Key information
For:
starting September 2027
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
Relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
This one-year top-up degree course allows you to build on your previous higher education studies to gain a full BA (Hons) degree in Accounting and Global Financial Management. You must have 240 credits from year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc) in a relevant subject to apply for this course.
The modern accountancy profession goes beyond mere number crunching and spreadsheets. As an accountant, you must have the ability to comprehend, visualise, and present financial data to ensure that businesses make informed decisions. You'll be at the centre of the business, analysing performance and informing strategy.
This degree emphasises contemporary accounting skills as well as general business knowledge. You'll learn to persuade and inform using numbers. You'll work in small groups that simulate the workplace, emphasising teamwork, real-world case studies, and developing strategies based on financial data.
You'll be able to tailor your learning to your area of specialist interest, choosing your modules to focus on:
- Professional modules: The course is accredited by three key accounting bodies (ACCA, ISCA and CIMA), subject to approval.
- Finance modules: your best preparation route for working in banking or investment management.
The course is accredited by three key accounting bodies (ACCA, ISCA and CIMA). This means that whichever route you take, you'll have many exemptions from professional exams.
Course highlights
- Be taught by well-experienced staff members with many of them holding either the highest academic (e.g. PhD) or Professional (e.g. ACCA, ISCA, CPA, CIMA, CIM, ICAI) qualifications. The Lecturers have an average teaching experience of 12 – 15 years at tertiary level
- Get on the fast track to becoming a chartered accountant through our accredited exemptions from professional exams with 3 global accounting bodies
- Be employment-ready by using industry-standard software and databases such as Oracle, SAP, Access, and S&P Capital IQ
- Receive exemptions from the ACCA, ISCA, and CIMA professional examinations in addition to your degrees
- Feel supported throughout your studies through our peer mentoring, maths support and our team of friendly staff who'll get to know you well
Accreditation
Please note, this is a new course and accreditations listed are currently subject to approval
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.
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 (dependent on the modules you choose to take).
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.
This is a new course and we're finalising the detailed information for this page.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
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) Accounting and Global Financial Management (Top-up) degree entry requirements
Qualifications or experience
- Relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification, for example an appropriate HND, or a foundation degree at Level 5, 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 - find 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.
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.
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.
An interest in accounting, business and management, and therefore general business awareness, is encouraged. Applicants with work experience in accounting, business, and management are preferred.
Careers and opportunities
Accountants play a crucial role in both prosperous and challenging economic times and are vital for every type of business. Graduates from this course can apply their knowledge and skills to any field they are passionate about, including auditing, tax compliance, risk management, sports, entertainment, manufacturing, charities, and the arts. Although we expect mid-career accounting professionals looking to upskill on this accredited course, it will also fast-track their careers should they wish to qualify as chartered accountants.
This accredited qualification is also acknowledged internationally, enabling graduates to work in other parts of the world. 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)
- EY Global (Ernst & Young)
- Barclays
- J P Morgan
- HSBC
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)
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Careers and Employability Service to help you find your perfect role.
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.
Ways to enrich your study
Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme (EiR)
We have over 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
What you'll study
- Financial Management - 30 credits
- Management Accounting - 30 credits
- Global Strategic Financial Management - 30 credits
- Auditing - 30 credits
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.
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.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
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:
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Explore reasonable adjustments in collaboration with your partner college
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Liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
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Connect with external services where appropriate
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Provide advice and support on accessing the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA)
Support with English
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
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.
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.
Assignment submissions and dissertations are electronic.
If your course 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
Ready to apply?
To apply for BA (Hons) Accounting and Global Financial Management (Top-Up), you'll need the right UCAS code and our institution code.
- 1 year full-time course code – N346
- Institution code – P80
Apply now through UCAS
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.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in 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.