Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)
Subject and course type
- Accounting and Finance
- Undergraduate
Prepare for a career in accounting and finance with Kingston Business School. We are proud to hold the prestigious international accreditation by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). This accreditation has been earned by just 6% of the world's business schools and recognises the high quality and standard of our business degrees.
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Learn how to analyse economic data in our Bloomberg Trading Room
Kickstart your career in accounting and finance with Kingston University.
In just three years, you’ll graduate with the real-life practical experience and skills employers are looking for.
Located on the doorstep of London, one of the world's largest financial hubs, our partnerships with global organisations give you access to meaningful opportunities. For example, you'll have access to a network of highly regarded practitioners from prestigious institutions and participate in bespoke business visits.
We are also one of only a few UK universities to have a Bloomberg Trading Room. Access to Bloomberg terminals will provide you with the latest technology to analyse and make sense of financial and economic data effectively. You will also be able to obtain certifications through Bloomberg Education.
The work placement experience will make me more employable as I get hands-on experience from a large organisation.
Why choose this course
This course offers hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of financial accounting, management accounting and finance. It will help you develop the intellectual skills necessary to evaluate and critique both the theoretical and practical aspects of accounting and finance. To ensure you graduate employment-ready, your studies will also reflect the digital transformation in the industry.
Our teaching team has a wealth of commercial experience. In addition, you will enhance your career prospects by learning from renowned industry speakers and by joining employer networking events.
To set you up for a successful future, our careers team will be on hand to help you land your dream internship and graduate job. You will also have the opportunity to take part in activities to boost your CV.
For example, this course provides the option of an integrated professional placement year. You can apply directly for this option using the UCAS code on this page, which includes a professional placement. Alternatively, you can change to this option once you begin the course.
Accreditations
Kingston Business School holds the prestigious international accreditation by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in recognition of the excellence of its business education. This accreditation has been earned by just 6% of the world's business schools and recognises the high quality and standard of our business degree offerings.
Partial exemptions for professional exams
The course is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
This means, if you choose to study further for a professional qualification, you may be eligible to apply for partial exemptions for their professional exams. These give you credits for prior learning towards these exams and qualifications. Our association with these bodies is reviewed periodically.
Ready for business
At Kingston Business School, we believe that professional success is shaped by honing your personal capacity and skillset, supported by the academic framework of knowledge. Through vocationally rich, employer-engaged and research-informed courses, we work alongside our students to help them meet personal goals and career ambitions.
Course content
Please note: Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Foundation year: Business
If you would like to study this business degree at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc(Hons) course, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year.
The foundation year in business is part of a four-year degree and is taught at Kingston College, close to Kingston University's Penrhyn Road campus. You'll be introduced to professional skills, numerical concepts, business IT, marketing, customer care and business law.
Year 1
In Year 1 you will cover the business and legal environments in which accounting and finance operate. You'll study economics, organisational behaviour, law, quantitative analysis and develop your IT skills. You'll also be introduced to the basics of financial accounting and bookkeeping and you'll start your further study on Financial Reporting and Management Accounting. You will also begin the business readiness programme in preparation for your Business Practice in Year 2.
Core modules
30.00 credits
This module will introduce you to management accounting and develop your knowledge and understanding of management accounting techniques to support management in planning, controlling and monitoring performance in a variety of business contexts.
30.00 credits
This module is designed to provide students with an introduction to financial accounting. The purpose and importance of financial accounting will be explained and students will learn how to produce financial statements from the original source documents through the recording of transactions to the final production of a profit and loss account and balance sheet for a non-complex business. The module will also explain the subjective nature of financial accounting with its need for professional judgement, and students will be introduced to the concepts and principles that underlie financial accounting and reporting. Students will also gain practical experience of inputting data into Sage and/or Xero accounting software and using spreadsheets to prepare financial information.
30.00 credits
This module is an introduction to the mutually-dependent business topics of mathematics and information technology. It provides motivation for the use of these topics in business problem solving. It also emphasises their need for one another: one would not use mathematics to solve a business problem without the aid of information technology; equally importantly one cannot effectively use information technology without mathematics.
The module is delivered using a problem-centric approach. Students will be required to design and create models using information technology to solve business-related problems.
30.00 credits
This module will introduce you to theories and practices of business organisations. The internal structures and relations of businesses are covered, along with their interactions with the external economic, legal, social and technological environments. Explanations are offered of how the organisation of businesses is shaped by the behaviour of individuals, groups and organisations, and by the external influences of markets, industries and the macroeconomic environment. Special attention is given to considerations of businesses ethics and values. In the module you will engage in activities that enable you to develop your academic skills and other relevant skills, which can be applied throughout your time at university and taken into your future work and organisations.
