journals, and financial market resources to support your coursework and independent research.
Industry Engagement: Benefit from Warwick’s strong employer connections through guest lectures, career fairs, and employer-led workshops, helping you build networks while you study.

This combination of professional accreditation, employer engagement, and hands-on projects 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 Warwick’s Accounting and Finance program are known for their strong employability, combining technical expertise with professional accreditation and practical experience. Typical career paths include audit associate, investment banking analyst, corporate finance specialist, and management consultant, with alumni securing roles at leading firms across finance, consultancy, and global business. Warwick’s reputation as one of the UK’s most targeted universities by top employers ensures you’ll be well-prepared to step into high-skilled roles immediately after graduation:

University Services: Warwick Business School offers a dedicated CareersPlus service, providing tailored career coaching, employer networking events, and placement support. Students also benefit from the WBS Careers Team, which connects them directly with internships and graduate opportunities.
Employment Stats: Warwick is consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities for graduate employability, with the 4th most targeted university by the UK’s top 100 graduate employers (High Fliers Research 2025).
Industry Partnerships: Graduates have gone on to work with employers such as Barclays, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, EY, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JP Morgan, KPMG, PwC, and Santander, reflecting Warwick’s strong industry links.
Accreditation Value: Module combinations can lead to 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, investment banking, corporate finance, and consultancy, with competitive salaries and global career opportunities.

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