BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at Keele University
BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year at Keele University. You'll develop practical competence across financial and management accounting whilst gaining grounding in research methods, professional ethics and independent project work.
About this course
Shape your future with an Accounting and Finance BSc at Keele University. Gain versatile skills in financial and management accounting. Learn more today. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Keele University. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Finance graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 55% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Accounting & Finance, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 70% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Foundation Year 5 modules
- Professional and Academic Development 1Compulsory
Module details
This is the foundation module of our strengths-based professional development programme. It is designed to help you identify and leverage your unique strengths. Using approved psychometric tools, you will learn about your strengths to uncover your inherent talents which will help you to shape your professional identity. This module offers a structured framework for you to reflect on your capabilities and areas for growth, supporting the development of your career plan. Through interactive worksh
- Principles of Financial and Management AccountingCompulsory
Module details
Fundamental concepts and key techniques of accounting. An introduction to Financial Accounting will start with double entry bookkeeping, the preparation of a trial balance and progress to basic financial statements (The Statement of Profit or Loss, The Statement of Financial Position and The Statement of Cash Flows). Management Accounting core purpose and value will be introduced with the preparation of key costing methods and budgets. In addition to studying the theory, we will explore the prac
- Foundations of Business and EconomicsCompulsory
Module details
This module sets the wider context for the study of accounting, finance and banking, providing a comprehensive introduction to the essential principles of macroeconomics and microeconomics, exploring their impact on business operations and strategy. You will gain an understanding of organisational functions and the broader business environment. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for more specialised studies in accounting, finance, and banking, offering insight into the economic contexts
- Methods for Finance and AccountingCompulsory
Module details
This module offers a comprehensive introduction to the analytical skills essential for navigating modern finance and accounting landscapes. A hands-on approach is emphasized, with students actively utilizing the Bloomberg terminal. Additionally, students receive a brief introduction to Excel, statistical packages like STATA, and programming languages such as Python. Familiarity with common terminology used in the field of finance and accounting is also a key component of this module.
- Teams, People and PerformanceOptional
Module details
The "Teams, People, and Performance" module focuses on enhancing practical skills for effective teamwork. It covers key concepts such as team dynamics, communication strategies, conflict resolution, and leadership roles. Students engage in hands-on activities, group projects, and case studies to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. By the end of the module, participants will have gained essential experience in collaboration, problem-solving, and performance optimization within di
Year 1 7 modules
- Professional and Academic Development 2Compulsory
Module details
This is the intermediate level module in the professional development programme where you will apply your subject knowledge in real business settings. Using your commercial awareness and enterprise skills, you will tackle an actual organisational challenge, collaborating with a team gain first-hand experience of working with an organisation. This hands-on experience not only enhances your practical abilities but also encourages critical reflection on your personal and professional growth, steeri
- Financial Accounting Theory and ReportingCompulsory
Module details
Building on previous knowledge this module will focus on Financial Accounting for larger companies with requirements to comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and International GAAP. Detailed study of key accounting standards will support understanding of strict reporting requirements and disclosures as the complexity of preparing financial statements increases. You will progress to prepare Group/consolidated financial statements (parent, subsidiary, associate) with requi
- Financial Analysis with BloombergCompulsory
Module details
This module immerses students in the practical world of finance, leveraging the powerful Bloomberg terminal for data collection. It delves into the time series characteristics of financial instruments, including bonds and equities. Moreover, the course introduces modern econometric techniques, emphasizing empirical approaches. As a natural extension, students explore contemporary risk management methods, including the critical concept of Value at Risk.
- Contemporary Business Ethics DebatesOptional
Module details
The business world is full of ethical dilemmas. This module is a practical, discussion-based course where you will select and explore current ethical issues in business. With your peers, you will engage in debates, presentations, and discussions, applying ethical theories to real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach develops critical thinking and communication skills, preparing you to navigate and address ethical challenges in today's business environment.
- Individual Placement ModuleOptional
Module details
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhancing your employability, and the opportunity to gain valuable professional insights via a 75-hour placement. You will be supported by various activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module offers flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your
- Management Accounting and Decision MakingOptional
Module details
Management Accountants actively contribute to critical decisions within business. A range of costing techniques will be studied and applied as well as forecasting and budgeting methods to support planning and control in a range of business scenarios. Tools to calculate breakeven, manage limiting factors, and decide on suitable product/service pricing policies will be explored with all their complications. Finally, the calculation and interpretation of advanced variances will highlight areas requ
- Financial Markets, Institutions and TechnologyOptional
Module details
This module delves into the essential underpinnings of financial systems. Through concrete examples, students explore the intricate workings of markets and institutions. The module encompasses financial asset valuation, dissecting the factors influencing it. From equities and bonds to derivatives, a diverse array of financial instruments is covered. Additionally, the course scrutinizes technology's impact on financial markets, revealing how its adoption reshapes operations and introduces novel r
Year 2 7 modules
- Professional and Academic Development 3Compulsory
Module details
As a final-year student, you will compile and present your academic and project achievements in a professional portfolio that highlights your unique strengths. This module not only guides you to articulate your personal and professional attributes but also encourages reflection on your educational journey and career preferences. You will engage in recruitment and selection simulations, exploring both traditional CV and innovative no-CV approaches using various media. This comprehensive portfolio
- Corporate Strategic FinanceCompulsory
Module details
This module delves into advanced Corporate Finance concepts with innovations in modern Finance including development in green finance and financial technology. It explores modern asset valuation techniques applicable to equities and bonds and other instruments. Additionally, the course provides an in-depth examination of capital structure from various angles. Students engage with diverse performance management techniques, all while emphasizing intricate real-life calculations. Finally, students
- The Digital ShowcaseOptional
Module details
The "Digital Showcase" is your opportunity to demonstrate your digital skills through the creation of a comprehensive digital project. Students will select a focus area such as digital marketing, web development, data analytics, or multimedia production. You will develop and present your projects using cutting-edge tools and techniques. Emphasising creativity, technical proficiency, and practical application, this module allows you to showcase your digital talent.
