About the Course
This professionally accredited course provides a direct route to a professional qualification in accounting, opening up a rewarding career in accountancy or in an accounting role in business.
The course gives you a comprehensive knowledge of the main ideas, concepts and
principles of accounting and finance, as well as the skills to apply your knowledge to individuals, businesses, institutions and governments.
Using the latest technology, you begin by studying business practice and the business environment in which accountants operate before proceeding to corporate and business law; data analysis; and the advanced study of management accounting, taxation, financial management and auditing.
The course is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Association of International Accountants (AIA).
Why choose this course?
- ACCA awards exemptions from its F1 to F9 papers for students successfully completing relevant course units – the maximum ACCA exemptions available at undergraduate level
- Graduates successfully completing relevant course units are also eligible for exemptions from the AIA’s Foundation level and Professional level 1 papers
- A professional qualification in accountancy is a gateway to a range of careers in accounting, finance and banking at professional accounting firms; small and large private-sector companies; and not-for-profit organisations
- Take the course over four years and include a fee-free year in industry (see below) when you can gain experience and make contacts for the future
- If you need a step up into higher education, start with a Foundation Year (see below) which guarantees entry to the undergraduate degree
Accreditations
- The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
- The Association of International Accountants
Course Leader - Dr Hamza El Kaddouri
I hold a PhD in Accounting from the University of Orleans (France). My PhD research investigated the transformation of governance system of French Universities after the implementation of legal audit. My transdisciplinary work connects corporate governance, new management tools, New Public Management and institutional theory.
This course has the option to be taken over four years which includes a year placement in industry. Undertaking a year in industry has many benefits. You gain practical experience and build your CV, as well as being a great opportunity to sample a profession and network with potential future employers.
There is no tuition fee for the placement year enabling you to gain an extra year of experience for free.
*Only available to UK/EU students.
A Degree with a Foundation Year gives you guaranteed entry to an Undergraduate course.
Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an Undergraduate course, our Degrees with Foundation Year provide a fantastic entry route for you to work towards a degree level qualification.
With our guidance and support you’ll get up to speed within one year, and will be ready to seamlessly progress on to undergraduate study at Bedfordshire.
The Foundation Year provides an opportunity to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy, and will also cover a range of subject specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree.
This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your bachelor’s degree.
Why study a degree with a Foundation Year?
- Broad-based yet enough depth to give you credible vocational skills
- Coverage of a variety of areas typically delivered by an expert in this area
- Gain an understanding of a subject before choosing which route you wish to specialise in
- Great introduction to further study, and guaranteed progression on to one of our Undergraduate degrees
The degrees offering a Foundation Year provide excellent preparation for your future studies.
During your Foundation Year you will get the opportunity to talk to tutors about your degree study and future career aspirations, and receive guidance on the most appropriate Undergraduate course to help you achieve this; providing you meet the entry requirements and pass the Foundation Year.
Units
- Business Practice Explored (BSS005-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Accounting And Finance (AAF005-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Economics (AAF010-1) Compulsory
- Numerical Skills For Finance And Economics (AAF015-1) Compulsory
- Corporate And Business Law (LAW018-2) Compulsory
- Data Analysis For Finance And Economics (AAF022-2) Compulsory
- Management Accounting (AAF006-2) Compulsory
- Personal Development And Employability (AAF004-2) Compulsory
- Social And Environmental Reporting (AAF033-2) Compulsory
- Taxation [Uk] (AAF025-2) Compulsory
- Audit And Assurance (AAF004-3) Compulsory
- Financial Management (AAF002-3) Compulsory
- Financial Reporting (AAF003-3) Compulsory
- Specialist Project In Accounting (AAF016-3) Compulsory
The assessment strategy on this course is bounded to a large degree by PSRB requirements, thus, unseen tests and examinations dominate the types of assessment employed on the course. However, their format and type vary from online objective tests to written multi-task examinations. Compulsory and objective questions will be used to encourage you to study across the breadth of the syllabus, whereas the multi-task questions will assess your ability to simultaneously, assimilate a wide range of information, apply and justify your choice of several ideas and concepts to make informed decisions or recommendations. Accounting is not only about numbers and the manipulation of numbers, rather, it is a systematic way of preparing, reporting, presenting and analysing financial data to inform business or investment decisions. You will develop a number of transferable skills including the ability to present your findings, both verbally and in writing, in a professional, clear and concise manner. Written reports are designed in a way that promotes critical thinking as you move up the stages of the course; from knowledge, comprehension and simple explanations in the early stages to application, analysis, appraisal and synthesis as you get closer to graduation. In your final capstone (specialist project) unit, you will be required to produce an individual and independent piece of work which will place demands on your academic judgement and integrity whilst being the most challenging but yet enjoyable and rewarding experience you will encounter.
Reasons to study in the Bedfordshire Business School
- A BSIS school - Business School Impact System
- Holder of the Bronze Award among 21 Business Schools in the country for start-up and business growth advice
- CIPD approved
- Professional body exemptions, ACCA, AIA
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 112 points with 96 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 112 points with Distinction Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction* Distinction* in BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma (with 12 merits and 12 distinctions at level 3)
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 112 points with 96 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 112 points with Distinction Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction* Distinction* in BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma (with 12 merits and 12 distinctions at level 3)
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
How will this course enhance my career prospects?
You will be able to enjoy maximum exemptions from the ACCA, leading to professional accountancy qualifications. As graduates you will be able to join commerce, industry and financial and banking institutions.You will also be able to purse postgraduate studies in Accounting and other related fields, and this in turn will ultimately lead to senior financial positions in a variety of organisational settings.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Extra Costs
The Business School facilities
We believe that our estate impacts how our students learn and engage. To support this belief we have invested heavily in our facilities to shape the physical and intellectual environment of learning.
Business Pods
Our specially created teaching spaces are designed like modern offices rather than a traditional classroom, including brain storming and boardroom areas, an IT suite and a social area.
Moot Court
Our Moot Court was opened in October 2009 after extensive refurbishment work and the installation of the latest electronic equipment. Reserved exclusively for use by law staff and students, the room routinely hosts lectures and seminars, and is designed to enable communication and group work in class.
Reuters Finance Room
The Thomson Reuters Eikon facility provides trading information for all listed companies around the world. It gathers the essential news, data, analytics, commentary and insights in one place.
Here we use it in making case studies on companies and for building students' portfolio of investment.
Luton Campus Library
The modern library at the Luton campus has everything you would expect from a world-class university – and more.
Opened in summer 2016, its seven storeys building is a landmark for the Luton campus, offering students silent-study rooms, group-work areas, presentation-practice rooms and a café.
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
