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Accounting and Finance

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The deadline for international students is 30 June 2024.

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Bachelor of Arts

A Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate programme in the arts.

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Course overview

You can expect to gain a foundation for deeper study of accounting issues in addition to having an understanding of fundamental accounting and finance concepts and principles by undertaking our Accounting and Finance programme.

Our Accounting and Finance programmes are ranked 1st in the Russell Group (4th in the sector) for student satisfaction (NSS 2022) and 2nd in the Russell Group for teaching quality, with an overall ranking of 14th from 99 providers (Times Good University Guide 2023).

*based on subject area.

Introduction

Taught by professionally qualified accountants who have a range of experience and industry links, you can expect our Accounting and Finance BA programme to provide you with the latest knowledge from those that have applied it in the business world. By selecting this highly accredited course, you will gain an advantage in a range of careers including: accountancy, investment banking, asset management and insurance.

After you’ve covered the core elements of the programme, we give you the flexibility to gain exposure to specialist areas such as auditing, taxation and strategy to a level equivalent to the ICAEW professional stage.

What you'll learn

  • Financial accounting
  • Economic principles for accounting and finance
  • Business law
  • Accounting theory and its relevance to accounting practice
  • Financial management and reporting
  • UK tax compliance
  • Corporate reporting and analysis
  • Developing and implementing business strategy
  • Managing an assurance engagement and audit engagements

Accreditation

The University of Liverpool Management School holds accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. This makes it one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard triple accreditation.

With close industry links, excellent teaching, and quality content this course is accredited by professional accountancy bodies including the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants (CIPFA), and Institute of Charted Accountants of Scotland (ICAS).

Accreditations in detail

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.

Accreditations

The University of Liverpool Management School holds accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. This makes it one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard triple accreditation.

With close industry links, excellent teaching, and quality content this course is accredited by professional accountancy bodies including the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants (CIPFA), and Institute of Charted Accountants of Scotland (ICAS).

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

Your first year of study will provide you with a foundation for deeper study of accounting issues in the following stages of the programme in addition to being able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental accounting and finance concepts and principles whilst being able to analyse introductory quantitative and qualitative techniques. You will also begin to develop key employability skills required for roles where personal responsibility is necessary.

This programme has been designed to ensure that our graduates can apply for the maximum number of exemptions from professional accounting qualifications upon completing their degree studies. This means that many of our modules, including all those that you take in year one, are compulsory.

Compulsory modules

Data Analysis for Accountants (ACFI120)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

The analysis of data is a fundamental activity in all aspects of accountancy. The modern data driven world has seen the importance of data in organisations increase exponentially. It is therefore essential for accountants to understand both the key concepts behind the origin and use of data as well as be able to practically analyse data to produce meaningful and value adding information.

This module will introduce and demonstrate the importance of data in modern businesses, discussing the key role accountants play in both the analysis of data and the dissemination of information across an organisation.

The types and use of data will be linked back to other fundamental modules on this course to both demonstrate and develop your skills in some of the core practical uses of data in both financial accounting and management accounting.

ECONOMICS PRINCIPLES FOR ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE (ACFI127)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The aim of this module is to introduce the core principles of economics (both micro and macro), to develop models and economic perspectives relevant to accounting and finance students and demonstrate how modern economics can illuminate the problems that businesses (both national and international) face on a day-to-day basis.

INTRODUCTION TO FINANCE (ACFI103)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module introduces students to fundamental concepts in finance. The course aims to provide a firm foundation for the students to build on later on in the second and third years of their programmes, by covering basic logical and rational analytical tools that underpin financial decisions. The course covers topics such as the structure of firms and time value of money. Building on these notions, we then discuss the valuation of simple securities such as bonds and equities. The course also introduces students to project appraisal techniques.

INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING (ACFI101)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

ACFI101 aims to develop a sound understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques of financial accounting. The context and purpose of financial statements is introduced, after which students are introduced to the techniques of recording financial transactions, adjusting financial records and preparing basic financial statements. Successful students will possess a sound base of knowledge for progression towards studying financial reporting in greater depth in the second and final years: the preparation of complex financial statements in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), both for single entities and groups of companies, and for entities undertaking a wide range of accounting transactions. This module is delivered by means of lectures and tutorials, supported by online self-study question material.

