BA (Hons) Business and Accounting

Solve business challenges and develop practical strategies for organisational success when you pursue an in-depth study of business, with a focus on accounting, taught by specialists.

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Typical offer: 112–120
Entry requirements
Fees: £9,250 per year (UK)
Full details
UCAS code: NN4D
Course length: Sandwich: four years
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Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Institute code: H36
Work placement option
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Study abroad option
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92.7% overall student positivity* (National Student Survey, 2023)

Triple accredited with CIMA, ICAEW & ACCA

High level of UK professional accounting exam exemption

Business at Herts

Course overview

With the knowledge and abilities you acquire from our course, you'll be ready to enter the fast-paced world of business as an employee or entrepreneur.

Develop a solid foundation of accounting knowledge, coupled with business fundamentals such as marketing, management, and business ethics, to kick-start your commercial journey.

Understand how to interpret, prepare, and present financial information for organizations of all sizes. Learn and practice invaluable skills in analysis, problem-solving, numerical-based critical thinking, management, and communication.

Appreciate the wider context in which accounting operates, valuable for a career in business or management as you study economics, marketing, and leadership for a well-rounded perspective.

Make an impact with varied assessments, including professional report writing, group presentations, and company projects that help prepare you for work alongside the exams required for professional exemptions.

The course provides the opportunity to gain exemptions for professional accountancy exams, enhancing your attractiveness to potential employers.

Boost your CV and commercial skills through industry placements, study abroad, or internships (including the latest online bite-sized digital experiences) with fully supported experiences.

* Based on an average of questions 1-25 of the National Student Survey (NSS), 2023.

Why choose this course?

Learn from experts in their respective fields, along with guest speakers from the business world, on this comprehensive course.

Enhance your skills through interactive teaching, including simulations and group exercises, refining and improving your professional skills such as communication and digital literacy, alongside your commercial knowledge.

Stand out from the crowd by gaining practical experience in solving real-world business challenges. Effective decision-making, a profound understanding of current business challenges, teamwork, and leadership are just a few of the areas you'll develop.

We encourage and support you to set high goals. Your dedicated support team will share their expertise, advice, and experiences as they focus on nurturing your potential to succeed, addressing both academic and personal challenges.

Embrace career-enhancing opportunities, such as the National University Business Challenge or joining our Enactus Society, which organises projects that make a difference every day.

Students with an entrepreneurial spirit are encouraged to participate in the annual 'Flare Ignite' competition, where winners receive support, training, and funding to bring their ideas to life.

Graduate with the support of a powerful network. We have extensive connections to industry organisations and global businesses, giving you access to industry experts as guest speakers and internship/placement opportunities.

Professional accreditations

We are accredited by and collaborate with the following organisations:

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
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)

This degree program will provide you with exemptions from accounting exams conducted by professional bodies.

Your future career

Learn to navigate and explore business from an accounting perspective, demonstrating your numerical, communication, and commercial acumen as a firm foundation for making decisions in business.

Possible roles for employment include:

Business consultant
Accountant
Management accountant
Management consultant
Financial manager
Practice manager

We are delighted to share that our alumni work for the "Big Four" accounting firms (Ernst & Young, Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG), as well as international and commercial organisations.

With a focus on consultative accounting and business awareness, you'll be prepared for a career in business accounting, management, or entrepreneurship, understanding how to make numerical data engaging and relevant.

What you'll study

Immerse yourself in the field of accounting as you become proficient in numerical analysis, digitised accounting, and report writing, setting yourself apart from others.

Enhance your knowledge and skills within the professional accounting standards framework. Conceptualise and apply models to deepen your understanding of their application in the business context.

In your first year, you'll learn the fundamentals of business and accounting, exploring subjects such as economics, organisational management, and digital and professional skills.

In your second year, you'll build upon your foundational understanding of the subjects, delving deeper into areas such as personnel management, business ethics, and financial management.

In your final year, you'll further develop your business and commercial awareness, as well as strategic accounting skills. You'll also have the opportunity to choose elective options in areas of interest, such as financial crime, taxation, and Islamic finance.

