Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)

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Key information

Duration:
3 years full time
Typical A-level offer:
ABB
View full entry requirements
UCAS code:
NN43
Start date:
September 2026

The global economy is in constant flux. Businesses need professionals who can navigate financial challenges and maintain financial health.

On our Accounting and Finance BSc, you'll develop the skills for a successful career. Accredited by five industry accounting bodies, this course can accelerate your journey to membership of the accounting profession, with exemptions from some exams.

Join the EQUIS- and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School, where leading academics are shaping policy and practice. You'll benefit from our culture of research excellence in areas such as climate finance, crypto assets, and social and environmental accounting and reporting.

By studying at Sussex, you will:

  • develop the regulatory knowledge to remain compliant and adapt to change
  • gain skills in problem-solving and data analytics
  • explore common types of investment and analyse investment portfolios
  • study issues surrounding multinational companies
  • examine ethical challenges across accounting and finance.

Throughout your studies, you’ll explore the risks and interdependencies of the modern global economy. You'll engage with real-world exercises, with supervision from academics and industry experts. You’ll also have access to facilities including our Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab.

With options in leadership and entrepreneurship, you can broaden your knowledge while boosting your employability. Additionally, our Academic Success Advisers can help you to develop your study skills. You can also gain practical experience through professional and study abroad opportunities.

Accounting and finance professionals are in high demand. You’ll graduate with the skills to succeed in areas ranging from corporate finance to public accounting. With a solid foundation in financial principles, you’ll be able to make strategic decisions and help businesses grow.

Accreditation

You’ll join the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School. Learn more about all of our course accreditations here. Find out more

  • Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations. Find out more
  • Accredited by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for associate membership with that body. Find out more
  • Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route. Find out more
  • Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations. Find out more
  • Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations. Find out more

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Everything I’m learning is directly applicable to real life. The knowledge I’ve gained from my Finance modules has allowed me to better understand the stock market and even make trades.”Miles Henseleit
Accounting and Finance BSc
Financial Turnaround Senior Associate, PwC
How to apply
Meet with us
Book a visit now
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Entry requirements

A-level

Typical offer

ABB

Contextual offerView contextual offer

Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan

GCSEs

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 6 (or grade B).  

We will also consider applicants with grade 5 in Maths if you are taking A-level Accounting, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Maths, Physics, Psychology, an LIBF Diploma in Financial Studies or Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths (grade B). AAT accounting qualifications can be used as an alternative to the grade 6 GCSE Maths requirement.

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. 

Extended Project Qualification

We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer.  We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us

Other UK qualifications

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

32 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer

Overall result of at least 77%.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Other international qualifications

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component

Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about IELTS

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

 

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

English language qualifications

Country exceptions

Admissions information for applicants

Transfers into Year 2

Yes. Find out more about transferring into Year 2 of this course. We don’t accept transfers into the third or final year.

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

Don’t meet our entry requirements?

If you don't meet our entry requirements, we recommend our in-house Foundation Year course to prepare you for Year 1 of your chosen degree:

How to apply
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Modules

This is a single-honours course, allowing you to focus in depth on your core subject.

Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Options

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.

While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.

Study abroad (optional)

Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career. Find out where your course could take you

If your application to study abroad is successful, you’ll have to meet the academic requirements at Sussex and also at the partner university. Find out more about studying abroad as a Sussex student

Placement (optional)

To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.

Find out more about placements and internships

Recent students have gone on placement at:

  • IBM
  • GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
  • Hewlett Packard.

For more details, visit Business and Management: Placements

My placement has given me perspective on where my degree is taking me in terms of career options, while improving my chances of employment.”Rachael Ferguson
Accounting and Finance BSc

Please note that if you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

Venture Creation Year (optional)

Do you want to develop your entrepreneurial skills, and explore business or a social enterprise start-up? As a University of Sussex Business School undergraduate on this course, you can apply to take a Venture Creation Year.

During the Venture Creation Year, you’ll set up and run your own start-up or social enterprise. This will help you gain practical skills and experience. You’ll have the University’s support throughout the year, including:

  • one-to-one coaching
  • specialist workshops
  • networking and mentor access
  • funding competitions
  • online resources.

For more details, visit Business School: Venture Creation Year

Please note that you can’t take two experience years or combine them.

Selection for the Venture Creation Year is competitive and there’s a limited number of places available.

Due to visa restrictions on business activity, international students studying on a Tier 4 Student visa cannot take part in the Venture Creation Year. However, all students can participate in Careers and Entrepreneurship workshops, get one-to-one guidance, and continue to develop their ideas.

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Options

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.

While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.

How to apply
TEF 2023 silver

Silver

The student experience and student outcomes are typically very high quality.
This rating was awarded in 2023, for four years.
(Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)

Find out more about our approach to teaching and supporting you to thrive

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Our staff

My goal is for my students to understand how accounting and finance can improve the contemporary business environment. My teaching encourages learners to become critical thinkers, responsible leaders and great communicators.”Dr Sami Adwan
Senior Lecturer in Accounting
Apply now
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Fees

Fees are not yet set for the academic year 2026/27 – please check back in September 2025. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.

Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Scholarships

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2026/27.

How to apply
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Careers

Join the University of Sussex Business School and benefit from extensive career support and business connections, including mentoring by employers, networking, guest lectures and development of your workplace skills.

This course is ideal if you want to become a chartered accountant or financial analyst, and for careers in accountancy, finance and management, in both the public and private sector. Your degree opens employment opportunities worldwide because your professional accounting qualifications are recognised internationally.

You develop ethical awareness, independent thinking, leadership, self-confidence, and problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Working while you study

Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

Having a strong degree from such a reputable institute certainly helped me stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs.”Elwira Mroczko
Accounting and Finance (with a professional placement year) BSc graduate
Financial Controller, Hometree

Design your future at Sussex

Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.

As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:

  • our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
  • one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
  • entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.

Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you

National Enterprise Educator Awards logo

Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024

The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services logo

Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024

Rate My Placement Awards - Celebrating the Best Student Employers and Universities for Work Experience

Top 50
Best Universities for Work Experience in the UK
2025 RateMyPlacement Awards

How to apply
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