Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Accounting and Finance
This is an accredited course. You'll develop the practical skills needed for a successful career as an accountant, or to work across finance and business.
Course Overview
-
N420 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
16 Sep 2024
This course will equip you with a deep understanding of accounting and finance and their importance for organisations and businesses.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Develop the key skills and abilities to make an effective contribution to the financial management of organisations now and in the future
- Construct and analyse financial statements and financial information using a range of techniques and electronic tools
- Learn to describe and comment on accounting and finance research using data and methodologies
- Tailor your studies by choosing modules to suit your interests and future career direction
- Undertake a business simulation project to apply your knowledge and skills
- Specialise in accountancy or gain a wider perspective on business
- Have access to guest lectures so you can learn from our business links and industry professionals
Your academic community
You’ll study in the heart of Leeds, one of the UK's largest financial centres outside London. The vibrant academic community you’ll join includes tutors with a wealth of academic expertise and extensive practical and professional experience.
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by three professional bodies:
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA),
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
This means that it’s recognised as a course with high standard teaching material that meets industry requirements. Upon graduating, you’ll able to claim exemptions from some of the exams that you would’ve needed to complete to become a Chartered Accountant.
Essentially, the work you do on your degree is transferrable and you won’t have to sit as many exams to become a qualified member of a professional body. It varies depending on the professional body, and our course spec in the Teaching & Learning section has all of the detail.
Real world experience
If you take a paid work placement in your third year, you’ll develop and enhance your employability. Our students have enjoyed placements with top performing companies including:
- Disney
- Morrisons
- The NHS
Our graduates
Our graduates have gone on to work with a wide range of organisations across industries including:
- KPMG
- EY (Ernst & Young)
- Triumph Motorcycles
- Grant Thornton UK LLP
- Aviva
- Evri
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- BDO Accountancy and Business Advice
- Jet2
- The Football Association (FA)
Industry insights
Our guest lecture series will help support your development. Past speakers include the CEO of the London Stock Exchange, the Chief Executive of the British Bankers Association and the Chief Economist of Yorkshire Bank. To view and register for any upcoming guest lectures, visit our university events webpage.
Why study Accounting and Finance at Leeds Beckett University...
- 94% of students on BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance were positive about the way teaching staff explain things*
- 91.9% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation**
- Industry-standard technology available to help you become a work-ready graduate
- Links with professional regulating bodies and financial professional institutions will ensure your learning meets the standards demanded by employers
- Optional industry placement, which will broaden your real-life work experience and impress potential employers
*National Student Survey 2023
**Percentage of respondents from this course, HESA Graduate outcomes 20-21
BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance | Jennifer Ardene Student Jenny talks about her experience at Leeds Beckett.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
120
points required
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
120
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 120 points required.
(Minimum 80 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies.).
GCSEs
GCSE English Language and Maths Grade 4 or above (Grade C for those sitting their GCSE before from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills/Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSE Grade 4 English Language and GCSE Grade 4 Maths.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Level 5 entry:
Direct entry to Level 5 on successful achievement of the AAT (The Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 4 qualification.Our commitment to help every student succeed
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
International baccalaureate
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Level 5 entry:
Direct entry to Level 5 on successful achievement of the AAT (The Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 4 qualification.Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study – the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.
What you'll learn
Explore the foundations and understanding of the business and legal structures and environment. You'll relate to the work of the accounting and finance professional as you study the English Legal system, legal business structures and contract law as it affects business. You'll gain an understanding of business stakeholders and the business environment as it applies to the current climate. You'll also use current business scenarios to further your understanding.
Start to develop the soft skills required to begin your career planning journey. You'll begin to gain the digital and professional skills required to work as a professional accountant. This module will also incorporate personal development and resilience tools to enable your success in the modern workplace.
This module will provide an introduction to double entry bookkeeping and base accounting knowledge. You'll start to understand fundamental accounting terms and knowledge.
Begin to develop your knowledge base for preparation of simple financial statements and management accounting concepts. You'll gain further knowledge and continue to build your understanding of accounting terms.
Develop the use of double entry bookkeeping and other techniques to produce company financial statements. This will include the Statement of Cash Flow and the Statement of changes in Equity. This module also covers the detection and correction of errors in accounting information. You'll start to appreciate how desirable characteristics of accounting information and fundamental accounting concepts are applied in practice.
This module will give you an introduction to the legal and ethical backdrop in which finance professionals operate. It will also demonstrate the importance of ethical behaviour, linking to ethical scandals and poor corporate behaviour.
Build on the Introduction to Accounting module to develop an understanding of management accounting concepts and principles.
What you'll learn
This module will enable you to practise applying international accounting standards in the production of financial statements. You'll also evaluate accounting standards in the context of accounting concepts and the qualitative characteristics.
Develop a range of skills to support your personal development and employability as you contextualise your studies. You'll present your analysis of the business as part of a formal group presentation. Then you'll formally reflect on the experience of this module.
Further develop skills acquired in the Management Accounting module. You'll continue to explore processing and analysing information for the purposes of management reporting.
Builds on the skills you acquired in your first year of study. This module will further develop the digital skills and core knowledge areas you'll need to be a business professional of the future.
Understand the structure of business finance and its application to the decision-making processes in organisations.
