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Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: NN4H (full-time), NN43 (with placement)

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  • Level of study:
    Undergraduate
  • Typical offer:
    104 - 112 UCAS tariff points
  • Start date:
    September 2027
  • Duration:
    Three years full-time or four years with placement
  • Attendance:
    Full-time, Placement year
  • Course delivery:
    On-campus (City Campus)
Business Lab UG students
Information for 2027

About this course

  • Top 20 in the UK for Accounting and Finance (The Guardian University Guide 2026)

Accounting starts and ends with people — not processes. It’s about communication, trust, and the ability to turn complex data into useful stories. Technology is changing the game for financial institutions worldwide, but human insights and intuition are still the beating heart of business. Accounting and finance is a place for inspired (and inspiring) decision-makers, where only the inquisitive and adaptable can truly thrive.

Choose your own pathway from our suite of specialist modules; meet guest speakers from organisations like Monzo, KPMG and the Bank of England; complete a one-year placement with companies like Deloitte, Siemens, and Volkswagen. Our accountancy course covers it all — from cybersecurity and Big Data analytics, to the rise of digital currencies, their impact on accounting practices, and how fintech and AI are reshaping the face of finance.

Forget the grey-suited stereotype of accounting, and prepare instead for a world of innovation and evolution; an ethical, responsible world, where businesses need to make more than just money. Accounting and finance is a fast-changing landscape, and we’re here to help you navigate it.

  • Complete a paid placement

    Some students have worked with the likes of BMW, Paul Smith, and Pirelli.

  • Learn from the experts

    at a university rated TEF ‘Gold’ for teaching and learning.

  • Join the number one university

    We’ve been ranked 1st in the UK for employability (Uni Compare 2025).

  • Study in the heart of Nottingham

    One of the UK's top 10 student cities (QS Best Student Cities 2026).

What are the key responsibilities of accountancy today? How can we make sustainable financial decisions that protect society, and not just profit margins? How have we grown efficiency, accuracy and insights over time — and where might accounting and finance be headed next?

These are the kind of questions you’ll be exploring on your course. You’ll learn to see the big picture; to think about accounting globally, not just locally, and to stay curious about its newest trends and challenges. We’re big on practice, meaning you’ll have plenty of opportunities to test core theories in the real world — whether that’s in case studies and scenario-planning, small-group consultancy projects with big companies, or worldwide internships and industry placements.

On NBS’ accountancy course, you’ll:

  • get to grips with the foundations of accounting and finance — from double-entry bookkeeping and report-writing, to costing, budgeting, and the key regulatory frameworks
  • learn how to interpret data, make great decisions, and communicate effectively with stakeholders
  • explore today’s accounting environment — from Big Data analytics and the rise of digital currencies, to what automation and algorithms can (and still can’t) do
  • pick your own specialist modules as the course progresses — choose from taxation, forensic accounting, international tourism, and more
  • grow your vital ‘soft skills’ (things like financial story-telling, resilience, confidence and communication), attend major networking events, and build your employability with the support of genuine industry experts.

Study accounting in a globally recognised business school

You’ll study this course at Nottingham Business School – part of the 1% of business schools worldwide to hold the Triple Crown of accreditation from EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB. For you, this means high-quality teaching, relevant course content and a degree that employers recognise and respect.

We’re also recognised by the United Nations as a PRME Champion, which means ethics, responsibility and sustainability are built into your learning from day one. That approach shapes how accounting is taught here, helping you develop the skills and judgement you’ll need to make confident, responsible decisions as you start your career.

  • EQUIS logo
  • AACSB-Logo
  • AMBA logo
  • AIA logo
  • PRME Champions Logo
  • ICAS Purple Logo
  • ACCA logo

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Student experience

  • Louis Sprol

    Louis Sproul

    “Throughout my time here, I have tried to maximise what I get out of each opportunity I have been given, and at NTU the opportunities are endless.”

    View profile
  • Megan Satur

    Megan Satur

    “I have been lucky to be involved as a course rep, CERT mentor and given the chance to take part on a study abroad trip. These opportunities helped me gain confidence and build my leadership and organisational skills.”

    View profile
  • Ayesha Mistry

    Ayesha Mistry

    “Student feedback is also taken on board and each year modules are improved upon based on students views and opinions. There are now modules that help enhance skills for the workplace such as using Sage and Excel.”

