BA (Hons) Accounting
Learn how to make numbers talk on our triple-accredited, career-launching accounting degree. Discover how to understand, interpret, and make decisions based on the all-important figures. Plus, get exemptions from professional qualifications.
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Typical offer: 112–120
Entry requirements -
Fees: £9,535 per year (UK)
Full details -
UCAS code: N400
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Course length: Various
Find out more -
Location:
- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
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Institute code: H36
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Work placement option
Find out more -
Study abroad option
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Over 90% student satisfaction (NSS, 2022)1
This course is triple accredited with CIMA, ICAEW and ACCA
Highest level of ACCA UK professional exam exemptions
Course overview
Accounting plays a vital role in the success and direction of any business, no matter how big or small. Our practical, career-defining course will encourage you to dive into data, uncover the stories behind statistics, and develop your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Through interactive learning and real-world challenges, you'll develop the expertise needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of accounting.
Immerse yourself in our BA Accounting to become proficient in numerical analysis, accounting, and numerical report writing, allowing you to stand out from the crowd. Additionally, you'll enhance your professional skills, such as communication and digital literacy, which will prepare you for your future career.
Alongside studying for your accountancy degree, we actively support you in boosting your CV through industry placements, study abroad opportunities, or internships, including the latest online bite-sized digital experiences. If you're interested in corporate finance and business decision-making alongside accountancy, our BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree may also be of interest.
Why choose this course?
Learn to interpret, prepare, and present financial information for organisations of all sizes while gaining an appreciation of the ethical issues and impacts faced at all stages.
Industry recognised professional exams: we help jump-start your career by offering one of the highest pre-agreed ACCA professional exam exemptions in the UK by a university.
Strengthen your accounting expertise: choose from a range of specialist modules such as Taxation, Islamic Banking and Research Methods.
Graduate with the backing of an influential professional network: Our strong ties to industry leaders and professional bodies provide valuable extracurricular opportunities to develop your skills, enhance your CV, and expand your connections. We invite guest speakers and assist with career-boosting placements, as you take the next step in your career. These connections have opened many doors for our students, with 93% of Herts graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2021/22).
Unlock your entrepreneurial potential with our exclusive opportunities: If you have a passion for innovation, you will be encouraged to enter our ‘Flare Ignite’ annual competition, where winners will receive support, training, and investment to turn their ideas into reality.
Professional accreditations
By the time you complete your BA (Hons) Accounting degree, you’ll be ready to apply for exemptions from exams with professional accountancy bodies.
We’re accredited by, and work in collaboration with:
- The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
- The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
- Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).
If becoming a qualified accountant is your goal and you are looking for the maximum exemptions, you may wish to consider our BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree.
Your future career
With over 90% student satisfaction (NSS, 2022), a strong focus on financial storytelling, and a high level of professional exam exemptions, you’ll be well-prepared for your accounting career when you graduate.
Possible roles of employment include:
- Chartered accountant
- Forensic accountant
- Data analyst
- Auditor
- Management accountant
- Bookkeeper
We are proud to have graduates working as accountants for the "Big Four" accountancy firms (Ernst & Young, Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG) as well as international and commercial organisations.
The dedicated professional development and critical thinking elements of this course complement the accounting theory you learn to prepare you for the real world of accounting.
See what recent graduates are up to
Wesley Pearson
Finance and Operations Associate at Hedge fund
Meet Wesley. After learning about a potential career in accounting and finance from an unlikely source, he now has ambitions to become a Chief Finance Officer.
From Bugatti’s to balance sheets
Wesley found out about a potential career in accounting and finance from an unlikely source – his fellow petrolheads. He says, ‘I met a lot of people at track car driving days and many of them were accountants. That’s how they paid for such an expensive hobby! Many of my family also work in finance, and they encouraged me to follow this career path.’
Herts was close to where Wesley lived too, so commuting to campus allowed him to study whilst keeping a part-time job. He had also heard about Hertfordshire Business School’s strong reputation. Wesley says, ‘I attended a few open days at Herts, and the accounting and finance team were very welcoming.’
His favourite memories
Wesley says what he learnt on the course was broad and it gave him a great understanding of accounting. He adds, ‘With the support of my lecturers and friends, I was able to achieve a first-class degree, which carries a lot of weight in the accounting and finance sector.’
Some of his favourite memories from Herts were the interactions he had with his lecturers, the life-long friendships he built, nights out, and moving to campus in his final year. He says, ‘Because I moved to campus in my final year, I had the best of both worlds during my studies. It was great to be able to have the full campus experience.’
His future ambitions and advice
After leaving Herts, Wesley joined accountancy firm Price Bailey and qualified as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. There, he was able to gain experience in general auditing, accounts, and tax preparation. He then joined Blick Rothenberg in London, where he focused on auditing hedge funds, private equity firms and funds.
In the new year (2023), he’ll be joining a hedge fund as their Finance and Operations Associate, which he is incredibly excited about. He says, ‘My ultimate career ambition is to become the Chief Operating Officer or Chief Finance Officer for a hedge fund.’
Wesley’s best advice to current and future Herts students is to make the most of the placement year. He says, ‘I did mine at Mazars Accountants. Completing a placement has enormous value for employers when you are looking for a job, and a placement gives you a glimpse into what work could look like. You get the chance to explore areas that do and don’t appeal to you.’
Ansa Talib
Financial Planning and Analysis Business Partner at Arriva
Meet Ansa. Ansa decided to follow her passion for accounting and finance after visiting Herts for an open day.
Bucking the trend
Ansa had always been interested in accounting and finance and had been good at maths since she was a child. Despite growing up with siblings working in the health sciences, she took the brave step of pursuing her passion at Herts after attending an open day on campus. Ansa says, ‘I’m from Luton and wanted to commute to university. I attended an open day at Herts and was blown away by the campus’ facilities and atmosphere – everyone was so friendly there.’
Ansa applied to Herts through Clearing, where she was able to talk on the phone to an adviser who took her through the University’s accounting and finance programmes and the different options available to her.
Building professional relationships
Reflecting on her course, Ansa says she enjoyed how the BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance programme was taught, mainly as she settled in during her first year. Ansa says, ‘Our tutors were great. They ensured everyone was on the same page and that no one was left behind. I keep in touch with many of my tutors now, who gave me great advice when I was completing my Association of Chartered Certified Accountants exams.’
Ansa also did a placement year with Avnet as a finance assistant. She found the opportunity on the University’s careers website and believes her placement was vital in helping her build on the skills she had learnt on the course. Ansa adds, ‘I had a placement supervisor from Herts who was great. She visited me at Avnet to see how I was getting on and she would always answer any questions I had.’
Her advice
Ansa’s advice to current and future Herts students is to understand early what you would like to do in your career. She says, ‘This is particularly true for accounting and finance students, as there is the opportunity to choose some modules in your final year. It is beneficial to pick those that you have an interest in and that you could potentially use for your career, including ones that carry exemptions towards your professional qualification. It’s better to use the facilities at Herts when you have access to support, rather than doing it after you have graduated.’
But most importantly, Ansa says, ‘Enjoy yourself. Work is different to being at university, so be flexible and make sure you get the most out of your time at Herts.’
What you'll study
With a focus on consulting and financial storytelling, the accounting degree at Herts prepares you for a career in modern finance, helping you turn numbers into something engaging and relevant. You will enhance your knowledge and skills within the professional accounting standards framework, conceptualizing and applying models to develop your understanding of their application in business. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to study complementary topics such as data visualization, strategic management, and business analytics.
In your first year, learn the principles of accounting, alongside analytical techniques, digital and professional skills.
In your second year, expand your foundational understanding of the subject, including financial management and professional development, with the option to study business analytics.
In your final year, you'll build on the foundation with advanced financial reporting and management accounting modules as well as studying governance and the latest accounting trends. You’ll also have the chance to pick options in areas that interest you, such as research methods, taxation, Islamic finance and banking or information systems.
You also will be encouraged to join in extracurricular enrichment activities to further increase your knowledge and practical experience through our Future Success events.
What if I need support?
You'll benefit from an academic support team, wellbeing team and a personal tutor to help you adjust to the demands of university learning and living.
Additional support is available from our Student Success team focused on inclusive learning and our dedicated Future Success network to help you with work experience, placements and graduate jobs.