INTRODUCTION TO MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING (ACFI102)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the nature and purpose of management accounting and to establish a solid foundation in its fundamental techniques. The module will explore and apply a range of basic techniques to produce information that aids management decision making. The techniques covered include cost volume profit analysis, budgeting and investment appraisal. Throughout the module the techniques studied will be applied to contemporary issues in the commercial world.

QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE (ACFI111)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The module aims to provide an introduction to quantitative methods that will assist students in establishing basic quantitative and statistical skills for the study of accounting and finance.

SKILLS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT (ACFI115)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The module provides students with an understanding of the key skills required of the professional accountant in the current business environment, and the opportunity to acquire, develop and apply those skills.

Optional modules

INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR ACCOUNTANTS (ACFI116)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

ACFI116 deals with two ways in which accountants use technology in their work. First we look at computerising the processes of financial accounting, using software to record the transactions and produce the financial statements of a case study business. The software used is Sage, the market-leading accounting software for SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) in the UK. Second, we use Microsoft Excel to construct financial models of companies, models which can then be used for financial analysis and decision-making. Aspects of spreadsheet best practice, dealing with modelling complexity, and relevant Excel tips and shortcuts are covered. Successful students will possess an understanding of how to process all the typical transactions and adjustments of an SME using typical accounting software as well as a set of tools and techniques for modelling and forecasting the financials of a company. Such knowledge will reinforce their understanding of financial accounting, as well as constituting invaluable practical skills that could be applied in future part-time, placement or graduate employment. The module is delivered by means of an initial lecture, practical workshops in computer labs, as well as videos and webinars of relevant examples and material. Assessment is via two assignments: one using Sage and the other using Excel to construct a financial model.

INTRODUCTION TO THE GRADUATE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (ULMS170)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module aims to introduce students to the graduate recruitment process by providing them with the skills required to secure a work placement or summer internship. It also provides the opportunity to acquire, develop and apply these skills.   

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global Opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.

What's available on this course?

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

  • Learn Chinese
  • Study in a bustling world heritage city
  • Improve employment prospects
  • Study Chinese culture
  • 30 minutes from Shanghai
  • Learn new skills

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

Year in industry

Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.

  • Develop key employability skills that graduate employers are looking for
  • Experience and understand workplace culture and disciple
  • Understand the relationship between academic theory and real world application
  • Begin your professional network
  • Gain industry insight and insight into potential career options.

If you'd like to undertake a year in industry, you can transfer to Accounting and Finance with a Year in Industry BA (Hons) during your studies, subject to meeting the academic requirements of your course.

View Accounting and Finance with a Year in Industry BA (Hons)

To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/ minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

Study as part of XJTLU 2+2

Students studying Accounting BA at XJTLU can study this course at the University of Liverpool. Read more about Accounting and Finance BA (Hons) as part of the 2+2 programme.

The natural next step for ambitious XJTLU students who want to build a brilliant career.

  • Spend two years at the University of Liverpool campus
  • Improve your prospects of progressing to postgraduate study at a top 100 university
  • Receive two degrees: one from XJTLU, one from the University of Liverpool
  • Get support with visas, accommodation and your career.

Read more about the 2+2 programme.

Your experience

Day-to-day teaching will take place in the University of Liverpool Management School; a world leading centre for management and leadership education and research and is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation. At the Management School, students have access to careers education, opportunities to work as well as excellent library and IT facilities, just one minute’s walk away.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

What students say...

My student experience has always been about self-discovery. I am a completely different person now than I was when I first started. I’ve enjoyed meeting new people from diverse backgrounds, embracing fresh perspectives and challenging myself to grow both personally and academically.

, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance with a Year in Industry

Careers and employability

This degree will provide you with the skills applicable to many financial professions and a range of different sectors. Graduates from the University of Liverpool Management School often go on to undertake postgraduate programmes within our school.

