This degreeis a professionally-orientated qualification which gives you a firm foundation in the theories and practices of finance and accounting. It will equip you with an understanding of the regulatory framework which governs modern accountancy. Our course will allow you to take significant steps towards becoming a qualified accountant, as well as developing skills essential for all kinds of business careers.
Businesses worldwide are hungry for skilled accountants and finance experts, and this course will give you the skills to land your dream job in any industry.
Our bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance is accredited by five UK professional examining bodies, so you can fast-track your career with exemptions from some professional accountancy exams.
There’s growing demand from businesses around the world for qualified accounting and finance professionals and this course will develop skills essential for all kinds of business careers.
At Surrey Business School, we’re renowned for our excellent research, dynamic learning environment and strong links with industry.
You’ll explore the core elements of accounting and finance in detail, through modules on financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, corporate finance and financial risk.
This blend of specific accounting and finance modules, with a wider understanding of business, gives you both a strong theoretical foundation in the subject and an appreciation of how accounting and finance theory is applied in business practice.
After laying the foundations in your first year, in your second year you will start to specialise, and in your final year, you will be able to tailor your degree to match your interests and career ambitions.
Professional recognition
BSc (Hons) - Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.
BSc (Hons) - Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
BSc (Hons) - Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.
BSc (Hons) - Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.
BSc (Hons) - Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.
BSc (Hons) - Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland (ICAS) Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.
Foundation year
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, you might still be able to apply for this Accounting and Finance degree with a Business and Economics Foundation Year. This is an extra year of study to develop your skills and make it easier for you to get started at university. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree.
To see what modules you’ll be studying, refer to the foundation tab in the 'Course structure' section.
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
Please note: Thefull module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course is available in the relevant programme specification.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff.
The module introduces students to Financial Accounting by covering fundamental accounting concepts and their application in the maintenance of the ledgers and preparation of financial statements.
The module seeks to enhance the employability of Accounting & Finance students by: building their knowledge of the skills, behaviours and attitude required to secure employment (i.e. part-time work, internships, placement or graduate jobs) and be successful in the professional workplace. increasing their self-awareness through exploration of their experiences and the competencies developed from these, students will be better able to evidence these competencies in their job applications. developing their understanding of the recruitment tools used by employers (i.e. CVs, LinkedIn, interviews), students will be more effective in marketing themselves to employers. exploring alternative career paths in Accounting & Finance, students will be able to shape their professional interests and career goals. The assessment for the module will evaluate the development of their written and verbal communication and reflective evaluation skills
Operations management relates to the scoping, planning, directing and controlling of the facilities, processes and people required to transform resources into products and services. The principles of operations management are used in every industry and every environment. All organisations perform the functions of strategic planning, process design, supply chain management, forecasting and scheduling, work management, innovation and quality management. The same skills are required whether operations managers are working in private manufacturing organisations, the public sector, service organisations or not for profit businesses.
This course provides an understanding of the principles of English law and the legal system and how this legal framework impacts on business and professional services. Emphasis is placed upon the relationship with ethics and ethical codes in a professional context.
Accounting is concerned with measurement and management. Measurement is concerned with recording past data, and management with the use of that data to make decisions that will benefit the business.
A good understanding of relevant economic theory and its application, together with an awareness of real-world current issues is critical for an employee at any level working in a business environment.
This module examines the role of Marketing in organisations with an emphasis on the importance and development of marketing strategies. The core objective of many businesses is to attract and retain customers in a competitive environment, with the role of marketing focussing on customers. This module introduces students to the core principles of the discipline and provides and underpinning to later elective modules.
Accounting is concerned with measurement and management. Measurement is concerned with recording past data, and management with the use of that data to make decisions that will benefit the business.
This module provides an introduction to the fundamentals of information technology and covers the uses of information systems in business scenarios and business organizations. The module equips students with skills of database management and an in-depth understanding of the role of information systems in this ‘information age’.
The prime motivator in business activity is sustainable profitability for shareholders' wealth maximization. It follows that all managers are likely to perform better towards that goal if they understand the mechanisms for achieving sustainable profit by acting in the interest of stakeholders. This module is designed to give students the necessary basic background in finance to enable them to be effective business managers. It covers the fundamental principles of corporate finance and investment in bonds, stocks, and projects, along with day-to-day working capital management.
This module aims to provide students with both theoretical and practical understanding of how marketing research is designed, conducted and evaluated. More specifically, this module gives students a deep understanding of various decisions involved in capturing market insights through the research process and their implications for business strategies and value delivery to different stakeholders.