    View profile

Video Gallery

 

How you're taught

NTU is TEF ‘Gold’-rated for teaching and learning, and one of our biggest assets is our team of lecturers and researchers. After decades spent working with multinationals like Rolls-Royce and PricewaterhouseCoopers, we’ve seen and done it all — and now we’re ready to share our experiences of accounting and finance with you. Alongside our roll call of guest lecturers, you’ll be learning from the best in the business; check out our Business Leaders Lecture series and podcast to find out more.

As well as lectures, seminars, small-group presentations and roleplaying, you’ll learn by:

  • Networking — whether you’re hearing from a senior finance executive in your lectures or attending the prestigious ‘Future of Work’ conference in Year Two, you’ll learn lots (and build meaningful connections) by meeting the industry’s leaders.
  • Working as a researcher and consultant, on a huge choice of credit-bearing projects. Explore specialist areas of accountancy and finance, collaborate with students from other courses, and help companies solve real-world problems — from embedding new processes to operating more sustainability.
  • Completing internships and placements. You’ll have the chance to take on a 16-18-week internship in Year Two, and a paid, 48-week professional placement in Year Three. It’s an opportunity to get noticed in your day-to-day life and work with employers — and some of our students have received job offers before they’ve even graduated!
  • Making your own choices. As the course develops, so too will your options. If you dream of studying abroad, you could attend one of our summer schools, or complete an extended stay with one of NBS’ global partners — anywhere from Australia to Brazil. Looking to stay local? If the internship or consultancy project pathways don’t appeal, you can simply continue with your taught modules. It’s a versatile offer, built around your own preferences.

How you're assessed

People learn in different ways, and we want each one of our students to have the best possible chance of success. Our diverse range of assessment methods includes group poster presentations, work with external companies, business reports, consultancy and research projects, and much, much more. You’ll also complete on-campus, closed-book exams — a requirement of accrediting bodies in accounting and finance — where you can count on the support and guidance of your tutors.

Contact hours

For each 20-credit module, you’ll spend about 200 hours learning overall. Around 40 of those hours will be taught in lectures or seminars. The rest of the time is for independent study, reading, research, or working on assignments.

Who will teach you?

  • Faisal Sheikh

    Faisal Sheikh

    Principal Lecturer

    Faisal has spent over a decade as a qualified (FCCA) Audit Manager, working with 'Big Four' accounting firms both nationally and internationally, before transitioning into higher education.

    Visit Faisal Sheikh's staff profile
  • Amy Johnson

    Amy Johnson

    Senior Lecturer

    Amy previously worked at PwC as an auditor and is now lecturing in Accounting and Finance, specialising in financial accounting and reporting, corporate reporting and auditing.

    Visit Amy Johnson's staff profile
  • Graham Needham

    Graham Needham

    Senior Lecturer

    Graham undertakes the Assistant Course Leader role for BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (level 5), drawing from his 18 years of experience as a Change Management Specialist.

    Visit Graham Needham's staff profile
  • Liz Crookes

    Liz Crookes

    Senior Lecturer

    Liz uses her experience as a Management Accountant and teaching at universities for over a decade to undertake her role as Senior Lecturer and Assistant Course Leader.

    Visit Liz Crookes's staff profile
  • Profile image for Sunny Jones

    Sunny Jones

    Senior Lecturer

    Sunny Jones is a CIPFA Chartered Accountant and a senior lecturer in Accounting & Finance. She has previously been the Nottingham Business School Employability Manager and an Academic Mentor.

    Visit Sunny Jones's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.

Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.

Other requirements: GCSE English grade C / 4 and Maths grade B / 5.

To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.

International students

Academic entry requirements: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

Other requirements: GCSE English grade C / 4 and Maths grade B / 5.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.
Fees for the 2027/28 academic year are yet to be agreed but, as a guide, the fees for 2026/27 are below:

£9,790 per year

If you choose to do a placement year, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year of £1,905.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including NTU bursaries and scholarships.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees, including the placement year and study abroad options are subject to government policy and may change in future years of study.

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but we don’t want you to feel anxious or confused about it. Visit our fees and funding pages if you have any concerns.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
Fees for the 2027/28 academic year are yet to be agreed but, as a guide, the fees for 2026/27 are below:
  • £18,700 per year
  • If you choose to do a placement year, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year of £1,905

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees might increase from the second year of your undergraduate course, in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.

Scholarships

We offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money and the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Year abroad

If you choose to study abroad for a year, you may need to consider additional costs such as visas, vaccinations, accommodation and travel expenses.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

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Cost of living in Nottingham
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Our student benefits and free services
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Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

There’s more to this degree than a lifetime’s work in financial services. Accounting and finance is a universally respected area of study, and you’ll develop the transferable skills to open doors everywhere; skills such as time-management and organisation, critical thinking and communication, problem-solving and analysis, and the ability to quickly understand and embed new technological developments.

