BA (Hons) Economics and Finance with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at Keele University
BA (Hons) Economics and Finance with Foundation Year at Keele University combines core economic and financial theory with research methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
Become an economist with the Economics and Finance BSc at Keele University. Explore the complex world economics and financial markets. Learn more. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Economics and Finance with Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Keele University. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Social sciences graduates from this provider, 95% 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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 50; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (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.
- Introductory Macroeconomic and Microeconomic PrinciplesCompulsory
Module details
Macroeconomics covers inflation, supply-side economics, macroeconomic equilibria, output and aggregate demand, consumption, money supply & money demand, fiscal and monetary policy, and exchange rate economics. Within microeconomics production, consumption and government interventions are explored through the connection between economic theories and concepts and their applications to real case examples. These topics relate to the policies currently applied by the UK government and the Bank of Eng
- Quantitative Methods for Economics and FinanceCompulsory
Module details
This module equips you with the essential mathematical and statistical skills that underpin modern theoretical and empirical analysis in Economics and Finance. Mathematical concepts covered include the application of algebra, linear and non-linear functions, and calculus for analysing economic and financial decisions. For empirical analysis, the module covers core statistical concepts including common methods for summarizing data, carrying out inferential statistics and inferential testing, and
- Principles of Financial and Management AccountingCompulsory
Module details
The modules cover 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.
- Professional and Academic DevelopmentCompulsory
Module details
Our foundational professional development module is designed to help you identify and take advantage of your unique strengths. Using approved psychometric tools and Government Economic Service training skills, 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 inte
- 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. You will engage in hands-on activities, group projects, and case studies to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. By the end of the module, you will have gained essential experience in collaboration, problem-solving, and performance optimization within diverse tea
- Intermediate Economic PrinciplesCompulsory
Module details
Macroeconomics addresses open-economy monetary and fiscal policy and evaluates policy effectiveness under different exchange rate regimes. Other topics covered include IS-LM-BP model in a modern context, supply-side economics, national accounting balance of payments and exchange rates, supply and demand for money, consumption and investment, inflationary expectations, and unemployment. Microeconomics covers decision making by consumers and businesses. The focus is on competitive markets. Other t
- Statistics with Bloomberg and Introduction to EconometricsCompulsory
Module details
The module develops a range of quantitative techniques widely employed by professional economists and financial analysts. There is an emphasis on equipping students with digital skills using industry-standard software including Excel, STATA, and Bloomberg Terminals delivered in computer-lab classes. The module covers the whole process of conducting statistical analysis; finding and retrieving relevant economic/financial data, data evaluation and assessment, presentation of data trends, using the
- Professional and Academic Development 2Compulsory
Module details
Using your commercial awareness and enterprise skills, you will tackle an actual organizational challenge, collaborating with a team gain first-hand experience of working with an organization. This hands-on experience not only enhances your practical abilities but also encourages critical reflection on your personal and professional growth, steering you towards effective problem-solving and continued development of your professional identity. You will also engage with the Government Economic Ser
- International Money and BankingOptional
Module details
This module equips you with tools facilitating appraisal of the financial system from a global perspective. It analyses money, financial instruments, financial markets, financial institutions, central banks, and regulatory agencies, reflecting on the determinants of a well-functioning financial system in the efficient allocation of credit and, consequently, in promoting economic growth and welfare. Emphasis is also placed on latest field developments including cryptocurrencies and central bank d
- 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
- 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.
- Advanced Economic PrinciplesCompulsory
Module details
Macroeconomics covers advanced macroeconomic theories, models and issues, including macroeconomic stabilization; monetary policy (interest and the exchange rate transmission mechanisms, the current institutional setup, and monetary targeting); fiscal policy (deficit financing, debt profile characteristics, evolution of the debt-to-GDP ratio, and debt management); growth theory models and growth accounting. Microeconomics covers decision-making under uncertainty, general equilibrium approaches an
- Econometrics and Data AnalyticsCompulsory
Module details
The module builds on the material covered in the 'Statistics with Bloomberg and Introduction to Econometrics' module. It utilises a hands-on approach using computer-lab classes to develop competence in applying econometric and data analytic methods with an emphasis on developing coding skills for deploying industry-standard statistical packages. Content covered include estimating time series models particularly CAPM, forecasting and the prediction of values, analysing panel data models, and achi
- 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
- Investment Management and Financial EngineeringOptional
Module details
This module immerses you 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 modern Portfolio Theory in depth, with extensive Bloomberg terminal usage. You will engage with complex financial instruments such as futures, options, and swaps. Numerical techniques fo
- Corporate Strategic FinanceOptional
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. You will engage with diverse performance management techniques, all while emphasizing intricate real-life calculations. Finally, you will
- DissertationOptional
Module details
The module develops research tools covered in the first two years of your degree and applies these in relevant contexts. The context involves identifying a current economic and/or business challenge and its key components in a research proposal and applying research techniques with the aim of developing a remedy. The nature of the challenge needs to be current and could relate to institutions (UK government policies, local authorities, Bank of England, local businesses, private sector firms etc.
- The Digital ShowcaseOptional
Module details
In the "Digital Showcase" module you are empowered to demonstrate your digital skills through the creation of a comprehensive digital project. You will select a focus area such as digital marketing, web development, data analytics, or multimedia production. You will develop and present your project using cutting-edge tools and techniques. Emphasizing creativity, technical proficiency, and practical application, this module allows you to showcase your digital talent.
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 takes you from foundational economics and finance through to specialist practice, preparing you for professional work or further study. You'll usually begin with core modules in financial accounting, introduction to finance and quantitative methods for business. In your second year, you'll progress to management accounting, corporate finance, and financial reporting and analysis. From year three onwards, a course like this typically moves towards specialist options, such as audit and assurance, taxation, corporate finance, financial risk, and fintech, alongside advanced corporate reporting and an independent dissertation or applied project. Throughout, you'll develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills grounded in real financial markets and business decision-making.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in understanding economic systems, financial markets, and their real-world applications. The Foundation Year makes it accessible to those without traditional A-level qualifications or equivalent. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent; typical entrants had a UCAS tariff of 96–111 points. You'll need to study in English and commit to full-time study over four years.
Careers & job market
Across Accounting and Finance courses nationally, 87% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Starting salaries ranged from £25,000 to £32,500; after five years, graduates earned between £30,175 and £42,600. Of working graduates nationally, 65% were in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. These figures reflect national Graduate Outcomes and LEO data, not university-specific guarantees. Outcomes depend on your choices, experience, and the opportunities you pursue.
University & format
Keele University is a University based in Keele. This degree is a full-time, 4-year programme delivered in English, leading to BA (Hons) qualification. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so your degree is nationally recognised. Keele holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
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.
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 | 75% |
| Other | 15% |
| another higher-education qualification | 10% |
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 LN13). 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 | £22,000 – £30,000 | 50 |
| 3 years after | £23,000 | £19,000 – £28,000 | 250 |
| 5 years after | £29,000 | £23,500 – £36,000 | 260 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 50; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
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. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 50; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. 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 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,173
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
- 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: 25; response rate: 65%. 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
95% 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 8.7 out of 10: NSS 80% · in work or study 95% · continued 85%.
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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