Course options
Key information
Duration: 4 years full time
UCAS code: NN43
Institution code: R72
Campus: Egham
The course
Accounting and Finance with a Year in Business (BSc)
Accredited by CIMA, CPA, CIPFA and ICAEW professional bodies, our School of Business and Management has a fresh and intellectually challenging approach to research and education. Specialising in Accounting and Finance at Royal Holloway means that you will benefit from the in-depth knowledge of our academic experts, and by electing to spend a year in business you will also have ample opportunities to integrate theory and practice and gain real business experience.
As a Bloomberg Experiential Learning Partner, it recognises academic institutions that are leaders in experiential learning through the integration of Bloomberg terminal exercises in its curricula, providing students with the opportunity for hands-on experiential learning, to enhance their financial market awareness and key career skills.
On this course, you’ll study the core areas of financial accounting, management accounting and finance and obtain a thorough knowledge of both theory and practice. The valuable knowledge and understanding this degree will give you, combined with interpersonal and transferable skills, will lead to excellent career prospects, with our students going on to work at a range of accounting firms and companies, from PWC and Deloitte, to Accenture and London Premier Hotels. Several of our students have also furthered their studies, specialising in a certain area in their Master's studies, including MSc degrees in Investment, Banking and Finance and Data Analytics.
You may also apply to the professional bodies for exemptions from some of their examinations - the number of exemptions depend on the options you choose and the marks you obtain on your modules.
Your studies will be grounded in the wider business environment, providing you with an understanding of international business, information systems, strategy, and ethical decision-making. You will receive individual attention and the flexibility to take specialist options, such as business law, auditing and taxation.
As well as graduating with enhanced knowledge of accounting and finance, you will have commercial awareness, the ability to communicate clearly, work in a team, analyse and solve problems, and manage your time effectively. As a graduate you will be able to apply for exemptions and/or credit for prior learning from selected professional accounting bodies we have agreed exemptions with. The exemptions from examinations or credit for prior learning that students are granted will depend on modules chosen and the marks obtained on those.
We're committed to preparing our students for graduate-level jobs after university and we continually review and refresh our courses to ensure they align with current trends and employer requirements.
- AACSB accredited - the longest-serving accrediting body and largest business education network worldwide.
- Examine the principles of financial decision-making.
- Understand the theory and techniques for appraising financing and investment decisions.
- Understand the basic components of financial statements.
- Understand information systems and the role they play in contemporary business.
- Accredited by CIMA, CPA, CIPFA and ICAEW.
Course structure
Core Modules
Year 1
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In this module, you will develop an understanding of the external and internal environments of organisations and their relevance to help you develop self-awareness and knowledge and skills required to succeed at university, at work and in life generally. You will look at a range of academic and professional literatures, examine the skills and abilities relevant to applying for or working as a professional, and consider how to communicate with academic and business audiences in a clear and effective manner.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of basic mathematical methods for accounting and finance. You will look at formulae, ratios, forecasting, estimation and probability techniques, including those for modelling risk and uncertainty. You will learn to calculate, explain and use descriptive statistics and tests of statistical significance, and examine how to summarise and analyse data, including consideration of collection and sampling techniques.
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On this module you'll learn about the management of international enterprises and which cross-border challenges that need to be taken into account when firms consider internationalising. The module also covers the impact of different formal economic, political and legal institutions, as well as more informal institutions, such as culture, religion and language that must all be considered by an internationalising enterprise. The module also identifies the implications concerning business ethics and sustainability
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This module will introduce you to the main current technical language of accounting, double entry, and to financial accounting concepts and theories. It introduces basic contexts, regulatory and ethical frameworks of accounting and the role of accounting and accountants in organisations and society. You will consider the processes by which financial transactions and events are collected, recorded and summarised leading to the formation of the financial statements. You will prepare basic financial statements; Statement of financial position (balance sheet), Statement of profit or loss, Statement of cashflow and Statement of Changes in equity. You'll also be introduced to some alternative practices of accounting such as valuing non-current assets and inventory and will examine basic principles of financial decision making, with particular focus on developing skills for analysing financial accounting information using ratios. The module also covers contextual issues including regulatory frameworks, ethics and corporate governance.
