Accounting and Finance with Placement Year (UCAS N40Y)
Explore our Accounting and Finance (with Placement Year) degree at Warwick
The BSc Accounting and Finance with Placement Year course at Warwick is a professionally-orientated qualification, enabling you to learn about key financial factors affecting multinational companies whilst allowing you to put your studies into practice with a year in industry. Choosing particular module combinations can lead to exemptions from a number of professional accountancy exams.
General entry requirements
A level typical offer
A*AA including A in Maths.
A level additional information
You also need a GCSE grade 7/A in at least one humanities or social science subject and grade 6/B in GCSE English Language.
A level contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is AAB including an A in Mathematics (Accounting and Business are considered as overlapping subjects). See if you're eligible.
You will also need to meet the GCSE requirements outlined above.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
IB typical offer
38 to include 5 in Higher Level Mathematics (either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation').
IB additional information
You will also need grade 6/B in GCSE English Language or International Baccalaureate grade 5 in English A (Higher or Standard Level), grade 5 in Higher Level English B or grade 6 in Standard Level English B.
IB contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 34 including 5 in Higher Level Mathematics. See if you're eligible.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
BTEC
We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside one or two A levels including Mathematics.
You will also need grade 7/A in at least one GCSE humanities or social science subject and grade 6/B in GCSE English Language.
Please note, overlapping subjects at BTEC and A level will not be considered (for example, A level or BTEC Business and A level Accounting).
Scotland Advanced Highers
AA in two Advanced Highers including Mathematics and AAA in three further Highers subjects. You will also need grade A in a humanities or social science subject and grade B in English at National 5.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA in three subjects at A level including Mathematics plus grade C in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. You will also need GCSE grade 7/A in a humanities or social science subject and grade 6/B in GCSE English Language.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis.
Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in 12 Level 3 Credits. We may also require subject specific credits or an A level to be studied alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma to fulfil essential subject requirements.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
International qualifications
English Language requirements
All applicants have to meet our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at WarwickLink opens in a new window.
This course requires: Band C
Learn more about our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window.
Frequently asked questions
Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in a Widening Participation programme or who meet the contextual data criteria.
Differential offers will usually be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer.
All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).
Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.
We welcome applications for deferred entry.
We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.
Course overview
Our Accounting and Finance with Placement Year course enables you to put your studies into practice while learning about a particular industry. You will undertake a work placement during your third year, giving you the opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge in a real work setting before returning for your final year of studies. Alternatively, you can apply to study with a partner institution instead of working.
You will gain a solid grounding in core management areas and develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to operate effectively in the fast-paced world of multinational companies and global financial markets.
You will be encouraged from the outset to think critically, enabling you to analyse and interpret real-life business issues in order to devise solutions, helping to prepare you for your career in accountancy, financial services, or management. You will also have the opportunity to develop your interpersonal skills including communication, leadership and team working, to become more adaptable and resilient to change.
Student case study
Study abroad
BSc Accounting and Finance with Placement Year students, who meet the Year One requirements, can apply for a study placement (rather than working). Studying abroad as part of this course is undertaken in English and opportunities are available with a wide range of partners in countries such as Canada, Singapore, France, and Japan.
Core modules
The structure for this course depends on which modules you take throughout the four years, giving you the option to focus your studies around accounting, finance or a mixture of both. Throughout the course you will study our CORE modules which have been created to provide you with a foundation of business knowledge and key skills in a range of business areas.
In terms one and two of your first year, you will study seven core modules introducing you to the fundamentals of accounting, finance and statistics. Examinations for term one modules will take place in January before term two classes begin. You will then choose between ‘Business Analytics’ and ‘Management, Organisations and Society’ for your eighth module studied in term two. In term three you will revise and take exams for your remaining modules.
In your second year (terms one and two), you will study five core modules. You will choose three optional modules, two of which focus on accounting and finance and a third, which can be chosen from a range of other modules such as entrepreneurship, marketing, and strategy.
