Accounting and Finance

The BA Honours in Accounting and Finance at Durham University offers a comprehensive exploration of the essential principles and practices underpinning modern financial management and accounting. This programme is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of financial reporting, managerial accounting, corporate finance, investment analysis, and audit processes. Throughout the course, students engage with both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, preparing them for successful careers in finance, accounting firms, banking institutions, or further professional qualifications such as ACCA or CFA.

The curriculum is structured to develop critical analytical skills and a strong ethical foundation necessary for responsible decision-making in complex financial environments. Students will study modules covering financial accounting and reporting standards, management accounting techniques, financial markets, investment strategies, and international financial reporting. The program emphasizes quantitative skills, fostering competency in financial analysis, data interpretation, and the use of relevant software tools.

Students benefit from a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, and group projects, encouraging collaborative learning and real-world problem solving. Additionally, Durham’s close links with industry professionals and professional bodies provide opportunities for networking, internships, and career development support. The programme also emphasizes research skills, critical evaluation, and effective communication, which are vital attributes for aspiring accountants and finance professionals.

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared to pursue professional qualifications, enter the workforce directly, or undertake postgraduate study. The programme’s strong academic reputation and its focus on employability ensure that students gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in a competitive global financial landscape. With a diverse student community and access to state-of-the-art resources, the BA Honours in Accounting and Finance at Durham University aims to foster academic excellence, practical expertise, and ethical awareness in its students.

Content

Year 1

In the first two years, you will study the required basic prerequisites for professional and research progress. In the first year, compulsory modules introduce:

• Economics
• Finance
• Financial Accounting
• Management Accounting
• Quantitative Methods.

Students will also choose a further business, economics or language optional module.

Year 2

In the second year, compulsory modules investigate:

• Auditing and Assurance
• Corporate Financial Reporting
• Corporate Finance
• Management Accounting.

You also choose two optional modules from a selection which in the past has included:

• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics
• Introduction to Financial Econometrics
• Financial Markets and Institutions
• Principles of Business Law
• Introduction to Taxation
• Language module.

Year 3

Moving to a more research-led teaching orientation in the third year, you are required to produce a double module Dissertation in any of the accounting and finance areas, such as financial accounting, management accounting, auditing or finance. Additionally, you will study three compulsory modules exploring:

• Financial Planning and Control
• Contemporary Issues in Financial Accounting
• Financial Theory and Corporate Policy

And choose one module from a large selection covering business and finance options. Subjects covered in previous years have included, for example:

• Corporate Governance
• Security Investment Analysis
• International and Multinational Finance
• Financial Engineering
• Behavioural Finance
• Corporate Responsibility.

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We require AAB from A-levels.
• We consider all A-level subjects, with the exception of General Studies – therefore General Studies would not be included in any offer.
• For all Business, Marketing, Accounting and Finance degrees a strong proficiency in Mathematics is required. If Mathematics is not taken as an A-level subject a grade A in Mathematics at GCSE is required.
• We consider each application holistically, on an individual basis and against the other applications we receive. Whilst academic achievement is important, it is not the only factor that we consider when assessing applications and applicants who have achieved, or are predicted to achieve, close to our typical offer, but who have not met it exactly, will be welcome to apply if they have a strong application in other key elements, for example if they can demonstrate merit and potential through their personal statement or their reference.
• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications, please email us for more information.
• Applicants for whom English is not their first language will be required to offer IELTS of 6.5 (no component under 6.0); or the University approved equivalent. We also require proof of English Language proficiency for students from the European Union.
• We are willing to consider applications for deferred entry from those who have well-structured plans for work or travel, for example. We may, however, need to restrict the number of deferred entry offers we make because we have to be careful not to fill too many of next year’s places in advance. However, if you do apply for a deferred place and are unsuccessful, you are welcome to reapply the following year.
• You are welcome to apply if you are taking resits; we do not make higher offers to students who declare resits.
• If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Centre offers multidisciplinary degrees to prepare you for a range of specified degree courses.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

The Finance component of the Accounting and Finance program at Durham University offers students a comprehensive understanding of financial principles, investment strategies, and the functioning of financial markets. Students are introduced to key concepts such as corporate finance, financial analysis, and risk management, providing a solid foundation for careers in banking, investment, and financial consultancy. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, allowing students to develop essential skills in financial modelling, valuation, and decision-making processes.

Throughout the program, students have access to advanced modules covering areas such as international finance, behavioural finance, and financial derivatives, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern financial environments. The programme incorporates case studies, simulations, and real-world projects, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Durham University's strong connections with industry professionals and financial institutions provide valuable networking opportunities, internships, and guest lectures, further enhancing students' practical experience.

In addition to core finance modules, students benefit from interdisciplinary courses that combine financial theories with economic principles, marketing, and strategic management. This integrated approach prepares graduates for diverse roles within the financial sector, including financial analyst, investment banker, risk manager, and portfolio manager. The program also focuses on ethical considerations in finance, promoting responsible decision-making and corporate governance.

Graduates of the program often pursue further professional qualifications such as CFA or ACCA, supported by the university’s excellent academic advisory services. The Durham University Finance programme is characterized by its rigorous academic standards, innovative teaching methods, and close industry links, aimed at preparing students for successful careers in global finance. Typically, students will study modules related to financial markets, corporate finance, investment analysis, and financial reporting, all designed to give an in-depth understanding of how finance operates on both a micro and macroeconomic level.

The programme duration is three years for full-time students and offers a range of opportunities for placements or year abroad experiences, enhancing students' practical skills and employability. Overall, Durham University’s Finance studies provide a balanced mix of theory, practice, and industry engagement, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of a dynamic financial landscape.

The BSc Accounting and Finance program at Durham University offers students a comprehensive understanding of the core principles of accounting, finance, and associated fields. Designed to equip graduates with the analytical, technical, and professional skills needed in a wide range of financial sectors, the course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students explore topics such as financial reporting, management accounting, corporate finance, auditing, financial markets, and investment analysis. The program places a strong emphasis on developing quantitative skills, critical thinking, and ethical awareness, preparing students for careers in accounting firms, financial institutions, consultancy, or further postgraduate study.

At Durham University, the programme benefits from a distinguished faculty with expertise in both academic research and professional practice. The curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure alignment with current industry standards and regulatory frameworks, giving students a competitive edge in the job market. Alongside lectures and seminars, students undertake case studies, group projects, and real-world simulations, fostering teamwork and problem-solving abilities. The program also offers opportunities for internships and placements, allowing students to gain valuable industry experience and professional networking contacts.

Durham’s campus facilities support this practical learning approach, providing access to state-of-the-art computing resources, financial databases, and dedicated academic support services. The university promotes a collaborative academic environment, encouraging engagement with faculty and industry professionals through guest lectures, workshops, and networking events. The degree program typically lasts three years for full-time students, with pathways for part-time study and opportunities for international exchanges. Graduates of Durham’s Accounting and Finance program are highly sought after by employers for their strong foundational knowledge, professionalism, and versatility, enabling them to pursue careers in accounting, auditing, banking, investment management, corporate finance, or to undertake professional accountancy qualifications such as ACCA, ACA, or CIMA.