This module introduces students to Entrepreneurship theory. In the rapidly changing business world, Entrepreneurship has become an increasingly important part of the economy while entrepreneurs have taken on a special role. We will look at the relationship of the individual and the opportunity the entrepreneurial decision-making process . This will include key topics such as entrepreneurial traits, opportunity recognition and managing uncertainty which is a key skill for an entrepreneurial venture.
This module focuses on key and latest topics in International Business in the context of the global economy. It first introduces students to the apparent globalization phenomenon and the 'hidden' role of international businesses. It then highlights the national differences across countries. It also looks at how these differences impact on industry and firm competitiveness in the international marketplace. The module also emphasizes the importance of firm internationalization in terms of three areas: Motivations, Decisions, and Processes, in light of the national and industry conditions. Finally, the module introduces students to the managerial strategies and organizational structures that international firms typically adopt to compete effectively in the global marketplace, as well as the future directions that these firms are likely to take. It is expected that students will bring the knowledge gained from this module with them to other subsequent modules whereby International Business plays an important and relevant part.
This module provides an overall introduction to Business Analytics explaining methods used for descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics as the main building blocks and phases of a typical business project within management and business contexts. In addition to generic introduction to business analytics phases, there will be more focus on the first two phases (i.e., descriptive and predictive small data analytics). This is mainly related to theories of probability and statistics. The module will also include general business skills needed to run a business analytics project such as how analytics professionals communicate with decision makers by using and interpreting analytic models.
This module introduces students to the subject of taxation and provides the core knowledge of the underlying principles and major technical areas of taxation as they affect the activities businesses, both incorporated and unincorporated.
Accounting is concerned with measurement and management. Measurement is concerned with recording past data, and management with the use of that data to make decisions that will benefit the business.
Programming is an integral part of digital capabilities in today's employment scenario. This module is designed to provide undergraduate students with the necessary basic background in modern programming concepts and practice. The module covers basic programming concepts such as data types and structures, loops and conditional statements, along with some practical applications of programming. Throughout the module, students will engage with professional programming practices and tools and will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers to develop their skills.
One of the most important decisions in the life of a firm is the financing decision. This module builds on the concepts introduced in Financial Planning and Modelling module (FHEQ Level 5) and focuses on the cost of capital and long-term financial policy of a firm.
One of the most important decisions in the life of a firm is the financing decision. This module builds on the concepts introduced in Financial Planning and Modelling module (FHEQ Level 5) and focuses on the cost of capital and long-term financial policy of a firm.
The module provides students with a theoretical and practical understanding of how business strategy can be formulated in the light of environmental and internal conditions with a particular emphasis on the international context of strategy making. The module equips students with a framework for understanding international business strategy as an interdisciplinary activity within the context of international and competitive markets, leading to corporate decision-making. The module is built on 3 key issues – who is strategy done for, how is strategy formulated and implemented, is strategy driven by organisations or environments.
Regardless of your role in a company, a good understanding of how corporate financial decisions impact on the value of the company is very essential. The Financial Management module focuses on the impact of financial choices on the value of the company and addresses some special topics in corporate finance. These include leasing, and an introduction to derivatives and their applications in corporate finance and financial risk management.
Regardless of your role in a company, a good understanding of how the Annual Report & Accounts impact on the value of the company is essential. The International Financial Reporting module focuses on the International Financial Reporting Standards and the international regulatory framework for reporting. The module addresses several topics including intangible non-current assets, leasing, inventory, deferred tax and revenue recognition.
The role of the management accountant continues to evolve; and with advances in technology, demand for management accounting skills has been on the rise to support strategic decision-making in businesses. In this module, you will develop knowledge and skills that will enable you to apply specialist management accounting techniques to analyse and convert data into meaningful managerial information for planning, decision-making, control, and performance evaluation. The focus of your learning will be on how to provide effective solutions to a range of real-life business problems; from developing efficient costing & pricing strategies to the analysis of variances and managing organisational performance.
This research-led module will introduce different approaches to Leadership to students through which many leadership theories will be discussed and taught throughout the module. The module will provide students an insight of a wide range of leadership practices in the extant literature. The module will cover from the fundamental notions of leadership frameworks/concepts to contemporary views of leadership practices. The module offers a good number of theories and practices (including adopted real case studies in organisations) to allow students understand how importance the leadership style can make an impact to individual wellbeing as well as organisational performance. The module will consist of lectures and some seminars, in which students will be given opportunities to present their work and get actively involved in some in-class exercises.