Year 2
In Year 2 there is a focus on the three main areas of accounting and finance: financial accounting, management accounting and finance. You can also study Auditing or Law for Accountants.
Core modules
30.00 credits
This module focuses on the financial reporting requirements of companies and builds on concepts already studied in the first-year Financial Accounting module. In this module students will consider the concepts and principles that govern the practices of financial accounting, and examine their application through a variety of financial reporting standards across a number of different accounting areas, from non-current assets to contingent liabilities, from inventories to pensions.
30.00 credits
This module builds on the second-year module BA5803 Management Accounting and is designed to give undergraduate accounting students an advanced course exploring the provision and use of accounting information in management decision-making. Students will be involved in an active learning approach and will be expected to reflect on the purpose and uses of management accounting information, evaluate case study scenarios, discuss theoretical accounting concepts and utilise a range of practical techniques to solve advanced management accounting related issues.
30.00 credits
In this module you will be introduced to the process that corporations undertake to acquire money and allocate it to optimise investment decisions and maximise shareholders' wealth. The module delves into the realm of managing the cost of financing and forecasting future cash flows and returns of different projects.
It takes a thorough approach when looking into the various risks which affect corporations, and it will help you analyse and reflect on the interrelationship between interest rates, inflation and taxes and their effect on the viability of different finance sources and investments.
You will learn about the relationship between risk and return, investment strategies, different asset classes and their associated benchmarking and valuation methods.
Optional modules (choose one)
30.00 credits
Students studying this module will develop an understanding of the operational, practical and theoretical issues in auditing. Students will develop an awareness of the audit process, its limitations and the influence of regulation on audits. In order to balance theory with practice, the module will cover relevant international standards on auditing and relevant statutes such as the Companies Acts, Fraud Act, Money Laundering Act and Bribery Act. Case law, in so far as it affects auditing practices, will also be discussed. Ethics, corporate governance, environmental and social issues, fair values and information technology will also form part of the course curriculum.
30.00 credits
This module is designed to provide students with a general understanding of the English legal system and a more advanced understanding of the principal areas of law that may be encountered in business or professional practice and which are of concern to accounting and finance professionals, focussing on civil and criminal consequences for professionals. Furthermore, it is designed to provide students with an understanding of the formation and constitution of business organisations, company law and insolvency law.
The module commences with a focus on sources of law and the court system in England and Wales, before considering the areas of contract, agency and tort law, which underline business transactions. This module will then examine the criminal laws relevant to accountants or business in practice, including fraud, bribery and anti-money laundering. It then provides an overview of the formation and constitution of business organisations, including partnerships and companies, before considering various aspects of company law such as the formation, administration and the regulation of companies.
The module will look at the role of shareholders and directors and the financing of companies, Insolvency law will also be considered, looking at the different insolvency proceedings, such as liquidation and administration and considering the implications of insolvency.
Professional placement year
This course has a professional placement year option which takes place between Year 2 and your final year. During this professional placement year you will take a placement within a relevant setting, ensuring you gain essential experience to add to your CV and help you secure a graduate job.
Final year
In your final year there is a focus on the three main areas of accounting and finance: financial accounting, management accounting and finance. You will develop technical expertise and your ability to apply and evaluate theoretical concepts and ideas.
Core modules
30.00 credits
The importance of companies in economic, social and personal life is indisputable and whatever role students will have in a company it is important to understand the nature of its economic decisions. This module builds on the foundations of BA5804 Finance to provide a comprehensive and thorough study of contemporary corporate finance. It incorporates the most recent theoretical and empirical developments in corporate finance and explores the traditional theoretical principles in force alongside the most recent developments. Students will be expected to get involved in discussions and debates of theoretical issues and their application in corporate life and they will be encouraged to develop and adopt a critical approach.
30 credits
This capstone module considers financial reporting in a wider business and social context and brings together different threads from the previous modules across the range of subjects studied. The theoretical ideas unpinning financial regulation and reporting are evaluated, as are alternative methods of accounting. The wider business context is considered, such as the role of financial reporting within corporate governance and the importance of ethics and ethical behaviour. This module also widens the scope of financial reporting to larger reporting entities and considers in detail the ideas underpinning, and the reporting requirements for, reporting for a group of companies. The module encourages students to consider current issues which are debated by the media and professionals, in order to build an up-to-date knowledge base of the subject area. The assessment strategy demonstrates a strong focus on developing students' employability skills and graduate attributes through a series of presentations with individual feedback and support.
Optional modules (choose two)
30.00 credits
This module is designed to provide students with a general understanding of the English legal system and a more advanced understanding of the principal areas of law that may be encountered in business or professional practice and which are of concern to accounting and finance professionals, focussing on civil and criminal consequences for professionals. Furthermore, it is designed to provide students with an understanding of the formation and constitution of business organisations, company law and insolvency law.