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This module will provide you with an introduction to the basic techniques and processes of management accounting. You will look at the current technical languages and practices relating to the provision and use of management accounting information in organisations. You will learn now contribution-based approaches are used in cost-volume-profit analysis and the allocation of scarce resources, and how marginal and full costing information, including activity-based costing, is used to determine product costs, prices, and overall profits. You will also consider the concept of relevant costs, specifically in the appraisal of capital investment decisions.
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In this module you'll be introduced to the basis of micro economics: supply, demand and costs. You will explore the types of market structures across the world, focusing on stakeholder impact. Scenarios and cases will be used in lectures and workshops to develop knowledge of core concepts and to relate these and models to real world organisational challenges. Limited macro factors and concepts which form the context of organisational operations will also be examined.
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On this module you'll explore the foundations of responsible business and will prepare for a business world where the agenda is no longer 'business as usual'. Using case studies, practical examples and new theories on responsible business you'll explore some of the 17 United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals such as climate action, reduced inequalities, responsible consumption and production and their relevance to business.
Year 2
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the theory and practice of financial reporting. You will look at the regulatory and ethical background to the composition of financial reporting documents and learn to prepare single-company financial statements, and extracts from statements, in accordance with the international financial reporting standards (IFRS). You will consider specific accounting issues such as handling of intangibles, and will critically examine and interpret financial statements using quantitative tools such as ratio analysis.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the use of management information systems, in particular those used for performance measurement, performance management, and decision making. You will look at how management accounting information is used to support short and long term decision making by organisations to gain a competitive advantage. You will consider traditional and alternative budgetary practices, including preparation of functional budgets, master budgets, and forecasts, and use of management control systems, such as standard costing and variance analysis. You will also examine the use of transfer pricing methods for performance and decision making within divisionalised structures.
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This module introduces the contexts, nature and purpose of investing and financing decisions and to introduce both theory and techniques for appraising financing and investing decisions. A range of sources of long term finance appropriate to the business will be explained and discussed including a consideration of the role of the capital markets in facilitating access to funding. You will estimate the weighted average cost of capital, and explain its implications for financing and investment decisions. You will also explain the importance of working capital management and use and evaluate a range of techniques for managing elements of working capital including calculation of relevant ratios and the operating cash cycle.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the theories and empirical evidence concerning financial management, risk, and the operation of capital markets. You will look at strategic decisions such as gearing and dividend policy within specified institutional contexts, and consider more practical aspects of business finance, including the preparation of forecast financial statements and their use in business planning and valuation. You will also examine aspects of business restructuring, the global context for both investing and financing, and further aspects of risk management.
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In this module, you will gain a good understanding of the main theories of strategic management and how to apply them in the context of contemporary business environment. You will be introduced to key concepts and debates about corporate and business strategy. The changing context in which the corporate strategy is formulated and implemented will be examined. The module also demonstrates how theoretical debates can be related to corporate strategies via the analysis of case studies covering a variety of industrial settings and situations.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the tools and techniques of economic analysis to solve common managerial problems. You will look at economic intuition and its relevance to business problems, and the application of economic principles to strategic situations. You will consider the constraints faced by business decision makers, the economic consequences of their decisions, and the influence of the macro environment. You will also examine the benefits and drawbacks of free trade or restrictions on imports and exports across a range of countries with divergent socio-political contexts.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the importance of information systems and technologies in the practice of accounting and finance. You will look at how information systems and technologies are being used in the accounting and finance functions. You will examine how accounting information systems, including roles, functionality and tasks, differ between larger and smaller organisations and consider issues surrounding the development, implementation and management of information systems and technology, as well as emerging topics, such as blockchain, analytics and information systems security. You will also gain practical experience in using commonly used software packages such as Microsoft Excel and SAP ERP.
Year 3
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This module introduces the opportunity for you to gain a significant period of work experience as part of their degree programme, enabling them to experience of a range of practical work-based situations and apply you knowledge and understanding of management theory to them, whilst also improving you employability.