This module is intended to introduce students to the study of banking and money. The material of the course covers two broader areas. The first encompasses the microeconomic and managerial aspects of banking, such as, the structure of incentives, bank risk management, competition, and performance. The second area covers the macroeconomic elements of banking instability, the role of banks in the monetary transmission mechanism, the interplay between banks, regulators and policy makers and the role of banks in setting interest rates as well as regulatory developments in banking.
The module provides an insight into how and why Business Analytics is used by real organisations. It uses a mix of theory and real life cases to explore how Business Analytics methods are used to deliver insights and make faster, better decisions. Students will gain knowledge on how to think about developing an analytics project, and what the possible challenges are in a real-life context, with less depth in the theoretical foundations of the techniques.
Sustainability is an integral part of financial decision making and reporting. This module provides an opportunity for students to explore key issues in sustainability and to understand the role of finance and accounting professionals in embedding sustainability in decision-making. This module is focused on developing knowledge and practical application of sustainability in a real world context. Students are encouraged to research the existing sustainability record of organisations and to develop systematic strategies for the future.
Financial risk management focuses on the types of risk that arise for a business including; market risk, credit risk and interest risk. This module considers financial risk management strategies; how risk is evaluated; the methods that are available to hedge against risk and the strategies that are employed to mitigate risk. This is complemented by consideration of key risk management issues for financial institutions including regulatory issues such as Basel III. Risk Management is a key element in an Accounting and Finance programme.
The module provides a structured approach to the conceptual and practical principles of auditing and other assurance engagements. It provides a real world perspective on current auditing practices with coverage of topical developments and techniques.
Regardless of your role in a company, a good understanding of how tax planning decisions impact on the value of the company is essential. The Advanced Taxation module focuses on furthering student’s knowledge of the taxation of incorporated and unincorporated businesses covered in the Introduction to Taxation module. The Advanced Taxation module introduces students to personal taxation covering Income Tax and Inheritance Tax.
Projects provide an efficient and effective means of delivering corporate strategy for both public and private sector organisations. Fundamental to this is robust project sponsorship and management. This module is focused at FHEQ Level 6 students that wish to develop, plan, manage and control projects successfully in a business environment. This requires an awareness of general project management principles, methodologies and the tools and techniques as applied within multi-disciplined projects. Within this module students will receive a robust grounding in the theory and practice of project management delivered by lectures and by using project management software (MS Project) in a computer laboratory setting
The module discusses a wide range of topics in finance and presents the theory behind these topics as well as the empirical/anecdotal evidence and the practical application related to these theories through recent research papers and articles in the press.
FinTech is revolutionizing and rapidly changing the global financial services industries. Business models that can facilitate disintermediation, revolutionize how existing firms create and deliver products and services, address privacy, regulatory and law-enforcement challenges, provide new gateways for entrepreneurship, and seed opportunities for inclusive growth. This module provides an introduction to the FinTech sector. Topics may include but are not limited to: blockchain, cryptocurrencies, decentralized applications, smart contracts, payments services, alternative and P2P lending and crowdfunding, AI, machine learning (including applications such as robot-advising) and Insurtech. Students are expected to develop a broad understanding of recent FinTech development, valuation, risk and its impact in the financial industries.
This is a core module where students can identify, explore, and analyse contemporary issues in the business, management, and economic environments of the 21st century. The overall focus of the module is on: to encourage students to identify and analyse key issues such as inflation and its impact on cost of living from international, national, industry and firm perspectives. To evaluate the impact of these contemporary issues and suggest critical solutions. Teaching inputs introduces students to key concepts and theories of business, management, and economics. Contemporary issues are then identified and discussed, encouraging student to utilise key concepts in analysing these issues. Student through seminars and guided activities are encouraged to carry out research using library resources and reputable internet sources. This develops their research skills by exposing them to a wide range of literature and encourages critical analysis of different perspectives on a topic or issue. This approach guides students through the learning cycle of knowledge, application, and analysis of issues, concepts, and theories. This builds the students confidence and learning skills essential for the degree programmes and professional careers. Throughout the semester students have additional opportunities to book individual/group sessions to clarify /address any learning issues.
Introduction to Decision Making is designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and effective decisions in the world of business. Content is intended to complement rather than repeat any previous study of business or economics and assumes no previous formal study in these areas. The module places students at the centre of their learning, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities that are crucial for success in a dynamic and complex business environment. Through a combination of theoretical concepts, case studies, and practical exercises, students will develop the competencies needed to analyse, evaluate, and communicate business decisions that align with organisational objectives and ethical considerations. Students will study basic behavioural and management principles and undertake evaluative exercises to assess the desirability of outcomes. Financial and data-driven decision making will be explored. Underlying ethical themes such as sustainability and equality and diversity will be examined alongside drivers such as profitability and innovation. Assessments are designed to build digital capabilities and enhance employability skills and resourcefulness.
Global Business Contexts is designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the global marketplace. The module places students at the centre of their learning, fostering an understanding of international business environments, strategies, and challenges. Students will explore the dynamics of international trade, cross-cultural communication, global market entry strategies, and the impact of globalisation and de-globalisation on businesses. By actively engaging with the material and applying it to real-world scenarios, students will be better prepared to navigate the complexities of international business. The characteristics of different economies will be explored and compared, along with the operations of multinational businesses. The strategic issues which face organisations in a global context will also be examined. The module will build awareness of political, cultural and socio-economic dynamics in and between market economies. There will be an opportunity to develop some of the ethical considerations which have been explored previously in the Introduction to Decision Making (MAN0002) module. The module will build on the knowledge and skills gained in Semester 1. Data analysis will be a significant factor in order to support students to develop their numerical skills in anticipation of their degree-level study.
This is a guided research module where students identify and explore in detail a topic of their choice within the fields of Business, Economics or Hospitality and Tourism Management, then write a 3000-word literature review on their chosen subject. The overall focus of the module is on: learning to research independently, making best use of the digital resources available through the university library drawing appropriate conclusions from analysis and investigation of text and data Teaching inputs guide students in their choice of topic and approach, and provide them with extended opportunities to develop resourceful approaches and relevant skills. Engaging with in-class activities and online tasks in research, reading and academic writing throughout the semester will prepare students well for discipline specific writing and research challenges at higher levels of degree study and in the workplace.
The purpose of this module is to build leadership, independent learning and transferable skills which have a practical value for progression, whether that be to undergraduate study or employment. As the module acronym suggests, students will focus on Creativity, Resourcefulness, Enterprise and Task Evaluation. This will be done through experiential, real-world learning tasks and assessments. The module contains a strong focus on Employability. Could you answer the question: “what will make you more employable than other graduates with the same degree as you?”. CREATE will address this very question and begin the process of you developing a strong personal brand. Through a range of carefully designed tasks, you will develop resilience, digital capabilities and explore a range of theoretical concepts that will be invaluable for your future studies and careers The module is designed so that, as you progress through the year, you will increasingly be able to build on and apply your learning from other modules on the programme, allowing you to further develop as a well-rounded and high-performing individual.
For further information on FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 please view the programme specification for the full-time BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance.
Year 1 - BSc (Hons) with placement
Semester 1
Compulsory
The module introduces students to Financial Accounting by covering fundamental accounting concepts and their application in the maintenance of the ledgers and preparation of financial statements.
The module seeks to enhance the employability of Accounting & Finance students by: building their knowledge of the skills, behaviours and attitude required to secure employment (i.e. part-time work, internships, placement or graduate jobs) and be successful in the professional workplace. increasing their self-awareness through exploration of their experiences and the competencies developed from these, students will be better able to evidence these competencies in their job applications. developing their understanding of the recruitment tools used by employers (i.e. CVs, LinkedIn, interviews), students will be more effective in marketing themselves to employers. exploring alternative career paths in Accounting & Finance, students will be able to shape their professional interests and career goals. The assessment for the module will evaluate the development of their written and verbal communication and reflective evaluation skills
Operations management relates to the scoping, planning, directing and controlling of the facilities, processes and people required to transform resources into products and services. The principles of operations management are used in every industry and every environment. All organisations perform the functions of strategic planning, process design, supply chain management, forecasting and scheduling, work management, innovation and quality management. The same skills are required whether operations managers are working in private manufacturing organisations, the public sector, service organisations or not for profit businesses.
This course provides an understanding of the principles of English law and the legal system and how this legal framework impacts on business and professional services. Emphasis is placed upon the relationship with ethics and ethical codes in a professional context.
Accounting is concerned with measurement and management. Measurement is concerned with recording past data, and management with the use of that data to make decisions that will benefit the business.
A good understanding of relevant economic theory and its application, together with an awareness of real-world current issues is critical for an employee at any level working in a business environment.
This module examines the role of Marketing in organisations with an emphasis on the importance and development of marketing strategies. The core objective of many businesses is to attract and retain customers in a competitive environment, with the role of marketing focussing on customers. This module introduces students to the core principles of the discipline and provides and underpinning to later elective modules.
