Accounting and Financial Management BA
Be inspired by our world leading academics, to develop essential industry ready skills and gain rigorous academic knowledge, contextualising the role of accounting and financial management in an organisation.
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A Levels
AAB -
UCAS code
N420 -
Duration
3 years -
Start date
September
- Accredited
- Course fee
- Funding available
- Optional placement year
Explore this course:
Course description
Why study this course?
Sheffield University Management School is accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB. The programme benefits from professional exemptions from ACCA, CIMA, CPA Australia, ICAEW and CIPFA which means by studying this programme you will have a head start in becoming a qualified chartered accountant.
Based in the department, they support you to get placements and internships, work with industry to ensure you develop the most in-demand skills and support you with career planning and CV workshops.
The school runs a series of Balance and Belonging events, providing you with the opportunity to get to know your peers and students on other courses, and feel a sense of belonging within the Management School.
Learn about how the accounting and financial side of an organisation can support decision making, and help shape information systems and business architecture with socially responsible financial management.
Accounting and financial management plays a major role in all organisations. It extends way beyond a series of numerical techniques and processes. In this degree, we show you the bigger picture, help you to develop skills like digital literacy, teamwork and communication, and establish your business awareness – so you can take your career in any direction you choose.
You'll explore the impact of financial decisions on societal welfare, the environment and company stakeholders. And you’ll use our industry-standard Trading Room, kitted out with Bloomberg and Refinitiv Eikon terminals, to enhance your technical knowledge.
And if you want to gain some real, first-hand experience, you can decide to take a placement year between your second and third year – making it even simpler to step from your degree into the career you want.
The Management School is Triple Crown accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB.
This course is accredited by the following bodies for the purpose of eligibility for Associate membership and exemption from some professional examinations: Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and CPA Australia.
Modules
UCAS code: N420
Years: 2026
The first year of the course gives you a broad understanding of accounting and finance. You'll learn the underpinning knowledge and workings of financial markets in a classroom scenario.
Core modules cover the necessary accounting and financial management knowledge required by the profession. We'll also encourage you to start thinking about life in the workplace.
You will quickly become familiar with the challenges faced by professional accountants. As your confidence grows, you'll develop your own views on how to approach these challenges.
Core modules:
- Introduction to Management Accounting
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This module introduces students to the core techniques of Management Accounting, with a focus on their application in business decision-making, financial planning, and performance evaluation. Students will develop an understanding of key concepts such as cost classification, budgeting, costing methods, and capital investment appraisal. The module highlights the role of the management accountant in providing valuable insights through cost analysis, supporting both short- and long-term decisions, and enhancing organisational performance through behavioral and responsibility accounting. Additionally, students will explore the integration of management accounting with social, environmental and sustainability indicators, and their impact on both financial and non-financial outcomes, ensuring that future decisions align with sustainable business practices.
20 credits - Introduction to Financial Accounting
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Financial Accounting is concerned with the ways in which the financial transactions of a business are recorded and summarised in financial statements. This module provides an introduction to the construction of financial statements and an understanding and evaluation of the principles and concepts on which they are underpinned. Once the principles have been established, the module further develops the practical understanding of the preparation of financial statements and focuses on the preparation, interpretation and limitations of company financial statements and the regulatory framework in which they are prepared.
20 credits - Foundations in Financial Management
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This module aims to create a foundation of knowledge in the subject area of financial management, creating the required framework of skill and knowledge for financial decision making and to provide a base of knowledge for the related modules in levels 2 and 3. This module will achieve this by introducing the essential principles, theories and calculations within financial management. It will also introduce the contemporary issues and developments in financial markets. The module design and content expects to at least cover the contents of foundation level financial management related module syllabus of professional accounting bodies.
20 credits - Business Economics in a Contemporary Society
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This module provides you with a grounding in a range of business economics concepts that have immediate relevance to modern day businesses, society, and the economy.
