BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance Degree

A career in finance is closer than you think.

Apply
Enquire

Call: 020 8516 7850

Next start date:

June 2015

When:

Weekdays

Annual fees:

£8000 £6000

Study options:

2 Years
Full Time

Location:

Greenwich, Greenford

This BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance degree* is your ticket to a truly rewarding career. You will gain a globally recognised degree, essential industry insight and the accountancy skills that employers need. This course can be completed as either a traditional 3 year degree, or as an accelerated 2 year course.

Learning from tutors with an intimate knowledge of finance, you will study in the capital of the financial world - London. Amongst the giants of international business, you will benefit from countless networking and career opportunities on this highly regarded finance course 

*subject to revalidation

Key facts before you start

UCAS Campus (Institution) Code: G74

BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance UCAS course codes 

Mode of StudyUCAS Course Code
2 year acceleratedNNK3
2 year accelerated (with year 0)2435
3 yearsNN4H
3 years (with year 0)NN4J

Starting dates

The BSc Programmes have enrolment dates in February, May/June and October each year.

Mode of attendance

The Plymouth University BSc Programmes is available to study as a traditional three calendar year degree and also as an accelerated degree over two calendar years.

Please note, both the two year and three year programmes result in a full BSc (Hons) degree awarded by Plymouth University, your final award certificate will not state your chosen mode of study.

Three calendar year degree
Students study six subjects per calendar year, three subjects per semester. 
This degree programme takes thirty-two months (3 calendar years) to complete.

The first year/ stage offers fundamental academic grounding, the second and third years/ stages engage more directly with the specialist subject to advance the students’ analytical thinking and understanding of the industry.

Two calendar year accelerated degree
There are three stages to the programme, each stage takes eight months (two semesters) to complete. 
Students study six subjects (modules) at each stage.
This degree programme takes twenty-four months (six semesters) to complete.

Year zero
Candidates who do not meet the degree entry requirements are encouraged to apply for a course with our Year 0 option. This is an additional year before the course, after which you will gain direct entry onto the degree programme.

International Foundation Year
Designed specifically for international students for study at undergraduate degree level.  This programme is suitable for international students who do not meet our academic and English language requirements for undergraduate degrees. It will  develop English language, academic and study skills and provide essential knowledge, successful completion of which gives direct entry on to our degree programmes. There are two options either a two semester (8 months) or three semester (12 months) which is in additional to either a two year or three year degree programme.

Tuition fees

Please visit our Tuition Fees area to browse the options available for this programme.

Progression

Successful completion of the BSc(Hons) can lead to entrance to either the MBA or MSc programmes offered at GSM London

Exam fees

Exam registration - £10 per exam

Assessment

The assessment methods for students on the BSc (Hons) Degree are a mixture of individual module assignments, group project work and written examinations.

Assessment will take place during and at the end of each semester period with a final research project presented at the final stage of the degree programme. This form of continuous assessment carefully prepares students for the world of work and allows students to receive regular feedback from their tutors.

What we'll cover

Programme Modules

Term 1

Study Skills

The Study Skills module is intended to provide the foundations for undertaking undergraduate studies. It will address potential problems by providing the development for good academic practice. It is important to make explicit the criteria and standards applied in assessing students’ work and accordingly this module aims to initiate an understanding of such requirements.

Financial Accounting

This module is designed to offer a sound introduction to financial accounting. This module provides the basis on which later financial reporting modules and to a certain extent the management accounting modules depend.

Introduction to Finance 

This module is designed to familiarise students with the language and the mathematics of the subject. It will also develop students’ awareness of information available to them using the internet and the financial newspapers. Additionally it will make them aware of the status of London as a financial centre and help them to understand the financial markets, institutions and basic financial products.

Term 2

Corporate and Business Law

All operational and strategic business policies have legal implications which impinge upon managerial responsibilities. In particular the nature of contracts, liability, (contract and tort) and employment is subject to legal constraints which affect their actions. Additionally, EU law is influential on the operation of companies. This module examines the ways in which managerial decisions relate to the legal framework as well as commercial and financial factors.

Business Economics

One of the essential tasks of managers is to take rational decisions about resource allocation, output and the optimum size of operations. This entails knowledge of basic economic theory and its application to operational decisions. Additionally, the influence of the macroeconomic environment is an important element in decision taking and therefore it is necessary to understand the relationship between changes in this environment and the impact on business policies.

Accountant in Business

This module is designed to offer an introduction to the role of the accountant and how this can be affected by the business environment. It provides the basis on which later management elements are taught.

Term 3

Financial Reporting

This module is designed to expose students to the mechanisms of financial accounting and reporting. Companies report to their external stakeholders on their financial performance, balance sheet and cash flow statement thus it will also introduce students to financial reports based upon international accounting standards.