Accreditations and exemptions

Depending on your module choices, this course can lead to maximum accreditation or exemptions from the UK’s five major accounting and finance bodies, namely:

  • The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA —nine out of the 13 professional exams)
  • The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
  • The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
  • The Association of International Accountants (AIA)
  • The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)

The CFA Society of the UK has also recognised NTU’s accountancy course for its alignment with the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) — the benchmark qualification in professional investment.

Personalisation at NBS — what it means for you

NBS is a community of over 8,500 learners, drawn from countries, cultures and academic backgrounds all around the world. We’re big in every sense — from our industry reputation, to our global community of ambitious students and successful graduates, to the sheer range of opportunities we provide. Study with NBS, and you’ll benefit from our partnerships with universities and businesses on every continent.

We’re proud to provide our learners with a very personal experience. Each student’s experience is uniquely theirs, built around their own specific needs, interests, and ambitions. It’ll be the same for you: whether choosing your own specialist modules or picking your preferred means of hands-on, experiential learning, we’re here to help you gather the skills, knowledge and experience to gain that vital competitive edge. Your future and employability come first, and everything you’ll experience at NBS has a purpose — from industry networking events, to prestigious guest speakers, to the personal and professional development modules that’ll support each step of your university journey.

Book an open day to find out more.

The NBS Graduate Series - your journey from student to professional

The NBS Graduate Series is our three-year development programme that runs alongside your degree, designed to help you grow from student to graduate professional. Through a mix of mindset-building activities, real-world skill development, career exploration, networking and personal branding, you’ll build the confidence, clarity and practical tools you need to step into your future with purpose.

  • Employability Promise

    Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

  • Your graduate salary

    Recent graduates from this course are typically earning £29,969 after completing a placement year within 15 months after leaving NTU. And don’t forget, our Employability team can help you to progress into your first graduate role with CV and interview support, jobs fairs, and more.

  • Graduate employers

    Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as:

    • PwC
    • BDO LLP
    • Deloitte LLP
    • RSM
    • BWB Consulting
    • Cooper Parry LLP

  • Our graduates are…

    Graduates from this course now work in a wide range of roles such as:

    • Audit Associate
    • Finance Graduate
    • Tax Associate
    • Finance Analyst
    • Trainee Accountant
    • Commercial Finance Analyst
    • Management Accountant

  • Assessed work-like experience

    We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.

  • NTU Enterprise

    If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Where your degree could take you

Discover how our students and alumni used their Accounting and Finance degree to further their careers. Take a look at our other profiles and explore the possibilities awaiting you.

  • Bethany Jennings

    Bethany's placement as a Finance Assistant

    Bethany talks about studying Accounting and Finance while pursuing a placement as a Finance Assistant for Freightliner Heavy Haul.

    View Bethany Jennings's profile
  • Image of Malaysian student Yi Jun Wong

    How Yi developed key workplace skills by taking a placement

    Hear from Yi, one of our Malaysian students studying BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, who developed key workplace skills while on placement.

    View Yi Jun Wong's profile
  • Megan Roberts

    How Megan made the most of studying at NBS

    Hear how Megan gained the mindset, skills and confidence to turn data into real‑world impact, by studying at NBS.

    View profile

Campus and facilities

You’ll mainly be studying in the Newton building, at the centre of our vibrant City Campus. As well as a range of classrooms and lecture theatres, our facilities include the Business Lab — a trading floor equipped with Bloomberg terminals, which enables you to delve into the global markets for real.

NTU’s City Campus has everything you’ll need to keep occupied between lectures. As well as the Boots Library and its beautiful roof garden, there’s our superb Students’ Union building and two-storey, 100-station gym; a whole host of cafés, bars, restaurants and food outlets catering to every taste; our much-loved Global Lounge; and the quiet, reflective worship spaces to accommodate every major faith.

If that’s not enough, just take a few steps off campus, and you’ll find yourself in the beating heart of Nottingham — one of the UK’s top 10 student cities, and one of the top 25 in all of Europe. It’s a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink, and social scene by night.

Applying

UK students

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Apply through UCAS

International students

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Apply through UCAS Apply through NTU portal

Personal statement guidance

You’ll submit a personal statement with your UCAS application – here are our tips on what to include and how to structure your personal statement.

Application support

If you have any questions about applying, get in touch through our online form or call us on 44 (0)115 848 4200.

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Further study

View Accounting and Finance postgraduate courses

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