Typical roles our graduates have gone on to include:

  • trainee accountants
  • marketing analyst
  • financial and business development consultant
  • accounting technicians
  • chartered accountants
  • internal/external auditors

You will be encouraged to undertake a Year in Industry as part of the four-year sandwich degree programme.

You can also explore taught postgraduate opportunities in our management school including:

  • MSc Economics;
  • MSc Accounting and Finance;
  • MSc Project Management.

4 in 5  agree their main activity after graduation fits in with their future plans.

Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19

Fees and funding

Your tuition fee covers almost everything, but you may have additional study costs to consider, such as books, specialist equipment or field trips.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,250
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £23,200
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £11,600
Fees are correct for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies..

Additional costs

All students have the opportunity to spend a semester studying overseas during their second year, subject to your year one performance. If you elect to study abroad you will need to cover associated travel and living costs. University travel bursaries and subsistence grants are available.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

All students have the opportunity to spend a semester studying overseas during their second year, subject to your year one performance. If you elect to study abroad you will need to cover associated travel and living costs. University travel bursaries and subsistence grants are available.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.

Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.

Discover our full range of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

A levels

AAB

Narrowly missed the entry requirements on results day?

You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.

T levels

Accounting considered.

Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.

GCSE GCSE Mathematics at grade 5/C and GCSE English at grade 4/C required. Applicants with equivalent qualifications and applicants who do not meet the GCSE English requirements will be considered on an individual basis according to their circumstances.
Subject requirements

Some Level 3 qualifications are only acceptable alongside 2 A levels, please contact us for details.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

BTEC Diploma at D*D* plus one A level at a minimum grade of B.

Or BTEC Extended Diploma at D*D*D

BTEC qualifications must be in a Business related subject:

  • Applied Law
  • Applied Psychology
  • Business
  • Business, Accounting and Finance
  • Computing
  • Creative Digital Media Production
  • Engineering
  • Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
  • Health and Social Care
  • Hospitality
  • Information Communications Technology
  • Information Technology
  • Media
  • Public Services
  • Strategic Management and Leadership
  • Travel and Tourism
International Baccalaureate

35 points with no score less than 4 – International Baccalaureate Mathematical Studies is not accepted for any Management School programme in lieu of GCSE Mathematics, or Higher Level Mathematics where this is a requirement

Irish Leaving Certificate H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H3 
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

Scottish Advanced Highers accepted at AAB

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Accepted at grade A or B alongside two A Levels only.
Access 45 credits at Distinction in graded level 3 units in a relevant Diploma.
International qualifications

Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
International Baccalaureate

35 points with no score less than 4 – International Baccalaureate Mathematical Studies is not accepted for any Management School programme in lieu of GCSE Mathematics, or Higher Level Mathematics where this is a requirement

TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 95
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
International Baccalaureate English B/English Language and Literature/English Language Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 4 at Higher Level
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced 176 overall, with no paper below 162

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 6 weeks On campus
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5, for further details.

Contextual offers: reduced grade requirements

Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

Preferred subjects

If you narrowly miss the entry requirements, we may take your subjects into account when we have your results. Students with two or more of these subjects may be given preference if places are available.

  • Accounting
  • English Literature
  • Maths
  • Anthropology
  • English Language and Literature
  • Music
  • Archaeology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Ancient History
  • Further Maths
  • Physics
  • Biology
  • Geography
  • Psychology
  • Business Studies/ Applied
  • Geology
  • Religious Studies
  • Classics
  • Government & Politics
  • Science in Society
  • Chemistry
  • History
  • Sociology
  • Computing
  • History of Art
  • Statistics
  • Economics
  • Languages*
  • World Development
  • English Language
  • Law

*Languages include modern foreign/community languages taken as individual subjects (e.g.French, Spanish, Urdu, Gujarati) and classical languages (e.g. Biblical Hebrew, Latin, Classical Greek).

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

  • If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
  • If you are returning to learning, have had a disrupted education or are switching career pathways, the one-year Go Higher diploma qualifies you to apply for University of Liverpool arts, humanities and social sciences programmes
  • Applications from mature students are welcome.

Changes to Accounting and Finance BA (Hons)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.