Undergraduate Course

BSc Accounting

Now In Clearing
BSc Accounting

Overview

The details
Accounting
N400
October 2025
Full-time
3 years
Colchester Campus

What's the difference between financial and management accounting? How can accountants help improve business for the better?

Accounting informs almost all areas of business, from strategy to outsourcing and operational planning to environmental policies. At Essex Business School, accounting means more than cutting costs and managing transactions. It's vital for ensuring accountability by encouraging sound, ethical decision making so that you can make a positive impact in the workplace.

From an undergraduate accounting degree at Essex you gain a firm understanding of the financial drivers underpinning business leadership, strategy, planning, governance and ethics. You explore both financial and management accounting and use case studies to apply theory to practice, skills which will be in an increasingly high demand from employers over the coming years.

You'll gain a broad understanding of accounting and benefit from academic expertise in a range of areas, studying topics such as:

  • preparation and analysis of financial statements
  • regulation in governing accounting practice
  • principles of cost accumulation
  • financial and management accounting theory
  • providing information to managers to assist their decision making

We ensure you gain a fully-rounded business education by introducing you to subjects such as finance and management in your first year. In your second and final years, you can choose from selected optional modules to tailor the programme to your accounting career aspirations.

In your final year of your accounting degree, you have the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice by completing an in-depth, independent research project or dissertation. This will give you the chance to further develop vital employability skills in areas of research, time management and critical thinking.

You join an international community of students and staff, working to make organisations better places to do business.

Professional accreditation

Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.

Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Why we're great.
  • This course gives you exemptions from many professional exams, giving your career a head start.
  • We are ranked in the Top 175 for Business and Economics in THE World University Rankings by Subject 2025
  • We teach you to be accountable, act ethically and make financial decisions that positively impact both organisations and society.

Study abroad

The four-year version of this course enables you to study abroad during your third year. In all other areas, this version of the course remains identical to the standard three-year variant.

You can study abroad with one of our exchange partners in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, the Middle East, Hong Kong and Japan. In doing so, you experience other cultures and languages, meet new people, and gain intercultural skills that are sought-after by employers.

Placement year

You may decide to opt for a placement year, where you develop your professional skills and build a network of business contacts. A placement year can give you a career advantage by showing future employers that you are a dedicated and experienced professional.

The Student Development Team can offer bespoke support throughout the process of researching, applying and interviewing for placements. However, it is your responsibility to apply, prepare for and secure your own role. Most recently, our students have gained placements with organisations such as BMW, Samsung and Cummins.

Our expert staff

You learn from academics and industry practitioners whose research continues to have a real-world impact. Many of our highly qualified and enthusiastic team are published in world-leading journals and publications.

Our staff specialise in areas including:

  • accounting and economic development in the public and third sectors
  • regulation and corporate social responsibility
  • finance and banking
  • accounting and finance in developing economies
  • contemporary financial markets and their participants
  • corporate governance in developing countries

Dr Silvia Gaia, Lecturer in Accounting at Essex Business School, researches the fields of Corporate Governance, financial and social-environmental reporting. She has publications in academic journals such as Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal, British Accounting Review, Journal of Business Ethics and International Business Review.

Our staff embed the latest research into your course, so you learn about real-world issues affecting accounting right now.

Specialist facilities

Our BSc Accounting is based at our Colchester Campus.

In our landmark Essex Business School building, the first zero carbon business school in the UK, you'll see our sustainable approach to business first-hand. Set around a lush winter garden, are a wealth of inspiring teaching and study zones.

Our custom designed building provides you with superb facilities:

  • a virtual trading floor with Bloomberg Terminals offering direct use of Bloomberg data, information and analytics
  • light and spacious lecture theatres with ‘listen again' recording to aid your study
  • study pods and innovation booths for group working
  • a café and adjacent foyer to enjoy on-site fresh food and drink
  • study skills support provided by the EBS Learning Team

Our Colchester building is located on the Knowledge Gateway, an innovation park housing some of the East of England's most exciting science, technology and creative businesses. Parkside Office Village sits on the site, providing potential opportunities for networking, internships and work experience directly on campus.

Your future

Skilled and agile accountants are in high demand in the graduate job market, therefore, we embed a series of core and specific skills into our undergraduate curriculum for BSc Accounting to ensure that our graduates are suited to careers in finance, accounting and management roles.

All of our taught modules embed elements of our skills map which emulate the skills which are required by employers of accounting graduates, these generally include:

  • Academic and cognitive skills
  • Research skills
  • Technology skills
  • Communication skills
  • Data analysis skills
  • Soft skills

We embed a structured approach to student development and skills support throughout the curriculum and through additional support from the Essex Business School Learning Team.