Year 4
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the advanced theory and practice of financial reporting, in the context of governance and corporate social responsibility. You will look at theories that have been developed to assist in the improvement and regulation of corporate financial reporting. You will consider the economic concepts of income and value and their application to financial reporting, and how group financial statements are prepared in accordance with international financial reporting standards (IFRS). You will also examine complex accounting issues, such as financial instruments, taxation, employee benefits and leases, and advanced techniques of analysis and interpretation of corporate financial statements, such as trend analysis, segmental analysis, and advanced ratio analysis.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of management in theory and practice. You will look at the ethical and international contexts in which investment management takes place. You will examine topics such as efficient markets, the capital asset pricing model, arbitrage pricing theory, and models of systematic risk, considering empirical evidence and current practices. You will evaluate optimal portfolio choices, learning to devise an appropriate portfolio strategy which takes into account the current state of the financial markets. You will also asses the merits of active and passive bond portfolio management from both a domestic and international perspective and examine recent changes to international fund management and their implications.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of approaches to ethical decision making in accounting and finance. You will critically evaluate decision models for accounting ethics, assessing contemporary issues faced by accountants and finance professionals, including the influence of stakeholders, accounting standards, and moral philosophy. You will also examine the role of auditing practices in society, looking at look at real world examples, including major accounting and finance scandals. You will also analyse some of complex ethical issues that surround business decision making, including examples of good and bad practice by governments, corporations and individuals.
One of:
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The aim of this module is to get familiarised with the importance of business negotiation, by exploring key concepts and frameworks of business negotiation in a variety of contexts. You'll formulate appropriate negotiation and communication strategies to achieve specific goals and reflect on their effectiveness and you'll be introduced to necessary negotiation and communication skills to thrive in professional settings and in negotiation-related functions.
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In this module, you will develop an understanding of the management consulting sector, from large consulting firms to small boutique consultancies. This will help you decide on the attractiveness of this sector for their careers. You will be equipped with skills that are key in management consulting, but also relevant and transferable to a wide range of management settings. You will be introduced to the management consulting sector, its controversies and keys skills necessary to enter the sector. You will also examine the processes, relationships and practices involved with management consulting. In particular, we look at consultants themselves, clients, the relationships between them and the ethical issues associated with consulting. You will also develop an assessed practical exercise applying skills common to management consulting.
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This module equips you with relevant entrepreneurial marketing skills to pursue a career in a new business venture or start your own business in a socially responsible and ethical way. You'll learn to identify opportunities, being innovative and implementing changes by analysing the latest market trends, identify usable resources and assess personal competencies to persistently identify and/or create new opportunities. Through various individual and group activities you will engage with practical cases from around the world and discussing how entrepreneurial marketers have adapted their leadership styles in different contexts and implemented their ideas in the market with a socially responsible and ethical mindset.
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In this module, you'll learn the knowledge and skills needed to be effective in a professional practice environment. You'll focus on communication and the need to adopt different leadership styles in dynamic business contexts. The module focuses on careers in accountancy, but the skills developed are transferable and will be useful in any work environment.
One of:
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In this module you will learn advanced analytical skills to complete the critical scrutiny of contemporary issues, critically evaluating arguments and evidence concerning unstructured problems, and to research a topic in depth. The topics you'll explore include those related to the cutting-edge research senior members of the academic staff of the department conduct , including contemporary research topics on sustainability issues and more. External speakers from the accounting profession will be invited for talks on topics and after this module you will demonstrate advanced independent learning-, critical reasoning and self-study skills.
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In this module you'll be equipped with advanced analytical skills and will be able to evaluate the role of finance in organisations and society. Topics included relate to some of the cutting-edge research being undertaken by senior members of the academic staff and include behaviour finance, energy finance, fintech ecosystem, AI and blockchain etc. Online materials and readings will be used to introduce a contemporary issue that is being researched by each academic which will be supported by workshops in developing the topic. You will be able to hear from external speakers from the finance profession who will be invited for talks on the topics.
Optional Modules
There are a number of optional course modules available during your degree studies. The following is a selection of optional course modules that are likely to be available. Please note that although the College will keep changes to a minimum, new modules may be offered or existing modules may be withdrawn, for example, in response to a change in staff. Applicants will be informed if any significant changes need to be made.
Year 2
You will take one of the following:
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In this module, you will gain a good understanding of the main theories of strategic management and how to apply them in the context of contemporary business environment. You will be introduced to key concepts and debates about corporate and business strategy. The changing context in which the corporate strategy is formulated and implemented will be examined. The module also demonstrates how theoretical debates can be related to corporate strategies via the analysis of case studies covering a variety of industrial settings and situations.
