Accounting & Finance BSc (Hons)
Why choose this course?
Accounting and finance are used in a variety of roles and organisations.
On this course, you'll learn to plan and manage financial resources, summarise and analyse financial transactions and make informed financial decisions.
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). It offers partial exemptions from their professional exams. Kingston University is also an ICAEW Higher Education Partner in Learning.
Please note the change in course title: This course previously ran as ‘Accounting and Finance with Business Experience BSc (Hons)' until 2021. For 2022 entry onwards, it is named ‘Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)'.
| Attendance | UCAS code | Year of entry |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years full time | N420 | 2022 |
| 4 years full time including sandwich year | N422 | 2022 |
| 4 years full time including foundation year | N421 | 2022 |
| Location | Kingston Hill |
2021/22 entry
If you are planning to join this course in the academic year 2021/22 (i.e. between September 2021 and August 2022), please view the information about changes to courses for 2021/22 due to Covid-19.
Continuing students
Students who are continuing their studies with Kingston University in 2021/22 should refer to their Course Handbook for information about specific changes that have been, or may be, made to their course or modules being delivered in 2021/22. Course Handbooks are located within the Canvas course page.
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- Kingston is one of just a few UK universities with a real-time Bloomberg trading room. This will give you access to the technology used by financial organisations to make critical decisions about risk, investments and markets.
- After just three years, you'll have both a degree and the practical experience that employers look for.
- You'll have the opportunity to get exemptions (credits for prior learning) from exams that lead to professional qualifications.
- Free car parking at the Kingston Hill campus is available for students of this course. The campus can also be easily accessed by public transport. Halls accommodation is just a walk away from the classrooms.
At Kingston Business School we lead
What you will study
Take a look at some of the content and modules that you may have the opportunity to study on this course:
Year 1
Year 2
Final year
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
Management Accounting
30 credits
This module introduces students to management accounting and develops their knowledge and understanding of management accounting techniques to support management in planning, controlling and monitoring performance in a variety of business contexts.
Financial Accounting
30 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.
Business Information Analysis
30 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, and emphasises their need for one another. These days one would not use mathematics to solve a business problem without the aid of information technology, and equally importantly one cannot efficiently or effectively use information technology without mathematics. The module will be delivered using a problem-centric approach. The students will be required to design and create models using information technology to solve business-related problems.
The Accountant's Business Environment
30 credits
This module introduces Accounting and Finance students to theories and practices of business organisations. The internal structures and relations of businesses are covered as 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 students engage in activities that enable them to develop their academic and other relevant skills, which can be applied throughout their time at university and taken into their future work and organisations.
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 Enterprise Finance and Management. In addition you will complete stage 2 of the business readiness programme. You will carry out your Business Practice in Year 2 from May, for a minimum of three months.
Core modules
Financial Reporting
30 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.
Advanced Management Accounting
30 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 reflecton 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.
Finance
30 credits
This is a core module on the Accounting and Finance undergraduate degree course. It provides an introduction to the theory and practice of corporate finance. It starts with an introduction to the financial world before moving on to an examination of a full range of debt and equity products. The course makes extensive use of Canvas, with all students expected to contribute to a range of discussion boards.
Optional modules (choose one 30-credit module and two 15-credit modules)
Auditing
30 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.
Entrepreneurship
30 credits
This module provides you with the opportunity to engage in developing a business plan for starting up a new venture or launching an innovative product/service. You will find out what it takes develop a business plan from idea generation, feasibility analysis, marketing strategy, business model development to making financial analysis for a business plan. Students will thus learn about the different aspects of entrepreneurship and business planning.
Financial Investments
15 credits
This module is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the field of investment. The main topics covered include: the UK stock market, stock valuation, investment strategies for equities, financial derivatives, portfolio diversification, optimal portfolio construction and financial risk management. Students will use the dedicated Bloomberg dealing room and software packages to access real-time financial data. Teaching consists of traditional lectures, and also lab sessions where hands-on practical exercises are provided. The module is assessed via the Bloomberg Market Concept (BMC) certificate and two coursework where students are required to construct and manage financial solutions for a specific period.
