Accounting and Finance BSc
Year of entry 2027
2026 course informationCourse overview
You'll study for your Accounting and Finance degree at our world-renowned Leeds University Business School. This is a leading and innovative course that delivers a strong accounting and finance knowledge base whilst helping you develop a wider skill set, in preparation for a career in accounting or finance, as well as a range of other sectors.
This Accounting and Finance degree offers you the opportunity to graduate with significant exemptions from the main accountancy professional bodies, giving you a head start in your career.
You'll develop a deep understanding of how financial information is used and managed within organisations, and how it is reported, both internally and externally. You'll learn about the modern economy, the nature of business, and the role that accountancy and finance can play within it.
This course will give you the practical knowledge and skills that top accounting and finance employers are looking for. You will develop your analytical, quantitative, research, and professional skills whilst gaining a thorough understanding of key topics in financial and management accounting, corporate finance, financial econometrics, and economics.
You'll also be able to tailor your studies with diverse and specialist modules, such as Python programming for finance, forensic accounting and finance, contemporary issues in accounting, behavioural finance, and advanced financial accounting.
Leeds is one of the largest city regions for financial and business services in the UK, which makes it an ideal place to study accounting and finance. You'll also have a range of opportunities to gain relevant work experience.
Shape your learning
This course allows you to tailor your studies to your specific interests and professional aspirations through pathways of modules in particular areas, which can be followed from year 2 through to your final year. This unique level of personalisation and self-direction offers you the flexibility to meet your career goals whilst helping you stand out from the crowd when you graduate.
The pathways available on this course are:
- Enterprise and Innovation
- Ethics and Sustainability
- Economics
- Business Management
Why study at Leeds
- Learn from highly qualified and experienced professional accountants and world-renowned academic researchers.
- Benefit from the support of your Academic Personal Tutor, who will work in partnership with you to maximise your personal and professional development.
- Graduate with the opportunity to receive significant exemptions from the main accountancy professional bodies, giving you a head start for a career as a Chartered Accountant.
- Access to our world-class facilities, including our state-of-the-art trading room, where you'll develop practical skills for your career. You'll have the chance to gain certification for taking part in Bloomberg Market Concepts training in your first year and to participate in a live trading simulation in your final year.
- Develop your experience and boost your career prospects with our industrial placement opportunities or study abroad programmes at one of our many partner universities across the world.
- Support from the Business School’s Employability and Opportunity team, who'll help you explore opportunities to develop your professional network and gain work experience.
Accreditation
This course is an ICAEW Strategic Partnership Degree and is recognised as a University Affiliation Programme (UAP) by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute.
Exemptions
Our BSc Accounting and Finance offers significant exemptions from the main accountancy professional bodies, which include:
Course details and modules
Our degrees have a modular structure. This means that the theoretical and applied content within our compulsory modules provide you with the core knowledge and skills that you need.
Alongside these compulsory modules, you'll also have the opportunity to shape your course through optional, pathway and discovery modules. They're a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out in a competitive graduate job market.
Optional modules are related to the field of accounting and finance, enabling you to deepen your knowledge and skills within this area.
Pathways are optional modules themed around key business disciplines, designed to complement your core knowledge and skills in accounting and finance and broaden your expertise. Pathway modules are available in your second and final year. You can choose to study modules from up to two pathways during each year, with the opportunity to continue, choose a different pathway* or return your focus to accounting and finance optional modules as you progress between years.
Discovery modules give you opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside your subject area. They are categorised into Discovery Themes ranging from arts to sciences, and from theory to practice.
*Subject to prerequisites in year 2.
Whether you choose optional, pathway or discovery modules, you’ll be shaping your course to suit your personal interests and career aspirations. In all years, you will be able to choose from a selection of modules that reflect the research interests and expertise of staff at Leeds.