You will complete your work or study placement in your third year and will return to WBS in your fourth year to complete your final year modules. Your placement year will be assessed by WBS during your year away.
In your final year you will study one core module. You will also study seven optional modules, of which four must be from an accounting or finance discipline. The remaining three options can be taken from a wider range of subject areas such as marketing, strategy, law, organisational behaviour or entrepreneurship. In term three you will revise and take exams.
Year One
- Financial Management
- Introduction to Financial Accounting
- CORE: Foundations, Skills and Debates
- Introduction to Statistics
- Economics for Business
- Foundations of Management Accounting
- Business Law 1
You will be required to study one module from the following optional modules:
- Business Analytics
- Management, Organisations and Society
Year Two
- Financial Reporting 1
- Finance 1: Financial Markets
- Finance 2: Corporate Finance
- CORE: Global Business Strategy and Sustainability
- Management Accounting for Decision Making and Control
You will also study two-three modules from the following optional modules:
- Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Work in the Digital Era
- Programming for Business Application
- Marketing in Practice
- Process Excellence
You may also choose to study one module from a range of other optional modules e.g. marketing, strategy or entrepreneurship.
Year Three
If you choose to study BSc Accounting and Finance with Placement Year, you will complete your work or study placement in your third year and will return to WBS in your fourth year to complete your final year modules.
Your placement year will be assessed by WBS during your year away.
Final Year
- CORE: Critical Issues in Management
You will select 7 optional modules. See examples of optional modules:
- International Trade Law
- Venture Capital
- Lean Startup
- Corporate Strategy
- Leadership
- Behavioural Economics
- Negotiation
Optional modules
Year Two
- Financial Econometrics
- Financial Reporting 2
- Accounting in Context
- Business Law 2
- Economics of Strategy
- Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Work in the Digital Era
- Programming for Business Application
Final Year
- Advances in Management Accounting
- Company Law
- Business Taxation
- Auditing and Accountability
- Financial Markets: Organisation and Technology
- Law for Entrepreneurs
- Investment Management
- Derivatives and Risk Management
- Banks and Financial Systems
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Fintech
- Venture Capital
- Alternative and Responsible Investments
- Accounting for Sustainability, People, Planet
Assessment
You will be assessed mainly through examinations, but also through a combination of other assessments such as:
- Individual assignments
- Case study analysis
- Online quizzes
- Groupwork
- Presentations
The final degree classification is determined by your second, third and final year marks and each contributing 40%, 10% and 50% respectively.
Teaching
You will learn in a variety of ways including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Online learning
Class sizes
Class sizes vary by module.
There can be up to 500 students in lectures (mainly Year One) and around 25 students in seminars.
Typical contact hours
This varies by year but you will have approximately 12 to 15 hours per week of:
- Class time
- Online activities such as quizzes and group work
- Student support and feedback hours
During your feedback hours, you can meet the Module Leader or seminar tutors to ask questions.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees cover the majority of the costs of your study, including teaching and assessment. Fees are charged at the start of each academic year. If you pay your fees directly to the University, you can choose to pay in instalments.
Undergraduate fees
If you are a home student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be £9,535. In the future, these fees might change for new and continuing students.
How are fees set?
The British Government sets tuition fee rates.
Undergraduate fees
If you are an overseas or EU student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be as follows:
- Band 1 – £24,800 per year (classroom-based courses, including Humanities and most Social Science courses)
- Band 2 – £31,620 per year (laboratory-based courses, plus Maths, Statistics, Theatre and Performance Studies, Economics, and courses provided by Warwick Business School, with exceptions)
Fees for 2025 entry have not been set. We will publish updated information here as soon as it becomes available, so please check back for updates about 2025 fee rates before you apply.
Fee status guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status.Link opens in a new window
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on this web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module CatalogueLink opens in a new window (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2024/25 year of study). Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Further information
Find out more about tuition fees from our Student Finance team.
