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Degree type

BA

Course length

3 years full-time

Location

Durham City

UCAS code

NN43

Ready to Apply?

Typical offers

Typical offers
A Level AAB
BTEC DDD
International Baccalaureate 36

Course details

From preparing and presenting financial information to interpreting data and business planning, this degree opens the door to opportunities with leading organisations in both business and the financial sector and beyond.

Not sure what to study? We have a suite of accounting degrees (BSc Accounting, BA Accounting and Management and BA Accounting and Finance). This degree combines accounting, with management and finance knowledge and skills. If you would prefer to study just accounting, please see BSc Accounting. If you would prefer to study more finance, please see BA Accounting and Finance.

Please note: The information on these pages is indicative of the current course structure and title and is subject to change. For 2024 entry we are reviewing all of our accounting programmes and, amongst other things, as a result of the review the title of this degree may change from BA to BSc (this will not affect the purpose or the aims of the degree, it will more accurately reflect a modern interpretation of an accounting-based degree).

Course structure

Year 1

Core modules:

Financial Accounting covers the basic concepts and techniques involved in financial accounting reports, including the preparation of basic financial statements.

Fundamentals of Management Accounting. In this module you will learn about the role of the management accountant. The module introduces the basic concepts of management accounting and will give you an understanding of the objectives of management accounting within an organisation.

Foundations of Finance introduces the key principles of corporate finance and their importance to firms. From bonds and stocks to capital structure and dividend policy, it provides you with a solid grounding in issues of finance as they relate to the business and financial markets.

Introduction to Financial Economics introduces the basic principles of economics. The study of subjects like market structure, fiscal policy and economic growth will provide a solid foundation for further study.

Quantitative Methods 1 introduces the mathematical concepts you will need throughout your degree. It supports other Year 1 modules and provides a foundation for further study.

Business Law This is an introductory law module for accounting students. Specifically, the module aims to provide accounting students with an overview of the principles of English law, the legal framework within which businesses operate, and the requirements and restrictions imposed by relevant aspects of English law.

In recent years, optional modules have included:

  • Principles of Taxation
  • Ethics and Finance
  • Global Financial Markets

Year 2

Core modules:

Financial Reporting builds on the skills introduced in Year 1. You will learn about preparation of financial statements for a single company and a company group, including the application of relevant International Financial Reporting Standards.

Management Accounting further develops your knowledge of management accounting practice and helps you apply your knowledge to business scenarios and decision making. You will learn to present calculations, critically evaluate the benefits and limitations of management accounting techniques and provide reasoned recommendations.

Assurance explores the audit process from planning and risk assessment, gathering evidence, drawing conclusions, through to reporting. Learning is set within the context of professional ethics.

Corporate Finance provides theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of key theories in finance and corporate policy decisions.

In recent years, optional modules have included:

  • Taxation
  • Business Strategy and Technology for Accountants
  • Financial Management for Accountants
  • Introduction to Financial Econometrics
  • Financial Markets and Institutions Banking and Finance Technology.

Year 3

Core modules:

Research Methods develops your knowledge of the techniques and skills needed to undertake an independent research project like the dissertation. You will learn to distinguish between research philosophies, identify appropriate research methods, and complete a review of relevant literature.

The Dissertation, on an accounting and finance topic of your choice, develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning. It provides you with an opportunity to research the topic and present your findings and conclusions.

In recent years, optional modules have included:

  • Big Data Analytics
  • Tax Planning for Business
  • Corporate Reporting
  • Audit and Assurance
  • Corporate Governance
  • Security Investment Analysis
  • Financial Econometrics 2
  • Financial Derivatives and Financial Engineering
  • Behavioural Finance
  • Real Estate Finance.

Placement

You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.

Learning

Lectures and small group seminars are complemented by specialist workshops which provide hands-on experience of accounting and finance related problems using up-to-date resources such as Dow Jones, Refinitiv, Tableau, FT.com and Bloomberg. You’ll also benefit from one-to-one support and self-directed learning to develop your critical thinking skills.

We place great emphasis on high-quality small-group teaching sessions to help you get more out of your learning. As you progress through the course, you’ll find an increased focus on self-directed learning and independent research in preparation for professional or postgraduate life.

In the final year the dissertation module allows you to produce a piece of individual work on an area that interests you. You will have support from an individual dissertation supervisor – a member of academic staff who supports your journey into individual academic research.

