STUDY
| Course options: | Professional Placement, Study Abroad |
|---|---|
| Institution code: | S82 |
| UCAS code: | NN43 |
| Start date: | September 2026 |
| Duration: | Three years full-time |
| Location: | Ipswich |
| Typical Offer: | 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level) |
| Course options: | Professional Placement, Study Abroad |
|---|---|
| Institution code: | S82 |
| UCAS code: | NN43 |
| Start date: | September 2026 |
| Duration: | Three years full-time |
|---|---|
| Location: | Ipswich |
| Typical Offer: | 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level) |
Overview
Our future focused BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree is designed to prepare you for a successful career in the world of finance, accounting, and business.
Whether you are aiming to become a chartered accountant, financial analyst, or business advisor, this course equips you with the skills you need to succeed. The course is crafted to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of accounting and finance along with the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world settings.
No prior accounting experience is needed, although GCSE Maths (or equivalent) is required.
The career prospects for graduates with financial expertise are excellent, ranging from accounting and finance roles to emerging roles in business intelligence analysis and developing strategies for sustainable business practices. Our program also supports entrepreneurial aspirations with access to hot desk spaces, networking, and collaborative opportunities.
Key features:
- Professionally aligned with the exam exemption requirements of ACCA, ICAEW and CIMA.
- Study one module at a time in focused six-week blocks, followed by assessment, allowing for deep engagement with each subject area.
- A 100-hour placement module in Year 2, helping you build workplace confidence and employability.
- Opportunities for live projects, enterprise activities, summer internships, micro placements and an optional placement year.
- 80% of our graduates progress into professional roles or postgraduate study.
- Annual industry events and national competitions to apply your knowledge and skills.
- Support for starting your own business through our Business Solutions Centre, with guidance from business leaders and academics.

Get closer to your future in accounting and finance
Course Modules
Our undergraduate programmes are delivered as 'block and blend', more information can be found on Why Suffolk? You can also watch our Block and Blend video.
Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.
This module delivers an introduction to organisational management, focusing on planning, organising, and leading individuals in workplace settings. It covers topics such as workplace motivation, organisational structures and management approaches, effective leadership practices, and strategies for achieving competitive advantages in a dynamic environment. By examining key concepts and theories, the module explores how several successful organisations have adopted and implemented these ideas. This module aims to inspire you to seek credible evidence as a foundation for making informed decisions in organisational management. It also helps you develop essential academic skills. By completing this module, you will build familiarity with key foundational concepts while honing their research and evaluation abilities, ensuring they are well-prepared to engage with the rest of their degree program.
Financial confidence helps managers make informed decisions, for example, a decision to expand the product line, assessing the financial performance of different divisions or justifying the allocation of scarce organisational resources. This module has been designed to enable those preparing for future managerial and leadership roles to develop an appreciation of the issues within the scope of both financial and managerial accounting, enabling them to make the best possible managerial decisions.
In today’s complex and dynamic global economy, understanding external business environments is crucial for aspiring managers and leaders. Business professionals need to be equipped with the skills to analyse economic, political, technological, and social factors, as these external forces directly shape strategic decision-making and influence organisational success. This module is designed to help you in preparing for managerial roles to develop a solid foundation in evaluating these external forces and their impact on various business activities. The module supports in developing an understanding of the practical implications of external pressures, fostering critical analysis of how businesses across various industries respond and adjust to changing environments This approach utilises real-world applications, equipping you with essential skills in navigating external business challenges in their future roles.