- Auditing and AssuranceOptional
Module details
Explore the professional roles of both an internal and external auditor. Key techniques in auditing will be studied and applied to business processes and case study scenarios in line with auditing and assurance standards. You will be engaged in the technical and cognitive processes involved in conducting a financial audit, including planning, risk assessment, testing, reviewing, and reporting. Key concepts of audit and assurance, the regulatory framework, and professional ethics will be covered.
- Specialised Accounting systems (Entrepreneurs, Public sector, Not-for profit sector)Optional
Module details
Study of accounting practices for alternative organisations. Entrepreneurs, explore sources of finance, suitable accounting software and critical accounting knowledge. The public sector and the not-for profit sector are significant employers in the UK (for example: local government, central government, the health service, police force, education sector, the armed forces). Accountants working in the public sector and in the not-for profit sector (charity) will need to be aware of their specific r
- Personal and Business Taxation (UK)Optional
Module details
Individual and company's should be aware of their obligation to calculate and pay the correct amount of Taxation at the correct time. This module uses the latest UK tax rates and allowances to allow you to calculate the tax liability of a range of individuals with varying personal and professional circumstances. Study in this specialised field will progress to business taxation in the UK, looking at the taxes and allowances applicable to a range of businesses. The knowledge and experience of tax
- Investment Management and Financial EngineeringOptional
Module details
This module immerses students in the practical world of finance, leveraging the powerful Bloomberg terminal throughout their study. It delves into modern investment techniques, covering various versions of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and the Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT). Additionally, the course explores
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course equips you with versatile skills in financial and management accounting alongside finance fundamentals. You'll usually begin with double-entry bookkeeping, financial statements and the reporting framework, paired with the time value of money and quantitative methods for business decisions. In your second year, a typical course like this progresses to management accounting, costing, budgeting and performance measurement, and corporate finance covering capital structure and investment appraisal. Financial reporting and analysis under IFRS rounds out the core. In your final year, you'll select from specialist options such as audit and assurance, taxation, corporate finance, financial risk, and fintech, then undertake an advanced corporate reporting module and an independent dissertation or applied project, often aligned with professional examination exemptions.
Who it's for
You're suited to this degree if you're analytical and detail-minded, with genuine interest in how organisations manage money and make financial decisions. The foundation year is designed for those whose prior qualifications or background require extra support in quantitative subjects; studying it will feel methodical and scaffolded rather than rushed. You'll thrive if you're willing to engage with both theory and hands-on accounting practice, and if you're working towards a career in accountancy, finance, audit or public-sector financial management. Self-discipline and willingness to build technical proficiency matter more than exceptional prior grades.
Careers & job market
Across Accounting and Finance courses nationally, 87% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, and 65% of those working are in highly skilled roles. Starting salaries for this cohort range from £25,000 to £32,500; after five years, earnings typically span £30,175 to £42,600. Professional accreditation opens pathways to chartered accountancy and public finance roles; many graduates pursue further qualifications such as ACA, ACCA or CIPFA membership.
University & format
Keele University is a university located in Keele. The BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year is a 4-year full-time course taught in English. The qualification is nationally recognised as a UK degree-awarding body. The course is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) for exemptions from some professional examinations. Keele University holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Contextual Offer Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 100% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code NN34). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Keele University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Accounting & Finance graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,000 | £23,000 – £29,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £24,000 | £20,500 – £30,500 | 40 |
| 5 years after | £32,000 | £26,500 – £42,000 | 45 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in accounting & finance · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Accounting & Finance nationally
National figures for Accounting & Finance graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Accounting & Finance courses at the same study level.
Compared with 957 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Finance ProfessionalsSOC 2020 242 · 50% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,173
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 20; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Accounting & Finance graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Accounting & Finance graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- The Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG)
- Banks & insurers
- Corporate finance teams
- HMRC & public sector
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Accounting & Finance graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.2 out of 10: NSS 85.9% · in work or study 90% · continued 70%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Keele University
Business and management across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Keele University
88 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Accounting & Finance right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Keele University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Keele University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Keele University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Keele University and gov.uk before you apply.
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