Scholarships and bursaries
Learn about scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
We offer a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.
Find out more about funding opportunities for full-time students.Link opens in a new window
If you are an international student, a limited number of scholarships may be available.
Find out more information on our international scholarship pages.Link opens in a new window
You may be eligible for financial help from your own government, from the British Council or from other funding agencies. You can usually request information on scholarships from the Ministry of Education in your home country, or from the local British Council office.
Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship
We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities.
We provide extra financial support for qualifying students from lower income families. The Warwick Undergraduate Bursary is an annual award of up to £3,000 per annum. It is intended to help with course-related costs and you do not have to pay it back.
As part of the 'City of Sanctuary' movement, we are committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. We provide a range of scholarships to enable people seeking sanctuary or asylum to progress to access university education.
Further information
Find out more about Warwick undergraduate bursaries and scholarships.
Eligibility for student loans
Your eligibility for student finance will depend on certain criteria, such as your nationality and residency status, your course, and previous study at higher education level.
Check if you're eligible for student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you can receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won’t have to set up any payments.
Maintenance Loan for living costs
You can apply for a Maintenance Loan towards your living costs such as accommodation, food and bills. This loan is means-tested, so the amount you receive is partially based on your household income and whether you choose to live at home or in student accommodation.
If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you usually must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement SchemeLink opens in a new window to get student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
If you are an EU student and eligible for student finance you may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you may receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won't have to set up any payments.
Help with living costs
For the 2024 academic year, you may be eligible for help with your living costs if both of the following apply:
- You have lived in the UK for more than 3 years before the first day of the first academic year of your course
And
- You have Settled Status (see further details on Settled Status)Link opens in a new window
If you are coming to the UK from 1st January 2021, you may need to apply for a visaLink opens in a new window to study here.
Please note: Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Find out more about government student loans for EU studentsLink opens in a new window
Repaying your loans
You will repay your loan or loans gradually once you are working and earning above a certain amount. For students starting their course after 1 August 2023, the repayment threshold is £25,000. Repayments will be taken directly from your salary if you are an employee. If your income falls below the earnings threshold, your repayments will stop until your income goes back up above this figure.
Find out more about repaying your student loanLink opens in a new window.
Your career
Graduates from Warwick Business School have gone on to work for employers including:
- Bank of America
- Barclays
- BP
- Citibank
- Deloitte
- Deutsche Bank
- Dyson
- EY
- Goldman Sachs
- HM Revenue and Customs
- HSBC
- JP Morgan
- KPMG
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Mercedes
- Natwest
- Petronas
- PwC
- Royal Bank of Scotland.
They have pursued careers such as:
- Audit Associate
- ACA Graduate Trainee
- Assurance Associate
- Business Consultant
- Commercial Analyst
- Consulting Analyst
- Corporate Analyst Graduate Trainee
- Investment Banking Analyst
- Macro Trader
- Markets and Security Services Analyst
- Mergers and Acquisitions Analyst
- Technology Infrastructure Analyst
- Trainee Accountant
Helping you find the right career
We have our own dedicated careers team at Warwick Business School called WBS CareersPlus.
Personalised support
Our CareersPlus team provides specialised careers services solely for Warwick Business School students including:
- 1-2-1 careers coaching
- Career planning and preparation workshops
- Employer events
- Work placements and internships
Bespoke employer events organised specifically for our students have seen the likes of EY, L’Oréal, Aldi, Johnson and Johnson, Royal Bank of Scotland, Grant Thornton UK LLP, Accenture and Aston Martin visit Warwick Business School, providing students with great networking opportunities and links to top local, national and international brands.