Accounting is concerned with measurement and management. Measurement is concerned with recording past data, and management with the use of that data to make decisions that will benefit the business.
This module provides an introduction to the fundamentals of information technology and covers the uses of information systems in business scenarios and business organizations. The module equips students with skills of database management and an in-depth understanding of the role of information systems in this ‘information age’.
The prime motivator in business activity is sustainable profitability for shareholders' wealth maximization. It follows that all managers are likely to perform better towards that goal if they understand the mechanisms for achieving sustainable profit by acting in the interest of stakeholders. This module is designed to give students the necessary basic background in finance to enable them to be effective business managers. It covers the fundamental principles of corporate finance and investment in bonds, stocks, and projects, along with day-to-day working capital management.
This module aims to provide students with both theoretical and practical understanding of how marketing research is designed, conducted and evaluated. More specifically, this module gives students a deep understanding of various decisions involved in capturing market insights through the research process and their implications for business strategies and value delivery to different stakeholders.
This module introduces students to Entrepreneurship theory. In the rapidly changing business world, Entrepreneurship has become an increasingly important part of the economy while entrepreneurs have taken on a special role. We will look at the relationship of the individual and the opportunity the entrepreneurial decision-making process . This will include key topics such as entrepreneurial traits, opportunity recognition and managing uncertainty which is a key skill for an entrepreneurial venture.
This module focuses on key and latest topics in International Business in the context of the global economy. It first introduces students to the apparent globalization phenomenon and the 'hidden' role of international businesses. It then highlights the national differences across countries. It also looks at how these differences impact on industry and firm competitiveness in the international marketplace. The module also emphasizes the importance of firm internationalization in terms of three areas: Motivations, Decisions, and Processes, in light of the national and industry conditions. Finally, the module introduces students to the managerial strategies and organizational structures that international firms typically adopt to compete effectively in the global marketplace, as well as the future directions that these firms are likely to take. It is expected that students will bring the knowledge gained from this module with them to other subsequent modules whereby International Business plays an important and relevant part.
This module provides an overall introduction to Business Analytics explaining methods used for descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics as the main building blocks and phases of a typical business project within management and business contexts. In addition to generic introduction to business analytics phases, there will be more focus on the first two phases (i.e., descriptive and predictive small data analytics). This is mainly related to theories of probability and statistics. The module will also include general business skills needed to run a business analytics project such as how analytics professionals communicate with decision makers by using and interpreting analytic models.
This module introduces students to the subject of taxation and provides the core knowledge of the underlying principles and major technical areas of taxation as they affect the activities businesses, both incorporated and unincorporated.
Accounting is concerned with measurement and management. Measurement is concerned with recording past data, and management with the use of that data to make decisions that will benefit the business.
Programming is an integral part of digital capabilities in today's employment scenario. This module is designed to provide undergraduate students with the necessary basic background in modern programming concepts and practice. The module covers basic programming concepts such as data types and structures, loops and conditional statements, along with some practical applications of programming. Throughout the module, students will engage with professional programming practices and tools and will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers to develop their skills.
One of the most important decisions in the life of a firm is the financing decision. This module builds on the concepts introduced in Financial Planning and Modelling module (FHEQ Level 5) and focuses on the cost of capital and long-term financial policy of a firm.
One of the most important decisions in the life of a firm is the financing decision. This module builds on the concepts introduced in Financial Planning and Modelling module (FHEQ Level 5) and focuses on the cost of capital and long-term financial policy of a firm.
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Choose 1 from the listed optional modules.
Year 3 - BSc (Hons) with placement
Semester 1
Compulsory
The module provides students with a theoretical and practical understanding of how business strategy can be formulated in the light of environmental and internal conditions with a particular emphasis on the international context of strategy making. The module equips students with a framework for understanding international business strategy as an interdisciplinary activity within the context of international and competitive markets, leading to corporate decision-making. The module is built on 3 key issues – who is strategy done for, how is strategy formulated and implemented, is strategy driven by organisations or environments.
Regardless of your role in a company, a good understanding of how corporate financial decisions impact on the value of the company is very essential. The Financial Management module focuses on the impact of financial choices on the value of the company and addresses some special topics in corporate finance. These include leasing, and an introduction to derivatives and their applications in corporate finance and financial risk management.
Regardless of your role in a company, a good understanding of how the Annual Report & Accounts impact on the value of the company is essential. The International Financial Reporting module focuses on the International Financial Reporting Standards and the international regulatory framework for reporting. The module addresses several topics including intangible non-current assets, leasing, inventory, deferred tax and revenue recognition.
