BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management with Foundation Year

The BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management is a 4-year program that includes a Foundation Year. Whether you’re aspiring to a career in accounting and financial management or planning to launch your own successful business, a strong understanding of numbers is essential. This degree will provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of modern principles, theories, and practical skills required to thrive in the ever-evolving field of accounting and financial management.

Course Overview

Our industry-focused Accounting and Finance program is designed to prepare you for a career in professional, managerial, or entrepreneurial roles. You’ll develop valuable skills that are highly sought after by employers, positioning you for career growth and advancement.

Through a mix of theoretical learning and hands-on application, you’ll delve into a variety of topics, including financial reporting, managerial accounting, audit and assurance, taxation, law, and corporate finance.

Graduates of this course are eligible for exemptions from key professional bodies, including the Institute of Financial Accountants, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, when applying for membership.

The foundation year will lay the groundwork for university-level study, introducing you to essential accounting and financial management concepts crucial for success in the program.

At this level, you’ll gain transferable skills that can be applied across various careers, whether you’re aiming to climb the corporate ladder in accounting and financial management or launching your own entrepreneurial venture.

Our Accounting and Financial Management degree will provide you with both fundamental and advanced knowledge to help you build a successful career tailored to your ambitions.

Intakes

September, January, June

Duration

4 years

Awarding Institution

Canterbury Christ Church University

Awarded Degree

BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management

Delivery

Weekdays, evenings and weekends

Locations

London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds

Fees

TBA

Curriculum
Entry Requirements
Assessment
Tuition Fees & Financial Support

Year 0 (Foundation)

Academic Skills for Higher Education (0 credits)
Business and Ethical Awareness in the Financial Workplace (0 credits)
Introduction to Communication and Digital Skills (0 credits)
Introduction to Financial Accounting and Management (0 credits)
Introduction to Management Accounting (0 credits)
Foundation Year Project (0 credits)

Year 1

Dynamic Business Environment (20 credits)
Financial Accounting (20 credits)
Fundamentals of Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility in Accounting and Financial Management (20 credits)
Introduction to Business Accounting (20 credits)
Management Accounting 1 (20 credits)
Professional Accountant and IT Systems (20 credits)

Year 2

Business and Corporate Law (20 credits)
Corporate Governance & Leadership (20 credits)
Financial Reporting (20 credits)
Management Accounting 2 (20 credits)
Performance Management (20 credits)
Research Methods (20 credits)

Year 3

Compulsory Modules:

Audit and Assurance (20 credits)
Contemporary Issues in Accounting and Finance (20 credits)
Financial Management (20 credits)
UK Taxation (20 credits)

Option 1:

Dissertation (40 credits)

Option 2:

Business Ethics (20 credits)
Research Project (20 credits)

Foundation Year

– IT Fundamentals
– Academic Writing and Research Techniques
– Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship
– Entrepreneurial Mindset and Processes
– Business Environment and Market Dynamics
– Principles of Finance

Year 1

– Identifying Entrepreneurial Opportunities
– Managerial Finance and Decision-Making
– Fundamentals of Marketing
– Introduction to Strategic Management
– Entrepreneurial Organizations and Leadership
– Principles of Project Management

Year 2

– Business Idea Development and Opportunity Assessment
– Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategies
– Business Financing and Legal Considerations
– Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation
– Business Planning and Pitching Techniques
– Intrapreneurship and Organizational Growth

Year 3

– Market Research and Consumer Insights
– Global Business Strategies
– Final-Year Business Project
– Contemporary Issues in Entrepreneurship
– Contemporary Topics in Events and Hospitality Management
– Emerging Trends in IT and Communications
– Professional Business Services in a Changing Economy
– Developments in Supply Chain Management
– Innovations in Retail Business Models

Standard Entry Requirements (Under 21 years old)

80 UCAS tariff points or equivalent qualifications (e.g., a 60-credit Level 3 qualification).
5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent qualifications.

Applicants Aged 21 and Above

Applicants aged 21 or older who do not meet the standard entry requirements may still be considered based on relevant life or work experience that demonstrates their readiness for the Foundation programme.

All Applicants

All applicants must undergo an assessment by the GBS admissions team, which includes an interview to assess listening and speaking abilities, a numeracy test, and a written component in the form of a personal reflection statement.

Required Process:

Complete the application form
Submit a supervised personal reflection statement
Take the numeracy test
Attend a personal interview

This course provides opportunities to assess your knowledge and understanding through informal formative assessments, which occur before the formal summative assessments that determine your final grades.

Each module generally includes at least one formative assessment, where you’ll receive feedback from your course team. These assessments are designed for developmental purposes and do not impact your final module grade. Their goal is to strengthen your understanding and boost your confidence in the course material and formal assessment methods. Engaging with these assessments is essential, as students who do not participate may struggle to progress through the Foundation Year and beyond.