Events and group workshops
You can also attend group workshops and employer events throughout the year. Our workshops cover all aspects of the job application process, from creating your CV to preparing for interviews and assessment centres. Tailored sessions, such as ‘What job is right for you?’ can help you to plan your future career and actions. Past examples include:
- Writing an effective CV
- How to network with employers skills workshop
- Internships and Placements opportunities employer event
- Careers Fairs and informal networking opportunities with employers
- Sector events with industry speakers, for students who want to pursue a career in a specific sector such as Marketing, Finance and Banking
Warwick Business School
If you’re interested in the bigger picture, comfortable challenging assumptions and want a degree that will open doors, then WBS is the place for you. We will give you the foundation for change and prepare you for your future career. Are you ready to make your mark in the world of business?
Find out more about us on our websiteLink opens in a new window
Our courses
- Accounting and Finance (BSc)
- Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year) (BSc)
- Accounting and Finance with Placement Year (BSc)
- International Management (BSc)
- International Management with Foundation Year (BSc)
- Management (BSc)
- Management (with Foundation Year) (BSc)
- Management with Placement Year (BSc)
Related degrees
- Computer Science with Business Studies (BSc)
- Economics (BSc)
- Economics, Politics and International Studies (BSc/BA)
- Engineering Business Management (BEng)
- German and Business Studies (BA)
- Global Sustainable Development and Business Studies (BASc)
- MORSE (Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics) (BSc)
- MMORSE (Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics)
- Physics and Business Studies (BSc)
Life at Warwick
Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities. A place where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. Our supportive, energising, welcoming space creates the ideal environment for forging new connections, having fun and finding inspiration.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
Warwick Accommodation
Finding the right accommodation is key to helping you settle in quickly.
We have a range of residences for undergraduate students on campus.
Our campus
You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible new sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.
Food and drink
We have lots of cafés, restaurants and shops on campus. You can enjoy great quality food and drink, with plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets. There is a convenience store on central campus, as well as two supermarkets and a small shopping centre in the nearby Cannon Park Retail Park. Several of them offer delivery services to help you stay stocked up.
And don't miss our regular food market day on the Piazza with tempting, fresh and delicious street food. Soak up the atmosphere and try something new, with mouth-watering food for all tastes.
Clubs and societies
We currently have more than 300 student-run societies.
So whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.
Or you could try something new, or even form your own society.
Sports and fitness
Staying active at Warwick is no sweat, thanks to our amazing new Sports and Wellness Hub, indoor and outdoor tennis centre, 60 acres of sports pitches, and more than 60 sports clubs.
Whether you want to compete, relax or just have fun, you can achieve your fitness goals.
Studying on campus
Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs.
You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.
- The Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas.
- The University Library provides access to over one million printed works and tens of thousands of electronic journals
- Different study spaces offering you flexible individual and group study spaces.
Travel and local area
Our campus is in Coventry, a modern city with high street shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars sitting alongside medieval monuments. The Warwickshire towns of Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are also nearby.
The University is close to major road, rail and air links. London is just an hour by direct train from Coventry, with Birmingham a 20-minute trip. Birmingham International Airport is nearby (a 20-minute drive).
Wellbeing support and faith provision
Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.
Our Chaplaincy is home to Chaplains from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. We provide regular services for all Christian denominations and a Shabbat meal every Friday for our Jewish students. There is also an Islamic prayer hall, halal kitchen and ablution facilities.
How to apply
Learn more about our application process.
Key dates
Key dates for your application to Warwick.
Writing your personal statement
Make an impression and demonstrate your passion for your course.
After you've applied
Find out how we process your application.
Our Admission Statement
Read Warwick's Admission Statement
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Talk to us
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Warwick Experience
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Student blogs
Explore our student blogs in Unibuddy. You can read about campus life from students themselves, and register to post questions directly to students.
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- Watch student videos
- View 360 photography and drone footage
- Learn about facilities and landmarks
Explore our campus virtually through our 360 campus tour now
Come to an Open Day
Don’t just take it from us, come and see for yourself what Warwick is all about. Whether it's a virtual visit or in-person, our University Open Days give you the chance to meet staff and students, visit academic departments, tour the campus and get a real feel for life at Warwick.
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