Additionally, our GoHerts program, placements, internships, study-abroad opportunities, and events organised by the Future Success team provide further avenues for personal development and enrichment.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Principles of Marketing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This initial marketing module, which assumes no prior knowledge of marketing, aims to introduce students to some of the key ideas of marketing and is suitable for both marketing and non-marketing students. It examines the environment within which organisations operate and the role of marketing within the organisation so that students can understand the context within which marketing personnel work, and the different activities which are carried out under the umbrella term of 'marketing'. Concepts central to an understanding of marketing are considered - segmentation; targeting and positioning; the product life cycle; the 4Ps; buyer behaviour, etc.
Economics for Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable students to understand the economic context of modern business by introducing and developing an appreciation of the utility of economic approaches in studying the business environment. The basic tools and approaches which economists use; demand and supply and industry analysis, among others; will be introduced and applied to help understand the economic issues involved and the public policy which can be derived. Economics, of course, provides one of the key pillars of a solid education in business and this module represents some first steps in this direction as well as highlighting some of the major contemporary issues in our society.
Quantitative Methods for Business (UJH)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the student to a number of essential mathematical and statistical techniques that are extensively used in business and management. Particular attention will be paid to the circumstances in which the methods considered should be employed. The following quantitative methods are likely to be included in this module: equations and graphs; measures of location and dispersion; weighted averages and indices; probability and normal distribution; basic optimisation; critical path analysis; correlation and simple linear regression; time series forecasting; investment; simulation. Appropriate software (eg Excel) will be used to support learning.
Accounting Principles	30 Credits	Compulsory
To gain an introduction to financial accounting, management accounting and finance, suitable for those who intend to specialise in these areas subsequently.
People and Organisations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to provide students an introduction to the key concepts in human resource management and behaviour in contemporary organisations. It will consider the micro context of human resource management, performance and development, equality and diversity and international human resource management, predominantly taking an organisational perspective but drawing on other disciplinary approaches where applicable. Students will also explore theories and models related to learning, motivation, teamwork and individual behaviour.
Essential Skills for Accountants	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides students with a series of academic skills and study strategies underpinning subsequent studies and successful graduation. The module is composed of several themes which will include communication, thinking and methods of enquiry, and the nature of knowledge. Successful completion will allow students to effectively match problem-solving techniques to a range of differing scenarios. In doing so, students will be expected to reflect on their practice and recognise aspects for self-development and improvement.
The Professional Accountant	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides students with a series of academic skills and study strategies underpinning subsequent studies and successful graduation. Successful completion will allow students to effectively match problem-solving techniques to a range of differing scenarios. In doing so, students will be expected to operate in teams, reflect on their practice and recognise aspects for self-development and improvement.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Managing People	15 Credits	Compulsory
Managing People aims at providing students with an introduction to the management of people in organisations. Content includes: The development of HRM, theory and practice, contextual factors, strategic approaches. Recruitment and selection (R&S) including role of R&S, models of R&S and their application. Equality and diversity (E&D) including the case for E&D, approaches to implementing E&D policies, and tackling discrimination in organisations. Flexibility and managing flexibility. Performance and reward management including managing people for performance, motivation and the link with reward management. Employee participation and involvement Factors affecting the success of employee involvement (EI) and effective communication. Learning and development (L&D) including identifying the need for L&D, evaluation of the outcomes, and the contribution L&D can make to people's performance and business success. Managing people activities from both strategic and operational perspectives. Exploring the role of HR function and line manager.
Exploring Business Ethics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to examine and reflect on the ethical behaviour of organisations and employees. To apply ethical theories to real and current organisational cases and activities and reflect on what responsibilities organisations have to society. It discusses guidelines, laws and external pressures and the impact these have on the ethical behaviour of organisations. The behaviour of employees and the individual choices that may when faced ethical dilemmas is also analysed. Content includes. ethical theorists child labour and bribery price fixing working conditions corporate social responsibility and whistleblowing.
