Accounting and Finance

In this course you will consider practical techniques involved in accounting and finance, and develop skills to critically analyse the theory behind these techniques. There is also the option to complete a year’s work placement to prepare you for your future career.

The course will begin by considering the practical techniques involved in accounting and finance, you will then continue to develop skills to critically analyse the theory behind these techniques. You will also explore the interdisciplinary nature of business and the integration of accounting with broader subject areas such as economics, law and human resources.

The course offers significant exemptions from the main professional body exams including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

Accountants and finance specialists have a central role in all types of organisations; public and private sector, within industry and commerce, both in the UK and abroad. The accountant has become a key player in the provision of management information to enable successful decision-making, planning and control. Accounting is more than just a computational skill and we intend to develop your ability to analyse and to evaluate real-life situations and effectively communicate your views and opinions.

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

• Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one-to-one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.

• Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study, you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

• At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2026 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2026*.

• Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand-new laptop** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course textbook is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).

• You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.

The Northampton Employment Promise

• In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that If you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.

✱ eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information
✱✱ eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information

Stage One • Financial Skills for Business (Compulsory) • Fundamentals of Management Accounting (Compulsory) • Practical Financial Accounting (Compulsory) • Responsible Accounting (Compulsory) • Corporate and Business Law (Compulsory) • Digital Economic Environment (Compulsory) Stage Two • Financial Management (Compulsory) • Digital Business and Finance (Compulsory) • Principles of Taxation (Compulsory) • Applied Financial Reporting (Compulsory) • Management Accounting for Decision Making (Compulsory) • The Professional Accountant (Compulsory) Optional Placement Year • The Placement Year Experience: Organisations in Context (Compulsory) • Stage Three • Project (Compulsory) • Corporate Finance (Compulsory) • Financial Business Partnering (Compulsory) • International Financial Reporting (Compulsory) • Practical Auditing (Designated) • Strategy and Leadership (Designated) • Taxation Practice and Advice (Designated) • Corporate Governance (Designated).

Module information is quoted for 24/25 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly. 25/26 entry modules will be released in June 2025.

A wide variety of assessment strategies are used, including examinations, simulations, spreadsheet activities, presentations and group activities.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Accounting Technicians, Association of
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants