Accounting and Finance (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)
Foundation
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Course overview – Accounting and Finance (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)
This course is intended to provide principal knowledge and skills in the thematic pathways of:
- Financial management and probity that will enable operational effectiveness in a modern organisation
- Decision making by organisations in the corporate environment with regards to investment appraisal
- The current research in technical and theoretical areas of accounting
- The effective design, supervision and management of organisational operations and processes
- The role of legislation in regulating internal control and ethics of an organisation in a modern society and the extent to which this currently addresses growing concerns and sustainability of an organisation, corporate law, audit & assurance
On the successful passing of our top-up degree modules, you would be able to submit applications to ICAEW, ACCA and IFA. for four exemptions from their postgraduate accountancy training programmes, with the option to apply for additional exemptions dependant on past experience. Exemptions could save you time and could give you a competitive advantage against graduates from unrelated courses applying for accountancy roles.
Dependant on the modules you have taken and the professional body you choose to train with, you could expect to be a qualified accountant within one a half to two years of graduation, as opposed to the three to four years it might take a graduate from an unrelated degree. (See our Exemptions section of the Overview block for more information).
As well as focusing on the area of Accounting, our degree also explores key financial theories, which could give you an advantage against those who have studied other accountancy qualifications. By studying our top-up degree in Accounting and Finance, as opposed to other routes into the profession, you will be benefit from learning within a supportive university environment, developing a toolkit of vital transferable skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers.
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What does Accounting and Finance (Top-Up) BSc (Hons) cover?
During the top-up year, you will be involved in using the conceptual tools and experience developed in the first two years of their studies (undertaken before joining Birmingham Newman University).
Final year modules may lead you towards partial exemptions that may be granted by the professional bodies. You will cover some core areas such as advanced management accounting, financial analysis, advanced financial reporting and audit and assurance.
These modules in particular will help to develop skills of critical analysis and synthesis which will help you to reflect on your career aspirations.
Accompanying the formal study will be the production of an individual project or dissertation which will offer the opportunity to integrate and consolidate material from all three parts of the course and to investigate issues of interest in greater depth.
Why study Accounting and Finance (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)
The BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (top-up) programme aims to:
- Enable you to undertake a rigorous study of the theories and techniques related to accounting and financial management
- Acquire and develop the practical skills essential within an accounting and financial environment
- Develop knowledge, understanding and skills in line with the QAA benchmark statements for accounting and finance (QAA Accounting and Finance, 2016)
- Develop and enhance transferable skills relevant to a range of employment opportunities in both private and public sector organisations including the third sector
- Enable students to develop competence in accounting and finance alongside wisdom in its application sufficient for them to enhance their employability and possibly progress to postgraduate study
- Develop in you the ability to blend theory and practice in complex situations in a systematic and creative way to improve financial and business performance
- Encourage and support the spirit of intellectual curiosity and enquiry, an ability to tackle problem solving and the capacity for creativity.
Assessment
You will be assessed via a combination of options including coursework, class tests, and formal examinations.
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all backgrounds and accept a wide range of qualifications. If yours aren’t listed, don’t worry – our Admissions Team can help you explore your options. See full entry requirements.
Entry Requirements
UK home students all applicants will need to have 120 credits at level 4 and 120 credits at level 5 in a relevant Foundation Degree or HND.
Some applicants will need to successfully complete the Accounting and Finance Bridging Module to support their transition into the programme. If you have specific questions about the Top Up Award or bridging module please contact Admissions.
Please contact Admissions if you have any questions.
Course fees & funding
Fees
All fees are shown in GBP (£).
The tuition fee for the 2026/27 academic year is: £9,790.
Fees for the 2027/28 academic year can be found on our Student Finance pages and choosing your degree type.
Please note: If this course includes a Foundation Year, the fees shown above apply to the Foundation Year only. Fees for subsequent years will be charged at the standard undergraduate full-time fee.
Funding
Find out what funding and support might be available to you through Student Finance and Student Success.
Additional costs
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
Find out about extra costs, timetable details, and how course modules may change through additional course information.
Course modules in Accounting and Finance (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)
Where will you study?
Our campus
Take a tour of our campus and view some of the facilities we have to offer.
Accreditations and exemptions
Top-up students will be able to submit applications to ICAEW and ACCA for exemptions from their postgraduate accountancy training programmes*. The number of exemptions granted will be these professional bodies will be dependent on students’ individual skills and experience, taking into consideration content of their foundation course studied prior to joining Birmingham Newman. Therefore each student’s outcome will be different. Birmingham Newman will support you in the application process for these exemptions, in order for you to continue your professional journey after graduation.
* Please note that if you have a conviction for fraud the above professional bodies may not agree to exempt you.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW)
Top-up students will be able to submit an application for up to six exemptions from professional exams as part of postgraduate accountancy training via ICAEW. These exemptions will save you time when applying for professional qualifications.
For more information about ICAEW’s Credit for Prior Learning please visit www.icaew.com/cpl
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Top-up students will be able to submit an application for between four to seven exemptions from professional exams as part of postgraduate accountancy training via ACCA.
For students who are awarded all seven exemptions, this means that they could save up to two years of further study before they are fully qualified with ACCA.
Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA)
Top-up students will be able to submit an application for four exemptions from professional exams upon graduation from Birmingham Newman. The accredited modules are listed below.
- Advanced Financial Reporting (IFA Direct unit – Level 7 Corporate reporting for strategic business advanced)
- Financial Analysis (IFA Direct Unit – Level 5 Financial Management)
- Principles of audit and Assurance (IFA Direct Unit – Level 5 Assurance)
- Advanced Management Accounting (IFA Direct Unit – Level 5 Financial and Management Control)
The exemptions listed above are for future Birmingham Newman students. Current or past students should check with the Course Leader about the exemptions applicable to them.
What careers can I consider
- Financial accountant
- Management accountant
- Financial analyst
- Investment banker
- Tax consultants
- Internal/External auditor
This programme seeks to develop within you a range of relevant skills, knowledge, and capabilities that would enable you to pursue a career as professional accountants (subject to ICAEW, ACCA and IFA accreditation/exemptions), or for any career in finance, banking, administration and other management roles.
Also, you will develop the ability to conceptualise and solve practical problems by creating reasoned value judgements. In addition, you will be taught academic skills, report writing, and analytical skills apart from your academic studies which will equip them to adapt easily to the rapidly changing environment of work.
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Life in Birmingham
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The city is also one of the most affordable places to study in the UK, helping you make the most of your student budget. With excellent transport links, you can easily travel across the UK, including quick connections to London and other major cities.
Whether you’re looking for nightlife, live events, or quiet places to relax, Birmingham has something for everyone.