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Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year

Whether you aim for a career in accounting, financial management, or entrepreneurship, a strong grasp of numbers is vital. This programme offers the latest in theory, principles, and practical skills needed for success in these fields.

This route can be pursued with Student Finance when you meet the official criteria.

Review the funding guide, download the UniStart app to chat with real advisors, or return to all courses if you need a different campus or schedule.

Course Description

With a focus on industry, our programme offers a degree in accounting and finance that will equip you for a job in management or company. It will give you the highly sought-after employability skills that companies value, creating avenues for professional growth and advancement. In addition to introducing you to the essential accounting and financial management settings and concepts you'll need to go through the remainder of the course, the foundation year will help you become ready for university-level study. If you dedicate yourself to pursuing a degree, you will acquire transferable abilities that you may use to advance in any professional setting, be it as an entrepreneur or as a corporate ladder climber in the accounting and financial management industry. When operating a firm, how do you handle accounting and financial requirements? Which ideas and concepts of business have the biggest financial influence? With the basic and specialised accounting and financial knowledge from our accounting and financial management degree, you'll be able to create a successful career that fits your objectives. By integrating theoretical education with hands-on experience, you will expand your understanding of a variety of accountancy and finance-related subjects. These cover taxation, law, corporate finance, audit and assurance, managerial accounting, and financial reporting. Graduates of this course are eligible for exemptions when applying for membership in the Institute of Financial Accountants, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

What You'll Learn

Learn core areas: financial reporting, taxation, auditing, corporate finance, and management accounting

Combines theory with practical skills through case studies and industry-relevant projects

Develop analytical, numerical, and strategic decision-making skills

Prepares you for roles in accounting firms, finance departments, or as a financial consultant

Offers exemptions from professional bodies like ACCA, CIMA, and IFA after graduation

Course Structure

Foundation Year
  • Academic Skills for Higher Education
  • Business and Ethical Awareness in the Financial Workplace
  • Introduction to Communication and Digital Skills
  • Introduction to Financial Accounting and Management
  • Introduction to Management Accounting
  • Foundation Year Project
Year 1
  • Dynamic Business Environment (20 credits)
  • Financial Accounting (20 credits)
  • Fundamental of Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility in Accounting and Financial Management (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Business Accounting (20 credits)
  • Management Accounting 1 (20 credits)
  • Professional Accountant and IT Systems (20 credits)
Year 2
  • Business and Corporate Law (20 credits)
  • Corporate Governance & Leadership (20 credits)
  • Financial Reporting (20 credits)
  • Management Accounting 2 (20 credits)
  • Performance Management (20 credits)
  • Research Methods (20 credits)

Entry Requirements

Applicants aged 18+

  • Level 3 qualification (60 credits or 80 UCAS tariff points)
  • Five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above
  • Assessment via interview (listening, speaking, numeracy, writing)

Applicants aged 21+

  • Welcome without standard qualifications
  • Relevant work or academic experience considered
  • Interview + personal reflection assessment

Don't have A-levels? No problem.

We accept equivalent European qualifications: Diploma de Bacalaureat (Romania), Matura (Poland), Abitur (Germany), Baccalaureat (France), and more. Career changers and mature students with relevant UK work experience are also welcome.

Job Prospects

Career Opportunities This degree equips you with the financial, analytical, and strategic skills needed to succeed in a variety of roles within the accounting and finance sectors. It also lays the foundation for professional certifications with bodies such as ACCA, CIMA, or IFA. Possible career paths include: Financial Accountant – Manage financial records, reporting, and compliance Management Accountant – Support internal decision-making through financial planning and analysis Auditor – Review financial statements to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance Tax Advisor – Provide guidance on tax legislation and planning for individuals or businesses Finance Analyst – Analyse data and market trends to support business growth and investment decisions Payroll or Accounts Officer – Handle employee compensation, invoicing, and account reconciliation Business Consultant (Finance) – Advise organisations on improving financial operations and efficiency Graduates may also choose to pursue further study or professional accreditation to advance their careers in accounting, finance, or corporate leadership.

Tuition Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

Foundation Year: £5,760. Years 1 to 3: £9,535 per year

Total available per year

up to £23,297

Tuition £9,535 + Maintenance up to £13,762. You pay nothing upfront.

Don't worry about fees. Your advisor will check your eligibility and help you apply for full funding, including any additional grants you may qualify for.

Estimate your funding →

Career Prospects

Graduates go on to work in high-demand roles across the UK:

Financial Accountant £30-55k
Management Accountant £32-55k
Auditor £28-50k
Tax Advisor £30-55k
Finance Manager £38-65k
Credit Analyst £28-45k
Financial Advisor £30-60k
Forensic Accountant £35-60k

Salary ranges are indicative based on UK market data. Actual salaries depend on location, experience, and employer.

How You'll Learn

This programme balances theory with practical application across financial reporting, managerial accounting, audit and assurance, taxation, business law, and corporate finance. The Foundation Year builds confidence in academic skills and introduces core business and accounting principles.

Assessment Methods

Two-stage approach: formative (non-graded developmental feedback) and summative (counted toward final marks). Methods include written examinations, reports, portfolios, essays, and presentations. External examiners ensure academic standards.

Schedule

Flexible: weekdays and evenings. Intakes in September, January, and June.

Admissions Interview

Most courses include a short, friendly admissions interview. Before your interview, your UniStart advisor will send you a personalised preparation pack - including a written guide and a video walkthrough - created by our admissions experts specifically for your course.

Students who use our preparation pack have up to a 94% success rate.

Frequently Asked

Is funding really 100% covered?
Yes, eligible students can receive full funding covering tuition fees and living costs through Student Finance England.
How long does the application take?
Most applications can be completed in 15-30 minutes using our streamlined process and expert guidance.
Can I study part-time?
Many courses offer flexible study options including part-time, evening, and weekend classes to fit your schedule.

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