Accounting and Finance, BA (Hons), with industry placement

Course summary

Explore the latest developments in the field and master the complex set of skills needed to embark on a career in accounting and finance. You will have the opportunity to experience accountancy in the real world while working within businesses, and graduate with credits towards your professional accountancy qualification with the ACCA, ICAEW or CIMA.All undergraduate modules within Plymouth Business School have integrated within them a CV building activity, for example, through micro-credentialing; real world problem-based learning; or embedded direct employer activity. We do this because we know it is key to student academic and graduate success.

• Start your career from day one, our course is accredited by the major professional accountancy bodies and new students are enrolled as student members of the ACCA or ICAEW. Our course is designed so that students are eligible for significant exam exemptions from the ACCA, ICAEW and CIMA on graduation.

• Careers advice is embedded throughout. Meet potential future employers at accountancy-specific careers events and explore where your career might take you. Join the Devon Chamber ROOTS scheme and receive training and professional mentoring, as well as invitations to top networking events.

• You will develop proficiency in key skills such as reflection, evaluation and group work. These skills will improve your academic performance, develop your ability to communicate, enhance your employment prospects and equip you for lifelong learning.

• The embedded use of spreadsheet software throughout the course allows you to gain important employability skills so that you can demonstrate your value to businesses immediately.

• Learn about global stock markets in our Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite. Complete an optional online Bloomberg course awarded by the Bloomberg Institute allowing students to add this onto their CV and be provided with a certificate of completion.

Your first year introduces you to the business world of accountancy and finance. Learn how to control company finances and report company performance. Understand the important role that economics and data analysis play in the success of every business. In your second year learn how to create and manage budgets and develop your core accounting skills. Choose to examine stock markets in our Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite or learn about key aspects of taxation for businesses. Discover how to manage a company’s finances to maximise its performance and how to manage a business responsibly and ethically. You can choose to do a placement year, taking the opportunity to earn a salary while getting hands-on work experience. You’ll develop your financial flair and build confidence to help you in your future career. In your final year apply core knowledge to decide whether a business should undertake a major investment project. Learn how a company is financed and how cash is managed effectively. Undertake a business-specific research project and choose to learn about auditing or financial modelling.