You can also join and reach out to the Business School Student Voice community, a team of student representatives who regularly meet with staff to provide feedback and ensure teaching remains effective.
Our in-house Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) is open to all Business School students, for extra support with academic writing, numeracy and referencing.
Optional sandwich year
At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge CV booster!
Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action, while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.
We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations, at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.
Students on the programme have recently had the opportunity to benefit from placements at NHS, Worldpay, SMBC, Grant Thornton and Ernst & Young.
Recently, two students got mini-internships in the 'Women in Business' and 'Black in Business' programmes.
You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.
More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Putting knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.
With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.
If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.
At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge CV booster!
Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action, while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.
We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations, at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.
Students on the programme have recently had the opportunity to benefit from placements at NHS, Worldpay, SMBC, Grant Thornton and Ernst & Young.
Recently, two students got mini-internships in the 'Women in Business' and 'Black in Business' programmes.
Find out more about work placementsYou can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.
More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Putting knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.
With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.
If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.
Find out more about study abroad optionsWhere you'll study
You'll be taught on our modern de Havilland Campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre, offering open and private study spaces. You also get online self-study materials to further support you.
There are dining options, a bar, and a recreational space on campus where you can shoot some pool or play video games. It also houses Hertfordshire Sports Village, featuring a gym, swimming pool, coffee shop and climbing wall.
Discover the Enterprise Hub, a vibrant destination where local firms and students work and learn in comfort.
The Student Union bar and additional facilities are only a 20 minute walk (or short bus ride) away at our second campus, on College Lane. Student housing is available at both campuses.
A train to central London takes just over 20 minutes, and you are also conveniently located on the A1(M) with access to the road network, making travel quick and convenient.
Who you'll learn from
In addition to professors and researchers, our team features cutting-edge professionals with extensive experience in commercial accounting, giving you a head start on the competition.
The team has a lot of business experience and has worked for both big accounting firms like PwC and commercial organisations. They use their knowledge of the retail and mobile industries, among others, to give the numbers more meaning.
Your teaching and support team will work with you to help you realise, and reach your full potential.
Check out our student blogs
How we support our students
At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.
We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.
Student Blogs
Kayleigh - Week at a glance
My week at a glance
At the beginning of each week, I write up my lecture PowerPoints ready to take with me to my lectures so I can add notes to it during the lecture. I find that writing up my lectures helps me to take in the information given to us. I tend to do my reading in bits throughout the week to help break it up, but I make sure it’s done before I go to the relevant lecture. I find doing this betters my understanding of the topic that is going to be covered in that lecture!
For each Accounting module, I had an hour lecture and an hour seminar each week! For French, I had a two-hour lectorial, which is a lecture and seminar in one session! I went into university three days of the week for lectures and seminars; I had two days at home!
Towards the end of October, assignments start to get set so you have a lot more work to be doing. I like to start the research for my assignments when they get set. Don’t leave them until the last minute, you’ll do much better when you have time to think about what you’re going to write! Managing your time between assignments and work for your lectures can be difficult but if you make yourself a plan, you’ll be fine!
I lived at university, so I also had to find time to get my weekly food shop. I tended to go on one of my days off in the morning and then in the afternoon, I could get back to my uni work! I would also work for the university on open days and other events as a student ambassador, so I also had to factor that into my schedule. You need to make sure you have some time for yourself so you can wind down, you don’t want to overload yourself! I like to spend a day of the weekend watching Netflix or meeting up with friends!
Student Blogs
Kayleigh - Things you should know
Things you need to know before studying Accounting at Herts
There can be some preconceptions of what accounting is; it is NOT all maths! There is a lot of maths involved in the course, but it is not complicated maths so don’t worry, there is also a lot of written aspects too. There are several types of accounting ranging from financial to management accounting, all of which you cover over the three-year course! All the lecturers are qualified accountants, and most have worked in the industry for a significant amount of time and they have so much information for you. They’re always willing to help you as much as they can!