Year 1
You’ll be introduced to a set of compulsory modules that lay the foundations of your studies. You’ll learn and develop the mathematical knowledge and skills you need and be introduced to key financial and economic principles, as well as study the fundamentals of financial and management accounting. You’ll also choose an optional module based on your current level of mathematics and statistics knowledge, and be offered discovery module(s) from a broad range of University-wide disciplines.
Year 2
Building upon your knowledge base from first year, you’ll undertake further compulsory modules that will develop your understanding of corporate finance and financial and management accounting. You’ll also develop essential skills, including analytical techniques and the use of statistical software.
Optional modules will allow you to focus on areas including applied credit analytics, Python programming for finance, business and the legal environment and banks and banking systems. You’ll also have the opportunity to study pathway modules in areas of economics, enterprise and innovation, ethics and sustainability and business management. A choice of discovery modules will again be offered.
Final year
Your final year will include either a research dissertation on a topic of your choice or a high-level financial analysis review of a major organisation. You'll choose to study either advanced financial accounting or contemporary issues in accounting. You'll also undertake a complex case study in accounting and finance, strategy and ethical undertakings.
Optional accounting and finance modules will span diverse topics, including auditing, taxation, forensic accounting and finance, advanced portfolio management, private equity, financial derivatives, behavioural finance, and contemporary issues in banking. You'll also have the option to continue to study pathway modules. A choice of discovery modules will also be offered in your final year.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Foundations of Finance (20 credits)
- Academic and Professional Development for Studies in Finance (20 credits)
- Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1B (10 credits)
- Introduction to Financial Accounting (10 credits)
- Introduction to Management Accounting (10 credits)
- Economic Theory and Applications for Finance (20 credits)
Optional modules
- Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1A (10 credits)
- Foundations of Banking (10 credits)
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Corporate Finance (20 credits)
- Financial Econometrics (10 credits)
- Financial Analytics for Decision Making *subject to confirmation (10 credits)
- Intermediate Financial Accounting (20 credits)
- Intermediate Management Accounting (20 credits)
Optional modules
- From Study to Work (10 credits)
- Applied Credit Analytics (10 credits)
- Banks and Banking Systems (10 credits)
- Business and the Legal Environment (20 credits)
- Experiencing the World of Work (10 credits)
- Python Programming for Finance (10 credits)
Pathway modules
Enterprise and Innovation pathway
- Leading and Managing Small Business (10 credits)
- Entrepreneurship in Theory and Practice (10 credits)
- Managing Innovation in Business (10 credits)
- New Enterprise Planning (20 credits)
Ethics and Sustainability pathway
- Leadership Ethics (10 credits)
- Contemporary Industrial Relations (10 credits)
- Corporate Social Responsibility (10 credits)
Economics pathway
- Industrial Economics (10 credits)
- Mathematics for Business and Economics 2 (10 credits)
- Business Economics (10 credits)
- Intermediate Microeconomics (10 credits)
- Intermediate Macroeconomics (10 credits)
Business Management pathway
- Organisational Behaviour in Practice (10 credits)
- How Managers Make Decisions (10 credits)
- Evidence Based Consultancy (10 credits)
Final year
Compulsory modules
- Critical Cases in Accounting and Finance (20 credits)
Optional modules
- Dissertation for Accounting, Banking and Finance (40 credits) or Financial Analysis (40 credits)
- Advanced Financial Accounting (10 credits) or Contemporary Issues in Accounting (10 credits)
- Private Equity (10 credits)
- Forensic Accounting and Finance (10 credits)
- Behavioural Finance (10 credits)
- Financial Derivatives (10 credits)
- Auditing and Assurance Services (20 credits)
- International Business Finance (10 credits)
- Principles of Taxation (20 credits)
- Advanced Finance (10 credits)
- Advanced Portfolio Management (10 credits)
- Contemporary Issues in Banking (10 credits)
Pathway modules
Enterprise and Innovation pathway
- Enterprise Consultancy (20 credits)
- Critical Perspective in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
- Innovation Thinking and Practice (10 credits)
Ethics and Sustainability pathway
- Gender and Equality at Work in Comparative Perspective (20 credits)
- Diversity Management (20 credits)
- Business Ethics (20 credits)
- Sustainable Business Futures: Policy and Practice (20 credits)
- Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (10 credits)
Economics pathway
- Advanced Microeconomics (10 credits)
- Advanced Macroeconomics (10 credits)
- Environmental Economics (10 credits)
- Modern Theories of Money and Monetary Policy (10 credits)
- The Political Economy of Work (10 credits)
- Economics of Business and Corporate Strategy (20 credits)
Business Management pathway
- Enterprise Consultancy (20 credits)
- Strategic Management (20 credits)
- International Business Management (20 credits)
- Leadership in Organisations (10 credits)
Learning and teaching
You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including lectures, tutorials, seminars, and workshops. The rest of your time will be spent on independent learning, which will allow you to develop your research and analysis skills. You'll benefit from access to our Bloomberg Trading Rooms, including two brand new 24-seat suites. The trading rooms allow you to apply your finance theories to decision-making in a safe environment using real-time information.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a range of transferable skills that you’ll need in professional life. These are likely to include coursework, exams, oral presentations, group reports and a dissertation.
Specialist facilities
At Leeds University Business School, you’ll have access to specialist facilities including state-of-the-art lecture theatres, collaborative learning and teaching spaces with the latest interactive technology and modern study spaces with dedicated computer clusters. As an accounting and finance student, you'll also have use of our state-of-the-art Bloomberg Trading Rooms, enabling you to engage with practical applications of both finance and investment decision-making.
Read more about our Business School facilities.
Explore more of our facilities through our 360 virtual experience.
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA
GCSE: Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher, including Mathematics grade A/7 and English Language grade B/6 or equivalent, or an appropriate English language qualification.* *If you have a B/6 in GCSE English Literature, we will accept a Grade B/5 or C/4 in GCSE English Language.
Other course specific tests:
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications for this course.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is assessed on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of the application. We can consider this qualification from UK applicants only, who must complete a Business-related diploma of 60 credits to include 45 credits at Level 3. A minimum of 30 Level 3 credits must be awarded at Distinction and 15 at Merit.
Applicants are expected to meet the GCSE Mathematics and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree programme.
BTEC
We will accept the RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business with Distinction* Distinction Distinction (an academic A Level is not required). For the QCF BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business, or other BTEC qualifications alongside academic A-levels, please see our BTEC entry requirements.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M2 or D2, M1, M1. Please note that this requirement excludes the Cambridge Pre-U Certificate in Global Perspectives and Independent Research. We also consider applicants who offer a combination of Pre-U and A-Level qualifications. Please contact lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk for further advice.
International Baccalaureate
For degrees requiring AAA at A-level: 35 points overall with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. Plus 5 in Standard Level Mathematics courses or 4 in Higher Level Mathematics courses, and 6 in Standard Level English A or Higher Level English B, or 5 in Higher Level English A.
For those applicants who meet our Maths or English requirements through another qualification, these minimum points for Maths or English in the IB Diploma do not apply.
Literature and Performance or English ab initio are not accepted for English Language, and a separate English Language qualification is required.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
Applicants must achieve six H2 grades in the Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level).
Mathematics and English Language will be accepted at Ordinary level in lieu of GCSEs. A grade of O2 is required for GCSE A/7 Mathematics. A grade of O3 is required for English Language
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
Scottish Highers and Scottish Advanced Highers are acceptable for entry onto our degree programmes in the following combinations:
- six Highers at AAAAAA
- one Advanced Higher at A with five Highers at AAABB
- two Advanced Highers at AA with five Highers AABBB.
We'll also accept three Advanced Highers at AAA.
National 5 Mathematics and English are acceptable in lieu of GCSE requirements on a grade-for-grade basis.
