Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year) (UCAS N4N4) (2024 Entry)
Explore our Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year) degree at Warwick
Accounting and Finance at Warwick is a professionally-orientated qualification, providing the skills, knowledge and confidence to operate effectively in the fast-paced world of multinational companies and global financial markets. Choosing particular module combinations can lead to exemptions from a number of professional accountancy exams.
General entry requirements
This course is only available to applicants who are eligible for Home Fee Status and meet our Widening Participation criteria. Find out more about Fee Status.
This course is designed for students who would otherwise not be able to meet our standard admissions criteria. You will be considered for direct entry instead if your predicted grades meet the contextual offer level for our main Accounting and Finance degrees.
You must meet one of the Widening Participation criteria below:
- Having spent time in local-authority care
- Be a refugee or asylum seeker having either limited leave to remain or are under ‘humanitarian protection’ or have been granted refugee status with indefinite leave to remain
- Living in a low participation neighbourhood (POLAR 4, quintile 1) or an area which has a high level of deprivation (Index of Multiple Deprivation, 0-20%).
- Attending a school where average performance of students achieving 5 A*-C GCSE including English and Mathematics was below the national average and/or attending a school/college with below the national average performance at KS5 and attending a school or college with above national average entitlement/eligibility to Free School Meals.
Please use our contextual indicator checker to check whether you meet criteria 3 or 4 from the above list. Please note that we do not make contextual offers for the Foundation Course. If you are experiencing (or have experienced) other disadvantaging circumstances you may express this in an Extenuating Circumstances form, however we are only able to consider applicants who also meet the Widening Participation criteria above. This must be sent within two weeks of application (excluding holidays).
A level typical offer
You need to complete and pass three full A level courses. These should include a higher-level quantitative subject, such as Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Calculus and Statistics.
A level additional information
You will also need grade 6/B in GCSE English Language, 6/B in GCSE Mathematics and 4/C in five other GCSE subjects. Applicants with grade 4/C in GCSE English Language and grade 6/B in GCSE English Literature will also be considered.
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.
Additional requirements: Widening Participation Status
Important information
Please note that this course is only available to applicants eligible for Home Fee Status. Find out more about Fee Status.
IB typical offer
You need to complete three subjects at Higher Level and three subjects at Standard Level. These should include a higher-level quantitative subject, such as Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Calculus and Statistics.
IB additional information
You will also need grade B or 6 in GCSE English Language, B or 6 in GCSE Mathematics and C or 4 in five other GCSE subjects. Applicants with grade C or 4 in GCSE English Language and grade B or 6 in GCSE English Literature will also be considered.
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.
Additional requirements: Widening Participation Status
Important information
Please note that this course is only available to applicants eligible for Home Fee Status. Find out more about Fee Status.
BTEC typical offer
You need to complete and pass your BTEC/A level qualifications. We will consider any combination of A level and BTECs equivalent to three A levels, but you must have studied an A level in a quantitative subject, such as Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Calculus and Statistics.
You will also need grade 6/B in GCSE English Language, 6/B in GCSE Mathematics and 4/C in five other GCSE subjects. Applicants with grade 4/C in GCSE English Language and grade 6/B in GCSE English Literature will also be considered.
Scotland Advanced Highers
Complete and pass your Advanced Highers. You should have studied a higher-level quantitative subject such as Mathematics, Physics or Statistics. You will also need grade B in National 5 English and Maths, and grade C in five other National 5 subjects.
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.
English Language requirements
All applicants have to meet our English Language requirements. 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
Selection process
This is a competitive course and after reviewing your predicted/achieved grades, personal statement, reference and Widening Participation criteria, shortlisted applicants will be invited to a Selection Day. As part of the Selection Day, you will learn more about the course and participate in a group task and interview. This is a compulsory part of the process for those shortlisted and we will use this to make final decisions.
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
This course is designed to provide you with access to our main Accounting and Finance or Accounting and Finance with Placement Year degrees if challenging circumstances mean that you have not been able to meet the standard entry requirements.
We are looking for applicants who have the drive and motivation, and ultimately want to progress to a professionally-orientated qualification that is consistently ranked highly in major UK league tables. We will help you to develop valuable skills such as teamwork, presenting, time management, problem solving, decision making, and also build your confidence.
During the Foundation Year you will be part of a small community working closely together on group projects. The course also involves working with external organisations to give you a better understanding of how business works. You will complete projects in the third term working with organisations to identify an issue or challenge.