The role of the management accountant continues to evolve; and with advances in technology, demand for management accounting skills has been on the rise to support strategic decision-making in businesses. In this module, you will develop knowledge and skills that will enable you to apply specialist management accounting techniques to analyse and convert data into meaningful managerial information for planning, decision-making, control, and performance evaluation. The focus of your learning will be on how to provide effective solutions to a range of real-life business problems; from developing efficient costing & pricing strategies to the analysis of variances and managing organisational performance.
This research-led module will introduce different approaches to Leadership to students through which many leadership theories will be discussed and taught throughout the module. The module will provide students an insight of a wide range of leadership practices in the extant literature. The module will cover from the fundamental notions of leadership frameworks/concepts to contemporary views of leadership practices. The module offers a good number of theories and practices (including adopted real case studies in organisations) to allow students understand how importance the leadership style can make an impact to individual wellbeing as well as organisational performance. The module will consist of lectures and some seminars, in which students will be given opportunities to present their work and get actively involved in some in-class exercises.
This module is intended to introduce students to the study of banking and money. The material of the course covers two broader areas. The first encompasses the microeconomic and managerial aspects of banking, such as, the structure of incentives, bank risk management, competition, and performance. The second area covers the macroeconomic elements of banking instability, the role of banks in the monetary transmission mechanism, the interplay between banks, regulators and policy makers and the role of banks in setting interest rates as well as regulatory developments in banking.
The module provides an insight into how and why Business Analytics is used by real organisations. It uses a mix of theory and real life cases to explore how Business Analytics methods are used to deliver insights and make faster, better decisions. Students will gain knowledge on how to think about developing an analytics project, and what the possible challenges are in a real-life context, with less depth in the theoretical foundations of the techniques.
Sustainability is an integral part of financial decision making and reporting. This module provides an opportunity for students to explore key issues in sustainability and to understand the role of finance and accounting professionals in embedding sustainability in decision-making. This module is focused on developing knowledge and practical application of sustainability in a real world context. Students are encouraged to research the existing sustainability record of organisations and to develop systematic strategies for the future.
Financial risk management focuses on the types of risk that arise for a business including; market risk, credit risk and interest risk. This module considers financial risk management strategies; how risk is evaluated; the methods that are available to hedge against risk and the strategies that are employed to mitigate risk. This is complemented by consideration of key risk management issues for financial institutions including regulatory issues such as Basel III. Risk Management is a key element in an Accounting and Finance programme.
The module provides a structured approach to the conceptual and practical principles of auditing and other assurance engagements. It provides a real world perspective on current auditing practices with coverage of topical developments and techniques.
Regardless of your role in a company, a good understanding of how tax planning decisions impact on the value of the company is essential. The Advanced Taxation module focuses on furthering student’s knowledge of the taxation of incorporated and unincorporated businesses covered in the Introduction to Taxation module. The Advanced Taxation module introduces students to personal taxation covering Income Tax and Inheritance Tax.
Projects provide an efficient and effective means of delivering corporate strategy for both public and private sector organisations. Fundamental to this is robust project sponsorship and management. This module is focused at FHEQ Level 6 students that wish to develop, plan, manage and control projects successfully in a business environment. This requires an awareness of general project management principles, methodologies and the tools and techniques as applied within multi-disciplined projects. Within this module students will receive a robust grounding in the theory and practice of project management delivered by lectures and by using project management software (MS Project) in a computer laboratory setting
The module discusses a wide range of topics in finance and presents the theory behind these topics as well as the empirical/anecdotal evidence and the practical application related to these theories through recent research papers and articles in the press.
FinTech is revolutionizing and rapidly changing the global financial services industries. Business models that can facilitate disintermediation, revolutionize how existing firms create and deliver products and services, address privacy, regulatory and law-enforcement challenges, provide new gateways for entrepreneurship, and seed opportunities for inclusive growth. This module provides an introduction to the FinTech sector. Topics may include but are not limited to: blockchain, cryptocurrencies, decentralized applications, smart contracts, payments services, alternative and P2P lending and crowdfunding, AI, machine learning (including applications such as robot-advising) and Insurtech. Students are expected to develop a broad understanding of recent FinTech development, valuation, risk and its impact in the financial industries.
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Choose 4 from the listed optional modules.
Professional Training Year (PTY)
Semester 1 & 2
Core
This module supports students’ development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment. The PTY module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning, and is a process that involves self-reflection, documented via the creation of a personal record, planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal objectives. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written and presentation skills.
