Key information
UCAS code:
N350
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
Relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Develop the knowledge and skills to plan, organise and control business finances as you gain an understanding of financial markets and institutions on this one-year top up course.
Stand out in the job market with this BSc (Hons) Accounting with International Finance degree, and graduate with the tools and experience to become an effective finance professional with a knowledge of accounting and finance.
You'll learn to understand, visualise and present financial data to ensure businesses make the right decisions. You’ll use appropriate frameworks to analyse both business and corporate information, and explore how to use models and concepts to develop operational and strategic solutions.
Throughout the course you'll apply your learning to real world scenarios and get practical experience with industry standard applications such as Bloomberg software, with the option to earn industry-recognised certificates in both.
This degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), so you'll even have exam exemptions if you choose to join the CIMA after your course.
Course highlights
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Complete the industry recognised Bloomberg certificate in our Bloomberg suite
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Receive CIMA exam exemptions after you graduate
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Apply your learning to realistic business issues
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Network with industry professionals at University-organised presentations and networking events
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Learn from lecturers with experience working with world-renowned companies as well as local, national and international business and government organisations
Accreditation
This course is accredited by Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). As a result, students are exempt from the CIMA BA1, BA2, BA3 and BA4 exams.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
BSc (Hons) Accounting with International Finance (Top-up)
Qualifications and experience
- Only those who have previously studied at higher education level should apply.
- 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 – 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.
Facilities and clinics
Bloomberg suite
Access data from the world's global financial markets and gain experience using industry standard software.
SAP Next Generation Lab
Gain practical skills with cloud-based software such as SAP and S&P Capital IQ, in our dedicated lab.
Maths cafe
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
This BSc (Hons) Accounting and International Finance (Top-up) degree prepares you for a range of careers across the accounting and finance industries, whether you want to become a qualified accountant or general business professional.
You'll graduate with the theoretical understanding and practical skills to have a tangible impact when you enter the workforce. Depending on the modules you choose to study you may also hold CIMA exam exemptions and a Bloomberg Certificate.
Graduates from our accounting courses have worked across a wide range business sectors including national and local government, technology, media and entertainment, and retail.
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)
Mentoring programme - Pathways into accounting
Take part in virtual meetings with alumni mentors who are working in industry.
Hear about their journeys, successes and challenges as you prepare for the transition from student to working professional.
What can you do with a Finance and Accounting degree?
Explore the careers available across the banking, insurance and financial sectors, and discover some of the jobs you could do after university.
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 Graduate Recruitment Consultancy 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
Core modules:
- International Financial Reporting
- Advanced Corporate Financial Management
- Independent Study Project
- Financial Investment Project
- International Financial Management
- Strategic Managerial Accounting
Additional modules:
Beyond the core syllabus you'll access significant support and opportunities. All students are enrolled on our Advanced Study Skills module to support your transition through higher education. You'll also have the opportunity to take modules such as Bloomberg, where you'll take the Bloomberg Certificate.
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.
Teaching
The majority of your timetabled teaching will be face-to-face and will include:
- lectures
- workshops
- seminars
- one-on-one tutorials
- practical sessions
- group discussions
Assessment
Assessment methods on this course are likely to include:
- written reports
- oral presentations
- portfolios
- examinations
- written projects
You'll have opportunities to receive feedback on your draft assignments throughout your studies.
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.
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 use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
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 12 hours a week
- independent study (research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group): about 23 hours a week
You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in year 2, 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
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 tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your Master's.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal 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 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 a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
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 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
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £16,200 a 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 show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
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 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – N350
- 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.
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.
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.