With any degree, there is a lot of reading. You use a different textbook for each module, and they set reading weekly for you. Most of the textbooks are on the online library and so are free to access so don’t go buying the textbooks straight away. For certain modules, doing the reading helps deepen your understanding of the topic significantly. For me, doing the reading for my Taxation module helped me to better understand the topics we studied but don’t try to do it all at once because you won’t take any information in. Remember to break it up so you don’t overload yourself!
You will be assessed in both exams and assignments for the course. Your assignments can range from an essay or a report but could also be a presentation in a group. Most modules have a mixture of exams and assignments so don’t stress too much about doing exams because you have your assignments to fall back on if necessary.
I would highly recommend that future students research what a chartered professional qualification is and the different bodies that offer them. Once you complete your degree in accounting it does not mean that you are a fully qualified accountant; you will need to complete a chartered qualification. The University offers a different amount of exemptions upon completion of the course from ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) and CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). In your first year, ACCA comes in for a highly informative talk. In this talk, they encourage you to sign up to their ACCA accelerate scheme. I would highly recommend this, the cost savings for yourself in the future is beneficial. They also send you emails keeping you up to date with everything that’s going on.
Accounting can be a difficult degree but don’t stress. Planning your time wisely and being organised with assignments will make an enormous difference. Don’t forget to enjoy your time at university and make as many new friends as you can! Good Luck!
Student Blogs
Kayleigh - Why I chose Herts
Why I chose Herts
The first reason being that Herts had the perfect course for me, Accounting with French. Herts allows you to do a language alongside a business degree which not that many other universities offer! Not only do I receive several exemptions from my professional accounting qualification, but I also got to continue studying French, which is something I really enjoyed at college and wanted to continue at university!
Herts is remarkably close to London but it’s not in London. This is perfect for me because I moved from living in a village in the countryside to quite a busy town! I come from north Lincolnshire so Herts is also far enough from home that I would have to be completely independent but not too far that it would take me all day to travel home. Well a three-hour drive to me isn’t that bad anyway. I have lived in halls and off-campus for all three years of university! This has allowed me to meet so many people and some of my best friends! Also, this meant that I was never more than a five-minute walk from the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) on campus that is open 24/7, great for when you have deadlines looming.
When I visited Herts for the first time on my applicant day, I had the best day! I met three of the lecturers that have taught me over the past three years of university, which was reassurance the lecturers were lovely! My French teacher was so encouraging and excited! When I started in September there were only five people in my French class, so it was very one to one which was so beneficial to me overall!
I know that moving away from home for the first time can be very daunting, but don’t worry! Everyone in your halls is in the same boat! Go out and enjoy freshers! Order takeaways together and get to know each other! It will be one of the best things you do! My self-confidence has improved so much because I went to university!
Entry requirements
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
| Typical offer (UCAS points) | 112–120 |
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| Typical A Level offer | BBC–BBB |
| Typical IB offer | 112–120 |
| Typical BTEC offer | DMM–DDM |
| Accepted T Levels | Design Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services. |
| Access courses | 112–120 |
| GCSE | Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/C Mathematics. |
| Additional information | Find out more about our Undergraduate Entry Requirements |
| English language | All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level. |
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| Additional information | Find out more about International Entry Requirements. |
Ready to apply?
UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
| Start date | Study type | Apply |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | Full time | Apply via UCAS |
| Full time with placement year | Apply via UCAS | |
| Full time with study abroad year | Apply via UCAS | |
| Part time | Apply via Herts |
International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK
Apply through Clearing
Fees and funding
At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.
| Study type | Fees | |
|---|---|---|
| UK students | Full time | £9,535 for the 2025/2026 academic year |
| Part time | £1,190 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year | |
| EU students | Full time | £15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year |
| Part time | £1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year | |
| International students | Full time | £15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year |
| Part time | £1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year |
Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.
| Scholarships, grants and bursaries | Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies. |
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| Disabled Students' Allowance | The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability. |
| Student loans | Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments. |
| Accommodation costs | We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget. |
| Additional course fees | Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet. |
More about the course
| Course fact sheets | |
|---|---|
| BA (Hons) Accounting | Download PDF |
| Programme specifications | |
|---|---|
| BA (Hons) Accounting | Download PDF |
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
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Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |
Course length |
Full Time, 3 YearsPart Time, 6 YearsSandwich, 4 Years |
