BSc Accounting and Finance

Our BSc Accounting and Finance degree is designed to prepare you for a career in accountancy firms, financial institutions or large multinational enterprises.

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Why Accounting at Henley? | Undergraduate courses

At a glance

Gain a sound understanding of accounting and finance
Accredited by the ICAEW and ACCA with the opportunity to obtain credit for prior learning
Apply your learning in our state-of-the-art dealing rooms
Can lead to a career in accountancy firms, financial institutions or multinational enterprises
Option to undertake a work placement or study abroad in your third year

Subject area(s): Accounting

Duration: 3 years (4 years with a placement year/study abroad)

Attendance: Full-time

UCAS Code: NN43/NN34

Programme Director: Sue Blackett

Overview

Accounting is about analysing and interpreting information while Finance is about current and future management of finances within an organisation. Put them together and you have a wide variety of skills and knowledge highly in demand by graduate employers. On this degree you will obtain a critical grasp of core accounting and finance theory as well as sound technical knowledge. You will also gain a thorough understanding of the role of accounting and finance in business and society.

A range of core modules will develop your understanding of the operation of the financial system and capital markets, and you will have the opportunity to apply the theory learned in our dealing rooms, using computer trading simulations and spreadsheet modelling.

In your first year, you will acquire a sound understanding of core financial, accounting and business concepts. In your second and final years, you can then go on to take more advanced modules and tailor your degree towards your own interests and aims. You will graduate with professional and technical skills that will be immediately transferable to the business environment.

An optional one-year work placement gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment. Alternatively, you could choose to spend a year studying overseas.

This course offers the opportunity to apply for credit for prior learning from two major accounting bodies: ICAEW and ACCA.

Part 1

Compulsory modules	Credits
Management Information (AC107) This module introduces management accounting concepts and techniques that assist managers with their organisational decision making, planning, control and performance evaluation. Academic authors Alisher Erkaboev More information	20 [10 ECTS credits]
Introduction to Business (AC109) This module introduces you to different aspects of 'business' and aims to develop your academic and professional skills that will be applied at university and in the workplace. Academic authors Dr Maggie Cooper More information	20 [10 ECTS credits]
Introduction to Accounting (AC110) An introduction to double-entry bookkeeping and the preparation of financial statements for sole traders and limited companies. The module aims to help students to develop a sound understanding of the techniques of double-entry bookkeeping, so that they can apply its principles in recording accounting transactions, adjusting financial records and preparing non-complex financial statements. Academic authors Alisher Erkaboev More information	20 [10 ECTS credits]
Introductory Securities and Markets (IC101) This module provides an introduction to commercial and retail banking theory and practice, the use of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in lending and investment decisions and an introduction to financial technology (fintech) and venture capital investment in this sector. Academic authors Professor Brian Scott-Quinn More information	20 [10 ECTS credits]
Introductory Finance/Trading Simulation I (IC102) This module aims to provide the student with an overview of the financial system. This will include an overview of the role that the financial system plays in the economy, a discussion of some of the main players in the system, the instruments they trade, and the trading prices. Academic authors Dr Gita Persand More information	20 [10 ECTS credits]
Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance (IC104) This module introduces you to a range of quantitative techniques that are commonly applied in business, finance and management. Academic authors Dr Nikolaos Antypas More information	20 [10 ECTS credits]

Part 2

Compulsory modules	Credits
International Corporate Financial Reporting (AC216) This module looks closely at the content and application of a range of international financial reporting standards. Read more This module aims to develop and add to the knowledge, understanding and skills of financial accounting and reporting acquired on the level 4 modules Introductory International Financial Accounting A and B (AC105a and AC105b), and Introduction to Accounting (AC101 or AC110) ). The module also aims to foster in students, an inquiring and critical attitude towards issues in financial accounting and reporting. Academic authors Dr Ekililu Salifu More information	20 [10 ECTS credits]
Further Management Accounting (AC220) This module builds upon the foundations of management accounting established in AC107 Management Information by developing a critical understanding of the main concepts and ideas underlying management control systems. Read more To build upon the foundations of management accounting established in AC107 Management Information by developing a critical understanding of the main concepts and ideas underlying management control systems. The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the techniques, principles and underlying concepts relating to the provision and use of financial information in organisational decision-making, planning and control. This involves understanding the theories, technical language, practices and their location within the organisational and business context together with developments in contemporary management accounting. Academic authors Tony Graham More information	20 [10 ECTS credits]
Corporate Finance (IC201) This module focusses on corporate value, considering how it is measured and how companies can create value through their strategies, financial decisions and governance practices. More information	20 [10 ECTS credits]
Portfolio Management (IC204) The module examines the issues involved in understanding the investment market, constructing an optimal investment portfolio, evaluating the performance of that portfolio, and adjusting its composition through time. Academic authors Dr Nikolaos Antypas More information	20 [10 ECTS credits]

Work Placement / Study Abroad (optional)

Work placement experience (including a minimum of 9 months, full-time work placement) or study abroad.
Students who have completed two years of study and for whom a work placement is unsuitable can progress directly into the third (final) year of study, converting this into a three-year degree programme
If you take a year-long placement or study abroad, Part 3 as described below may be subject to
variation.

Optional modules

Credits

Work Placement (MM284)

This module provides insight into the practical application of your Accountancy and/or Business Management Skills.

Aims:

1. To gain relevant work experience in order to provide a practical context for the academic material studied in the first, second and final year.