Enterprise	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module, students explore the nature of enterprise and entrepreneurship, its importance to society, and the individual personal opportunities that developing enterprise skills provides. Students will work in teams to develop new business opportunities, and to take an innovative idea through the entrepreneurship process, resulting in the presentation of a proposed new enterprise.
Enhancing Employability	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to equip students with knowledge and understanding pertinent to employment and their personal skills, to enable them to enhance their employability prospects while maintaining and enhancing their academic skills. It will enable students to research employment in their chosen sector or role and to develop an action plan to help them secure eventual employment. It will also help students to continue to develop their employability skills. Students will identify a potential career area, research relevant employment issues and analyse specific opportunities available in this field, before carrying out appropriate personal analysis leading to the formalisation of a career action plan. Students will be directed to activities organised by the Business School, Careers, Enterprise and Employment and academic skills advisors and will be expected to attend those sessions to which they are directed
Financial Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce students to the main theory and practice of the financing of companies, the allocation and management of financial resources within a company and the rewarding of the providers of a company's financing. Specific topics covered will include: the financial environment; sources of business finance; capital budgeting; cost of capital and capital structure; dividend policy; investment risk; portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model; valuation of assets, shares and companies; mergers and acquisitions.
Analysing Financial Statements	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will be encouraged to consider specific businesses from the viewpoint of a financial analyst. The module focuses on the skills needed to extract useful information to understand and analyse the three key financial statements in the context of company specific factors, industry specific factors and the wider economy. Students will look at the context of financial statements. They will develop an understanding of the conceptual framework and the role of the financial statements in meeting the needs of users. Students will consider the information available on companies in the public domain and the importance of considering financial statements in context. The three financial statements will be considered in turn and students will calculate accounting extracts and adjustments and develop an understanding of the influence of accounting policies on the preparation and presentation of the financials. Students will calculate ratios and discuss the benefit of these as an analytical tool.
Professional Development for Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides students with a series of academic skills and study strategies which will underpin their subsequent studies. Students will identify a variety of study strategies to enhance their learning and maximise the opportunities offered in the virtual learning environment. These will include Harvard referencing, academic writing, revision techniques and time planning. The module is composed of several themes which will include communication, thinking and methods of enquiry, IT-literacy, numeracy and the nature of knowledge. Students will be expected to operate in teams, reflect on their practice and recognise aspects for self-development and improvement.
Management Accounting	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will reinforce and build on prior student knowledge and understanding of management accounting tools and techniques used in assisting management decision-making, controlling of costs and the improvement of business performance. Indicative content may include: Activity-based costing (ABC). Relevant cost analysis. Cost volume profit analysis (CVP). Budgetary systems and types of budget. Pricing decisions. Standard costing. Performance analysis.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Business and Commercial Awareness	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is essentially supported by lectures and workshops, where students will role play members of an organisational management team as they develop, plan and implement a new product or service for their organisation. The lectures will present theoretical underpinnings for each of the activities required for the case. The workshops will allow students the opportunity to apply theory and develop the skills required via a selection of shorter case-based exercises. The module will consolidate functional business knowledge and provide students with an opportunity to integrate theories and gain experience in a simulated business environment.
Leadership and Organisations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores leadership and management within the context of the business organisation. It examines the development of leadership and management theory as well as discussing contemporary applications of theoretical approaches. Leadership styles and models are analysed, including their impact on follower performance. Students will be constantly reminded that the leaders of organisations often experience strategy in action/implementation as a messy, unstructured process. Up-to-date real-world examples will be used, together with textbook cases, to appraise the effectiveness of different organisational leadership styles and to show how strategic leaders and their followers interact in practice.
Financial Aspects of International Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
The international financial system. Foreign exchange rate theories. Foreign exchange risk- definitions. Managing foreign exchange risk - techniques. Devising a hedging strategy. Direct foreign investment risk management.
