Name: BA (Hons) Finance and Business
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BA (Hons) Finance and Business

UCAS CODE: NN13 (Full-time) or NN14 (Foundation Year)

TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

This programme gives you the grounding you need if you are interested in the world of business and finance. We’ll help prepare you for a career in business and its operations, as well as develop your entrepreneurial capabilities to run your own business.

No. 1 in the UK for Student Satisfaction*

*Positivity ranking amongst registered students (NSS 2024)

No. 1 Students' Union in the UK*

*Based on responses from registered students (NSS 2024)

2nd in the UK for Student Satisfaction on our Accounting & Finance courses*

*The Complete University Guide 2025

Why study BA (Hons) Finance and Business at BNU?

Professional accreditations

Our Finance and Business course is recognised by a number of professional bodies, and you can also obtain a number of exemptions when applying for further certification. The course provides an opportunity to gain exemptions from up to 7 modules from the (ACCA) papers at the Fundamentals level. In addition, you can also obtain exemptions from up to 8 modules from the (CIMA) and up to 5 from the (ICAEW). You will also be able to get exemptions for some of the modules to be eligible to obtain membership with the .

Learn to use industry-standard software

You'll get lots of practical experience using accountancy software, including Sage. In addition to the time spent using these software programmes in class, you'll have 24/7 access to them to practice in your own time.

Taught by experts

Our BA (Hons) Finance and Business degree is led by a dedicated and experienced course team. Benefit from their industry knowledge and the industry links they bring to the course. Many of our guest lecturers are industry-experts and alongside your lecturers, they’ll nurture your learning and professional development.

Choose your specialism

Your first year modules will all be taken alongside students on BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting, allowing for wider collaboration and networking with your fellow students. Buckinghamshire New University gives you the opportunity to choose your specialism for your future career after your experience of the core curriculum in year one. Rather than having to make your big decision before you join us, you can choose to transfer from BA (Hons) Finance and Business to BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting after the first year if you wish.

These specialisms are also offered as four-year programmes, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme.

Cutting-edge topics

Our curriculum is continuously updated to stay relevant to updates in the finance and business industries. You'll learn about the issues which are driving change, such as blockchain in accounting and the use of AI in accounting. You'll also get to hear from guest speakers from professional bodies on specialist subjects. All of this means you can be confident that you'll graduate ready to step into a role; many of our finance graduates go straight into executive level positions rather than assistant level.

What will I study?

We are focused on providing you with all the building blocks you need to create a solid understanding of the business environment. In your first year, you will learn alongside students on the BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting course, allowing you to collaborate with a wider group of fellow students and even switch degree programme if you find your interests more closely align with the BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting. You may have the opportunity to take part in trips to enhance your classroom learning; previous visits have included the Bank of England Museum in London. You will also hear from guest speakers from professional bodies. You'll begin to use Microsoft Excel in financial and business reporting, and Sage software.

During your second year you will study topics in more detail, as well as advance management accounting, business law and practice. We’ll also introduce you to financial reporting. This module will teach you how to apply accounting standards and the theoretical framework in the preparation of financial statements of entities. You’ll learn to apply, analyse and evaluate the principles and theories you have learned and be able to reference and apply them to contemporary situations. By putting your knowledge into practice, you’ll feel confidence and well-equipped for your future career.

The focus in your final year is to prepare you for life after BNU. Modules such as international finance, corporate governance and ethics, advanced financial reporting, combined with your previous years knowledge as well as an independent research dissertation will enhance your employability within the finance and business industry.

In addition to your studies, the BNU School of Business and Law regularly holds events to enrich your university experience and enhance your employability, such as a management fair, recruitment events, and alumni networking social meetings.

I had the opportunity to work with a local business and aid them in improving the way they ran. This was brilliant in helping me prepare for the outside world as it gave me a real-life insight into how businesses actually operated - it also allowed for me to improve my network and prepare for life after university.

Harrison Gilkes

How will I be taught and assessed?

At BNU we like to foster an interactive and student-focused teaching style. We blend lectures, seminars, one-to-one workshops, tutorial sessions, independent study and guest speakers to enhance the learning experience.

Our lecturers work hard to ensure that you learn the latest industry standard practices and knowledge. To support in the delivery of this we also welcome industry experts and professionals to deliver guest lectures who share their experience of the latest trends and what companies are looking for.

A range of assessment methods will be employed during your studies, including:

essays
reports
exams
presentations (individual and group)
dissertation.

BA (Hons) Finance and Business Programme Specification

One of the enjoyable things about studying at BNU is that even though I’m doing Accounting & Finance, there’s still the opportunity to work on group projects. Not only do we come together to solve the problem, it’s also the chance to get to know and make friends with my peers.

Yam Kandel

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.

A minimum of two full A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, including demonstrating the necessary knowledge and understanding, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BA (Hons) degree, however may be offered the four-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Foundation Year

Core Modules

Developing Personal Effectiveness

This module hones your study and job skills, fostering leadership and resilience. You’ll learn BNU’s values and support systems, bridging academic skills with employability to thrive at university and beyond.

Research in Practice

In Research in Practice, you’ll master key research skills, from methodologies to efficient library use. You’ll practice summarizing and critical reading, tailored to your field, through interactive workshops, setting a strong foundation for your academic and professional growth.