T-Levels
Applicants declaring a T Level are assessed on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of the application. We can only consider these subjects; Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management and Administration, Digital Data Analytics, Digital Software Development, or Digital Support and Security.
An overall Distinction with grade A in the Core Component must be achieved.
Applicants are also expected to have met the GCSE Mathematics and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree programme.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is acceptable in place of an A level. Applicants must achieve a grade A alongside AA at A level (excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking).
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low-income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.
Find out more about access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer
A level: ABB
GCSE: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher including Mathematics grade A/7 and English Language or English Literature grade C/4
Access to Leeds: Pass
Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students.
If you are a mature applicant (over 21) and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.
Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information. lifelonglearning@leeds.ac.uk
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Read more about International Entry Requirements for Leeds University Business School on our Entry Requirements page.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: £10,050
International: To be confirmed
The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.
Tuition fees for UK students
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2026/27 are £9,790 and £10,050 for students starting in 2027/28.
Subsequent years
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.
From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.
Tuition fees for international students
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.
Read more about tuition fees.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
The deadline for international students to apply to Leeds University Business School is 30 June.
Courses at Leeds University Business School receive a high volume of applications relative to the places available and this means that we cannot extend an offer to all applicants. We look for enthusiastic and talented students who have the potential to succeed in their studies and contribute to our community and make our offer decisions based on an overall review of your application. This includes predicted or achieved grades as well as the breadth of knowledge demonstrated through qualifications, the personal statement, extra-curricular and work experience, and contextual information.
Please see our How to Apply page, under “Application decisions” for details.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026
This course is taught by
Leeds University Business School
Contact us
Leeds University Business School Course Enquiries Office
Email: lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Career opportunities
Viewing in China? Watch on Bilibili.
A degree in Accounting and Finance equips you with a range of skills to pursue many career options. Developing a comprehensive skill from a complex business degree is highly valued by employers across all sectors.
Where will your Accounting and Finance degree take you?
Whilst a large number of graduates have pursued a career in accountancy and progressed to become qualified accountants, there are a variety of other options available to you upon graduation.
For example, recent graduates have gone on to work in Retail and Investment Banking, Management Trainees, Civil Servants, Brokers, Auditors, Finance Analysts, Insolvency Administrators, and Tax and Business Advisors.
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK’s leading employers
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources –including our award-winning Employability Team, who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.
- Employability events – we run a full range of events, including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries, all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
- MyCareer system – on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
- Qualified careers consultants – gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
- Opportunities at Leeds – there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.
Leeds University Business School's Employability and Opportunity team
Leeds University Business School is one of the few in the UK with a dedicated Employability and Opportunity team. You'll be supported throughout your studies with one-to-one support, workshops and events from graduate employers, helping you develop the professional skills and experience that top employers are looking for,
Find out more about the Business School’s employability and opportunities support.
Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme
You’ll also have the opportunity to apply for our competitive Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme, exclusive for Business School students. We’ll connect you with an industry professional who will support you on your career path as you are mentored on a one-to-one basis for one academic year.
The Careers Service work with a large network of experienced professionals from companies such as Santander, M&S and KPMG, who volunteer as mentors on our Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme.
During your time at Leeds, you’ll have full access to the University Careers Service and Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Studies.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend an additional academic year studying abroad. The University has partnerships with more than 300 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include the USA, Canada, Australia, countries in Asia and countries in Europe.
You can also apply to take part in a short-course summer school at one of our overseas partner institutions. A summer school can be taken as part of a three-year degree, or in addition to a study year abroad or year in industry.
Read more about studying abroad.
Work placements
This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake an industrial placement year as part of the course.
It’s important to note, work placements are not guaranteed. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation.
Our Employability Team will help you every step of the way. They run a number of placement sessions to discuss opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparations. Plus, they’ll be there to answer any questions you may have and offer guidance throughout the process, too.
Benefits of a work placement year:
- 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
- Build industry contacts within your chosen field
- Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
- Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
- Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
- Improve your employability
Find out more about Industrial placements.