Indian student guide to studying Accounting and Finance in the UK
The UK is one of the world’s leading financial centres. Studying Accounting and Finance in the UK provides students with exposure to diverse financial markets, institutions, and regulatory frameworks, giving them an edge in the global job market.
At undergraduate level accounting degrees, students will gain a solid foundation in accounting principles, financial management, taxation, and auditing. They will also develop critical data analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. At the postgraduate level, students can specialise in various areas such as corporate finance, investment banking, risk management, financial reporting, and accounting analytics.
These programmes give students a deeper understanding of advanced financial concepts and theories and equip them with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the finance industry. Studying Accounting and Finance in the UK also offers students various specialisations. For instance, they can focus on financial management, financial reporting, auditing, taxation, or investment banking. This allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.
– Course Duration
Accounting and Finance courses in the UK typically last for three years for undergraduate degrees and one to two years for postgraduate programmes. However, the exact duration of the course may vary depending on the university, programme, and any additional options such as industrial placements or study abroad opportunities.
Accounting and finance courses aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of financial concepts and theories and the practical skills needed to succeed in the finance industry.
– Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for this degree programme vary depending on the university, with some top universities charging £25,656 per year for undergraduate courses and £34,128 for masters. The fees apply to international students from all countries.
When it comes to funding your studies, you have several options. You may be eligible for student finance, which includes loans and grants. Alternatively, you may secure sponsorship from an organisation or government. Finally, you can choose to self-finance your studies. To obtain the most accurate and current availability of funding and scholarships, it’s recommended to visit university websites. Below are the UK’s top five accounting and finance programmes and their international fees for upcoming intake.
| University | Course | International Fees |
|---|---|---|
| London School of Economics and Political Science | BSc Accounting and Finance | £25,656 |
| University of Warwick | Accounting and Finance | £23,390 |
| University of Aberdeen | Accountancy and Finance MA | £24,507 |
| University of Edinburgh | MA Accounting and Finance | £24,500 |
| University of Bath | Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons) | £23,500 |
Types of Accounting Courses
Bachelor of Accounting
A Bachelor of Accounting provides students with a comprehensive education in accounting principles, financial management, auditing, taxation, and related business areas. Bachelor of Accounting programmes generally last three years in the UK, and the curriculum includes a combination of core and elective courses. The general syllabus for Bachelor of Accounting programmes in the UK may include the following:
- Financial Accounting: Preparing and analysing financial statements and introducing students to the accounting principles and standards used in financial reporting.
- Management Accounting: Focuses on using accounting information to support decision-making within organisations. Topics covered include cost accounting, budgeting, and performance measurement.
- Auditing: The principles and practices of auditing, including audit planning, risk assessment, and evidence gathering.
- Taxation: Overview of the UK tax system, which covers income tax, corporation tax, and value-added tax.
- Financial Management: The principles and practices of financial management, including capital budgeting, financial analysis, and risk management.
- Business Law: The legal framework in which businesses operate and covers topics such as contract law, employment law, and company law.
- Economics: Introduction to microeconomics and macroeconomics and topics such as supply and demand, market structures, and economic growth.
- Business Ethics: Ethical issues in business and topics such as corporate social responsibility, stakeholder theory, and sustainability.
Master’s in Accounting
A master’s in accounting provides students with advanced education in accounting, finance, taxation, auditing, and related business areas. Programmes are designed to prepare students for senior-level positions in accounting, finance, and business and professional accounting certifications such as the Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) and Chartered Accountant (CA).
Master’s in Accounting programmes in the UK typically last for one year if pursued full-time, and the curriculum includes a combination of core and elective courses. The general syllabus for Master in accounting includes:
- Advanced Financial Reporting: Principles covered in undergraduate financial accounting courses and more complex financial reporting issues such as business combinations, foreign currency transactions, and financial instruments.
- Corporate Reporting and Analysis: Preparing and analysing financial reports for corporate entities and consolidated financial statements, earnings per share, and cash flow statements.
- Auditing and Assurance Services: This is an advanced study of auditing and assurance, including the role of auditors, audit risk and materiality, and professional ethics.
- Financial Management: Advanced knowledge and skills in financial management, including capital budgeting, financial analysis, and risk management.
- Business Law: Advanced topics in business law, including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and securities regulation.
- Ethics and Professional Practice: Ethical and professional issues faced by accountants with a focus on professional standards, professional liability, and independence.
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance
A bachelor’s degree in finance delivers an in-depth understanding of financial concepts and principles. The course focuses on financial theory, quantitative methods, investment analysis, financial management, and corporate finance.
The general topics covered in a Bachelor’s in Finance programme include:
- Financial Accounting: The principles of financial accounting, including the preparation of financial statements, the interpretation of financial statements, and financial statement analysis.
- Corporate Finance: This course covers the concepts of corporate finance, including capital budgeting, cost of capital, risk and return, and financial planning.
- Financial Markets: The functions of financial markets, including equity markets, bond markets, and foreign exchange markets.
- Financial Management: The principles of financial management, including working capital management, financial analysis, and financial decision-making.
- Investment Analysis: The principles of investment analysis, including portfolio theory, asset pricing models, and investment valuation.
- Quantitative Methods: The quantitative methods used in finance include statistics, probability theory, and regression analysis.
- Derivatives: The principles of derivatives, including options, futures, and swaps.