20 credits
It introduces theoretically diverse concepts that include and contend with mainstream business economics thought, so that you are able to openly debate and engage with business economics topics.
It is designed to challenge understanding of the socioeconomic environment in which businesses are embedded so that you become more cognizant with diverse ways of thinking about and understanding real world business economic issues. - Futures First: Professional Self Management
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This module is intended to provide a structured and supported process for students to reflect upon their own learning, performance and/or achievement, and to plan for their personal, educational and career development. It is designed to ensure students are fully prepared to gain the most from their academic studies and to be better placed to continue their development throughout and beyond their degree studies.
20 credits
You will take one of the following modules:
- Analysis for Decision Making A
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This unit will enable students to develop competencies in those quantitative techniques and tools which are essential for the collection, analysis and interpretation of data in a business context. Focusing on a variety of business problems, the unit will demonstrate how quantitative techniques can be used to support effective business decision making.
20 credits - Analysis for Decision Making B
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This unit will enable students to develop competencies in those quantitative techniques and tools which are essential for the collection, analysis and interpretation of data in a business context. Focusing on a variety of business problems, the unit will demonstrate how quantitative techniques can be used to support effective business decision making. The teaching is aimed at those who have not taken mathematics beyond GCSE or its equivalent.
20 credits
In years two and three, you have more flexibility. Optional modules give you the chance to specialise and enhance your solid grounding in accounting and finance.
Practical skills development is available through our Trading Room, which simulates life in the financial markets with professional software from Bloomberg.
We also run workshops for all Management School students to learn how to use the range of data, analytics and information sources.
Some modules cover material from professional accounting examinations, which means that students are given exemptions with accounting bodies including ACCA, ICAEW, CPA Australia and CIMA.
Example core modules:
- Intermediate Financial Accounting
- Intermediate Management Accounting
- Introduction to Corporate Finance and Asset Pricing
- Financial Management
Example optional modules:
- Career Management Theory and Practice
- Business Strategy
- Corporate Governance
- Law for Management
In years two and three, you have more flexibility. Optional modules give you the chance to specialise and enhance your solid grounding in accounting and finance.
Practical skills development is available through our Trading Room, which simulates life in the financial markets with professional software from Bloomberg.
We also run workshops for all Management School students to learn how to use the range of data, analytics and information sources.
Some modules cover material from professional accounting examinations, which means that students are given exemptions with accounting bodies including ACCA, ICAEW, CPA Australia and CIMA.
Example core modules:
- Advances in Financial Accounting
- Advances in Management Accounting
- Case Studies in Accounting and Financial Management
Example optional modules:
- Company Analysis and Valuation
- Auditing
- Corporate Finance
- Emerging Markets Finance
- Financial Derivatives
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Learning and assessment
Learning
This course has been designed to enable you to follow a career in accounting, finance and wider business roles.
We work very closely with a range of global professional bodies, such as ICAEW, ACCA and CIMA, along with leading global employers to develop a course that is always up to date and that provides you with the skills and knowledge to excel in modern organisations.
Our courses are based on world-leading research and our staff, many of whom have extensive industry experience, produce impactful research that influences policy and informs public debate.
Throughout the programme, your learning experience will be shaped by a variety of teaching methods. Lectures will introduce you to key topics, whilst seminars and workshops will provide you with the knowledge to explore the course content more deeply in a supportive learning environment with smaller group sizes.
Our variety of teaching styles means that you will learn practical skills to help you land the right job, as well as gain the rigorous academic knowledge that you require to progress throughout your degree.
The accounting and financial management programme provides you with access to a comprehensive collection of specialist business and finance databases that are used by global companies, analysts and top researchers.
These include Bloomberg, Refinitiv Eikon, Datastream, Thomson ONE, Compustat, MSCI, WRDS and CSMAR among others. These databases will give you access to market insights and the data that you'll need to complete your assessments, learn new skills and become work-ready.
You'll be supported throughout your degree by your module leaders, tutors, academic tutors and our wider learning and teaching support such as the 301 Academic Skills Centre.
You’ll also benefit from our Balance and Belonging events - informal, social events that give you the opportunity to meet your peers and coursemates.
Assessment
Your lecturers are here to support your development, which is why you’ll be given extensive feedback on your work to help you progress and reach your potential.
You’ll be assessed through a range of methods including, exams, online tests, group and individual presentations and course work.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- ABB + A in a social science related EPQ; ABB + A in Core Maths
- International Baccalaureate
- 34; 33, with A in a social-science based extended essay
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in a relevant subject
- BTEC Diploma
- DD + A at A Level
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAB
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AA
- Access to HE Diploma
- The award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit
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GCSE Maths grade 6/B
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
ABB
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- ABB + A in a social science related EPQ; ABB + A in Core Maths
- International Baccalaureate
- 33
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in a relevant subject
- BTEC Diploma
- DD + B at A Level
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AB
- Access to HE Diploma
- The award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit
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GCSE Maths grade 6/B
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.
Graduate careers
Many of our graduates work in traditional accounting roles as trainee chartered accountants or management accountants, but a growing number work in audit, insurance, banking, investment and consultancy roles.
Recent graduates are working for companies such as Santander, Deloitte LLP, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Morrisons.
Management School
We have a dedicated employability team who offer careers support, and can help you to find jobs or placement opportunities, and develop essential skills through workshops with industry experts. You're supported throughout your course and after graduation.
We work with businesses and organisations to ensure the content of our courses are up-to-date and relevant, and that the skills and experience you'll gain meet the demands of future employers
Sheffield University Management School careers and employability support
Management School
AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS
Research Excellence Framework 2021
We are a world leading management school with Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS).
These awards have been achieved through the outstanding quality of our programmes, research output, support for students and alumni, and links with industry. We have a world-class reputation for high quality teaching, ground-breaking research and cutting-edge thinking.
You’ll be part of a dynamic and engaging management school that puts you and your future at the heart of everything it does. We balance a rigorous academic foundation with practical skills to ensure you are ready for the world of work.
We want you to develop skills so you can apply course content in a company setting. Our close links with organisations keep us in tune with the changing demands of the workplace. We know what employers are looking for.
You'll learn from experts - many of our academics are former industry professionals and they work closely with businesses. Because our academics are world-leading researchers, your education will draw on the most current management theories.
We want you to engage with the academic content, be conscientious and take an independent approach to study.
We'll help you to be informed, innovative and proactive and do everything we can to support and enhance your career, steering you in the right direction with all the knowledge and skills you require.
You'll benefit from tailored on-site and online professional careers support, dedicated skills sessions and events with experts from world-leading organisations and professional bodies. These activities will help guide your personal and professional development to help you secure the right work experience for you.
Management School students are based in our building on Conduit Road.
Facilities
The Management School building includes learning facilities such as lecture theatres, seminar rooms, trading and computer rooms, our academic and professional staff, and our Employability hub and Student Experience Office. Teaching takes place at various venues across campus.
The Management School has invested in an impressive, fully-equipped financial trading room, built around Bloomberg and Refinitiv Eikon.
These terminals are used by traders, banks and multinational companies to trade financial securities, gain market insights and undertake research. You will also have the opportunity to gain certification that demonstrates competence in these systems, which will add real value to your CV.
University rankings
A world top-100 university
QS World University Rankings 2026 (92nd) and Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 (98th)
Number one in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2024 (based on aggregate responses)
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
University of the Year and best for Student Life
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for Students' Union
StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report
Student profiles
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Placements
Previous students have undertaken placements at BHP Grant Thornton, IBM, BDO, Lloyds Banking Group, Volkswagen Financial Services UK and the NHS, as well as smaller local companies. They go into roles in finance and accounting, tax, insurance and auditing.
Visit
University open days
We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Subject tasters
If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.
Offer holder days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.
Apply
Contact us
Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.