The UK has a long history of understanding the numbers that drive business. London has been a prominent trade and financial hub since the middle ages and remains one of the biggest and most important financial centres in the world.

With a financial sector worth £132bn and a vibrant entrepreneurial environment for start-ups, it offers one of the most varied, well-developed, and exciting contexts in which to learn the fundamentals of finance and accounting for all kinds of organisations.

All UK degrees are flexible and modular, giving you a thorough understanding of the core subject whilst allowing you to specialise in the aspects of the course that interest you most as you progress.

If you choose to study accountancy and finance that means you’ll leave with an in-depth knowledge of accountancy practices, industry, commerce, and finance – with specific modules in everything from business law to auditing, entrepreneurship and corporation tax. You’ll also gain broader skills that will benefit you in your career, such as analytical and debating skills, problem solving, global business issues and – of course – the English language.

Most accounting and finance undergraduate degrees take around three years to finish in the UK, with many offering opportunities for a year of work experience or study abroad. Postgraduate degrees are usually between one and two years.

Some universities also offer an integrated MAcc course, which allows you to complete both the undergraduate and postgraduate components in four years of full-time study. 

Undergraduate degrees you can choose from are typically:

• BA Hons Accounting

• BA Hons Finance

• BA Hons Accounting & Finance

Some joint degrees are also available, combining accounting and finance with related subjects like business, economics, or mathematics.

Accounting and finance graduates have a range of career paths open to them. Approximately a third go into chartered and certified accountancy roles, while other common jobs include company secretary, external auditor and forensic accountant.

Starting salaries for accountants are typically around £23-25,000, though graduates who enter banking or stockbroking can expect to start on more than double that, with very high earning potential throughout their careers.

Many courses are also accredited by one or more industry bodies such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which can provide a key advantage in your job hunt.

*(as per britishcouncil)

Most finance and accountancy courses will expect an A-level (or equivalent) in mathematics, business or accountancy. The exact entry requirements will depend on the institution, but required grades are commonly AAB. Typical requirements for International Baccalaureate will be around 35 points, with an IELTS of 6.5 overall, and no lower than 6.0 in any one component.