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This module aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the key principles, theories, and practices associated with managing human resources within organisations. It is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of strategic and operational dimensions within HRM and its role in fostering organisational success. Content covers various HR practices and strategies, including recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, reward management, legal and ethical considerations, and the emerging challenges in the field of HR. You will learn to apply these principles to foster a positive work environment, align HR strategies with organisational goals, and navigate challenges in diverse and dynamic workplaces.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the design, planning and control of operating systems for the provision of goods and services. You will look at the tools and techniques used in the development of operational systems and the factors that affect the choice of operating methods. You will consider approaches to the planning cycle, inventory management, and production control techniques, including capacity planning, and the merits of push and pull systems. You will also examine quality control and its management in practice.
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This module aims to cultivate a reflective and pragmatic comprehension essential for preparing, analysing, and presenting data through visuals in the context of a rapidly evolving job market, heavily influenced by the exponential growth of AI solutions. You will be introduced to the principles of data handling, emphasising efficient and effective practices to uncover insights, with a strong focus on visual storytelling and the development of compelling narratives. You will acquire a thorough understanding of data visualisation and analytics, encompassing advanced concepts, methodologies, techniques, and cutting-edge tools and will gain substantial hands-on experience in manipulating raw data to create insightful visual data narratives, tailored to address the dynamic challenges and opportunities presented by AI-driven markets.
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This module explores how exploring and analysing music can help us to deepen our understanding of management, work organisations, working lives and ultimately, ourselves. Through the lens of music, and using a variety of creative approaches, you will critically evaluate core managerial and organisational concepts and theories. You will explore the power of music to engage employees, boost morale, and give voice to workers who might otherwise remain unheard. You will examine the role music can play in helping to identify and tackle our own and others’ unconscious biases. You will analyse work songs, write lyrics to your own company song and develop your own motivational music playlist. You will research and analyse contemporary management dilemmas and challenges and, using creative writing and art, gain new insights into the lived experience of work and imagine alternative futures to current work systems.
Year 4
You will take three of the following:
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In this module you will develop an understanding of taxation and tax practice, including the ethical context, in the UK. You will look at the influence of the EU on UK tax objectives and policies, the administration of the tax system, the different types of tax in the UK, and the ethical principles that relate to undertaking tax engagements. You will learn how to calculate income tax, national insurance contributions, capital gains tax, corporation tax and VAT in straightforward scenarios. You will consider the use of quantitative and qualitative information to make recommendations to taxpayers and others, examining the application of tax law and identifying ethical decision-making processes, for example in mitigating tax liabilities.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the assurance process, specifically in relation to the assessment of internal controls and gathering of evidence on an assurance engagement. You will look at the codes of professional ethics that apply to accountants, and auditors in particular, considering the concepts and need for assurance, the process of assurance, and professional ethics. You will learn methods of obtaining and documenting evidence, including sampling, written representations and substantive testing, and apply your knowledge to selected case studies to arrive at reasoned conclusions, making recommendations where appropriate.
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The aim of this module is to develop in-depth understanding of the characteristics and operation of the international financial markets. The analysis of international equity, bond, exchange and derivatives markets will be linked to the main concern of governments and international financial organisations taking part in these flows. This also enables students to appreciate the different trends in the integration of financial markets and financial intermediation within countries, regions and at global level.
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The module provides insights into the dynamic phenomenon of financial technology. You'll gain a core understanding of financial technology applications, and how a wide range of disruptive innovations are reshaping the financial system. Along with providing the knowledge of a new, rapidly developing, and challenging ecosystem the module draws on practical examples and theories. The curriculum covers emerging market players, emerging technologies (such as for example, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Real-Time Payments etc.), and you'll analyse some of the key aspects of the relevant regulations of the regulatory frameworks (PSD2, GDPR, Open Banking, MiFID, etc,)
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In this module you will develop an understanding of business innovation in the context of new ventures and corporations. You will look at how changes in technology, markets, and society are affecting how new business models, products and services emerge. You will consider innovation as a source of competitive advantage and examine the management of innovation, critically evaluating associated risks and uncertainty. You will also analyse past experiences and how they can be used to exploit future opportunities through innovation.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of various aspects of the international financial accounting environment. You will look at the regulatory background to the composition of reporting documents, considering influences on national financial reporting and international differences in financial reporting systems. You will examine approaches to the classification of financial reporting systems, and initatives designed to achieve international harmonisation and standardisation of accounting practices. You will also evaluate communication issues in accounting and analyse the impact of international accountability.
