Plymouth Business School

BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year

UCAS tariff 32+ Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code N405
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time

Study location Plymouth

Explore the latest developments in the field and master the complex set of skills needed to embark on a career in accounting and finance. You have the opportunity to experience accountancy in the real world while working within businesses, and graduate with credits towards your professional accountancy qualification with the ACCA, ICAEW or CIMA.

Careers with this subject

Our confident and dynamic graduates are employed in a wide range of roles across the sector, from accountants and financial analysts to business development and business management professionals.

Real experience every step of the way

As well as expert-led teaching, all undergraduate modules within Plymouth Business School have integrated CV building activity, for example, through micro-credentialing, problem-based learning, or embedded direct employer activity.
We have ensured every module contains a real world problem-based exercise. We have reached out to employers directly to involve real business in our assessments. You will experience real world employee engagement every month.
We know this is key to student academic and graduate success.

Careers service

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated careers service supporting you from the moment you start your degree, to three years after graduation.
Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements, networks - working with the academic staff teaching on your course. We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.

Key features

Course details

  • Foundation year

  • Begin to develop your research skills, knowledge and understanding through an introduction to key aspects of business, accounting and economics. Undertake independent research into an area of study that interests you. Successful completion of this year ensures progression to year 1.

    Core modules

    ECN3100
    The World of Economics and Finance 30 credits

    This module will introduce you to a range of contemporary ideas within economics and finance. The module will use a range of contemporary real-world issues to demonstrate the relevance of foundation level economic and financial concepts for decision making.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    STO3001
    Global Business 30 credits

    The module will introduce the components, functions and context of a business. You will explore the impact of different models on business purpose, values, stakeholders and reporting. Aspects such as globalisation, sustainability, ethics and entrepreneurship will also be examined.

    100% Coursework

    STO3002
    Introduction to Business Research 30 credits

    The module will enable you to develop business research at an introductory level and to develop a range of academic and professional capabilities. You will investigate research topics that will develop your understanding the importance of effective cross-disciplinary understanding and collaboration.

    100% Coursework

    STO3003
    Business Research Project 30 credits

    This module allows you to integrate subject specific knowledge and skills to investigate a specific topic relevant to your programme of study through a small-scale research project.

    100% Coursework

  • Year 1

  • Introduction to the business world of accountancy and finance. Learn how to control company finances and report company performance. Understand the important role that economics and data analysis play in the success of every business.

    Core modules

    ACF4001
    Introduction to Accounting 20 credits

    This module gives you an introduction to accounting. It focuses on the double entry bookkeeping system and how transactions are recorded in businesses. You will learn how to record transactions and events, formulate a trial balance, create basic financial statements and interpret financial information using ratio analysis.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    ECN4001
    Principles of Economics and Finance 40 credits

    This module provides an introduction to core principles of both economics and finance. It explores some basic concepts and techniques involved in economic and financial analysis at an introductory level and considers the relevance of economics and finance to broad areas such as business decision-making and risk management.

    50% Tests

    30% Coursework

    20% Practicals

    ECN4005
    Business Data, Decisions and Behaviour 40 credits

    The module introduces the area of data analytics and the role of data in business decision making. You will explore the use of accounting, economic and financial data and common decision making/analytical frameworks in informing business decisions. You will go on to examine major themes of management decision making (i.e. processes, models and analytical methods) and basic statistical analysis in the context of supporting and informing a number of key business decisions (e.g. pricing, investment).

    80% Coursework

    20% Practicals

    LAW407
    Business Law 20 credits

    This module will introduce you to the legal framework and key areas of law which affect business, including basic principles of contract and tort; company law; the impact of criminal law on business and professional services; and the impact of law in the professional content, such as for example, key elements of employment law and the protection of information.

    100% Examinations

  • Year 2

  • Learn how to create and manage budgets and develop your core accounting skills. Choose to examine stock markets in our Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite or learn about key aspects of taxation for businesses. Discover how to manage a company’s finances to maximise its performance and how to manage a business responsibly and ethically.

    Core modules

    ACF5001
    Management Accounting 40 credits

    This module provides you with a comprehensive coverage of management accounting. You will study areas such as budgeting, costing and variance analysis before progressing onto strategic management accounting, financial planning and control in modern organisations.

    70% Examinations

    30% Tests

    ACF5004
    Financial Accounting and Reporting 40 credits

    This module explores the presentation and interpretation of an organisation's financial statements, including consideration of the UK financial reporting regulatory framework and current reporting issues. Further financial reporting topics such as accounting for foreign currency transactions and accounting for business combinations will be covered. Students will also explore current developments in financial and non-financial reporting.

    70% Examinations

    30% Tests

    Optional modules

    ACF5002
    Financial Institutions and Markets 20 credits

    This module deals with financial markets, instruments, and institutions. You will examine the bond market, the stock market and the foreign exchange market and explore investment banking and mutual funds.

    100% Coursework

    ACF5003
    Taxation 20 credits

    The module introduces you to the UK tax system, providing you with the necessary technical skills and underpinning knowledge to be able to prepare tax computations for UK companies and individuals. Alongside the technical focus, you will explore the principles and rationale behind the functions of the tax system and discuss current issues in taxation.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    PBS5001C
    The Challenge Module: Sustainable Business 20 credits

    Through this module you can select from a choice of topics related to the big challenges business and society are facing today. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy.