The Digital Marketing & eBusiness module introduces you to the core principles of digital marketing & e-commerce within an entrepreneurial context. It combines elements of digital marketing, entrepreneurship & e-commerce to prepare you for the dynamic challenges of launching a business or driving growth in an existing business. In this current digital landscape, the use of e-commerce and digital marketing is a fundamental part of a customers user experience and if utilised strategically can drive growth and build brand awareness for the organisation,
This module aims to establish a robust foundation in financial accounting and finance for students with prior exposure to basic accounting and finance concepts in a global context. It focuses on developing knowledge in financial reporting, double-entry systems, and finance principles while equipping you with practical skills in preparing and interpreting financial statements, analysing financial performance, and applying essential financial decision-making techniques. Technology will be embedded into the learning process, including the use of Excel and bookkeeping software for real-world applications. These capabilities will support progression to advanced modules and readiness for professional careers in accounting and finance.
Managing business performance is critical to any organisation’s continued viability. A successful business will learn from past performance as well as continually looking to improve current performance. Planning for future performance is equally important. Planning and decision making is a core aspect of business strategy, and this module looks at the accounting and finance information that is used in planning and support of the decision-making process. It will introduce and demonstrate the accounting techniques used in planning and control and short- and long-term decision making.
This module is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the UK tax system. It introduces the taxation framework and develops your core knowledge of taxation's underlying principles and major technical areas, including its application to individuals, businesses, and corporations. The curriculum encompasses essential elements like policy, computation, and compliance, ensuring you develop the technical skills and professional judgment required to analyse tax scenarios effectively. Employability and technology skills are integrated to support career readiness.
This module aims to provide you with an in-depth understanding of financial reporting and analysis, focusing on the preparation and interpretation of financial statements within a regulatory and conceptual framework. The module balances technical accounting proficiency with a critical examination of contemporary debates and developments in financial reporting. By incorporating global perspectives, you will explore international financial reporting frameworks such as IFRS and their implications across diverse jurisdictions. Additionally, the module introduces contemporary topics such as sustainability reporting standards, ethical reporting, and the preparation of consolidated financial statements. You will develop employability and technology skills essential for the modern accounting profession, using tools such as Excel. This prepares students for professional roles in accounting and finance across international markets.
Accounting professionals require a sound understanding of the fundamentals of business and corporate law. This knowledge will inform their practice across a wide range of accounting and finance specialisms and particularly in the areas of audit and ESG. Business formation and business finance are both subject to corporate and business legislation. The laws around insolvency and fraud are another important component. An understanding of employment law will enhance career prospects, especially now that business partnering is an important career path.
The accounting professional needs to be able to contribute to critical strategic financial management decisions. These decisions may be about how a business is financed. Financial management also covers investment decisions and decisions relating to how a business distributes its profits also known as dividend policy.
This module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the audit and assurance process, focusing on regulatory frameworks, risk assessment, internal controls, evidence gathering, and reporting. It also introduces ESG assurance and the use of AI as recent developments in the Audit profession. By emphasising professional ethics and employability that incorporates global frameworks and international case studies, this module equips you with the skills to apply audit principles in diverse and evolving business contexts. It prepares you for further studies and careers in the auditing profession.
The Emerging Trends in Financial Accounting module explores the rapidly evolving landscape of financial accounting, focusing on technological advancements, sustainability imperatives, and the integration of global trends. Designed for your final-year with a strong foundational understanding of accounting, this module equips you with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills to thrive in modern accounting roles. The module places particular emphasis on emerging topics such as sustainability accounting, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, forensic accounting, and data analytics. By combining theoretical frameworks with practical applications, you will gain insights into the implications of these trends for organisations and the accounting profession. With a global perspective, the module also addresses ethical and regulatory challenges, preparing graduates to adapt to dynamic and complex financial environments.