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This module will explore the intersections between management and the arts, considering how each can support the other. The role of management within various arts sectors will be examined. You'll gain insight into how artistic and creative practices can inform the practice of management, facilitating creative approaches to problem-solving, communicating and addressing business and societal challenges. This module has been developed for any student considering a career within the arts sector, or anyone wishing to adopt a more creative approach to their working practices.
Teaching & assessment
- Lectures introduce the key knowledge areas, concepts and frameworks; lectures will be in larger groups than seminars and workshops.
- Seminars and workshops are an opportunity to apply your knowledge and to discuss and explore the concepts and frameworks raised in lectures with lecturers and fellow students.
- Group work will provide you with the opportunity to learn to work with other people. This is important for your development when considering an accounting, finance or management role in your future career.
- Independent learning is a key skill that will benefit you in the workplace and life in general, as well as study. You will be able to conduct your own research to find out more about the subject areas you are interested in, especially in your final year of study.
- Case studies will be integrated throughout your course. The case studies chosen will reflect the reality of decision-making and problem-solving activities in today’s business environment, increasing in complexity as your degree progresses.
- You will be assessed through individual written assignments, group written assignments and presentations and formal examinations, all of which will test your knowledge and skills;
- The formal examination period is in May/June each year and other formal assessment takes place throughout the academic year
Entry requirements
A Levels: ABB-BBB
Required subjects:
- GCSE Mathematics at grade B or 6
- At least five GCSEs at grade A*-C or 9-4 including English and Mathematics.
English language requirements
All teaching at Royal Holloway (apart from some language courses) is in English. You will therefore need to have good enough written and spoken English to cope with your studies right from the start.
The scores we require
- IELTS: 6.5 overall. Reading and writing 6.0. No other subscore lower than 5.5.
- Pearson Test of English: 61 overall. Reading and writing 54. No subscore lower than 51.
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
Country-specific requirements
For more information about country-specific entry requirements for your country please visit here.
Undergraduate preparation programmes
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements, for this undergraduate degree, the Royal Holloway International Study Centre offers following pathway programmes designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year – for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
- International Year One - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Your future career
An Accounting and Finance degree at Royal Holloway, University of London offers you a route into the accounting profession, and it can also lead into a wider range of careers in business. It is highly regarded by employers because of the deep understanding of accounting and finance in the context of the business environment combined with valuable interpersonal and transferable skills that can be taken directly into the workplace. By spending a year in business you will also have the experience that employers value highly, as well as having created valuable business connections - recent placements have included industry leaders such as Microsoft, BMW, Dior and PwC.
We will help students to recognise their own strengths, skills and abilities so that they can make strong applications for their chosen job or further study. Graduates entered accounting firms, investment banks, trusts and government departments in roles such as financial analyst, finance broker, government economist and trainee chartered accountant.
- Top Accounting firms: PWC, Deloitte, Earnest and Young (EY), KPMG, Grant Thornton, Mazars – a variety of positions: audit, tax, assurance, risk management.
- Finance Graduate - Bellamy Homes PLC
- Management Accountant - London Premier Hotels
- Business Analyst Consultant - Aegon (investment consultant)
- Financial Analyst – Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group
- Financial Analyst – Accenture UK
Fees, funding & scholarships
Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £9,250
The fee for your Year in Business will be 20% of the tuition fee for that academic year.
EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £22,900
The fee for your Year in Business will be 20% of the tuition fee for that academic year.
Other essential costs***: Costs incurred while on your year in business will vary depending on the nature and location of the placement. For further information please contact the School of Business and Management.
How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students who have already taken out a tuition fee loan for undergraduate study should check their eligibility for additional funding directly with the relevant awards body.
*The tuition fee for UK undergraduates is controlled by Government regulations. The fee for the academic year 2024/25 is £9,250 and is provided here as a guide. The fee for UK undergraduates starting in 2025/26 has not yet been set, but will be advertised here once confirmed.
**This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2025/26.
Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for overseas fee-paying students. The increase for continuing students who start their degree in 2025/26 will be 5%. For further information see fees and funding and the terms and conditions.
*** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2025/26 academic year and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.
