BSc (Hons) Business Management and Accounting with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at Keele University
BSc (Hons) Business Management and Accounting with Foundation Year at Keele University. Over four years, you'll engage with core theory, research methods and applied practice, supported by specialist options, professional skills modules and a capstone independent project.
About this course
Gain management expertise, explore accounting and gain transferable skills on the Business Management and Accounting BA at Keele University. Learn more. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Business Management and Accounting with Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Keele University. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Management studies graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% 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: 20; 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 65% (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.
Year 1 5 modules
- Professional and Academic Development 1Compulsory
Module details
Our foundational professional development module is designed to help you identify and take advantage of 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 workshops and guided reflection, you wil
- The Business of OrganisationsCompulsory
Module details
Begin your study of Business Management with an introduction to the core functions of a contemporary organisation. Over the module, your will learn about essential knowledge about the core functions of the organisation: Strategy, Marketing, Accounting, Human Resources, and the Logistics and Supply Chain. You will learn core theory, practice and techniques. This immersive module will not only provide you with a overview of each function in the organisation, but will illustrate how all of the func
- Data, Decisions and VisualisationCompulsory
Module details
In an era where data drives decisions across all sectors, the Data, Visualisation and Decisions module equips you with the essential skills to understand, work with, and transform data to achieve actionable insights. You'll learn to use tools like Microsoft Excel and Tableau to understand the power of visualisation. Throughout the course, you will tackle real-world problems and critically examine the ethical and legal implications of data use, enabling you to effectively communicate your finding
- Principles of Financial and Management AccountingCompulsory
Module details
Fundamental concepts and key techniques of accounting. This will include an introduction to Management Accounting and the preparation of key costing methods and workings. An introduction to Financial Accounting will start with double entry book keeping, the preparation of a trial balance and progress to basic financial statements such as the Statement of Profit or Loss, The Statement of Financial Position and The Statement of Cash Flows.
- 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 2 6 modules
- Professional and Academic Development 2Compulsory
Module details
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, steering you towards effective problem-solving and continued development of your professional identity.
- Contemporary Business OperationsCompulsory
Module details
In the second year, you will focus on the practical applications of operations and project management within organisations. This includes a thorough examination of operational strategies, quality management approaches, and the application of project management techniques. By concentrating on these key areas, you will learn how to enhance business efficiency, maintain high-quality standards, and successfully manage and execute projects in complex operational environments. This foundation prepares
- Management Accounting and Decision MakingCompulsory
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 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
- 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
- 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.
Year 3 4 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
- Strategic ManagementCompulsory
Module details
The final year strategic management course focuses on integrating diverse knowledge areas to understand and manage complexity. You will look at the way organisations position themselves in their competitive environment, align internal resources with external environmental demands, and use strategic frameworks and tools to make decisions. You will work on developing comprehensive strategies that enhance organisational competitiveness and sustainability in a dynamic business landscape.
- ProjectCompulsory
Module details
In your final year of study, you will undertake a significant project that reflects the subject area of your degree. You can choose between undertaking a solo project, or working with a group to collaborate on a large project. Your solo project might include undertaking a piece of research or a management report. If you prefer to work in a team, you might undertake a consultancy project for an organisation, or put on an event, helping you develop teamwork and project management experience. Which
- Auditing and AssuranceCompulsory
Module details
This module develops knowledge and understanding of the roles of the external and internal auditor, the regulatory framework and the theory and practice of external and internal audit. Key techniques in auditing will be introduced explored and applied to case study scenarios. Students will study regulatory reforms, audit procedures and the process of a financial report audit in accordance with current standards. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of audit and a
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 integrates management expertise with accounting foundations and develops transferable skills needed across business. You'll usually begin with core financial and management accounting, quantitative methods, and introductory finance, moving through years 1 and 2 to cover corporate finance, financial reporting and analysis. From year 2 onwards, a course like this normally progresses to specialist options such as audit & assurance, taxation, corporate finance, financial risk and fintech. You'll typically conclude with advanced corporate reporting and an independent dissertation or applied project, often aligned to professional-body exemption requirements. Throughout, the curriculum builds from accounting principles and financial fundamentals towards professional-level practice and independent research.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you're analytically minded and interested in how organisations manage money, resources and strategy. You'll thrive if you can balance rigorous financial problem-solving with an interest in broader business contexts, combining precision with perspective. You'll spend time on real-world cases, professional standards and independence of thought, so you need intellectual resilience and the willingness to engage with technical material. If you're aiming for a career in accountancy, finance or general management, or simply want a flexible foundation before specialising further, this structured four-year pathway will appeal to you.
Careers & job market
Across Accounting & Finance courses nationally, 87% of graduates were in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree. Graduate earnings data shows starting salaries ranging from £25,000 to £32,500, rising to £30,175–£42,600 after five years. Two-thirds of working graduates enter highly skilled roles or pursue further study. The professional accreditations embedded in your degree support progression toward chartered qualifications in accountancy and finance.
University & format
Keele University is a university in Keele, founded in 1949. This is a full-time, 4-year degree taught in English, leading to a BSc (Hons) award. The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for exemption from some professional examinations. It is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and Keele holds a Gold award 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 | 86% |
| another higher-education qualification | 8% |
| a previous degree | 2% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 2% |
| a Baccalaureate | 1% |
| an Access course | 1% |
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 NN42). 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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
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 | £23,500 – £30,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £25,500 | £20,000 – £29,500 | 70 |
| 5 years after | £32,000 | £24,000 – £41,500 | 75 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; 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: 20; 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.
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 45% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% 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 8.0 out of 10: NSS 85.1% · in work or study 90% · continued 65%.
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 £18,200 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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.
Related courses
More at Keele University
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BA (Hons) Business Management and FinanceBA (Hons) · Keele UniversityCommon questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
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What will it cost me?
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