2. To enhance employability through being able to demonstrate 12 months relevant work experience.

3. To extend knowledge and learning of degree discipline modules, to help identify future career path(s).

4. To further develop ‘soft skills’ (team-work, communication, time management, planning, leadership skills etc)

More information

120 [60 ECTS credits]

Part 3

Compulsory modules	Credits
Advanced International Financial Reporting (AC312) This module looks closely at a number of international financial reporting standards and at the preparation of consolidated financial statements. Academic authors Lei Tao More information	20 [10 ECTS credits]
Derivative Securities/Trading Simulation III (IC301) This module is designed to combine theoretical and practical approaches to derivatives. Academic authors Mr David Knapp More information	20 [10 ECTS credits]
Management of Risk (IC303) This module introduces students to a set of techniques to measure and manage market and credit risks in banks. It also covers recent developments in bank regulation. Financial press articles are extensively used to provide context and show the relevance of the teaching material to current risk management issues. Academic authors Dr Ivan Sangiorgi Dr Chao Yin More information	20 [10 ECTS credits]
Professional and Business Ethics (AC215) An introduction to the moral norms of international accounting and financial management, the ethical choices to which they give rise and the resources on which such choices can be based. More information	20 [10 ECTS credits]

*The module or course content descriptions set out on this page are correct for those being taught in the current academic year. Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.

Our undergraduate degrees are taught through a mix of lectures, group projects and interactive classroom lessons. This gives you the opportunity to discuss, explore and then apply the subject content in depth with your lecturers and fellow students.

Through exploring and tackling real-world challenges, you will also be able to develop your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Modules are assessed through written assignments, in-class tests, group presentations and formal examinations. This helps you graduate as a rounded individual and develops your transferable skills, which are highly sought after by leading graduate employers.

Each academic year you will be required to complete a number of compulsory and optional modules, totalling 120 credits. A typical 10 credit module requires a total of 100 hours of study. This includes contact hours with lecturers as well as independent study.

Typical offer

ABB

(including A level or AS level Maths at grade B)

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall

(including 5 in standard level Maths and 4 in standard level English)

GCSE

GCSE English at grade B (5)

BTEC

DDD

(Modules taken must be comparable to AS level Mathematics)

Contextual offer

BBC

(including A level or AS level Maths at grade B)

For more information on contextual offers, please visit the University of Reading webpage.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International students

For country-specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

Learn more about our International Foundation programme

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme.

Tuition fees for undergraduates at University of Reading are:

£9,250 a year, for the full course duration, for UK if you started your undergraduate course in September 2020 onwards*.

*This fee capped for the full duration of your course.

Your fees will be fully covered by a loan from the Student Loan Company, in line with its published repayment terms and conditions.

Government Funding

UK students can get government loans to help towards their living costs, known as ‘maintenance loans’. If you choose to take out both a fees loan and a maintenance loan, these will be rolled together and repaid only after graduation through the tax system, as a proportion of your income over £25,000.

UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Current scholarships

The ICAEW Foundation Bursary

Henley Business School Bursary

The International Undergraduate 2021/22 fee level for this programme is £18,760. There may be financial support available - consult your local British Council/Education Counselling Service.

Please see the University's financial pages for further information on international fees.

Current scholarships

The ICAEW Foundation Bursary

Henley Business School Bursary

You can apply online for all of our courses via the national admissions service, UCAS.

Find out more

ACCA Accredited Programme

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is the global body for professional accountants. ACCA awards a specific level of exemption to graduates, which matches the knowledge and skills gained from their degree qualifications. Students will be partly qualified Chartered Certified Accountants once they complete their degree programmes at Henley Business School successfully.

Henley Careers

Our aim at Henley Careers is to empower and enable you to leave the Business School confident in being able to progress your career forward successfully.

We are committed to enable you to take a strong career leadership approach to your career planning. We will work with you to help you understand yourself better, as well as truly understand the obstacles and opportunities around you. Research both at Henley and other leading Business Schools shows that people who are self-reliant and usually achieve higher levels of success. We therefore encourage your job search to be driven by you and your needs, but along the way, we provide you with advice and insight regarding your strategy.

You can book a telephone or video appointment with your dedicated Careers Consultant to get support and advice for your career planning or professional development. We also hold numerous events to help you learn about different careers and develop your skills, such as Monday Night Employer Panels, Success Studios and Resilient You.

A work placement offers you an enormous range of benefits – both during your degree and beyond.

On most of our undergraduate courses you can choose to do a 9 to 12-month placement in your third year, before returning to complete your final year at the Business School. This will appear on your degree transcript and offers many of the following benefits:

Put your learning into practice
Enhance your CV by developing sought-after skills such as time and project management, teamwork, commercial awareness, and communication
Build a professional network - a successful work placement can lead to the offer of a permanent role with the same organisation upon graduation
Gain a wealth of knowledge, experience and transferable skills to set you on the right path for a successful career
Gain insight into the real world of business

How we support you

Our dedicated placement team, who all have a background in industry and graduate recruitment, will provide you with expert advice and guidance – from helping choosing the right Industry Placement through to supporting you while working during your third year.

You will start to consider what kind of work placement you would like to pursue in your first year. Students returning from their work placement will give presentations and share their experiences with you, providing a valuable insight into what you can expect.

You will receive ongoing support during your work placement, with your tutor visiting twice during the year to discuss your experience and performance. You will also develop and agree a training plan with your placement tutor and line manager.

Work placement destinations

Recognising that the majority of our students prefer to remain in and around Reading during their placement year we work with leading graduate employers in the region.

We also encourage and support students who wish to do their placement year in London, or other cities in the UK or abroad.

Study abroad

Most undergraduate students have the opportunity to benefit from our international links and spend time studying overseas. Find out more: https://studyabroad.reading.ac.uk/outgoing/