Our courses

Overview

A degree in finance and accounting offers valuable knowledge and skills for various careers within the business world. Whether your goal is to become a qualified accountant or explore other business roles, this degree provides a solid foundation. 

Successful completion of the finance and accounting course provides the highest level of exemptions, covering a total of 9 foundation papers, for students who are already considering obtaining a professional accounting certification, such as the acca (association of chartered certified accountants). 

Whether you want to move into auditing, financial reporting, management accounting or financial services, this could be the course for you. You’ll develop subject-specific skills alongside important transferable skills like communication, enterprise, problem-solving and quantitative analysis. 

The course syllabus has also been carefully designed to combine both theoretical and practical aspects of finance and accountancy. Students acquire practical knowledge of finance and accounting fields and essential tools and techniques through real-world content, preparing them with the abilities and skills desired by potential employers.

Full details of ACCA Exemptions below;

Completion of the following modules will give direct exemptions for;

1. Financial Auditing (MOD003377) – Audit and Assurance

2. Financial Management in Organisations (MOD003462)

3. Financial Reporting for Businesses (MOD003459) – Financial Reporting (FR)

4. Managing Business Performance (MOD003460) – Performance Management (PM)

5. Taxation for Business (MOD003461) – Taxation (TX)

Completion of our BSc Finance and Accounting course would also enable you to obtain exemptions for the following ACCA modules:

- Accountant in Business (AB)

- Management Accounting (MA)

- Financial Accounting (FA)

- Corporate and Business Law (LW)

Structure and content

See below for the modules which you will study:

Foundation Year

• Research Skills
• Data Skills
• Communication Skills
• Professional Development Skills

Year 1

• Sustainable Business in the Contemporary Environment
• Academic and Professional Skills
• Business Planning
• Introduction to Financial Accounting

Year 2

• Business and Corporate Law
• Managing Business Performance
• Financial Reporting for Businesses
• Taxation for Business
• Sustainability in Career Development

Year 3

• Financial Management in Organisations
• Executing Business Strategy
• Financial Auditing
• Undergraduate Major Project (Finance and Accounting)

For a more detailed overview of the course modules you can view the Course Information Sheet here.

Course Information Sheet

Entry requirements

ARU London's standard offer is 96 UCAS tariff points from 3 A Levels, e.g. BCC.

Alternatively, ARU London asks for:

• Irish Leaving Certificate: BBCCC.
• Scottish Highers: BBCCC.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM in a business-related subject.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 24 points.

All applicants are required to have at least 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths. 

If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

Applicants studying for other qualifications should contact ARU London to discuss their circumstances.

We also welcome applications from mature individuals who can demonstrate appropriate, relevant work experience.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on our assessment of your overall suitability for the course. We treat everyone as an individual which means we will look at your whole application including any relevant work experience and personal circumstances as well as your educational qualifications. Please contact admissions@london.aru.ac.uk for more information.

International Students Undergraduate Entry Requirements 

To join the first year of our undergraduate course you’ll need one of the following.

• GCE A levels from a recognised UK examination board.
• An International Baccalaureate with a minimum of 24 points.
• A university foundation course recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
• Relevant qualifications obtained in your home country: see our country-specific entry requirements.

If you've completed study at university level in the UK or your home country you may be eligible to enter directly into Year 2 or 3 of a related degree course at ARU. Find out more about transferring to ARU.

Teaching and assessment

We will assess your progress through a variety of methods from coursework, group assignments, activity-based assignments and exams. You can expect to part take in on-going problem-solving activities, projects and presentations. You’ll also be able to access support material through our ARU Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

All assignments are designed with your career progression in mind and give you opportunities to develop and improve transferable skills employers look for.

Timetable

Full-time Schedule:

Standard delivery:
Studying on campus 2 days a week which is Monday - Friday (10:00-17:00)

Employability

During your studies, there will be the opportunity to participate in the Employability Scheme with the specific objective of enhancing your future employment prospects. This includes CV workshops, interview techniques, career counselling and visits from prospective employers.

During your studies, there will be the opportunity to participate in various events and one on one sesions run by our employability team with the specific objective of enhancing your future employment prospects. This includes CV workshops, interview techniques, career counselling and visits from prospective employers.

We encourage all students to consider their future when choosing what degree to study. We don't expect everyone to know what they want to do after university, but it is important that the associated jobs interest you.

Associated Jobs:

• Chartered Accountant
• Stockbroker
• Actuary
• Economist
• Tax Adviser
• Forensic Accountant
• Accounting Technician
• Company Secretary
• Finance Officer

To learn more about where this course can take you visit the guide from our employability team.

Graduate Career Opportunities in Finance and Accounting

Course Fees

Foundation year will cost £5,760

EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information. 

For 2024-2025 entry, the maximum government-approved undergraduate tuition fee for UK students is £9,250 per year. The University is able to charge this fee subject to an approved Access and Participation Plan for 2024-2025 and its current rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework

International Students 

For international students studying their undergraduate with ARU London the tution fee will be £16,700 per year. 

Course Aims

1. To offer a rigorous academic course of study appropriate to an honours degree. This course of study will provide the successful student with a high level of technical ability and competence, technical knowledge and conceptual understanding of the field of accounting in a wide range of business contexts.

2. To permit students to pursue a specialist accounting interest and to relate the syllabus to professional body (ACCA) requirements.

3. To enable students to understand and apply current technical language and practices of accounting, including the use of alternative rules and approaches applicable to specific circumstances.

4. To enable students to develop a wide range of intellectual and analytical abilities relevant to accounting and business and management in general appropriate to an honours degree, including the ability to think critically and independently and analyse and synthesise effectively.

5. To develop the transferable skills necessary for students’ personal development as lifelong independent learners and for their ability to respond positively to change during their careers and be able to continually develop professionally.

6. To provide an education in the terminology, concepts, principles and techniques utilised in accountancy and finance.

7. To enable students to appreciate the importance of the social, political, ethical, technological, environmental and global contexts in which business and the accountancy profession operates.

8. To provide students with a range of opportunities to develop the attitudes, abilities and competences to work in a business environment, both home and international, and to develop the awareness and appreciation of different ethical values.

Course Learning Outcomes

Understand Business Structures & Strategy – Analyse how organisations are structured, managed, and influenced by internal and external factors, including corporate strategy and stakeholder interests. (A01, A03)

Grasp the Role of Accounting – Understand how accountants operate within organisations and explore both standard and alternative accounting practices. (A02, A07, A08)

Navigate Legal & Ethical Frameworks – Examine how UK and international law, as well as ethical, political, and global factors, shape business and accounting. (A04, A05)

Master Financial Analysis & Decision-Making – Learn how transactions are recorded, financial statements are prepared, and financial analysis is used for projections and business decisions. (A06, A09)

Evaluate Contemporary Accounting & Finance Theories – Critically assess modern accounting theories, financial management principles, and global capital markets. (A10, A11)

Think Critically & Solve Problems – Analyse theories, evaluate evidence, and apply both qualitative and quantitative techniques to tackle complex challenges. (B01, B02)

Conduct Research & Make Informed Decisions – Investigate business issues, execute well-structured research projects, and draw meaningful conclusions. (B03)

Communicate with Impact – Express ideas clearly and persuasively in writing, speech, and across various business media. (A06)

Manage Time & Productivity – Stay organised, plan efficiently, and demonstrate initiative and enterprise. (B12)

Collaborate & Lead – Work effectively as an individual, team member, or leader while developing key interpersonal skills. (B13, B14)