This programmeis 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 accounting and finance degree 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.
At Surrey Business School, we’re renowned for our excellent research, dynamic learning environment and strong links with industry.
We’re preparing you for the future by integrating AI into every course, building digital skills, confidence and creativity that employers value in tomorrow’s workplace.
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, Finance and Accounting 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.
Facilities
You will have on-demand access to Bloomberg terminals, a leading financial platform widely used in the industry. Through the terminals, students can explore real-time financial data and insights.
Bloomberg is actively incorporated into a mix of our modules and you'll also benefit from free access to Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC), a set of online courses that introduce key economic and financial market concepts.
Free access to other specialised and valuable databases include:
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.
New for 2026 entry: At Surrey, we want you to be a future-ready graduate. That’s why all our courses will offer at least one module that integrates and teaches AI tools in discipline-specific ways. You’ll develop the digital skills that employers are looking for and get comfortable with the tech of the future.
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.
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.
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.
This module introduces students to the core principles of accounting and finance and situates them within today's global environment. Students develop an understanding of how financial information is created and used to support decision-making in organisations. The module emphasises practical engagement with real-world case studies. Students learn how technology, data and ethical considerations shape financial practices. By the end of the module, students will have developed a solid grounding in accounting and finance concepts, strengthened their numeracy and analytical skills, and gained the academic and professional competencies needed to progress successfully to Level 4 accounting and finance modules.
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.
BSc (Hons) with foundation year and placement
Semester 1
Compulsory
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.
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.
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.
This module introduces students to the core principles of accounting and finance and situates them within today's global environment. Students develop an understanding of how financial information is created and used to support decision-making in organisations. The module emphasises practical engagement with real-world case studies. Students learn how technology, data and ethical considerations shape financial practices. By the end of the module, students will have developed a solid grounding in accounting and finance concepts, strengthened their numeracy and analytical skills, and gained the academic and professional competencies needed to progress successfully to Level 4 accounting and finance modules.
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
AI learning
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 during Welcome Week. In later semesters, at least one week before the start of the 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.
90%
Employability
Of our Surrey Business School graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2026, HESA).
This accounting and finance degree is designed to help you get excellent job opportunities.
Where do our students go?
Graduates over the last few years have secured roles such as:
Tax Trainee
Auditor
Audit Associate
Accountant
Risk Graduate
Analyst
Trainee Accountant.
Recent graduates have joined companies including:
Roffe Swayne
Menzies LLP
Ernst and Young LLP
KPMG
Lloyds Banking Group
Goldman Sachs
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.
Applicants will need to meet our GCSE Maths and English requirements in addition to the A-level grades. We are also able to consider applicants with a variety of domestic and international qualifications including BTECs and the International Baccalaureate. Please see our equivalencies guide for more information.
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.
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. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
Contextual offers
Did you know eligible students receive support through their application to Surrey, which could include a grade reduction on offer?
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.
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.
Statistics
Placement Statistics
92%
of students who did a placement entered into graduate level employment*
80%
of placements are paid, with 60% paying between £18,000 - £30,000
48%
of our students have been offered a graduate role from their placement provider**
*Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA
**Professional training year returners survey 2024
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 at offer stage and are shown again at registration. You will be asked to accept these terms and conditions when you accept the offer made to you.
Disclaimer
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.