Develop the skills and techniques to produce and interpret the financial statements of a group of companies. You'll use the qualitative characteristics of useful information and the fundamental bases of accounting you've already studied to explore the conceptual framework of accounting. This module will cover the reporting of financial information for groups in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and relevant accounting standards and the analysis. You'll also study the interpretation of information from financial reports.
What you'll learn
Critically examine the contribution and importance of corporate financial decision making to the achievement of the enterprise's corporate objectives from a strategic perspective.
Practise applying the knowledge and skills you have developed in your degree in the context of a business simulation game.
Understand theoretical accounting issues and learn how to evaluate accounting regulation and guidance. Evaluate approaches to ethical issues and use a range of digital resources to explore accounting issues.
Understand the process of carrying out an audit and its application in the context of the professional regulatory framework.
Option modules may include
Learn to select and apply appropriate financial techniques in the production of a realistic and practicable financial business plan.
Improve your understanding of the finance sector by studying some of the key aspects of major areas of the sector including banking, insolvency, forensic accounting, money and the finance systems and insurance. Understand the legal, ethical and sustainable frameworks that surround the sector.
Develop a critical awareness and understanding of the complexity of managing cross-cultural issues, diversity and inclusion in the home and global business environment.
This module uncovers the dirty secrets of how tax havens work and how they disrupt the global economy. It explores the opaque, secretive and confusing world of financial crimes saturated with stories, rumours and anecdotes.
Gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills relating to the tax affairs of UK resident individuals.
Explore the importance of ethical business decision-making, how the governance of firms should be organised and the consideration of stakeholders in developing approaches to the social responsibility of businesses.
This module will examine fundamental concepts of international business finance and international trade. You'll learn about the formation of multinational corporations and the business challenges they face in a dynamic global context.
Study the corporate taxation matters that are most significant for UK accounting and business decisions. You will focus on the rules for computing the corporation tax and VAT liabilities of a trading company, and you will adopt the way in which professional accountants conventionally present the results to company directors and to the UK tax authorities.
You will demonstrate a full range of skills, knowledge, and competencies developed over three years of study. This module provides an opportunity for you to choose and explore a field of study that has particularly engaged your interest.
Apply for a placement and undertake a period of paid employment to give you the opportunity to develop business contacts and gain understanding of the jobs and career market.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,250
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.
£16,000
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.Professional body subscription fees - For courses with professional body subscriptions, you will need to pay any necessary fees directly to the professional body.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Simulation suite, an on-campus system that will help you to develop effective leadership and group participant skills
- Trading floor that features professional-level equipment including Datastream, a news and information system provided by mass media and information firm Thomson Reuters
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Scientific calculator (£10)
- Laptop running Windows for compatibility with SAGE software; you can borrow a laptop from the university free of charge should you choose not to purchase your own
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,000
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.Professional body subscription fees - For courses with professional body subscriptions, you will need to pay any necessary fees directly to the professional body.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Simulation suite, an on-campus system that will help you to develop effective leadership and group participant skills
- Trading floor that features professional-level equipment including Datastream, a news and information system provided by mass media and information firm Thomson Reuters
Optional Costs
- Scientific calculator (£10)
- Laptop running Windows for compatibility with SAGE software; you can borrow a laptop from the university free of charge should you choose not to purchase your own
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
94%
of students on BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance were positive about the way teaching staff explain things
Why Leeds for business? Discover what the city of Leeds has to offer and why it’s a great choice for students studying business, finance or communications.
Our students gain a deep understanding of the current issues affecting both the business world and their role in society. By graduating from this course, you’ll be equipped to make significant financial and commercial contributions to organisations.
Paul Hampson
Course Director
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Make every moment matter – BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance Discover the kind of moments you could look forward to on BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance. From connecting with employers in a major business and financial centre to growing through practical learning.
Career Prospects
This course puts you on the fast track to qualifying as a professional accountant. After graduating, you’ll have substantial exemptions from the examinations required to become a member of the major professional accountancy bodies. These could include the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.
As well as accountancy, you could enter a wide variety of stimulating and financially rewarding occupations, including accounting, stockbroking, roles in the financial services and business management.
- Trainee chartered accountant
- Accountant
- Finance assistant
- Finance clerk
You’ll have the technical knowledge and professional confidence to move into a job role that suits your individual career aspirations. Our graduates have joined companies including KPMG, EY (Ernst & Young), Grant Thornton UK LLP, Aviva, Jet2, Evri, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and BDO Accountancy and Business Advice.
91.9%
of BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation*
BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance - Rianna De Paolo Graduate Rianna talks about reasons for choosing the course, highlights and support at Leeds Beckett.
Paul Hampson
Course Director / Leeds Business School
Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for BA (Honours) Accounting and Finance.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Make every moment matter at Leeds Business School Discover the kind of moments you could look forward to at Leeds Business School, from learning from experts to being inspired by business leaders. Our students have gone on placements, worked on live industry projects and benefitted from connections with employers such as Disney, Sky Sports, Nestlé, Flamingo Land and North Brewing. Together we can power your future advantage.
Guest lecture events
Gain insight and network at our guest lecture events
Leeds Business School hosts guest lectures open to students, businesses, professionals, alumni and staff. Gain insight from industry experts, leading business figures and entrepreneurs who are invited to speak across a range of subjects including business and management, leadership, marketing, PR, economics, finance, accounting, and HR.
Find out about any future events by visiting our university events pages.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Life in Leeds
Leeds is an exciting and vibrant student city, find out what it has to offer!
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