Introduction to Management Accounting

This module offers the basis for management accounting and is essential for the development of more advanced management accounting later in the programme. Recent events in the world of banking have demonstrated the need to have sound control and risk management measures in place.

Financial Management

This module is designed to offer an understanding of the principles of financial management which provides the basis for growth and financial success. It ensures sufficient long term capital and good control of working capital. This module will introduce students to the current financial environment, the financial institutions in place and the regulatory authorities. The three areas of sources of capital, the investment and dividend decision will be considered.

Term 4

Choose 3 of the following optional modules:

Business Organisation and Policy

This module demonstrates the impact of environmental factors, including governmental factors on the size, structure and strategic policies of business organisations. It illustrates how organisations are adapted to change and the appearance of new opportunities and outside pressures.

Human Resource Management

This module is concerned with the management skills involved in promoting the effectiveness of human resources in organisations, and in particular developing the motivation of staff. It will evaluate methods gaining the support of individuals and groups to cooperate with new policies in the face of organisational change. Causes of conflict at work and policies designed for its reduction will be appraised.

Information Technology

Management decisions depend upon both qualitative and quantitative information and involve communication with other managers and frequently other companies. This module demonstrates the technology of handling information and demonstrates how computers have taken over from traditional methods of communicating, storing and retrieving information. It also familiarises students with the hardware and software available to meet business needs.

Logistics and Operations Management

This module is concerned with the most effective methods of creating goods and services. It relates the various operations such as design, handling and controlling component activities, scheduling and planning inputs and outputs, networking, allocating resources and controlling quality. It also contrasts problems and solutions in different types of business.

Term 5

Corporate Financial Management

This module will introduce students to the complexities of financial management in a world of globalization. In an increasingly complex financial environment companies are investing in assets in overseas markets. This gives rise to issues of international investment appraisal as well as interest rate and foreign exchange risk management. Different growth strategies are used by organisations, including mergers and acquisitions, the applicable financial measurements and the strategic implications of these will also be covered within this module.

Performance Management

This module builds on the earlier Accounting for Decisions module at level 2. It is concerned with strategic management accounting and financial planning and control in a modern organization.

Advanced Financial Reporting

This module will introduce students to the complex issues of financial reporting and the methods used to interpret the financial statements of companies. Company financial accountants need a range of competences to prepare financial statements in an increasingly complex world.

Term 6

Strategic Management

This module examines the nature of corporate strategy and the reasons for setting long term corporate objectives. It also demonstrates the interlinking between strategy, resources recruitment, the markets and the technology employed and finances available. The external factors affecting strategy and the impact on the size and structure of organisations are also considered.

International Marketing

At a time of globalisation of markets managers find new opportunities for profitable expansion. In order to take advantage of these, marketing policies need to take into account financial, organisational and cultural problems of expansion overseas, and the promotional techniques effective in different markets. This module examines these techniques and evaluates the merits of alternative policies.

Compulsory modules: 

Financial Research Methods

This module is designed to enable students to understand the nature, importance and sources of relevant information on which sound decisions can be based. The module offers students the opportunity to develop an understanding of the complexity involved in the design and conduct of empirical research in the area of finance.

Financial Research Project

The management of organisations entails drawing upon knowledge and skills across a range of accounting and finance functions. The assessment for this module will be project based and will afford students the opportunity to explore an accounting and/or finance topic and propose considered solutions for the advancement of a business.

If you choose our 2 or 3 year degree with year 0 you will take the following courses in your first year:

Principles of Management

Computer Literacy

Advanced Critical Writing Skills

Numeracy

Academic Writing

Personal Development

Career opportunities

The BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance is the perfect foundation for a successful career in accountancy or a role within the financial services sector. As well as opening the door to a wide range of postgraduate opportunities, the career prospects for graduates of the BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance degree will be greatly enhanced by this highly practical and relevant degree.

This degree will provide excellent prospects for graduates who can expect opportunities within leading accountancy firms, investment firms, banks, insurance companies, and management consultancies. Typical job titles include:

Junior rolesSenior roles
Payroll Assistant Chartered Accountant
Accounts Assistant Investment Analyst
Trainee Accountant Chartered Management Accountant
Accounts Assistant Bookkeeper Bursar Financial Consultant
Bursar Tax Advisor
Mortgage Advisor
Stock Broker

Entry requirements

An applicant must be at least 18 years of age and as a minimum have obtained one of the following:

  • Minimum 2 ‘A’ Level passes, grades A* - E. 
  • A NQF Level 3 qualification (or an equivalent International qualification)
  • BTEC National Diploma or Certificate
  • Bachelor Extended Pathway (Foundation Year)

Mature candidates (aged 21 or above) who do not meet the standard entry requirements, should show evidence of good work experience on their CVs (minimum of one year) in order to be considered for entry onto year 0

Other qualifications as may be considered equivalent including recognised Access Courses (subject to approval by Plymouth Business School), and the International Baccalaureate. Applications from candidates who lack the normal course entry requirements are positively encouraged. In such cases, the Admissions Tutors must be satisfied that the applicant has the necessary potential, knowledge or experience and motivation to follow the course successfully. Candidates with non standard qualifications will be invited to attend an interview.

