Accounting (including foundation year)

The Bachelor of Arts and Science in Accounting at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in accounting principles, financial management, and business analysis. This interdisciplinary programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates for a variety of careers within the accounting and finance sectors. Throughout the course, students will explore core areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, and corporate governance, ensuring they develop a deep understanding of the essential concepts that underpin modern financial practices. The curriculum is designed to enhance analytical abilities, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, equipping students to interpret complex financial data and make strategic decisions. Additionally, the programme emphasizes ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks, which are vital in maintaining transparency and integrity in the financial industry. Students also benefit from hands-on experience through case studies, group projects, and internships, fostering practical skills that are highly valued by employers. The foundation year, available for students without prior specialized knowledge, offers preparatory modules to build a solid base in key business and accounting fundamentals. This ensures all students have the necessary skills to succeed in subsequent years of study. The university's state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and strong links to industry provide an enriching learning environment. Upon graduation, students will be well-equipped to pursue careers in accounting firms, financial consultancies, government agencies, or to continue their education in professional accounting qualifications such as ACCA or CIMA. The programme also emphasizes the development of transferable skills including communication, teamwork, and digital literacy, making graduates adaptable and competitive in an evolving job market.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12500 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Compulsory
Introduction to Accounting; Quantitive Methods and Finance; Introduction to Management; Economics for Business;

Year 2

Compulsory
Financial Reporting and Analysis; Management Accounting I; Corporate Finance; Financial Modelling; Management Accounting II; Portfolio Analysis
And one other Essex Business School (Colchester Campus) option.

Year 3

Compulsory
Current Issues in Financial Reporting; Advanced Management Accounting; Options and Futures; Bank Risk Management;
Optional
A final year Accounting or Finance option;
Accounting or Finance option;
Essex Business School (Colchester Campus) option OR outside option

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: AAB - ABB
• GCSE Mathematics: C
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 33 - 32 points, including Standard Mathematics grade 4 (we consider IB certificates at the Higher level on a case-by-case basis)
• BTEC qualifications, in relevant disciplines, will be considered on an individual basis, depending on the units studied. The standard required is generally at Distinction level.
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above).

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

Accounting at the University of Essex is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with essential knowledge and skills in financial reporting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management. The curriculum combines theoretical understanding with practical application, preparing graduates for careers in accounting, finance, and related fields. The foundation year allows students who do not meet direct entry requirements to gain relevant knowledge and skills, providing a smooth transition into the full degree program. Throughout the course, students will develop critical thinking, analytical abilities, and a strong understanding of accounting principles, enabling them to adapt to the evolving needs of the global financial environment. The program benefits from the university’s strong links with industry and professional bodies, offering students opportunities for internships, networking, and professional development. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, case studies, and group projects, encouraging collaborative learning and real-world problem solving. The University of Essex’s emphasis on research-based teaching ensures that students learn from active researchers and industry experts. Graduates of the Accounting program are well-prepared for professional careers as accountants, auditors, financial analysts, or to pursue further professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or CPA. The course also emphasizes the importance of ethics and corporate responsibility, ensuring students understand the broader impact of their work in society. Facilities include modern classrooms, dedicated accounting labs, and access to accounting software and databases. The program’s structure enables students to specialize in areas like forensic accounting or financial management, depending on their interests and career goals. The university’s supportive academic environment includes dedicated academic support services and career advice to help students succeed during their studies and after graduation.