Law for Accountants
30 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.
Money, Banking and Financial Markets
15 credits
This module is for those students who want to develop their knowledge of finance into the areas of banking and financial markets. The module is concerned with the principles of management and strategic management and their applications to the financial services sector, including the banking, insurance, and securities sectors and financial markets and systems, all of which are essential to the functioning of modern economies. Although the module is about financial systems in general, there will be frequent reference to contemporary issues and problems, and to their historical antecedents. The approach will incorporate a blend of published economic and financial data, and as far as possible, international comparisons.
Data Analytics for Business
15 credits
The aim of this module is to give students a foundation in the uses of data analytics for business. It aims at a critical understanding of issues regarding the collection of data and the correct application of statistical techniques in a business context. The module introduces students to analytical tools and including inferential data analysis to support business decision-making. The module builds upon the skills gained during the first year and develops students' abilities for problem articulation, analysis, and evaluation. Students will develop and extend their technical skills to reflect those required in the workplace and will also develop an appreciation of the quality of data, the meaning of findings and the limitations of model building. This will enable students to make decisions on a more informed basis. Teaching will be via a mixture of lectures and tutorials based around lab sessions and make use of online software, materials and assessment.
Business Decision Modelling
15 credits
This module is designed to equip students with an advanced set of analytical data modelling tools, including optimisation, prediction and simulation, to effectively manage and support business decision-making. The module extends students' skillsets developed in the first year to include problem analysis, model building, application, and evaluation, to reflect the technical skills required in the workplace. Teaching will be via a mixture of lectures and tutorials based around lab sessions and make use of online software, materials and assessment.
Developing Web Applications for Business
15 credits
This module introduces the principles of Information Architecture (IA), equipping students with the knowledge, skills and technologies required to design a typical information architecture solution that works using web technologies. Students will gain experience in designing and implementing prototype solution using server-side scripting languages and database servers. The sessions will be interactive and include a mix of teacher-led learning, problem-solving, and student-led learning.
Rapid App Development for Business
15 credits
This module introduces the principles of rapid app development, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and technologies required to quickly develop a typical information architecture solution that works using low or no code technologies. Students will gain experience in designing and implementing prototype solution using one of the most popular no-code environments, Mendix. The sessions will be interactive and include a mix of teacher-led learning, problem-solving, and student-led learning.
Global Operations Management
30 credits
Global Business Operations is designed to develop students' ability to evaluate different business environments and analyse opportunities and risks when an international company operates in an overseas market. This module will help students develop decision-making skills in operational issues for international companies. Classes will be delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and students' presentations.
This module will include the following topics: global market environment, international market entry modes, international trade, risk management, culture and international human resource management (IHRM), global operations, international marketing, international finance, business ethics and corporate social responsibility.
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
Theory and Practice of Financial Reporting
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.
Corporate Finance
30 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.
Optional modules (choose one 30-credit module and one-to-two additional modules)
Auditing
30 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.
Theory and Practice of Taxation
30 credits
Students studying 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, eg. clients and HMRC.
Innovation
30 credits
Innovation acts as a key driver for economic growth providing social and economic benefits for local, national and international communities. Without innovation, our social and economic systems do not function! This module encourages you to understand how innovation actually happens by carrying out a practical innovation audit within a large established organisation. You will identify critical issues and skills needed to achieve entrepreneurially driven innovation. Since employers are seeking creative students who are able to initiate and participate in innovation activity, this module will enhance your employability in the wider world of work.
Financial Investments
15 credits
This module is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the field of investment. The main topics covered include: the UK stock market, stock valuation, investment strategies for equities, financial derivatives, portfolio diversification, optimal portfolio construction and financial risk management. Students will use the dedicated Bloomberg dealing room and software packages to access real-time financial data. Teaching consists of traditional lectures, and also lab sessions where hands-on practical exercises are provided. The module is assessed via the Bloomberg Market Concept (BMC) certificate and two coursework where students are required to construct and manage financial solutions for a specific period.