The module commences with a focus on sources of law and the court system in England and Wales, before considering the areas of contract, agency and tort law, which underline business transactions. This module will then examine the criminal laws relevant to accountants or business in practice, including fraud, bribery and anti-money laundering. It then provides an overview of the formation and constitution of business organisations, including partnerships and companies, before considering various aspects of company law such as the formation, administration and the regulation of companies.
The module will look at the role of shareholders and directors and the financing of companies, Insolvency law will also be considered, looking at the different insolvency proceedings, such as liquidation and administration and considering the implications of insolvency.
30 credits
This module combines key aspects of financial markets, investments, and banking to give you a comprehensive understanding of financial systems and investment strategies.
You’ll explore topics like financial markets, stock valuation, investment management, derivatives, portfolio optimisation, and financial risk management, with a focus on the role and operation of financial institutions.
You’ll also apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, using tools like Bloomberg terminals and real-time financial data analysis to gain hands-on experience in the financial world.
30 credits
This module is designed for those interested in management decision-making, providing an advanced set of analytical and technical tools such as inferential data analysis, optimisation, prediction, and simulation to support business decisions.
You’ll gain a critical understanding of data collection and the proper use of statistical techniques in a business context. Building on skills from Business Information Analysis, this module enhances your abilities in problem analysis, model building, application, and evaluation.
You’ll extend your technical skills to match workplace demands, enabling you to make more informed decisions. Learning will include a mix of lectures, tutorials, lab sessions, and the use of online software and materials.
30.00 credits
Students studying this module will develop an understanding of the operational, practical and theoretical issues in auditing. Students will develop an awareness of the audit process, its limitations and the influence of regulation on audits. In order to balance theory with practice, the module will cover relevant international standards on auditing and relevant statutes such as the Companies Acts, Fraud Act, Money Laundering Act and Bribery Act. Case law, in so far as it affects auditing practices, will also be discussed. Ethics, corporate governance, environmental and social issues, fair values and information technology will also form part of the course curriculum.
30 credits
Students of this module will develop an understanding of the operational, practical and theoretical issues in personal and business taxation. They will develop skills of analysis and interpretation of information and communication of recommendations in a professional manner appropriate to the intended audience (e.g. clients and HMRC).
Future Skills and career opportunities
This course is an ideal start for a career as a financial accountant, management accountant, auditor, treasurer, financial analyst or banking advisor. For example, some of our graduates work for Bloomberg, the NHS and Tesco. We've also had students gaining training contracts with the ‘Big Four', including Deloitte and KPMG.
Embedded within the Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons) course and throughout the whole Kingston experience is our dedication to Future Skills.
The intention of Future Skills is to provide you with expertise valued by global business employers. We’ll focus on combining your business acumen with problem-solving, digital competency and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these skills. As a result, you’ll graduate with the knowledge and understanding to give you the edge in a competitive employment market.
You will take part in an Assessment Centre Experience, providing the opportunity to experience the pathway to employment with tailored feedback:
- Develop your understanding of the jobs market, including current trends and opportunities, different recruitment processes and how to identify relevant roles
- Receive personalised feedback reports to help you to improve and progress
- Access additional webinars on top tips, employer expectations and best practice
Mentorship Scheme
We are part of the ICAEW Mentorship Scheme Chartered Accountant Student Society London volunteers and directors. The scheme is made up of Chartered Accountant students at top UK companies, who are dedicated to mentoring and providing Kingston University students with invaluable industry insights.
This meaningful partnership offers students the chance to network with renowned professionals and gain advice, study tips and interview guidance from mentors who have recently achieved success in the industry.
The scheme is dedicated to improving social, physical and mental wellbeing.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it
For more information on how Kingston prepares you for the future job market, visit our Future Skills page.
Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.
Outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, preparing for and completing your work for assessments. Some independent study work may need to be completed on-campus, as you may need to access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.
Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, support you throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- Year 1: 29% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 2: 22% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 3: 22% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Types of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 43%; exam 57%
- Year 2: Coursework 50%; exam 50%
- Year 3: Coursework 30%; practical 5%; exam 65%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback to you on your assessments within 20 working days.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 90 to 110 students and lecture sizes are normally 60 to 90. However this can vary by module and academic year.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| £9,535* | |
| Foundation Year | £5,760 |
| International | |
| Year 1 (2025/26): | £17,700 |
| Year 2 (2026/27): | £18,500 |
| Year 3 (2027/28): | £19,200 |
| Year 4 (2028/29) | £19,900 |
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2025/26 the fees for this course are above.
Please visit the Fees and Funding page for more information.
For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.
* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying this course at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. These costs could be up to £2,000.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
Kingston Business School has good links with business and industry, especially in my course. The study material and exams are accredited by professional bodies.
Key information
The scrolling banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
