2023/24 entry
BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year
Why study Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Awarded a CIMA Global Excellence Award of Global Distinction 2020 for Top Students/Top Student Pass Rates
- Rated 96% for student satisfaction (National Student Survey (NSS) 2019/2020)
- Professionally accredited by four of the main accountancy bodies in England and Wales
- Tutors trained at top accounting firms such as Deloitte, Ernst & Young and Grant Thornton
- Excellent business links with companies as diverse as Airbus, Matalan, Cummins, Volkswagen Group and NHS
- Option to work a placement year in industry or study abroad.
- Opportunities to secure exemptions from UK professional accountancy qualifications once you graduate
- International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more
About your course
The BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance at Liverpool John Moores University offers you the chance to secure professional accreditation from the four main accountancy bodies in England and Wales.
It also gives you a head start on the path to gaining a professional accountancy qualification, as it allows a number of exemptions from UK professional accountancy exams.
Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the interest and ability to study for a degree, but do not have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Accounting and Finance honours degree programme yet.
Once you pass the Foundation Year (level 3) you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).
One of the benefits of the course is the option of taking a year out to complete a paid placement in industry in the UK or overseas. However, if you prefer not to take a whole year out from your studies, you will have other opportunities for work-related learning.
Students on this programme also have the opportunity to spend one or two semesters in their second year on the identical LJMU degree programme at our partner college in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, keeping the professional body recognition of their studies at LJMU. Liverpool Business School also has partnerships with business schools at universities and colleges across Europe, in the USA and in China. Students can choose to spend an additional year of study at one of our partner universities between the second and third years. All study abroad opportunities are in English. There are also many supported opportunities to study at partner universities during summer vacations and Liverpool Business School provides places on language skills courses.
Jess took advantage of her sandwich year option and spent a year in industry on a salaried placement at Mersey Internal Audit Agency:
"The degree has proved to be an excellent starting point for my career. I graduated with a solid grounding in the subject that was reflected in my remaining professional exams. My average marks at the professional stage were the highest in the region."
Professional accreditation/links
The BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance is professionally accredited by four of the main accountancy bodies in England and Wales: the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The number of exemptions you secure will depend on the professional route you decide to pursue (CIMA, ICAEW, CIPFA or ACCA) and the option modules you study in the final year of the programme.
Professional accreditation reflects LJMU's commitment to continually updating our syllabuses in line with professional requirements and will help ensure that you are given a head start to becoming a fully qualified accountant after graduation.
Graduates from the programme who can show their competence in the workplace are also eligible for full membership of the Association of Accounting Technicians (ATT). Competencies in the workplace can be obtained by completing the sandwich year or, alternatively, after you have graduated and spent a year in related employment.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- Library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to programme-appropriate software
- Library and student IT support
- Free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Employability
A degree in Accounting and Finance opens up a huge range of potential careers because the success or failure of an organisation is ultimately determined by its financial performance.
Liverpool Business School has historically had an excellent employment record with graduates securing graduate-level positions with leading employers in public and private sectors. These include Everton Football Club, Kellogg company, Santander and Deloitte.
Most of our Accounting and Finance graduates complete three-year training contracts with professional accountancy firms or private/public sector organisations while studying part time for their remaining professional accountancy exams. Many contracts enable you to specialise in areas such as audit/assurance, tax, corporate finance, and business advice/consulting.
Outside accountancy, graduates have forged successful careers within retail and investment banks, financial services, finance companies, building societies and so on. However, if you do want to work in investment analysis and financial services, we advise you to qualify as a professional accountant first. This respected qualification gives you a solid platform from which to build your career, and once you qualify, there will be plenty of opportunities to move between different roles and industries in the UK and abroad. Recent graduates have found roles within organisations such as Lloyds TSB, Barclays, MBNA, The Bank of New York, Ulster Bank and WGZ Bank.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
We are committed to ensuring all our students experience a transformation in their employability skills and mindset and their career trajectory. A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course.
Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose. It will enable you to become more proactive, adaptable and resilient in your awareness and approach to career possibilities.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU’s state-of-the-art suite of online tools, resources and jobs board. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU’s in-house recruitment service, ensuring students can build experience whilst they study.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones to accelerate your job search and applications, CV and interview technique. Themed careers and employability workshops, a programme of employer events and recruitment fairs run throughout the year and students have the opportunity to hear from a range of alumni who openly share their own onward experience.
Student Futures work with businesses to create opportunities for fully funded internships which help students increase their network within the Liverpool City Region and beyond. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU’s Careers, Employability and Enterprise Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
This course is currently undergoing its scheduled programme review, which may impact the advertised modules. Programme review is a standard part of the University’s approach to quality assurance and enhancement, enabling us to ensure that our courses remain up to date and maintain their high standard and relevancy.
Once the review is completed, this course website page will be updated to reflect any approved changes to the advertised course. These approved changes will also be communicated to those who apply for the course to ensure they wish to proceed with their application.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or option in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations.
Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules may also be included to provide you with an element of choice within the programme. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 3
Core modules
Developing Skills for Business
20 credits
This module aims to facilitate your development of personal, academic and professional skills as a foundation for your current and future studies in Business related subjects. It will equip you with the tools to become confident and independent learners at university.
Data Analysis Techniques for Business
20 credits
This module equips you with the technical skills to be able to design and produce Microsoft Excel spreadsheets for business use, and to facilitate the development of basic analytical skills.
Level 4
Core modules
Introduction to Financial Accounting
20 credits
The aim of the module is to provide you with a sound foundation in basic bookkeeping and accounting techniques.
Business Mathematics & Statistics
20 credits
This module introduces basic mathematical and statistical concepts and relates them to business and accounting situations and provides a foundation for further studies in business and finance. The module will introduce different data types and approaches required for analysis and enable you to appreciate the role of statistical and mathematical methods in a business environment.
Introduction to Economics
20 credits
This module will provide you with an introduction to modern economic principles and develop an understanding of micro and macro economics. This module will also provide you with a thorough understanding of how economic policy can impact on the organisation.
Academic & Professional Awareness
20 credits
This module will prepare you for academic life at university and to engage you in the preparation professional skills necessary for future employment. This module provides a firm foundation for undergraduate studies on the accounting and finance programme.
Introduction to Financial Reporting & Corporate Governance
20 credits
This module builds on the module Introduction to Financial Accounting. It develops your financial accounting knowledge and provides an introduction to the regulatory framework of accounting corporate governance and ethics.
Management & Cost Accounting
20 credits
The aim of this module is to explain the principles in designing and evaluating management and cost accounting information systems.
Level 5
Core modules
Financial Accounting
20 credits
This module will enable you to formulate and evaluate financial statements within the context of the prevalent regulatory framework and to demonstrate an awareness of the alternative methods of the preparation of financial statements.
Management Accounting for Decision Making
20 credits
This module will demonstrate the importance of costs and drivers of costs in the production, analysis and use of information for decision-making in organisations. It will provide competencies on how to analyse information on costs, volumes and prices to take short-term decisions on products and services and to develop an understanding of risk on these decisions. You will also learn how to use budgeting as a means of short-term planning to execute the strategy of organisations.
Financial Management
20 credits
This module will provide an introduction to corporate, investment and international finance decision making.
Data Analysis for Accounting
20 credits
This practical focused module will equip you with the technical skills to be able to accurately perform data modelling using Microsoft Excel. The module will facilitate the development of analytical skills.
Developing Employability
20 credits
The aim of this practical module is to provide you with the practical skills necessary to secure undergraduate work experience placements/summer internships and/or graduate employment.
Law for Accountants
20 credits
This module enables you, as potential Accountants, to understand and apply a knowledge of the English Legal System, the basic Law of tort (negligence), the Law of contract, and agency. The module provides an understanding of the legal nature of the limited company and of its constitution; the basic rules for the protection of potential investors; the company law requirements concerning corporate reports and accounts; the duties of directors and auditors; the concept of majority rule and minority protection and the corporate insolvency regimes. This module will enable you to understand the basic principles of English law as it affects practical roles in the Commercial World, providing a greater depth of Company Law as a specialist area.
Level 6
Core modules
Advanced Financial Accounting
20 credits
This module will enable you to prepare group financial statements within the context of the prevalent regulatory framework and to demonstrate an awareness of the significance of accounting theory in contemporary and practical contexts. The module allows you to demonstrate advanced accounting techniques and to critically consider these techniques and their alternatives. The module also supports a critical evaluation of accounting theory.
Strategic Management Accounting
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop more advanced/complex techniques underpinning management accounting and to provide you with current technical and theoretical areas within management accounting. The module is designed to develop advanced knowledge and skill in management accounting theory and techniques.
Corporate Finance
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide an in-depth analysis of a firm's financing, distribution and risk management decisions. The module evaluates financial and risk management decisions within a corporate environment.
Managing People and Organisations
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of management issues/decisions and their impact on individuals and the organisation as a whole. The module will provide an understanding of strategic management issues, to examine the competitive environment and the role of managers/leaders within the organisation. It will also provide an understanding of the relationship between culture and its impact on individual behaviour.
Optional modules
Taxation
20 credits
The aim of this module is to give you a sound understanding of the UK tax system.
Auditing & Assurance
20 credits
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the audit process and its application in the context of the external regulatory framework and for business control purposes. The module studies in detail both the systems and risk-based approaches used by practising auditors. The differing roles of external and internal auditors are examined and also considers issues of ethics, independence and corporate governance, the regulatory framework of auditing, the impact of civil and criminal law on auditing and current developments in auditing.
Personal Finance
20 credits
This module will provide you with a rigorous framework of personal finance needed to make personal financial decisions.
