Accounting and Finance (Professional) – Talent Track Degree Programme BSc

Course overview

Exclusive to Leeds, this ‘Talent Track’ partnership degree gives you hands-on work experience, professional mentoring and the potential to secure a job with Grant Thornton when you graduate.

This innovative degree programme is delivered in partnership with Grant Thornton, a leading audit, tax, and advisory firm.

This four-year course blends academic study from our BSc Accounting and Finance degree with paid, hands-on work experience at Grant Thornton in the UK, providing a clear route into a graduate role so you can start your career ahead of the curve.

In addition to your core academic modules, you’ll benefit from paid professional internships in years 1, 2 and 4 and a paid extended placement in year 3 with Grant Thornton. You'll also be supported by a Grant Thornton mentor who’ll help develop your professional skills and employability.

Throughout the course, you'll develop and apply a deep understanding of the way financial information is used, managed, and reported both internally and externally, within organisations. You'll explore the modern economy, the nature of business, and the role that accountancy and finance can play within it.

Following completion of your degree and provided you've met the required academic and professional performance criteria, you’ll be offered a graduate role at Grant Thornton, subject to role availability.

Alongside gaining valuable professional experience, you’ll have the opportunity to graduate with significant exemptions from the main accountancy professional bodies, giving you a strong head start in your career.

This degree is available to UK residents only and places are limited.

Why study at Leeds

• Paid work placements: Grant Thornton will guarantee short, paid internships throughout your studies in Years 1, 2 and 4, as well as a full-year paid placement in your third year, giving you invaluable professional work experience in industry.
• Get ahead in the graduate job market: Every step of Talent Track is structured to lead you into a graduate role with Grant Thornton. You could secure a full-time role at the firm when you finish, subject to successful completion of both your degree and the Grant Thornton trainee programme.
• Unlock exclusive opportunities: Talent Track is only available at Leeds. Grant Thornton will invest in your future through mentoring, professional insight sessions and development opportunities.
• Start building your network: Connect with the people, experience the culture and form professional relationships at Grant Thornton that will support your career long after graduation.
• Learn from academic experts at a world-renowned Business School: You'll study at the triple-accredited Leeds University Business School. The course is led by highly qualified, experienced professionals and academics, giving you a strong foundation in accounting and finance.
• Gain exemptions from professional qualifications: 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 financial support: A Grant Thornton bursary fund is available alongside several scholarships for students who meet the eligibility criteria – see the Fees page for more information.

About Grant Thornton

The University of Leeds is working in partnership with Grant Thornton UK LLP to deliver this professional degree programme.

Grant Thornton is one of the largest professional services firms in the UK.

Providing audit, tax and advisory services, they work with a range of clients worldwide providing strategic insight, curiosity and partnership.

With over 5,000 people in the UK, and a presence in 150 global markets, they have a commitment to empowering their people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance.

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.

Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from three leading bodies:

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• Association of MBAs (AMBA)
• European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)

This means you'll join one of the UK's most prestigious business schools with a global reputation for high-quality teaching and research. We’ll introduce you to a culture of new ideas and different perspectives. Our diverse, international learning community will offer you new experiences and global connections for life.

AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW)

Exemptions

Our BSc Accounting and Finance (Professional) offers significant exemptions from the main accountancy professional bodies, which include the: 

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) 
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) 
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS). 

Course details and modules

Known as Talent Track, and only available at the University of Leeds, this degree offers the same modules and course content as our BSc Accounting and Finance degree programme, with the following extras:

• Paid internships in your first year, second year and final year of study.
• Paid placement in your third year of study.
• Dedicated Grant Thornton mentor throughout your programme.
• You’ll be considered for a graduate role with Grant Thornton on completion of the programme, providing you meet the relevant academic requirements and professional requirements of the internships and placement, subject to role availability.

You’ll study your Accounting and Finance (Professional) degree at the world‑renowned Leeds University Business School. The course builds a strong foundation in accounting and finance, blends academic learning with real-world experience, and equips you with a broad, career-ready skill set.

Through your studies and professional placements, you’ll develop a deep understanding of how financial information is used, managed and reported within organisations. You’ll explore the modern economy, how businesses operate, and the role accounting and finance play in shaping them.

Alongside 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. 

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Accounting and Finance (Professional) – Talent Track Degree Programme BSc in the course catalogue

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.

Throughout Year 1 you’ll benefit from one-to-one sessions with your dedicated Grant Thornton mentor. You’ll also complete three paid internships outside of term time, including two short internships during the Christmas and Easter break, and a longer internship during the Summer break.

Compulsory modules

• Foundations of Finance (20 credits)
• Academic and Professional Development for Studies in Finance (20 credits)
• Statistics and Data Analytics for Finance (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

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.