If you successfully complete the Foundation Year, you will automatically join our direct entry students following the course structure for Accounting and Finance or Accounting and Finance with Placement Year.
The course structure for Accounting and Finance provides you with the opportunity to choose electives designed to allow you to focus on Finance or Accounting, or a combination of the two, depending on your future career goals. If you choose to study the 5-year course with the integrated placement year you will spend a year working or studying in the UK or overseas. Previous students have completed placements with companies including Accenture, EY, IBM, Goldman Sachs, Lloyds Bank, Porsche and PwC.
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
Our Foundation Year prepares you for degree-level study at WBS, giving you the opportunity to build your knowledge about business, improve some key skills we have found to be important to success during the undergraduate degree, and spend a year getting used to the university environment.
The modules you will take will help build your maths and statistics skills, your organisational problem-solving skills, such as creativity, leadership and teamwork, and give you a chance to work on academic practices like research, critical thinking, and university level writing. They will also develop your knowledge on general areas of business, like marketing, operations management, accounting and finance, and help you conduct research to solve real organisational problems.
If you successfully complete the Foundation Year, you will automatically progress to BSc Accounting and Finance and join our direct entry students in Year One. If you choose to study BSc Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year) with Placement Year you will complete your work placement within your fourth year and return to WBS for your final year of studies.
Year One: Foundation Year
Term One
- Academic Practice
- Foundations of Business
- Statistics
- Advanced Mathematics
Term Two
- Accounting and Finance
- Business Consulting
- Management of Global Risks
- Problem Solving in Organisations
Term Three
- Business Consulting
- Problem Solving in Organisations
Year Two (as per Accounting and Finance BSc Year one)
In terms one and two 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.
- CORE: Foundations, Skills and Debates
- Introduction to Financial Accounting
- Foundations of Management Accounting
- Financial Management
- Economics for Business
- Business Law 1
- Introduction to Statistics
- Management, Organisations and Society or Business Analytics
Year Three
In terms one and two, you will study five core modules and three accounting or finance electives where you can focus your studies around finance or accounting, or a combination of the two. In term three, you will revise and take exams.
- CORE: Global Business Strategy and Sustainability
- CORE: Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Financial Reporting 1
- Financial Reporting 2
- Finance 1: Financial Markets
BSc Accounting and Finance with Placement Year
If you choose to study BSc Accounting and Finance with Placement Year, you will work or study (overseas or in the UK) during the third year of your course. You will study the modules listed within Year Three within your final year (Year Four) when you return to WBS, utilising your newly developed skills and knowledge during your final year modules.
Final Year
You will study one core module. You will also study seven electives, of which four must be from an accounting or finance discipline. The remaining three electives 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.
- CORE: Critical Issues in Management
Explore WBS modules in more detail.
Optional modules
Year Three
- Financial Econometrics
- Accounting in Context
- Business Law 2
- Finance 2: Corporate Finance
- Economics of Strategy
- Management Accounting for Decision Making and Control
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
Assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of examinations and assessments including:
- Individual assignments
- Projects
- Case study analysis
- Online quizzes
- Group work
- Presentations.
The final degree classification for Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year) is determined by your third and final year marks and each contributes 50%. If you choose to complete a placement year, your final degree classification is determined by your third, fourth and final year marks, each contributing 40%, 10% and 50% respectively.
Teaching
You will learn in a variety of ways including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Online learning
Class sizes
During the Foundation Year you will mainly work in seminar-style classes with up to 25 students for at least 12 hours per week, equipping you with the skills, knowledge and depth of understanding that you will need to continue learning independently between sessions. In Term Two you will study Management of Global Risks alongside students on BSc Management and International Management which will prepare you for working with a diverse group of students. After successfully completing the Foundation Year you will progress to Year One where your lectures will become larger with up to 500 students in a class and around 25 students in your 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 dedicated 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.
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)
- 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 12 self-catering undergraduate halls of residence on campus.
Our student property management and lettings agency manages more than 8,000 rooms both on and off campus, and provides advice to all full-time undergraduates.
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
- Three Learning Grids 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
3 ways to connect
Talk to us
Join us at a live event. You can ask about courses, applying to Warwick, life at Warwick, visas and immigration, and more.
Warwick Experience
Take a virtual, student-led campus tour. Then join an interactive panel session, where you can hear from and chat to our current students and staff.
Student blogs
Explore our student blogs in OurWarwick. You can read about campus life from students themselves, and register to post questions directly to students.
Explore campus with our virtual tour
Our 360 tour lets you:
- 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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