The Capstone project provides you with the opportunity to work on a project of interest to them. It is an important part of the Level 6 study which allows, and requires, the development and application of specialist skills (for example in data manipulation, project management and critical thinking). You are expected to draw upon knowledge and skills from other modules as they work on their projects. The module is deliberately designed to be flexible and to offer you the option of undertaking a more formal piece of research; to work on a project suggested by their employer or another organisation; or to undertake research into the feasibility of a business idea or analysing companies for investment purposes.
or
The Enterprise project has a dual purpose. For those whose future lies within the owner–manager in either profit-seeking or the non-profit sector, the module will provide the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to establish and run a business enterprise with confidence. For those who wish to pursue a more conventional managerial career the module will provide the knowledge, skills and experience that modern enterprising managers require to lead and develop their organisation’s capabilities. The module involves you working individually on the development of an entrepreneurial business idea. For some students this will involve working with an existing organisation or start-up; others will work on their own ideas. In doing so, you will draw upon learning from previous modules (at all levels) and from the inputs of the module team and expert speakers.
The module combines The University of Suffolk Graduate Attributes and FutureMe careers platform in the student’s personal development from self-awareness and reflection to career development planning and a period of industry- based practice. Through the development of practical work-based skills and knowledge, student’s readiness for graduate employment will be enhanced, increasing their position to compete for key roles upon graduation.
Course Modules
Our undergraduate programmes are delivered as 'block and blend', more information can be found on Why Suffolk? You can also watch our Block and Blend video.
Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.
This module delivers an introduction to organisational management, focusing on planning, organising, and leading individuals in workplace settings. It covers topics such as workplace motivation, organisational structures and management approaches, effective leadership practices, and strategies for achieving competitive advantages in a dynamic environment. By examining key concepts and theories, the module explores how several successful organisations have adopted and implemented these ideas. This module aims to inspire you to seek credible evidence as a foundation for making informed decisions in organisational management. It also helps you develop essential academic skills. By completing this module, you will build familiarity with key foundational concepts while honing their research and evaluation abilities, ensuring they are well-prepared to engage with the rest of their degree program.
Financial confidence helps managers make informed decisions, for example, a decision to expand the product line, assessing the financial performance of different divisions or justifying the allocation of scarce organisational resources. This module has been designed to enable those preparing for future managerial and leadership roles to develop an appreciation of the issues within the scope of both financial and managerial accounting, enabling them to make the best possible managerial decisions.
In today’s complex and dynamic global economy, understanding external business environments is crucial for aspiring managers and leaders. Business professionals need to be equipped with the skills to analyse economic, political, technological, and social factors, as these external forces directly shape strategic decision-making and influence organisational success. This module is designed to help you in preparing for managerial roles to develop a solid foundation in evaluating these external forces and their impact on various business activities. The module supports in developing an understanding of the practical implications of external pressures, fostering critical analysis of how businesses across various industries respond and adjust to changing environments This approach utilises real-world applications, equipping you with essential skills in navigating external business challenges in their future roles.
The Digital Marketing & eBusiness module introduces you to the core principles of digital marketing & e-commerce within an entrepreneurial context. It combines elements of digital marketing, entrepreneurship & e-commerce to prepare you for the dynamic challenges of launching a business or driving growth in an existing business. In this current digital landscape, the use of e-commerce and digital marketing is a fundamental part of a customers user experience and if utilised strategically can drive growth and build brand awareness for the organisation,
This module aims to establish a robust foundation in financial accounting and finance for students with prior exposure to basic accounting and finance concepts in a global context. It focuses on developing knowledge in financial reporting, double-entry systems, and finance principles while equipping you with practical skills in preparing and interpreting financial statements, analysing financial performance, and applying essential financial decision-making techniques. Technology will be embedded into the learning process, including the use of Excel and bookkeeping software for real-world applications. These capabilities will support progression to advanced modules and readiness for professional careers in accounting and finance.
Managing business performance is critical to any organisation’s continued viability. A successful business will learn from past performance as well as continually looking to improve current performance. Planning for future performance is equally important. Planning and decision making is a core aspect of business strategy, and this module looks at the accounting and finance information that is used in planning and support of the decision-making process. It will introduce and demonstrate the accounting techniques used in planning and control and short- and long-term decision making.