Formal summative assessments typically take place toward the end of each module and may include written exams, reports, portfolios, essays, and presentations. The marks from these assessments contribute to your final module grade. Assessment methods are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback or input from External Examiners. An External Examiner, an independent academic expert from another institution, is appointed by Canterbury Christ Church University to ensure the academic standards of your course are maintained.

Funding Your Studies

You can seek assistance with your fees from the government by visiting [www.gov.uk/studentfinance]. This support may include a Tuition Fee Loan, Maintenance Loan, or Maintenance Grant.

A Tuition Fee Loan covers your upfront fees and is paid directly to your university or college. You will need to repay this loan after you complete your course and begin earning £26,575 or more per year. Both full-time and part-time students are eligible to apply.

If you qualify, you can also apply for a Maintenance Loan, which is deposited into your bank account at the start of each term. This loan must be repaid once you leave your course and your earnings exceed £26,575. For more details, please visit www.gov.uk/studentfinance.

Maintenance Grants are also paid directly to your bank account at the start of term. Unlike loans, these grants do not need to be repaid; however, any amount received will reduce the total Maintenance Loan you can apply for.

New students must demonstrate residency in the UK for five years prior to the start of their course to be eligible for living cost support from Student Finance England.

Fees

For course fees, please click here or contact us at optimuseducation.

FAQs

Is the BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management with Foundation Year the right choice for me?

The BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management with Foundation Year is an ideal program for those aspiring to begin a career in financial management or start their own business. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of current principles and practical skills, providing you with the foundation necessary for success in the fields of accounting and financial management.

What will I gain from this course?

This four-year program provides a clear path to building your expertise in accounting and financial management. Starting with a foundation year, you’ll be introduced to essential concepts, preparing you for the challenges of undergraduate studies. In the following three years, you’ll expand your industry knowledge and develop the practical skills that employers highly value.

What careers can I pursue after completing the BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year course?

Upon completing the course, you will be equipped to channel your entrepreneurial spirit and apply your skills to launch a business. Other potential career paths include:

– Business Consultant
– Business Strategy Analyst
– Entrepreneur or Startup Founder
– Innovation Manager
– International Sales Representative
– Retail Management Specialist
– Supply Chain Manager.

What career paths can I pursue after completing this degree?

Upon completing this degree, you’ll be equipped with the skills to pursue a wide range of roles in accounting and financial management, such as:

– Auditor
– Company Secretary
– Credit Analyst
– Credit Manager
– Data Analyst
– Finance Manager
– Financial Accountant
– Financial Advisor
– Forensic Accountant
– Management Accountant
– Public Finance Accountant
– Tax Advisor

Where is the course offered?

The BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management with Foundation Year is available at our campuses in Birmingham, London, Leeds, and Manchester. Each campus offers a wide range of resources and student support to enrich your learning experience and extracurricular activities.

Does the course fit my schedule?

At optimus education, we recognize the importance of flexibility. Our course is offered on weekdays, evenings, and weekends, providing you with the opportunity to balance your studies alongside other personal or professional commitments.

Am I eligible to join this course?

The course also provides opportunities to apply theoretical concepts to real-world entrepreneurial situations, helping you sharpen your business planning skills. You will explore the theory and practice of entrepreneurship in various contexts, with an emphasis on how strategy, tactics, and innovation influence different business models.

What will I learn during the course?

This program provides a thorough understanding of the financial industry, combining theoretical insights with practical skills throughout your studies. The foundational year equips you with essential industry concepts, while Year 1 covers important topics such as Management Accounting I and the Dynamic Business Environment. In Year 2, you’ll explore more specialized subjects, including Management Accounting II, Business and Corporate Law, Financial Reporting, and Leadership and Change. Your final year will feature mandatory modules, with the option to complete a Dissertation or a Business Ethics module alongside a Research Project.

How will I be assessed?

The course includes both formative and summative assessments to support your learning and development. Formative assessments, which take place before the formal summative assessments, are designed to help you build your skills and understanding without affecting your final module marks. Each module typically features at least one formative assessment, offering feedback from your course team. Participating in these assessments is essential for your successful progression through the Foundation Year and beyond.

Formal summative assessments typically occur at the end of each module and may include written exams, coursework (such as reports, portfolios, essays, and presentations), and other evaluation methods. The marks from these assessments contribute to your final module grade. Assessment methods are reviewed annually and may be updated based on feedback from students and External Examiners. An External Examiner is an independent academic expert appointed by Canterbury Christ Church University to ensure the academic standards of your course are upheld.