    100% Coursework

    PBS5002C
    The Challenge Module: Sustainable Supply Chains for Global Trade 20 credits

    In this module, you will be challenged to evaluate the sustainability of the globalised business world. You will assess conflicting viewpoints and present balanced arguments for the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the supply chains that support global trade.

    100% Coursework

    PBS5003C
    The Challenge Module: Responsible Entrepreneurship in Action 20 credits

    Through this module you can develop an understanding of the big challenges business and society are facing today, in the context of entrepreneurship. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy and will be informed by established business theories. You will develop and reflect on a business idea which has sustainability at its core.

    100% Coursework

  • Optional placement year

  • In your third year, you can choose to do a placement year, taking the opportunity to earn a salary while getting hands-on work experience. You’ll develop your financial flair and build confidence to help you in your future career.

    Core modules

    PBS600PLC
    Placement Year

    The placement year consists of an extended period of appropriate professional experience in a business or organisation. It allows the student to gain relevant experience to consolidate their studies and prepare for final stage study and employment after graduation. Students on BA International Business may also or alternatively undertake a study placement at an approved partner institution.

  • Final year

  • Apply core knowledge to decide whether a business should undertake a major investment project. Learn how a company is financed and how cash is managed effectively. Undertake a business-specific research project and choose to learn about auditing or financial modelling.

    Core modules

    ACF6001
    Business Research 20 credits

    In this module you will carry out empirical research of an accounting or finance related topic using appropriate analytical and statistical techniques.

    100% Coursework

    ACF6005
    Corporate Financial Management 40 credits

    This module is a study of corporate financial management, including: investment appraisal, financing decisions, capital structure, mergers and acquisitions, and multinational financial management.

    70% Examinations

    30% Tests

    ACF6006
    Credit Management: Theory and Practice 20 credits

    You will gain an in-depth knowledge of how to manage trade, consumer and export credit, exploring the economic importance of credit and the contribution it can make as a competitive device to add value to organisations.

    70% Coursework

    30% Examinations

    ACF6008
    Investment Management 20 credits

    In this module, you will develop a broad understanding of the portfolio management with the focus on portfolio building and evaluation, portfolio risk and diversification. You will explore portfolio concepts such as: investors risk aversion, efficient frontier, capital asset pricing model. In addition, you will learn and discuss market efficiency, behavioural finance and fintech.

    60% Examinations

    40% Tests

    Optional modules

    ACF6003
    Auditing 20 credits

    In this module, you will consider and discuss the need for audit in society as well as the views of those critical of today’s audit function. Studying auditing scandals will help you to understand and appreciate not only the challenges faced by the auditing profession but also how current auditing standards and regulation has been developed. You will learn how to audit through studying the theory behind the audit process and then how to apply the theory using practical examples.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    ACF6004
    Financial Modelling 20 credits

    The module covers financial modelling for bonds and rates, equities, currencies and options. While analysing and modelling each category of securities with specific and pertinent approaches, it stresses the underlying principles governing all valuation processes. The module also equips the students with the skills to use software, such as Excel, for implementing models and perform analysis.

    60% Examinations

    40% Coursework

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32+

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
PPP-MMP in any subject.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
International Baccalaureate
24-25 overall. English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5.
IELTS
If overseas and not studying English within IB – Must have IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.
Access courses
Pass access course (any subject) plus GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4 or above or equivalent.
T level: Pass in any subject.
New Irish Highers:From 2017 32-80 points.
City and Guilds Level 3: We will accept with a minimum of Merit overall alongside a good GCSE profile, including English and Maths grade C / 4.
Cyprus Apolytirion:15/20 to 16/20 overall to include a pass in Maths and IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.
GCSE
GCSE’s or equivalent: Maths and English at Grade C/4 or City and Guilds; Key Skills Level 2 will be considered on an individual basis.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding

Student 2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £17,100 £17,600
Part time (Home) £770 £770
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024 the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to Parliamentary procedure. The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as more information becomes available.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business additional costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Meet our experts

  • Lecturer in Accounting (Auditing/Financial Accounting)
    14 years experience working for a large regional accounting practice
  • Lecturer in Accounting
    Extensive accounting experience in a range of sectors
  • Lecturer in Accounting and Finance
    Extensive experience in multi-disciplinary research
  • Lecturer in Finance
    Pioneered our partnership with Devon Chamber of Commerce and Babcock mentoring

Connect with us

Join us on the University of Plymouth BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance LinkedIn group. In this group our academics and students share articles, news stories, blogs, graduate opportunities, and other relevant information. It is a great way connect with you and to help you achieve the best possible outcomes from your time with us.

Graduate insight

Our graduates talk about their current roles and their time studying at Plymouth.

Hannah Boniface, accounting and finance alumni

Hannah
Graduate Hannah explains how studying BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance at Plymouth prepared her for a future in taxation.

Ryan Carney, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance graduate

Ryan
BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance graduate Ryan talks about his role working for Haas Formula 1 and his time studying at Plymouth.

Sabina Niemier#sabina-niemier #business-and-accounting #poland

Sabina
University of Plymouth was the perfect location for international student Sabina.

Fitzroy Building

The University of Plymouth is creating an exciting new space for the Plymouth Business School in which current and future students can foster the knowledge and enthusiasm that they will need to achieve their ambitions. Work is underway at the heart of our city centre campus.
Watch our video visualising what the new building will look like.

Plymouth Business School