Our students have gone on to become financial analysts, accountants, and management trainees, with recent graduate destinations including:

  • Private Client Tax Senior Associate at PwC - a multinational professional services network
  • Treasury Analyst at Hiscox, a multinational business insurance and home insurance provider
  • Junior Tax Consultant at Deloitte – the multinational and financial services network
  • Global Finance & Business Analyst at J.P. Morgan – global financial services provider
  • Junior Consultant - Valuation & Advisory at Cushman & Wakefield – commercial property and real estate consultants

Our accounting graduates enjoy successful careers in their fields.

Additional to the skills development offered by Essex Business School, BSc Accounting students can also take advantage of the University of Essex Careers Service which focuses in particular on supporting the development of undergraduate employability, including: careers fairs, career mentoring, skills development, careers advice and guidance, placement year support, job opportunities, start-up support and more.

Entry requirements

Clearing entry requirements

We currently have places available in Clearing across a range of our courses with most offers at BBC-CCD (112 – 88 UCAS tariff points) or equivalent. We consider each application individually and requirements may be lower for some of our courses, so please get in touch if your grades are below those outlined here.

English language requirements

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Structure

Course structure

The course structure is designed to cover everything a future accountant would need to know, as well as taking a wider look at the industry. Some modules will focus mainly on the numbers whilst others will put these into perspective and teach you how managers use accounting information to make decisions.

In the first year our current students cover wider business topics that every manager needs to know. However, we are planning some changes to our first year and we'll be tailoring it more closely to your chosen course. In second and third year you'll have optional modules and by picking certain modules you'll be able to maximise the number of exemptions available to you from bodies such as ACCA, helping you on the way to achieving chartered status. There's also flexibility to study non-accounting modules through your options.

We offer a flexible course structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules, and optional modules chosen from lists. Please be aware that we are planning changes to our first year to make it more relevant to your chosen course.

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status What this means
Core
You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory
You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

HR 100  4  FY

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number. 

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

  • AU: Autumn term
  • SP: Spring term
  • SU: Summer term
  • FY: Full year 
  • AP: Autumn and Spring terms
  • PS: Spring and Summer terms
  • AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: CORE

BE102-4-AU
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 02: CORE

BE103-4-SP
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

BE303-4-AU
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

BE304-4-SP
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY

BE401-4-AU
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY

BE402-4-SP
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY

BE907-4-FY
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 08: COMPULSORY

EC101-4-AU
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

BE121-5-AU
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

BE122-5-SP
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

BE111-5-AU
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

BE311-5-AU
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY

BE113-5-SP
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 06: OPTIONAL

Option(s) from list
(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 07: OPTIONAL

Option(s) from list
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 08: COMPULSORY

BE917-5-FY
(0 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

BE130-6-FY
(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

BE131-6-AU
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

BE133-6-SP
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

BE116-6-AU
(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS

BE936-6-FY or BE947-6-FY or BE944-6-FY
(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 06: OPTIONAL

Final year Accounting option and/or EBS option(s) or outside option(s)
(30 CREDITS)

Placement

On a placement year you gain relevant work experience within an external business or organisation, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market and providing you with key contacts within the industry. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.

Year abroad

On your year abroad, you have the opportunity to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.

Teaching

  • Undergraduate students at the Department of Essex Business School typically have 12 hours of teaching time per week.
  • Teaching includes a combination of lectures, seminars and computer-based lab sessions
  • Modules delivered by experts in the field as well as guest speakers
  • Contribute and interact in lectures through the use of smart technology
  • Lecture presentations and notes are uploaded online beforehand to help you prepare in advance
  • Complete your final-year project in consultation with a personal supervisor

Assessment

  • Assessed through traditional methods of end-of-year exams and multiple choice questions in class tests and essays
  • Plus more innovative and creative assessments include laboratory work, poster presentations, real-business case problems and group presentations
  • Your first year marks do not count towards your final degree

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£9,535 per year

International fee

£21,525 per year

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

What's next

Open Days

Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:

  • tour our campus and accommodation
  • find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
  • meet our students and staff

Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.

2025 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

  • Saturday 16 August 2025 - Colchester Clearing Open Day
  • Saturday 20 September 2025 - September Open Day
  • Saturday 8 November 2025 - November Open Day

How to apply during Clearing

Once you’ve checked that we have the right course for you, applying couldn’t be simpler. Fill in our quick and easy Clearing application form with as much detail as you can. We’ll then take a look and get back to you with a decision.

Interviews

We don’t interview all applicants during Clearing, however, we will only make offers for the following courses after a successful interview:

  • BA Multimedia Journalism
  • BSc Nursing (Adult)
  • BSc Nursing (Mental Health)
  • BA Social Work

The interview allows our academics to find out more about you, and in turn you’ll be able to ask us any questions you might have. Further details will be emailed to you if you are shortlisted for interview.


Apply now
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Virtual tours

If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360 degree virtual tours allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour and Southend virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.

At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

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