This module is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the UK tax system. It introduces the taxation framework and develops your core knowledge of taxation's underlying principles and major technical areas, including its application to individuals, businesses, and corporations. The curriculum encompasses essential elements like policy, computation, and compliance, ensuring you develop the technical skills and professional judgment required to analyse tax scenarios effectively. Employability and technology skills are integrated to support career readiness.
This module aims to provide you with an in-depth understanding of financial reporting and analysis, focusing on the preparation and interpretation of financial statements within a regulatory and conceptual framework. The module balances technical accounting proficiency with a critical examination of contemporary debates and developments in financial reporting. By incorporating global perspectives, you will explore international financial reporting frameworks such as IFRS and their implications across diverse jurisdictions. Additionally, the module introduces contemporary topics such as sustainability reporting standards, ethical reporting, and the preparation of consolidated financial statements. You will develop employability and technology skills essential for the modern accounting profession, using tools such as Excel. This prepares students for professional roles in accounting and finance across international markets.
Accounting professionals require a sound understanding of the fundamentals of business and corporate law. This knowledge will inform their practice across a wide range of accounting and finance specialisms and particularly in the areas of audit and ESG. Business formation and business finance are both subject to corporate and business legislation. The laws around insolvency and fraud are another important component. An understanding of employment law will enhance career prospects, especially now that business partnering is an important career path.
The accounting professional needs to be able to contribute to critical strategic financial management decisions. These decisions may be about how a business is financed. Financial management also covers investment decisions and decisions relating to how a business distributes its profits also known as dividend policy.
This module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the audit and assurance process, focusing on regulatory frameworks, risk assessment, internal controls, evidence gathering, and reporting. It also introduces ESG assurance and the use of AI as recent developments in the Audit profession. By emphasising professional ethics and employability that incorporates global frameworks and international case studies, this module equips you with the skills to apply audit principles in diverse and evolving business contexts. It prepares you for further studies and careers in the auditing profession.
The Capstone project provides you with the opportunity to work on a project of interest to them. It is an important part of the Level 6 study which allows, and requires, the development and application of specialist skills (for example in data manipulation, project management and critical thinking). You are expected to draw upon knowledge and skills from other modules as they work on their projects. The module is deliberately designed to be flexible and to offer you the option of undertaking a more formal piece of research; to work on a project suggested by their employer or another organisation; or to undertake research into the feasibility of a business idea or analysing companies for investment purposes.
or
The Enterprise project has a dual purpose. For those whose future lies within the owner–manager in either profit-seeking or the non-profit sector, the module will provide the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to establish and run a business enterprise with confidence. For those who wish to pursue a more conventional managerial career the module will provide the knowledge, skills and experience that modern enterprising managers require to lead and develop their organisation’s capabilities. The module involves you working individually on the development of an entrepreneurial business idea. For some students this will involve working with an existing organisation or start-up; others will work on their own ideas. In doing so, you will draw upon learning from previous modules (at all levels) and from the inputs of the module team and expert speakers.
WHY SUFFOLK
1st University of the Year
WhatUni Student Choice Awards 20252nd Teaching Satisfaction
Guardian University Guide 20262nd Student Experience
Good University Guide
Entry Requirements
Career Opportunities
Opportunities and destinations will depend on your preference for either financial accounting, management accounting, with a third option being entrepreneurship.
For those looking for a career in financial accounting (particularly in the areas of auditing or taxation) there is high demand for accounting graduates in East Anglia in particular. Key employers are Larkin Gowen, Lovewelll Blake and Scrutton Bland.
For those looking to work as management accountants in industry – there are a wide range of local and national companies with graduate schemes. We have links with BT, EDF Energy, Axa, Willis Towers Watson, Greene King, Cancer Research UK & Handelsbanken.
Facilities and Resources
The University’s main campus is located on the stunning Ipswich Waterfront. Whatever you choose to study, you will learn in modern surroundings. We have invested across the University to create an environment showcasing the latest teaching facilities enabling you to achieve great things.