Accreditation of prior learning - partial exemptions can be obtained from the programme subject to Plymouth University Academic Regulations and dependent on the compatibility of previous study. Each case is considered on its own merit.

To find out if you qualify to study for a Bachelors degree at GSM London contact one of our dedicated Course Advisors on 0208 516 7850 or email [email protected]

In addition students who hold GCSE's, Level 2 or equivalent level qualifications may qualify for direct entry onto the Bachelors degree through our year 0 option. This programme combines the Bachelors degree with a Foundation programme and allows students direct access to the degree without having to complete Access programme or A Level or equivalent studies.

If you are unsure if you qualify or would like advice concerning your eligibility for your chosen programme please contact a Course Advisor at the School on +44 (0) 208 516 7850 or by email [email protected]

The GSM London Course Advisors are available for informal personal consultations to help you ensure you choose the right programme compatible with your career and educational goals. If you would like to arrange an appointment please contact our Course Advisors on +44 (0) 208 516 7850.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will be required to demonstrate English Language proficiency at the levels below:

Cambridge English (Advanced) : Grade C or above (No less than "weak" in any skill)

Cambridge IELTS (Academic Test) : 6.0 or above (No less than 5.5 in any skill & No less than 6.0 in the Reading and Writing skills for all Law related programmes)

Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) : 55 or above (No less than 51 in any skill & No less than 56 in the Reading and Writing skills for all Law related programmes)

For those that do not currently have an English Language qualification we offer the  IELTS  English course at our Greenford campus  View English language programme details 

Please feel free to call our Admissions Advisors on +44 (0) 208 516 7850 or email [email protected] for information about English Language requirements.

How to apply

1.

Your completed GSM London Application Form

2.

Copies of your qualifications as listed on your application form.

3.

Your CV / Resume

4.

A Reference from a place of study or an employer.

5.

A photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport.

6.

The £85 registration fee

Send the above to the Admissions Department at GSM London either by post or email:

Email: [email protected]

Admissions 
GSM London
Royal Hill 
Greenwich 
London 
SE10 8RD

To email your application, scan and attach your documentation and arrange the application fee payment as above. If you wish you can submit an application in person.

Level of Entry

For information on programme entry requirements please click on the 'entry requirements' tab above.

UCAS Applicants

If you would like to apply through UCAS you will not need to complete the application form detailed above.

Please contact our Course Advisors on 0208 516 7850 with your UCAS ID number (the 10 digit number beginning with '10') and details of the course you would like to study and we may be able to process your application over the phone.

If you would like to register with UCAS please visit their website: www.ucas.com for more information.

UCAS Code Information

GSM London (GSM London)
Institution code name: GSM London
Institution code: G74


Registration

On receipt of your application form and enclosures the School will assess your application and:

  1. Accept your application if you are qualified for the programme. (If you are not qualified the School may suggest an alternative programme that suits your needs and qualifications).
  2. Forward to you an acceptance letter and statement of fees. These letters will inform you of the date that you should enrol and the duration and cost of the programme.

Enrolment

  1. You should arrive at GSM London on the date specified on your acceptance letter.
  2. International students will be expected to pay their tuition fees on or before enrolment. If you would like to arrange a payment plan you will need to visit our Bursar to discuss.

Further Information

  • Tuition fees are payable in advance (instalment plans are available by arrangement).
  • Tuition fees are non-refundable.
  • Application fee of £85, payable by cheque, postal order, Credit/Debit card or BACS
  • Overseas students are reminded that they must comply with Home Office regulations on immigration, particularly with respect to attendance. A medical certificate must support absences due to illness. An International Student Declaration form will also need to be submitted.
  • Programme details may be subject to alteration.
  • Programmes will only take place if justified by demand.
  • All fees are inclusive of Government taxes.
  • Students must adhere to the regulations relating to their programme.
  • The admission requirements stated for the programmes represent the minimum entry standard. GSM London and Plymouth University reserve the right to require entry standards above the minimum.
  • The School reserves the right to refuse to accept or to enrol any student
Apply
Enquire

Call: 020 8516 7850