Communications in Practice

This module provides you with vital workplace communication skills and professional growth. You’ll engage in group work to explore industry communications through PESTEL analysis and develop a live industry demo. You’ll gain insights via practical seminars, real-life examples, and case studies, preparing you for effective communication.

Live Learning Project

In this module, you’ll lead a mini-project. You will be taught and then use project management techniques as well as applying skills from other modules. You’ll tackle real-world problems, enhance your expertise, and gain confidence through regular tutorials and case study discussions.

Accounting in Practice

In this module you’ll a clear understanding of accounting in business, from transaction recording to reporting. You’ll explore accounting’s nature, tools, and contemporary issues like AI and corporate governance, setting a strong foundation for further studies.

Finance in Society

Dive into finance fundamentals and their impact on people and society. You’ll grasp essential concepts and practices through theories and case studies, preparing you for advanced courses and real-world financial analysis.

Year 1

Core Modules

Credits

Management Accounting

20

Credits: 20

You will develop knowledge and understanding of management accounting techniques to support management in planning, controlling and monitoring performance in a variety of business contexts. The module is one of the core modules for professional bodies such as ACCA and CIMA and therefore is designed to focus on employability and industry practice.

Financial Accounting

20

Credits: 20

You’ll learn the essentials of the regulatory framework relating to accounts preparation and the qualitative characteristics of useful information. You’ll also cover drafting financial statements and the principles of accounts preparation. The module also concentrates in-depth on recording, processing and reporting business transactions and events.

Business and Technology

20

Credits: 20

This module will introduce business and its environment and the influence this has on how organisations are structured. You’ll gain an understanding of the role of accounting and other key business functions in contributing to the efficient, effective and ethical management and development of an organisation and its people and systems.

Computerised Accounting

20

Credits: 20

You will be taught how to use Microsoft Excel in the preparation of management reports and statutory accounts including invoices, budgets, variance analysis, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and cashflow forecasts. You’ll be taught to use Sage Line 50 to create accounting records and prepare financial statements from records of prime entry.

Global Business and Sustainability

20

Credits: 20

Business is an interconnected series of systems, networks and operations that span the globe where it is possible to conduct business at any hour of the day. You’ll learn about the impact and challenges of technology and the growth and benefits of emerging markets.

Introduction to Data and Analytics

20

Credits: 20

This module examines the importance of collecting and managing data to facilitate informed business decision making. You’ll study both qualitative and quantitative forms of data collection and use of appropriate software for the analysis and interpretation of data to provide insight into business and management research issues.

Year 2

Core Modules

Credits

Advanced Management Accounting

20

Credits: 20

This module develops knowledge and skills in the application of management accounting techniques to quantitative and qualitative information for planning, decision-making, performance evaluation, and control. You’ll learn about the information needs, technologies and systems required by organisations to manage and measure performance.

Financial Management

20

Credits: 20

This module introduces the role and purpose of financial management function within a business, the business financial environment, capital management and investment appraisal. The module will also explore the business environment and how it operates, especially the role of financial management and appraisal skills.

Consulting In Practice

20

Credits: 20

You’ll learn about working effectively in a team, pitching for business and will be provided with live project briefs from clients. The module will also consider how business research sources can support the consultant in understanding the client, their industry and the issues they are trying to address.

Financial Reporting 1

20

Credits: 20

The aim of this module is to understand how to apply accounting standards and the theoretical framework in the preparation of financial statements of entities. You will study financial reporting with reference to qualitative characteristics and regulatory framework of accounting and how this informs the standard setting process.

Responsible Enterprise and Ethical Research

20

Credits: 20

Entrepreneurship is an important part of our cultural DNA. With the rise of the side-hustle economy more people are taking their financial security into their own hands. You’ll learn the necessary tools and knowledge to start your own business venture and examine the environmental sustainability, social and ethical aspects of it.

Business Law and Practice

20

Credits: 20

Examine the legal relationship, and legal obligations, of businesses to their stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and employees. You’ll be introduced to the various business structures, sole trader, partnerships and limited companies, and the legal rights and obligations of directors and partners, both contractual and non-contractual.

Year 3

Core Modules

Credits

Sustainable Strategic Agility and Innovation

20

Credits: 20

This module will equip you with the necessary skills for understanding, designing and assessing strategies from an orthodox and agile perspective in a fast-moving business environment. You will critically examine and design social and environmental safeguards in strategies such as diversity, inclusivity and ethical practices.

Financial Reporting 2

20

Credits: 20

This module will further expand on the techniques for analysing and interpreting financial statements to diagnose a business’s strengths and weaknesses to develop working strategies. You’ll learn how financial accounts are prepared in compliance with accounting standards.

Corporate Governance and Ethics

20

Credits: 20

This module will give you the skills to carry out the role of accountant relating to governance, internal control, compliance and the management of risk within an organisation. You’ll study personal and professional ethics, ethical frameworks and professional values as applied in the context of the accountant’s duties.

International Finance

20

Credits: 20

This module covers five major topics in international finance, including time value of money and valuations, cash-flow analysis, capital budgeting, financing (corporate capital structure or leverage decisions), and dividend policy and working capital management. You’ll gain an overview of the acquisition, financing and management of business assets...

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £5,760 *
Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 per year *

International

Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 *
Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 per year *

Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.

Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  

Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  

Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  

We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.

The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

What are my career prospects?

You will graduate with an industry accredited degree from the , and which means that you start one step closer to becoming a fully qualified accountant.

Recent graduates from this course have gone onto jobs such as: