Key information
For:
starting September 2026
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
Relevant HE study leading to a Level 4 qualification
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Build on your previous higher education studies to gain a full BA (Hons) degree in finance and business communications in just 1 or 2 years.
This degree combines English language improvement with the study of finance.
- Get your English and business communication skills to a standard where you can use your English to succeed in a global business or finance career
- Gain degree-level knowledge in subjects such as financial markets, business analysis, financial management and investments
You can do this undergraduate degree in 1 year or in 2 years, depending on your level of previous study and your ability to write and speak English.
Eligibility
This course is open to international, EU and UK students whose first language is not English. A key part of the course is improving your written and spoken business English.
Course highlights
- Learn in a Business School that's ranked 3rd in the UK for teaching power (Financial Times 2021)
- Improve your English in 3 ways:
- dedicated English language classes to improve your vocabulary and grammar
- business communications classes where you'll practise presentations, interviews and writing for business
- living and working with both UK and international students and experiencing life in a welcoming UK city
- Be employment-ready by using business simulation games and industry-standard software and databases such as S&P Capital IQ
- Gain a Bloomberg Certificate (a trading platform that's used by 250,000 financial service professionals) in our Bloomberg Suite
- Understand the global business and finance environment through study that explores global markets and international financial management
- Research an independent study project in an area that interests you
- Experience excellent support from both your tutors and our dedicated global team
Accreditation
No. 3
influential business school in the world
Financial Times Teaching Power Rankings 2021
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accounting.
The University of Portsmouth has earned business accreditation from the AACSB in recognition of the outstanding quality of its business and management education. Less than six percent of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation.
Portsmouth Business School is proud to hold the Small Business Charter (SBC) accreditation, awarded by the Chartered Association of Business Schools. This is awarded in recognition of our strong industry links and support for small businesses including providing students with entrepreneurship education and start up guidance.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Accommodation available for September 2026
If you apply through Clearing, it's not too late to apply for halls of residence - Student Housing can advise on latest available accommodation options.
We have a variety of affordable accommodation options with en-suite halls from £142 per week.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
Even if you don't receive the grades you need, we recommend still calling us on 023 9284 8090 as we still may be able to consider you for a course
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for either your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses.
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university.
- You don't hold any offers.
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2026.
- You have changed your mind about which university you want to go to.
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or other information.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or [email protected].
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk.
See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today — it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office.
Entry requirements
BA (Hons) Finance with Business Communication (Top-up) degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- Applicants for the 2 year course require relevant HE study leading to a Level 4 qualification, for example an appropriate HNC, or 120 credits from year 1 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc), in a relevant subject.
- Applicants for the 1 year course require relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification, for example an appropriate HND, foundation degree or Advanced Diploma, or 240 credits from year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc), in a relevant subject.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- For year 2 entry applicants require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5. For year 3 entry applicants require 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.
Typical offers
- Applicants for the 2 year course require relevant HE study leading to a Level 4 qualification, for example an appropriate HNC, or 120 credits from year 1 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc), in a relevant subject.
- Applicants for the 1 year course require relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification, for example an appropriate HND, foundation degree or Advanced Diploma, or 240 credits from year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc), in a relevant subject.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- For year 2 entry applicants require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5. For year 3 entry applicants require 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.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
I enjoy studying in Portsmouth because the city is beautiful and the University has a good education quality. It's great that we can use the Bloomberg Suite to search for some information which we need.
Your facilities
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.
Learn more about the Maths Café
Careers and opportunities
Graduates of this course have gone into careers such as:
- commercial banking
- corporate finance
- financial planning
- investment banking
- financial management
Postgraduate study
Many graduates of this course go on to postgraduate study on master's courses such as MSc Forensic Accounting or MSc Finance. As a graduate of Portsmouth you may be able to get a scholarship or a reduction on your postgraduate tuition fees if you continue your studies with us.
Set up your own business
We're an endorsing institution for UK start-up visas, so we can offer you lots of help and support if you want to stay in the UK after you graduate and set up your own business.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get work experience while you study with support to find part-time jobs and volunteering opportunities. Towards the end of your degree and after graduation, you'll get 1-to-1 support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to find your perfect role. On top of this you'll get bespoke careers support through our faculty 'career-ready' programme.
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
Modules
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, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
You'll gain strategies for effective writing and speaking in diverse professional settings, building skills for successful negotiations, teamwork, and cross-cultural communication. You'll learn how to write persuasive business reports, deliver engaging presentations and lead productive meetings.
By the end of the module, you'll have the ability to communicate your ideas clearly and influence your audiences - essential skills for today's global business environment.
Develop your reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills by analysing a variety of written and spoken texts and debating topics of interest. You'll learn how to communicate clearly in a variety of subjects and structures, and make informed choices depending on your audience.
By using skimming and scanning skills, you'll broaden your grammatical and lexical understanding of listening texts and build the critical thinking skills needed to progress.
Develop core skills in financial and non-financial analysis, and learn how to critique everything from financial statements to market reports.
You’ll interpret intricate data sets and learn to identify meaningful insights to inform strategy and planning.
By blending lectures with seminars and completing coursework focused on real companies, you’ll evaluate data, identify issues and improve decision quality. With regular feedback, you’ll bridge the gap between theory and practice.
You'll finish this module ready to tackle problems with an analytical eye.
Discover corporate financial management as you analyse real-life financial issues to refine your career skills.
By blending authentic case studies with workshop activities focused on real companies, you’ll evaluate data, identify issues and improve decision quality. With regular feedback, you’ll bridge the gap between theory and practice.
You'll explore how digital transformation and new technologies are changing finance in business, so that you graduate ready to excel as an agile financial manager
This module mirrors Financial Management delivered at the University of Portsmouth but is contextualised for Singapore law and GAAP.
You’ll analyse how organisational purpose connects with strategy, governance and outcomes, and explore ways to consider stakeholder needs alongside profit.
Evaluating concepts like corporate social responsibility and circular economics, you’ll recommend how leaders can account for community and environmental issues.
By using real modern cases, you'll assess business models and strengthen critical faculties to balance complex imperatives. By the end of this module you’ll be ready to champion organisational development in an ethical, responsible and sustainable manner.
Core modules
The topics covered in the workshops range from basic investment concepts and financial analysis to application of different investment strategies. The workshops will be held in both computer labs and classrooms. These sessions will help the students understand the financial environment through practical use of financial databases whereas the classroom based workshops will be given tasks and presented information on analysing companies financial performance and positions.
In terms of spoken communication, you’ll be introduced to the sounds of the Standard Southern British (SSB) accent and develop a repertoire of suitable language for taking part in discussions with students and staff in seminars.
When it comes to written communication, you’ll not only further develop your knowledge of vocabulary and sentence structure, but also learn how to integrate academic sources into your own writing effectively, appropriately, and responsibly.
Guided by experts, you'll outline aims, critically appraising literature to position your contribution. Then, through rigourous analysis, you'll draw meaningful conclusions and make recommendations for the future. Developing your skills as an agile, solutions-focused professional, you'll refine project management, research and communications capabilities essential in any career. Ultimately, you'll produce a compelling showcase piece - evidencing your ability to drive progress through independent enquiry.
The assessment includes a presentation, an individual report and 90 minute exam.
You’ll dive into the business world, gathering intel and ideas from experts through articles, videos and websites.
You’ll bring it all together in meetings, presenting your proposals and refining plans. Finally, you’ll make your case in a formal report, evaluating options and setting forth a recommendation to solve a simulated business problem.
With teamwork, communication skills and creativity, you’ll gain hands-on experience solving the types of challenges businesses face every day.
You'll be introduced to key theories and models for valuing major financial markets, and learn to apply these essential frameworks to different contexts.
Through assessments, you'll grow your analytical and critial skills. You'll examine corporate investment strategies and the impact of global developments, compare the theories underpinning exchange rates and multinationals, and finish this module with an informed perspective of global finance.
Changes to course content
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. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Alternative 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) Business with 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 business with classes to improve your business English and communication skills.
If you've done some of an accounting degree at another institution and you're interested in a career in accountancy this ACCA and CIMA accredited top-up BA Accountancy and Financial Management is a good choice. Although designed primarily for international students this top-up doesn't include any English language or communication modules.
Teaching
Our teaching has been developed to maximise skills that employers are looking for.
The ways in which you learn and are assessed aims to incorporate innovative learning practices to allow for flexibility to reflect your style of learning and help in your progression after you graduate.
Our teaching, learning and assessment methods allow you to achieve your best work and engage in your university experience through feedback and reflection.
The majority of your timetabled teaching will be face-to-face and may include:
Lectures
For units that are studied across multiple courses these are opportunities to be presented information about your area of study as you take your own notes on the subject as your lecturer speaks.
Seminars
Within smaller groups (usually 16 - 20 students) you'll be guided by your lecturer around topics and discussions to compliment your learning that has taken place within your lectures. There might be some pre-seminar reading, debates and you're expected to take an active part in the conversations.
Lab work and practicals
Depending on your course subject, you might find that you take part in lab-based, computer-based or fieldwork based tutorials. You'll get to experience the dynamics of the workplace to put your skills into practice in a learning environment.
Workshops
In much smaller groups you'll be given the opportunity to work on a design or prototype working alongside other students from your cohort. You'll get hands-on with more specialist equipment and be able to collaborate to implement your ideas.
Tutorials
Hosted by your personal academic tutor these are usually an opportunity to speak in a 1 to 1 environment about any areas of support. The aim is to help make the transition to university more smooth.
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 success advisers and study support staff to help you throughout your studies.
Independent study
Alongside timetabled teaching, self-guided learning is important to ensure that you learn critical skills around research. Your independent study sees you proactively engaging with information and will help with prioritising workload outside of your studies and extra curriculars.
Assessments
Our aim is to assess students using strategies that reflect the type of work that you might complete in the workplace.
Some courses may require specific assessment types, for example to meet accreditation requirements, but in general the assessments will depend on the modules that you take on your course.
Some of our assessment methods includes:
Continuous assessments
Rather than relying on a single final assessment, many of our courses encourage ongoing engagement and participation to include inclusive assessments.
These could include:
- in-seminar quizzes and discussions
- group activities and presentations
- mini-projects and case-based or scenario work
- professional conversations and role plays
Traditional assessments
Some of our courses will continue to offer traditional assessment methods depending on the subject area.
This might look like:
- exams and tests
- projects and dissertations
- simulations, lab-work or practical assessments
Alternative assessments
These assessment types look at non-traditional evaluations to look at your ability to apply your knowledge rather than recalling information that you've learnt.
This might include:
- portfolios
- projects
- presentations
- self-assessment
- reflective compositions
Teaching staff profiles
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this degree course.
Dr Khaldoon Albitar
I'm a senior lecturer with a significant amount of experience in teaching a range of accounting courses. I'm a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and a member of the British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA).
I have a variety of research interests, including corporate disclosure, social and environmental responsibility and corporate governance. I recently published an analysis of auditing in times of social distancing, looking at the effect of COVID-19 on auditing quality.
Professor Andrew Wood
I'm Head of Accounting and Financial Management here at Portsmouth. Before working as an academic I worked for the National Economic Development Office (NEDO), the UK Treasury and the Civil Service Committee at the House of Commons.
I would describe myself as a behavioural (financial) economist and my research focuses on how markets actually work in practice.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between studying at school or college and university is the level of control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face teaching with independent study. You’ll take part in lectures, tutorials and lab sessions, alongside guided self‑study in your own time. Throughout your course, you’ll be supported by academic staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. Optional field trips may include evening or weekend activities. There is usually no scheduled teaching on Wednesday afternoons.
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 you
Types of support
Your Personal Academic Tutor gives you academic guidance throughout your course.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal academic tutor, they're also available at set times during the week 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 academic tutor, you'll also have access to our Student Success Advisers. 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.
During term time, Academic Support Advisers are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions.. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, our Disability Advice team will give you help, support and advice.
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 your subject.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
You can access information on the personal, emotional and mental health support available to you from your college. They can help you understand the support available locally, as well as other support that might be available to you to help you engage with your studies and improve your wellbeing.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need, your partner college should be your first point of contact for arranging reasonable adjustments.
However, our University specialist team is also available to offer advice and guidance if needed. We can help you:
-
Explore reasonable adjustments in collaboration with your partner college
-
Liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
-
Connect with external services where appropriate
-
Provide advice and support on accessing the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA)
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 pickup service, international orientation week events, and amazing support teams will help you settle in.
Feel at home in our international community
Over 5,000 international students from over 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.
Explore student life in Portsmouth
Course costs and funding
How we set our tuition fees
Fees for full-time and part-time undergraduate students from the UK and Channel Islands may increase each year, subject to conditions set by the UK or Channel Islands governments.
Fees for new international and EU undergraduate and postgraduate students (both full-time and part-time) will increase each year, based on factors such as inflation. For continuing students, fees will not increase by more than 5% per year.
For more information, please refer to our Tuition Fee Policy.
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,790 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £10,300 per year (including EU Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £16,900 per year (subject to annual increase)
Please note, we'll confirm 2027 course fees soon.
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.
Tuition fees terms and conditions
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 show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module. We endeavour to make all required books accessible online.
You can also borrow most of these online from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We endeavour to be a paperless and sustainable university. As such, files and content is kept electronically on e-databases where possible. Most academics will print the paperwork if required. If you choose to print, photocopy, or bind your work, you may want to budget up to £30 a year for this.
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.
How to apply
Please only apply for this course if English is not your first language.
Note this course is a top-up degree, which means you'll start in year 2 or 3.
Applying as an international student
Apply directly as an international student (including EU) for September 2026 entry. Or call our International Admissions team with any queries: +44 (0)23 9284 5113
Other start dates
September 2027 start
To apply for BA (Hons) Finance with Business Communication (Top-Up), you'll need the right UCAS code and our institution code.
- 1 year full-time course code – N3N1
- Institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
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.
Open Days
- 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
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.