Law for Accountants
30 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.
Money, Banking and Financial Markets
15 credits
This module is for those students who want to develop their knowledge of finance into the areas of banking and financial markets. The module is concerned with the principles of management and strategic management and their applications to the financial services sector, including the banking, insurance, and securities sectors and financial markets and systems, all of which are essential to the functioning of modern economies. Although the module is about financial systems in general, there will be frequent reference to contemporary issues and problems, and to their historical antecedents. The approach will incorporate a blend of published economic and financial data, and as far as possible, international comparisons.
Data Analytics for Business
15 credits
The aim of this module is to give students a foundation in the uses of data analytics for business. It aims at a critical understanding of issues regarding the collection of data and the correct application of statistical techniques in a business context. The module introduces students to analytical tools and including inferential data analysis to support business decision-making. The module builds upon the skills gained during the first year and develops students' abilities for problem articulation, analysis, and evaluation. Students will develop and extend their technical skills to reflect those required in the workplace and will also develop an appreciation of the quality of data, the meaning of findings and the limitations of model building. This will enable students to make decisions on a more informed basis. Teaching will be via a mixture of lectures and tutorials based around lab sessions and make use of online software, materials and assessment.
Business Decision Modelling
15 credits
This module is designed to equip students with an advanced set of analytical data modelling tools, including optimisation, prediction and simulation, to effectively manage and support business decision-making. The module extends students' skillsets developed in the first year to include problem analysis, model building, application, and evaluation, to reflect the technical skills required in the workplace. Teaching will be via a mixture of lectures and tutorials based around lab sessions and make use of online software, materials and assessment.
Developing Web Applications for Business
15 credits
This module introduces the principles of Information Architecture (IA), equipping students with the knowledge, skills and technologies required to design a typical information architecture solution that works using web technologies. Students will gain experience in designing and implementing prototype solution using server-side scripting languages and database servers. The sessions will be interactive and include a mix of teacher-led learning, problem-solving, and student-led learning.
Rapid App Development for Business
15 credits
This module introduces the principles of rapid app development, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and technologies required to quickly develop a typical information architecture solution that works using low or no code technologies. Students will gain experience in designing and implementing prototype solution using one of the most popular no-code environments, Mendix. The sessions will be interactive and include a mix of teacher-led learning, problem-solving, and student-led learning.
The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.
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.
Kingston Business School 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 5% of the world's business schools and recognises the high quality and standard of our business degree offering.
Life on this course
Guest Alumni from Barclays & GSK
Kingston Business School graduates gave their advice and imparted words of wisdom to our first year students.
Networking ‘Speed Meet'
Students connect with potential employers from PwC, HSBC, Enterprise, Barclays Bank
Partial exemptions for professional exams
Upon graduation, if you choose to study further for a professional qualification, you may be eligible to apply for partial exemptions, which gives you credits for prior learning towards these exams and qualifications. Our association with these bodies is reviewed periodically.
This degree is currently accredited by the following professional bodies:
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
What our graduates say
After you graduate
Many of our graduates use their accounting and finance knowledge and skills in a variety of roles and organisations. For example, some work for Bloomberg, the NHS and Tesco. We've also had students gaining training contracts with the ‘Big Four', including Deloitte and KPMG.
Many graduates go on to secure professional accounting qualifications, whilst others have chosen to continue their education with postgraduate study.
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
Timetabled teaching and learning on this course includes lectures, workshops in computer labs, small group tutorials and seminars.
Who teaches this course?
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on this course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. Student academic mentors also provide support during certain sessions, under the supervision of the module leader.
The following group of staff members are currently involved in the delivery of different elements of this course. This pool is subject to change at any time within the academic year.
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
Changes to courses for 2021/22 due to Covid-19
Key information set
The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