This module supports students’ development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment. The PTY module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning and is a process that involves self-reflection. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written skills.
This module supports students¿ development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment. The PTY module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning, and is a process that involves self-reflection, documented via the creation of a personal record, planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal objectives. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written skills.
This is a core module where students can identify, explore, and analyse contemporary issues in the business, management, and economic environments of the 21st century. The overall focus of the module is on: to encourage students to identify and analyse key issues such as inflation and its impact on cost of living from international, national, industry and firm perspectives. To evaluate the impact of these contemporary issues and suggest critical solutions. Teaching inputs introduces students to key concepts and theories of business, management, and economics. Contemporary issues are then identified and discussed, encouraging student to utilise key concepts in analysing these issues. Student through seminars and guided activities are encouraged to carry out research using library resources and reputable internet sources. This develops their research skills by exposing them to a wide range of literature and encourages critical analysis of different perspectives on a topic or issue. This approach guides students through the learning cycle of knowledge, application, and analysis of issues, concepts, and theories. This builds the students confidence and learning skills essential for the degree programmes and professional careers. Throughout the semester students have additional opportunities to book individual/group sessions to clarify /address any learning issues.
Introduction to Decision Making is designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and effective decisions in the world of business. Content is intended to complement rather than repeat any previous study of business or economics and assumes no previous formal study in these areas. The module places students at the centre of their learning, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities that are crucial for success in a dynamic and complex business environment. Through a combination of theoretical concepts, case studies, and practical exercises, students will develop the competencies needed to analyse, evaluate, and communicate business decisions that align with organisational objectives and ethical considerations. Students will study basic behavioural and management principles and undertake evaluative exercises to assess the desirability of outcomes. Financial and data-driven decision making will be explored. Underlying ethical themes such as sustainability and equality and diversity will be examined alongside drivers such as profitability and innovation. Assessments are designed to build digital capabilities and enhance employability skills and resourcefulness.
Global Business Contexts is designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the global marketplace. The module places students at the centre of their learning, fostering an understanding of international business environments, strategies, and challenges. Students will explore the dynamics of international trade, cross-cultural communication, global market entry strategies, and the impact of globalisation and de-globalisation on businesses. By actively engaging with the material and applying it to real-world scenarios, students will be better prepared to navigate the complexities of international business. The characteristics of different economies will be explored and compared, along with the operations of multinational businesses. The strategic issues which face organisations in a global context will also be examined. The module will build awareness of political, cultural and socio-economic dynamics in and between market economies. There will be an opportunity to develop some of the ethical considerations which have been explored previously in the Introduction to Decision Making (MAN0002) module. The module will build on the knowledge and skills gained in Semester 1. Data analysis will be a significant factor in order to support students to develop their numerical skills in anticipation of their degree-level study.
This is a guided research module where students identify and explore in detail a topic of their choice within the fields of Business, Economics or Hospitality and Tourism Management, then write a 3000-word literature review on their chosen subject. The overall focus of the module is on: learning to research independently, making best use of the digital resources available through the university library drawing appropriate conclusions from analysis and investigation of text and data Teaching inputs guide students in their choice of topic and approach, and provide them with extended opportunities to develop resourceful approaches and relevant skills. Engaging with in-class activities and online tasks in research, reading and academic writing throughout the semester will prepare students well for discipline specific writing and research challenges at higher levels of degree study and in the workplace.
The purpose of this module is to build leadership, independent learning and transferable skills which have a practical value for progression, whether that be to undergraduate study or employment. As the module acronym suggests, students will focus on Creativity, Resourcefulness, Enterprise and Task Evaluation. This will be done through experiential, real-world learning tasks and assessments. The module contains a strong focus on Employability. Could you answer the question: “what will make you more employable than other graduates with the same degree as you?”. CREATE will address this very question and begin the process of you developing a strong personal brand. Through a range of carefully designed tasks, you will develop resilience, digital capabilities and explore a range of theoretical concepts that will be invaluable for your future studies and careers The module is designed so that, as you progress through the year, you will increasingly be able to build on and apply your learning from other modules on the programme, allowing you to further develop as a well-rounded and high-performing individual.
Optional modules for Foundation (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 3
For further information on FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 and professional training year please view the programme specification for the full-time with PTY BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance.
Teaching and learning
Each 15-credit module is designed to involve 150 hours of student work. This time will be spent in lectures, computer labs and tutorials, and includes private study on your own or in small study groups.
You will also write essays and assignments, drawing on your understanding of a particular area.