International Finance
20 credits
You will learn about international finance and be provided with a understanding of how international finance impacts on the organisation.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops and seminars and you can expect to have a minimum of 12 hours contact time during each teaching week. Plus you'll be expected to complete independent study and group work and participate in online activities and discussions using our virtual learning environment, Canvas.
A ‘skills’ module at level 4 (Academic & Professional Awareness) and at level 5 (Developing Employability) provide a mechanism through which the necessary personal development, placement and employment search and support activities are provided.
Work-related Learning
Early in level 5 you can decide whether to undertake a paid 48-week work placement in the UK or overseas. You would do this placement between level 5 and 6.
Placements give you experience of what it’s like to work in the finance sector as well as giving you a chance to put your learning into practice, develop personal skills and enhance your employability. Not only that, but the experience helps you develop personal skills, enhances your CV and gives you a year’s break from academic study.
Liverpool Business School's Employability Support Unit will help you find suitable vacancies and support you during the application process and whilst on placement.
Previous Accounting and Finance students have completed placements with organisations as diverse as the NHS, Disney and Unilever. You will have the option of taking a year out to complete a paid 48-week placement in industry in the UK or overseas.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
The Liverpool Business School is a supportive environment in which to study and the 'student-centred approach' of your tutors will ensure that you are given the support and guidance you need.
When you start you studies, you will be assigned a personal tutor. They will set up one-to-one tutorials with you to discuss a piece of coursework or to work with you on your personal development plan.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
Assignments are designed to help you put financial theory into practice and demonstrate to future employers that you have the practical skills required to work successfully in your chosen field after graduation.
Your marks and feedback will be available within 15 working days of submitting a piece of work. That’s because we believe that constructive feedback is vital in helping you identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to develop further.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Michael Franco
Programme Leader
Michael Franco
Programme Leader
Mike Franco is an experienced academic and Programme Leader responsible for Accounting and Finance programmes at Liverpool John Moores University. Mike has been Programme Leader at Liverpool John Moores University since 2010. His recent publications are concerned with topics such as studentification, the future of cities, and diversification.
As Programme Leader for Accounting and Finance he takes an active role in teaching and his principle research interests are in the field of quality assurance and enhancement within higher education.
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
The School is based in the Redmonds Building, in the heart of the bustling Mount Pleasant Campus and Liverpool’s growing Knowledge Quarter. The building is home to high quality lecture theatres and seminar rooms, social spaces, a café and a roof terrace with far reaching views of the cityscape and welsh hills. It is only a short walk from LJMU’s Aldham Robarts Library, which contains all the resources you will require for your studies, and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Minimum points required from qualifications: 72
GCSE and equivalents
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/ English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/ English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A Levels
- Minimum number of A Levels required: 2
- Is general studies acceptable? Yes
- Average A Level offer: DDD
- Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20
T Levels
- T Level requirements: 72 UCAS points in a related subject
BTEC qualifications
- National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma subjects / grades required: DM if studied on its own or to the total of 72 UCAS points if combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: MMP if studied on its own or to the total of 72 UCAS points if combined with other qualifications
Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Further information: At least 24 Merits and 21 Passes, or any other combination that equates to 72 UCAS Tariff points in a relevant subject
International Baccalaureate
- International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Additional information: 24 IB Diploma Points
Welsh awards
- Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
Irish awards
- Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Grades / subjects required: 72 UCAS Tariff points with a maximum 20 UCAS Tariff points from Ordinary Level
Alternative qualifications considered
Applicants with Accountancy qualifications will be considered as follows:
Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT): Holders of AAT NVQ/SVQ Level 3 Intermediate/ 'Advanced Certificate in Accounting' will be eligible for entry to Level 4 of the programme.
Holders of AAT NVQ/SVQ Level 4 Technician/'Diploma in Accounting' will be considered for 40 RPL credits against relevant Level 4 Accounting modules on the BSc (Hons) Accounting & Finance programme.
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA): Holders of the CIMA Advanced Diploma (Managerial level complete; comprising 11 of the 15 CIMA professional exam papers (as of 2010-2011)) will be considered for direct entry to level 6 of the programme.
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA):Applicants who have successfully completed the 'Skills' level (comprising 9 of the total of 14 ACCA professional exam papers (as of 2008-9)) will be considered for direct entry to level 6 of the programme. Applications are welcomed from mature and non-standard applicants, who will be considered on an individual basis. These applicants may be required to submit an essay and/or attend an interview, and should demonstrate potential and motivation and/or have relevant experience.
International applications will be considered in line with UK qualifications.
Reduced Offer Scheme
Mature and non-standard applicants may be invited to attend interview
IELTS6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.
International entry requirementsPlease Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Can this course be deferred?Yes
Is a DBS check required?No
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
We are looking for students with the potential to understand and critically evaluate the theory, concepts and principles that underpin the practical techniques of business.Demonstrate their understanding by communicating effectively, both orally and in their written work.Possess the self-discipline to manage their time and tasks effectively throughout their time here at LJMU to make a difference.
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.