Accountancy and Financial Management Top-up BA (Hons)
BA Hons Accountancy and Financial Management Top up
BA Hons Accountancy and Financial Management Top up
Overview
This 2 year top-up degree course allows you to build on your previous higher education studies to gain a full BA (Hons) degree in Accountancy and Financial Management. You must have 120 first year higher education credits in accountancy to apply for this course.
This degree focuses on modern accountancy skills. You'll learn to understand, visualise and present financial data to inform and persuade businesses to make the right financial decisions. You'll work in small groups that replicate the workplace, with a focus on teamwork, real world case studies and developing strategy from financial data.
You'll be able to tailor your learning to your area of specialist interest, choosing your modules to focus on:
- professional modules: take the fastest route to becoming an ACCA chartered accountant
- finance modules: your best preparation route for working in banking or investment management
- analytics modules: combine accounting with data analysis, including data cleaning, visualisation and modelling
The course is accredited by 2 key accounting bodies (ACCA and CIMA), so whichever route you take you'll have lots of exemptions from professional exams.
"All professional accountants will be expected to look beyond the numbers. They will need to collaborate with people...interpret and explain the numbers, provide insight...think and behave more strategically and become more involved in decision-making than before."
Course highlights
- Be taught by professionally qualified accountants who have industry experience with companies such as KPMG, Deloitte and HSBC
- Get on the fast track to becoming a chartered accountant through our accredited exemptions from professional exams with 2 global accounting bodies
- Be employment-ready by using industry-standard software and databases such as Oracle, SAP, Sage and S&P Capital IQ
- Choose options in business analytics to develop the skills that modern accounting needs
- Benefit from the opportunity to gain additional certifications, for example the ACCA Data Analytics Certificate
- Gain a Bloomberg Certificate (a trading platform that's used by 250,000 financial service professionals) in our dedicated Bloomberg Suite
- Apply your learning by helping student entrepreneurs and local charities such as Age Concern and The Rowans Hospice with their finances
- Feel supported throughout your studies through our peer mentoring, maths support and our team of friendly staff who'll get to know you well
No.3 Influential business school in the world (Financial Times Teaching Power Rankings 2021)
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). This means that in addition to achieving a degree, you receive exemptions from ACCA, and CIMA professional examinations. This course offers the maximum number of exemptions for ACCA and CIMA.
Why is this important?
To progress your career as an accountant you'll need to do further study after graduation whilst you're working. Combining study and work can be difficult, so it's good to complete some units whilst you're still at university. This also benefits your future employers, as they'll have less professional examination fees to pay.
I have really enjoyed my time at Portsmouth and if I could turn back time I would come back and do it all again! What really stood out to me was the breadth of commercial and academic experience of the lecturers and their ability to bring the course to life using real world examples.
Entry requirements
BA (Hons) Accountancy and Financial Management (Top-up) degree entry requirements
Qualifications or experience
- This course is open to home UK, international and EU students
- You can only apply if you have previously studied at higher education level. You need 120 first year HE credits.
See full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ideal skills and qualities for this course
As well as meeting the entry requirements for this degree and being comfortable working with numbers, we're looking for people who are team players and who embrace a challenge.
Having a curious mind is important, because employers value graduates who can adapt to new situations and find solutions to complex problems.
Feel at home in our international community
Over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries study with us. You'll find clubs and societies for everything you can imagine.
In our welcoming and diverse city you can enjoy a wide range of global cuisine and international food shops.
Facilities and clinics
Accounting Clinic
Volunteer to help solve financial issues for fellow students who are setting up their own businesses.
Professional Accounting Practice
Help local charities with their financial and accounting issues through this practical module.
Business analytics software
Use industry standard business analytics software such as Microsoft BI, Python, and Tableau.
Bloomberg Suite
Access data from the world's global financial markets and gain experience using industry standard software.
Next Generation Lab
Gain practical skills with cloud-based software, such as SAP and S&P Capital IQ, in our dedicated lab.
Maths Café
No problem is too small or too tough for our Maths Café tutors, who are on hand every day during term-time to help you if you get stuck or need something explained.
Careers and opportunities
Accountants are needed in good times and bad and they're needed in every type of business. This means that you can apply your skills in any sector you're passionate about, from sports and entertainment, to manufacturing, charities, or the arts. You'll also be able to work in other parts of the world as your accredited qualification is recognised internationally.
Our graduates go on to work in accounting practice, the finance departments of large corporations, and the finance sector.
Previous graduates of our accounting and finance courses have secured jobs at companies such as:
- Deloitte
- PWC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
- Menzies LLP
- HWB Accountants
- EY Global (Ernst & Young)
- JPP Financial
- Barclays
- Lockheed Martin UK
- Lloyds Register
- J P Morgan
- Grant Thornton
- Royal Bank of Scotland
Graduates of our accounting and finance courses have secured jobs as:
- accountant
- auditor
- finance analyst
- financial consultant
- investment broker
- control analyst
- financial reporting analyst
- tax analyst
(Data taken from HESA Graduate Outcome surveys)
If you decide at the end of your studies that you don't want to qualify as an accountant there are many other options open to you. The data analysis skills and problem-solving skills you'll develop on this course will open many other doors.
You could also choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level, or set up your own business with help and support from the University.
Work placement year
You can boost your employability by taking an optional paid placement year between years 1 and 2 of your degree.
Previous accountancy and finance students have had placements in organisations such as:
- Deloitte
- PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
- NBC Universal
- Siemens
- Decathlon
- Metropolitan Police Service
Many of our students are offered graduate jobs by their placement employers.
The average salary for a 12-month paid placement is £19,000. It could be more or less than this amount depending on your placement. You'll only pay a very small percentage of your tuition fee for this year.