Our staff members provide innovative teaching that brings together theory and practice for your intellectual and professional development.
Tutorials
Lectures
Independent study
Group work
Seminars
Assessment
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations, and reports.
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Surrey Business School has a proven track record of graduate employment: in the survey, Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA, results show that 90 per cent of our undergraduate Surrey Business School students go on to employment or further study. This Accounting and Finance degree is designed to help you get excellent job opportunities.
Graduates over the last few years have secured roles such as:
Tax Trainee, Roffe Swayne
Auditor, Menzies LLP
Audit Associate, Ernst and Young LLP
Accountant, KPMG
Risk Graduate, Lloyds Banking Group
Analyst, Goldman Sachs
Trainee Accountant, PwC.
If you choose to join one of the professional accounting bodies that have accredited this course after you graduate, you’ll receive exemptions from several professional examinations, giving you a head start in achieving a professional qualification.
If you choose to study abroad this may impact your ability to claim maximum professional exemptions, as you may not necessarily study professionally accredited modules at the university you go to.
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Typical offer
BSc (Hons)
ABB
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
CCC
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted for either route. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass the practical element.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C) and Mathematics at Grade 5 (B). Applicants must have achieved these grades at the time of making their application.
BSc (Hons):
DDD
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
MMM
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C) and Mathematics at Grade 5 (B). Applicants must have achieved these grades at the time of making their application.
BSc (Hons):
33
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
29
GCSE or equivalent: English A HL4/SL4 or English B HL5/SL6 and Mathematics (either course) HL4/SL4.
BSc (Hons):
78%
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
68%
GCSE or equivalent: Maths 7 and either English Language (1/2) 6 or English Language (3)7.
BSc (Hons):
QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 level 3 credits overall including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit.
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 level 3 credits overall including 21 at Distinction, 3 at Merit and 21 at Pass.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C) and Mathematics at Grade 5 (C). Applicants must have achieved these grades at the time of making their application.
BSc (Hons):
AABBB
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
BBBCC
GCSE or equivalent: English Language - Scottish National 5 - C. Maths - Scottish National 5 - B. Applicants must have achieved these Scottish National grades at the time of making their application.
BSc (Hons):
ABB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels.
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
CCC from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted for either route. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass the practical element.
GCSE or equivalent: Please check the A-level dropdown for the required GCSE levels.
BSc (Hons):
Distinction overall, with minimum C in the Core Component.
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
Pass overall, with minimum D in the Core Component.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C) and Mathematics at Grade 5 (B). Applicants must have achieved these grades at the time of making their application.
Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A-level offer for this programme, plus an alternate offer of one A-level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects.
Applicants can only receive one grade reduction from the published grades, an EPQ grade reduction can’t be applied in addition to other grade reductions made through other schemes such as Contextual Admissions or In2Surrey.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
International Foundation Year
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements for this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an offer holder event. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all undergraduate courses.
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2025
* Please note: Professional Training placement year fees are approximately 20% of the full-time fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement.
Please note that the Foundation Year tuition fee for 2025/26 is £5,760. The annual tuition fee amount following the Foundation Year will rise to the standard home fee amount.
Payment schedule
Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule.
Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices. Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis, cannot pay fees by instalment.
Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
Professional training placement fees
Professional Training placement year fees are approximately 20% of the full-time fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
We have thousands of placement providers to choose from, most of which offer pay. So, become one of our many students who have had their lives and career choices transformed.
Accounting and finance placements
Some organisations that have offered placements include:
Baker Tilly TFW (Singapore)
Ericsson
Kerry Logistics (Hong Kong) Ltd
Microsoft
Morgan Stanley
PepsiCo
Roffe Swayne
The Walt Disney Company.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University. But we offer support and guidance throughout the process, with access to a vacancy site of placement opportunities.
Our students share insights into their professional training year at Microsoft and Commodity Appointments.
Student
"I would definitely recommend a placement year to anyone in a position to take one!... I have no doubt that my placement year was key to me securing my graduate role with a top employer as I was able to evidence a range of skills and experience that I developed over the year."
Studying at Surrey opens a world of opportunity. Take advantage of our study and work abroad partnerships, explore the world, and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
The opportunities abroad vary depending on the course, but options include study exchanges, work/research placements, summer programmes, and recent graduate internships. Financial support is available through various grants and bursaries, as well as Student Finance.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With 140+ opportunities in 36+ different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone. Explore your options via our search tool and find out more about our current partner universities and organisations.
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
First when we make an offer.
Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.