Assessment

Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations, written assignments and reports, projects and presentations.

The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the material, test your capacity to solve problems, enhance your written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues.

The 10,000-word dissertation is worth one-third of your final year-marks.

Entry requirements

A strong proficiency in Mathematics is required. If Mathematics is not taken as an A level subject, GCSE grade 6/B in Mathematics/Core Maths B is required. 

A level offerAAB.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended DiplomaDDD.

IB Diploma score36 with 665 in higher level subjects. If Mathematics is not taken at higher level, then it is required at standard level 5.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

  • We consider each application holistically, on an individual basis and against the other applications we receive. Whilst academic achievement is important, it is not the only factor that we consider when assessing applications and applicants who have achieved, or are predicted to achieve, close to our typical offer, but who have not met it exactly, will be welcome to apply if they have a strong application in other key elements, for example if they can demonstrate merit and potential through their personal statement or their reference.
  • We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications, please email us for more information.
  • We are willing to consider applications for deferred entry from those who have well-structured plans for work or travel, for example. We may, however, need to restrict the number of deferred entry offers we make because we have to be careful not to fill too many of next year’s places in advance. However, if you do apply for a deferred place and are unsuccessful, you are welcome to reapply the following year.
  • You are welcome to apply if you are taking resits; we do not make higher offers to students who declare resits.
  • If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Programme offers multidisciplinary degrees to prepare you for a range of specified degree courses.

Science A levels

Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.

Alternative qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

Fees and funding

The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.

The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

Scholarships

We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities. 

Find Out More

Career opportunities

Business School (School of Economics, Finance and Business)

Our students graduate with specialist knowledge in areas of accounting and of finance, as well as the analytical, IT and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers in the UK and internationally. This combination of academic knowledge and transferable skills will open up a range of career opportunities in the financial world and beyond.

Our focus on employability extends beyond the classroom. You will benefit from employability-focused events that will give you a competitive edge in the job market. From interview advice and employer talks to subject-specific careers fairs, we work with you to achieve your goals.

Previous graduates have gone on to work within the accountancy profession and for businesses as accountants, specialising as auditors, financial accountants, tax specialists, management consultants etc. Graduates have also specialise in areas of finance such as financial analysis, risk management and investment banking. For employers such as PWC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY, Grant Thornton, National Audit Office, Capita, Deutsche Bank and Sage Plc. Many have been offered places on graduate talent schemes across a range of sectors, while others have taken on roles in charitable organisations and in general management.

Of those students who graduated in 2019:

  • 96% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

  • 81% are in high skilled employment 
  • With an average salary of £29,000.

(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduatoutcomes.ac.uk)

Department information

Business School (School of Economics, Finance and Business)

The Departments of Accounting and Finance are two specialist departments within Durham University’s Business School; one of the UK's longest established business schools. We offer an inspiring and stimulating learning environment, and consistently rank highly for the quality of our teaching, research and for graduate career prospects.

Our reputation is down to the expertise of our staff. Their global experience, outstanding research insight, professional experience and real business connections keep us at the leading edge. We offer a wide selection of courses in both accounting and in finance, including specialist routes that are designed to provide maximum accreditation from professional accountancy qualifications.

Areas of study in accounting may include financial and management accounting, the legal, regulatory and social context within which accounting operates, the mechanisms by which individuals plan their tax affairs, the role of the accountant in achieving sustainable business practices and the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data on the world of accounting. You won’t just learn the technical side of accounting, but you’ll also have the opportunity to think critically about how accounting impacts on the global world of business.

If you are interested in finance your studies may include areas such as corporate finance, investments, financial institutions and the vast array of sophisticated financial products traded in today’s global financial markets.

Both our finance and our accounting courses offer a final year dissertation – an independent piece of research – which helps you build your research skills and allows those looking for further Masters study able to demonstrate their research skills.

For more information see our Business School website

Rankings  

  • 11th for Accounting and Finance in The Complete University Guide 2024
  • 8th in The Guardian University Guide 2023

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the Business School website.

Facilities

You’ll be taught across the university campus by world leading academics from the Business School. You’ll have access to the Business Schools modern, spacious meeting rooms and study areas. The university campus is within walking distance of the historic centre of Durham, a city with UNESCO World Heritage Status. Resources include up-to-date financial information and online databases. In addition, you’ll have access to Durham University’s prestigious libraries and archives.

Apply

Find out more:

Use the UCAS code below when applying:

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NN43

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