You could also set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
Ways to enrich your study
Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme (EiR)
We have more than 20 experienced business entrepreneurs on our free EiR programme who can help you develop your business idea.
"I have a business idea, but I was not too sure about it. After this meeting, I felt so encouraged and positive about it! I felt so motivated to pursue my business venture. He gave me real life advice and helped me how to approach my ideas."
Rabab El Habchi Mahir meeting EiR Mark Smith
What you'll study on this BA (Hons) Accountancy and Financial Management Top-up degree
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Core modules in this year include:
- Critical Issues in Accounting and Finance - 20 credits
- Financial Management - 20 credits
- Financial Reporting - 20 credits
- Management Accounting - 20 credits
Optional modules this year currently include:
- Bloomberg (level 5) - 0 credits
- Accounting in the Community (level 5) - 0 credits
- Business Law - 20 credits
- Investment Analysis - 20 credits
- Learn a Foreign Language - 20 credits
- Accounting Packages and Systems - 20 credits
- Introduction to Business Analytics - 20 credits
- Taxation - 20 credits
Core modules in this year include:
- Strategic Management Accounting – 20 credits
- Advanced Financial Reporting – 20 credits
- Advanced Global Financial Management – 20 credits
Optional modules currently include:
- Bloomberg (level 6) - 0 credits
- Accounting in the Community (level 6) - 0 credits
- Strategic Management - 20 credits
- International Financial Management - 20 credits
- Business Analytics - 20 credits
- Auditing - 20 credits
- Professional Accounting Practice - 20 credits
- Financial Investment Project - 20 credits
- Dissertation - 40 credits
- Independent Study Project - 20 credits
- Collaborative Accounting Community - 20 credits
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Alternative accounting courses
Not quite sure this course is right for you? Take a look at our other finance and accounting courses to compare your options.
You can join this top-up BA (Hons) Finance and Business Communication degree in either the 2nd or 3rd year, depending on your level of previous study and your ability to speak and write English. This degree is designed for non-native English speakers and combines the study of global finance with classes to improve your business English and communication skills.
This full, 3-year BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance degree is accredited by 3 accounting bodies and offers the quickest route to qualified accountant status for those who haven't yet done any higher education study.
In this full, 3-year BA (Hons) Financial Management degree you combine your studies of finance with a broader understanding of business, looking at how finance works with other business sectors such as operations and people management.
Teaching
Portsmouth Business School is ranked 3rd in the UK for teaching power.
Our teaching has been developed to maximise skills that employers are looking for. In our classes you'll engage in activities that both enhance your learning and develop your communication, presentation and team working skills. Where appropriate, you'll use computer packages that are valued within the accounting and finance professions.
We've listened to our students and they've told us that they want to keep some of the positive changes we've made to teaching and learning, so we're keeping a blended model which will include some online learning.
The majority of your timetabled teaching will be face-to-face and will include:
- seminars
- practical workshops
- computer workshops
- group work
- 1-to-1 tutorials
- guest speakers from the profession and industry
We pride ourselves on the academic support we offer our students. In addition to our dedicated teaching team, you'll have a personal tutor, student engagement officers and study support staff to help you throughout your studies.
Assessment
We use a diverse range of assessments and we focus on the types of work you'll be expected to complete in the workplace.
As with all accounting courses, accreditation requirements mean that you will be assessed by a number of exams, but your assessment will depend on which modules you take.
Assessment methods are likely to include:
- analysis of topical case studies
- written reports
- presentations
- self-led project or dissertation
- group work
- portfolio creation
- essays
- exams
What happens if I can't get to Portsmouth?
We strongly encourage you to join us in Portsmouth as soon as possible, but on this course we will provide blended teaching with online learning if you cannot join us on campus due to travel restrictions.
For the most up-to-date information please see our international student Coronavirus information page
Teaching Staff Profiles
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course.
Christina Philippou
I qualified as a chartered accountant with PKF (now BDO), where I specialised in auditing across a variety of business sectors. I then spent 8 years working as a forensic accountant for Deloitte in London. I joined the University in 2015.
I'm particularly interested in forensic accounting and fraud in sport and I've done a lot of research on the finances of football. I created a football finance course for the Premier League's Elite Academy Managers programme (EAM) and I'm Director of Policy at 'Fair Game'.
Vivienne Prudden
I'm a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. I received my professional training at KPMG and I was a senior financial analyst at HSBC for several years.
I joined the University in 2019 after being ACCA course leader and senior lecturer in taxation at Solent University. My areas of expertise are management accounting, pensions and taxation.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We're planning for most of your learning to be supported by timetabled face-to-face teaching with some elements of online provision. Please be aware, the balance between face-to-face teaching and online provision may change depending on Government restrictions. You'll also do lots of independent study with support from staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle. Find out more about how our teaching has transformed to best support your learning.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for this degree.
Your total study time will depend on the modules that you take, but in your first year this is what your week may look like:
- timetabled teaching activities (lectures, seminars, tutorials, classes and workshops) = about 15 hours a week
- independent study (research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group) = about 20 hours a week
You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting your learning
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
You'll have regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor. They're also available by appointment if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.
The Maths Cafe offers free advice and help with maths skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop, or use our online resources.
You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.
They can help with:
- academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- reflective writing skills
- critical thinking skills
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University's library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from librarians who specialise in business and law.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to:
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Arrival support
Whether you're travelling halfway around the world or just a few miles, starting university can be nerve wracking. Our airport pick-up service, international orientation week events and amazing support teams will help you settle in.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2022 start)
- UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £16,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 8 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each unit.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2022, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – NN34
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.
