Our industry-focused programme offers an Accounting and Finance degree designed to prepare you for a professional, managerial, or business career. It develops highly valued employability skills, enhancing your opportunities for career progression and long-term development.
Blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, you will explore a broad range of accounting and finance topics, including financial reporting, management accounting, audit and assurance, taxation, business law, and corporate finance.
Graduates of this course may be eligible for exemptions with professional bodies such as the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), supporting your progression towards professional qualifications.
The Foundation Year is designed to prepare you for university-level study, introducing key concepts in accounting and financial management while building the academic skills needed to succeed throughout the degree.
Studying at degree level also develops transferable skills that are applicable across a wide range of careers, from accounting and financial management roles to entrepreneurial ventures. You will graduate with the ability to address key strategic questions, such as:
- How can workplace insight enhance career development?
- How do you manage financial and accounting responsibilities when running a business?
- Which business principles and theories have the greatest financial impact?
Overall, this degree provides a strong foundation in accounting and financial management, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to build a successful career aligned with your ambitions.
This Beesmarter course provides opportunities to develop your knowledge and understanding through informal formative assessments. These take place before formal summative assessments, which determine your final grades.
Each module typically includes at least one formative assessment, allowing you to receive feedback from your course team. These assessments are designed solely for development and do not contribute to your final module mark. They help you build confidence, deepen your understanding of the subject content, and prepare effectively for formal assessment tasks. Students who do not engage with formative activities may find progression through the Foundation Year and higher levels more challenging.
Summative assessments are completed towards the end of each module and contribute directly to your final grade. These may include written examinations and a range of coursework such as essays, reports, portfolios, and presentations.
Assessment methods at GBS are reviewed annually and may be updated in consultation with students, including in response to student feedback or input from External Examiners. External Examiners are independent academic experts from other higher education providers, appointed by Canterbury Christ Church University, to ensure that academic standards are maintained and externally assured
Entry Requirements
Applicants must be aged 18 or over and:
- Hold a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to 60 credits or 80 UCAS tariff points)
- Have five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent)
- Complete an interview assessment covering listening, speaking, numeracy, and writing skills (see ‘Next Steps’ for details)
Applicants aged 21 and over:
We welcome applications from mature students who may not meet the standard entry requirements but can demonstrate motivation and commitment to studying this subject, along with relevant academic, professional, or vocational experience in a related field.
Applicants will still be required to complete an interview assessment covering listening, speaking, and writing skills (see ‘Next Steps’ for details).
Next Steps:
- Complete the application form by selecting the ‘Apply Now’ button on this page
- Submit supporting documents when requested by Beesmarter
- Attend a panel interview to assess listening and speaking skills
- Complete a numeracy assessment and a written personal reflection statement
- Receive a final decision from Beesmarter regarding your application
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John
Bee Smarter made the whole process simple and stress-free. From choosing the right course to completing my application, their support was clear, professional, and very helpful.
Lyla
Bee Smarter made everything feel easy and well organised. From exploring the right course to completing the application, their guidance was professional, supportive, and reassuring.
Ron
Bee Smarter provided excellent support throughout my journey. They made course selection easier and guided me through the application process in a clear, friendly, and professional way.
Rob
From the first enquiry to the final application stage, Bee Smarter was helpful and supportive throughout. Their advice was clear, professional, and made the whole process much less stressful.
FAQs
1. Is the BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management with Foundation Year right for me?
This programme is an excellent pathway for those looking to build a career in financial management or develop the skills needed to start their own business. It provides a strong foundation in modern accounting principles alongside practical, applied learning, preparing you for a successful future in accounting or finance.
2. What will I gain from this course?
This four-year programme offers a structured progression from foundational knowledge to advanced industry expertise. The Foundation Year introduces key concepts and prepares you for undergraduate study, while the following three years progressively develop your technical knowledge and professional skills in line with industry expectations.
3. What career opportunities are available after completing the course?
Graduates can pursue a wide range of roles within accounting and financial management, including:
- Auditor
- Company Secretary
- Credit Analyst
- Credit Manager
- Data Analyst
- Finance Manager
- Financial Accountant
- Financial Advisor
- Forensic Accountant
- Management Accountant
- Public Finance Accountant
- Tax Advisor
4. Where can I study this course?
The course is available at our Birmingham, London, Leeds, and Manchester campuses. Each location offers excellent learning facilities, student support services, and access to a vibrant student experience both inside and outside the classroom.
5. Will the course fit around my schedule?
We understand the importance of balancing study with other commitments. This programme offers flexible study options, with classes available on weekdays and in the evenings, helping you maintain a healthy balance between academic, personal, and professional life.
6. What are the entry requirements?
Applicants must be aged 18 or over and meet the following criteria:
- A Level 3 qualification (equivalent to 60 credits or 80 UCAS tariff points)
- Five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent)
- Completion of an interview assessment covering listening, speaking, numeracy, and writing skills
Applicants aged 21 and over who do not meet the standard entry requirements may still be considered if they can demonstrate relevant academic, professional, or vocational experience in a related field, along with commitment to study.
Next steps:
- Submit an application via the ‘Apply Now’ button on this page
- Provide supporting documents when requested by GBS
- Attend a panel interview and complete a supervised personal reflection statement
- Receive a final decision from GBS
7. What will I learn on the course?
The programme provides a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application. The Foundation Year builds essential understanding of key industry concepts. In Year 1, you will study core topics such as Management Accounting I and the Dynamic Business Environment. Year 2 focuses on more advanced areas including Management Accounting II, Financial Reporting, Business and Corporate Law, and Leadership and Change. In Year 3, you will complete advanced study alongside either a Dissertation or a combination of Business Ethics and a Research Project.