In your second year, you’ll continue to benefit from one-to-one sessions with your dedicated Grant Thornton mentor. You’ll also complete a short paid internship during the Easter break.

Compulsory modules  

• Corporate Finance (20 credits)
• Financial Econometrics (10 credits)
• Financial Analytics for Decision Making (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)
• 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)
• 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)

Year 3

You’ll spend this year on a paid work placement with Grant Thornton, a leading audit, tax, and advisory firm who provide personalised services, including assurance, tax, and advisory services. You'll gain hands-on experience and apply what you’ve learned so far in real client settings as you continue to develop your professional skills.

Year 4

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.

You’ll continue to benefit from one-to-one sessions with your dedicated Grant Thornton mentor. You’ll also complete a short, paid internship during the Christmas break.

Compulsory modules

• Critical Cases in Accounting and Finance (20 credits)

Optional modules

• Advanced Financial Accounting (10 credits)
• Dissertation for Accounting, Banking and Finance (40 credits)
• Contemporary Issues in Accounting (10 credits)
• Financial Analysis (40 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.

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. 

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 will also have use of our state-of-the-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. You'll have the opportunity to engage with practical applications of both finance and investment decision-making.

Read more about Business School facilities. 

Explore more of our facilities through our 360 virtual experience.

Programme team

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.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA

GCSE: Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education with acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, including Mathematics grade A/7 and English Language grade B/5 or equivalent, or an appropriate English language qualification. If you have a B/5 in GCSE English Literature, we will accept a Grade C/4 in GCSE English Language.

Other course specific tests:

Read more about the UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications for this course.

Alternative qualifications

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: five 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 (aged 21 or over) 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.

Fees

UK: 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 2027/28 are £10,050. 

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.  

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.

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:

• Scholarships for International students
• Scholarships for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

A Grant Thornton bursary fund is also available for students who meet the eligibility criteria – see their website for more information.

Applying

There are a limited number of places available on this Talent Track partnership degree. Applicants are required to complete a competitive two-stage application and selection process.

Stage 1: University of Leeds application

Step 1: Apply to this course through UCAS.

When you apply for this course, your application will be assessed by both the University of Leeds and Grant Thornton UK LLP.

You are unable to apply for both the BSc Accounting and Finance (Professional) N421 and the BSc Accounting and Finance N420. Please submit one application to the Professional programme N421.

Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Step 2: University assessment

We will first assess whether you meet the University’s entry requirements based on your UCAS application.

Applicants who meet these will be issued with an offer for the BSc Accounting and Finance N420 and will be invited to start the Grant Thornton selection process.

Stage 2: Grant Thornton selection process

The selection process with Grant Thornton will give you the opportunity to showcase your potential. You will make an initial application, then complete an online assessment and then a case study exercise.

If you meet the criteria at each of these stages, you’ll be invited to attend a final in-person assessment day. This will take place one day in either February or March 2027.

Final selection: Receiving your offer

If you are successful in the Grant Thornton selection process, you will receive a formal offer for the BSc Accounting and Finance (Professional) N421 through the UCAS Hub.

If you are not successful in the Grant Thornton selection process, you will keep your offer of a place on the BSc Accounting and Finance N420.

Please note that any offer for the BSc Accounting and Finance (Professional) is conditional and remains subject to meeting the required academic grades, even after successfully completing the assessment process.

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.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027

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

A degree in Accounting and Finance (Professional) equips you with a range of skills to pursue many career options. Developing a comprehensive skillset from a complex business degree is highly valued by employers across all sectors. 

Where will your Accounting and Finance (Professional) degree take you?

Following completion of this degree and provided you have met the required academic and professional performance criteria, you'll be offered a graduate role at Grant Thornton UK LLP, subject to role availability.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Exclusive to this degree, you’ll benefit from personalised guidance, support and advice from a dedicated Grant Thornton mentor. You’ll attend one-to-one mentoring sessions during every year of the degree programme, giving you the opportunity to explore your career goals and be guided on your journey by a professional in the accounting and finance industry.

The University has a wide range of careers resources – including our award-winning Employability Team, who are in contact with many employers around the country. 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.

Work placements

Make connections, practice skills , and build confidence in your future with several short, paid internships and a paid placement year with Grant Thornton as part of your course.

You will undertake live client work, including engaging with clients to help solve problems, analysing data to spot risks or opportunities, and working alongside colleagues to explain findings clearly and confidently.

A work placement can be a great investment in your future:

• Build industry contacts within Grant Thornton.
• Advance your experience and skills by putting course teachings into practice.
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this field.
• Improve your employability.
• All placements on this course are paid.

As well as our Employability Team, your Grant Thornton mentor will be here to help you every step of the way.