Master’s in Finance
A Master’s in Finance equips students with an advanced understanding of financial principles and their applications in real-world scenarios. The degree is built on the foundational knowledge acquired during a Bachelor’s in Finance or related undergraduate degree and delves deeper into the subject matter.
In the UK, a Master’s in Finance programme usually lasts one year, but some universities also offer two-year programs. Specialisations available in master’s in finance in the UK are real estate finance, sustainable finance, and fintech.
Jobs and Careers
Graduates with a degree in accounting and finance have a variety of career options available in various sectors, including public accounting, corporate finance, banking, and financial services. Some of the typical job roles and career paths include:
- Chartered Accountant (CA): Working with public accounting firms, individuals or businesses to prepare financial statements, conduct audits, and provide tax advice.
- Financial Analyst: Evaluating financial data, preparing reports, and making recommendations to assist businesses in making investment decisions.
- Management Accountant: Involved in budgeting, performance evaluation, cost management, and asset management within companies.
- Investment Banker: Advising corporations, governments, and other entities on financial strategies, including mergers, acquisitions, and raising capital.
- Auditor: Reviewing financial statements and records to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations and standards.
- Tax Advisor: Specialising in tax planning and compliance, helping individuals and businesses minimise tax liabilities.
- Financial Planner: Assisting individuals with personal financial planning, including retirement, investments, and estate planning.
- Treasury Analyst: Managing an organisation’s finances, including cash flow, investments, and risk management.
- Risk Manager: Identifying and mitigating financial risks for organisations through analysis and strategic planning.
- Corporate Finance Specialist: Working within a company to manage its financial activities, including capital structure, funding, and investment strategies.
– Graduate Employability Rate for Accounting and Finance
According to the Guardian University Guide 2025 Accounting and Finance subject rankings, the following five universities have the highest percentage of graduates who find graduate-level jobs or are in further study at a professional or higher education level within 15 months of graduation.
- London School of Economics and Political Science (98%)
- University of Bath (96%)
- University of Warwick (95%)
- Lancaster University (94%)
- University of Bristol (93%)
– Salary
Salaries can vary based on experience, qualifications, and the specific role. Typical entry-level salaries and experienced salaries in the UK are as follows:
- Entry-Level: £22,000 to £30,000 per year (approximately 20 lakhs to 28 lakhs INR).
- Experienced Professionals: £40,000 to £70,000 per year (approximately 37 lakhs to 65 lakhs INR).
- Senior Roles/Executives: £80,000 or more per year (approximately 75 lakhs INR).
Accounting and Finance UK Entry Requirements
For Indian students, typical entry requirements for an Accounting and Finance degree in the UK include:
Undergraduate
- Completion of Standard XII with a minimum percentage (usually around 70-80%) from a recognised board.
- Mathematics as a subject in Standard XII is often required.
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.0-6.5, with no less than 5.5 in any component.
- Pearson PTE: Overall score of 56-61.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80-90.
Postgraduate
- A recognised undergraduate degree in a relevant field with a minimum grade (usually 2:2 or equivalent).
- Some institutions may require work experience in a related field.
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5-7.0, with no less than 6.0 in any component.
- Pearson PTE: Overall score of 61-67.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90-100.
Where can I study Accounting and Finance in the UK?
To learn more about the best accounting and finance courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Accounting and Finance universities in the Guardian University Guide 2025 below:
- London School of Economics
- University of Warwick
- University College London
- University of Aberdeen
- Durham University
- Liverpool John Moores University
- Lancaster University
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Manchester
- Edge Hill University
Study Accounting and Finance in the UK
If you are interested in studying an accounting and finance degree in the UK, arrange your free consultation with SI-UK today. Don’t forget the Premium Service will guarantee you at least one offer from a UK university.
FAQ
The top five in-demand careers in Accounting and Finance are Financial Analyst, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Investment Banker, Data Analyst and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
The five major accounts in accounting are Assets, Liabilities, Equity, Revenue and Expenses.
Accountants perform various tasks, but they most commonly prepare financial statements, manage bookkeeping, perform audits, provide financial advice, and analyse financial data.
There is no one “best” field in accounting, as different fields can be more suitable for individuals based on their interests, skills, and career goals. Common fields within accounting include public, corporate, government forensic and tax accountancy. Each field has its unique challenges and opportunities. It’s important to consider your interests, skills, and career goals when deciding on a field within accounting.
Financial accounting is a crucial function within the accounting profession, and several career paths are available in this field. These include financial accountants, financial analysts, controllers, auditors, and tax accountants. These are just a few examples of careers in financial accounting. There are many other specialised roles within financial accounting, and individuals can choose a career path that aligns with their interests, skills, and career goals.
The salaries for finance and accounting professionals can vary depending on job title, years of experience, location, and industry. In general, finance and accounting careers can both offer high earning potential. It’s important to note that salaries vary widely within each field based on various factors, including job title, experience, and location. Additionally, finance and accounting offer opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential over time.
Accounting and finance and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) are different academic courses with unique focus areas. Whether one is better depends on an individual’s interests, skills, and career goals. Accounting and finance degrees typically focus on developing technical accounting and financial skills, such as financial statement analysis, auditing, tax planning, and investment analysis. On the other hand, BBA programs are more broad-based, covering a range of business topics such as management, marketing, accounting, economics, and finance. BBA degrees are typically more suitable for individuals interested in gaining a general business education.