Strategic Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce students to a range of issues and challenges confronting strategic leaders of a diverse range of organisations in a turbulent global environment. It will focus on many conflicting perspectives within the subject of strategic management and consider the problems involved in researching and developing strategies and plans and implement them within the limitations of the organisation. It considers a range of analytical techniques and concepts, both applying them and critically evaluating their usefulness through the use of case study work. The module identifies the contradictions and paradoxical nature of strategic decision-making and strategic planning. It also focusses on the development of student s professional skills critical to effective strategy development and implementation. In particular, the module focuses on analytical and critical research skills, team work, leadership and professionalism.
Digital Economy	15 Credits	Compulsory
Topics will include - Definition of digital economy; Development of digital economy; Digital economy as part of the total company profile; Approaches to digital economy; Internal and external effects of digital economy; International methods of digital economy; Strategic advantage and barriers/ challenges faced through the adoption of digital economy. This will include the impact on the environment as well as the threats to a company s digital operation and assets and ways to avoid and mitigate against these. UK and EU legislation specific to a company s digital world will also be explored.
Strategic Management Accounting	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will deepen students prior knowledge and understanding of management accounting focuses on the role of the management accountant within the strategic planning process. Making use of relevant literature and case studies, the module will explore strategic planning in the context of the management accounting information required to support this process. The module will consider performance management systems which have been developed to control the implementation of strategic plans. Indicative content may include: The Strategic Process. Strategic Analysis. Balanced Scorecard. Beyond Budgeting. Customer Profitability Analysis. Competitor Analysis.
Islamic Banking and Finance	15 Credits	Optional
This module intends to provide students with knowledge and understanding of IBF. The module will provide the background and foundations of Sharia framework (Islamic code of life) in which the Islamic banking system claims to operate. The ideals of IBF, with an emphasis on prohibition of Riba (interest), will be discussed. Students will gain understanding of various Islamic modes of financing and various financial instruments. The module will also provide knowledge and understanding of Islamic contract and Islamic commercial law. Students will learn and evaluate the latest developments and trends in this field, with special emphasis on the UK.
Taxation	15 Credits	Optional
This module will provide an opportunity for students to obtain a broad awareness of the theoretical and practical influences on UK taxation and the opportunity to calculate basic UK tax liabilities. The module will start by examining the UK taxation environment: framework of UK taxation, principles of tax system design and the impacts of the UK tax system before considering individual taxes: income tax, capital taxes, corporation tax, VAT and other indirect taxes.
Advisory services	15 Credits	Optional
Risk management and business performance improvement Will introduce the skills needed to identify and set strategic objectives for a business. Students will show an awareness of how to identify both risks, and solutions to mitigate those risks, as well as show an awareness of how to realise business opportunities. Transaction Support will consider the issues surrounding merger and acquisition activity. This will include a review of due diligence, legal requirements, valuation and synergy and how to raise funds, how to prepare a business for sale and the steps involved in structuring a deal. Regulatory compliance will promote an understanding of the regulatory environment within which businesses operate and consider the consequences of non-compliance. Students will look at financial crime and its mitigation. Not-for-profit organisations: Students will consideration of the issues and challenges which are specifically faced by not-for-profit organisations. Forensic Accounting will consider the risks of, for example, cyber-attacks on a business and data storage issues. It will look at commercial disputes and the impact on businesses. Recovery & Reorganisation will include insolvency and the restructuring of businesses. Students will consider the signs of business distress, be introduced to the laws of insolvency and consider the recovery and reorganisation options available to businesses.
Financial Crime	15 Credits	Optional
This module will explore the nature of financial crimes committed in both private and public sectors and the resulting financial losses suffered by various stakeholders. After introducing necessary theoretical foundations for financial crimes, various types of financial crimes, organised criminal activity, e.g. money laundering, tax frauds e.g., VAT Missing Traders fraud and service delivery frauds will be examined to navigate the landscape of financial crime. Case studies relating to each category of financial crime will be employed as the main learning and teaching method. Importance of corporate governance and risk management will also be analysed so that students can appreciate the need for good stewardship of funds that managers are entrusted with by the taxpayers or shareholders.

What if I need support?

You'll benefit from dedicated support teams within the Business School, including Academic Support, Wellbeing, and a personal tutor who will assist you in adjusting to the demands of university learning and living.

Additional support is available from our Student Success team, which focuses on inclusive learning, as well as our dedicated Future Success network, which helps with work experience, placements, and graduate jobs.

You can join and engage with the Business School Student Voice community, consisting of a team of student representatives who regularly meet with staff to provide feedback and ensure the effectiveness of teaching.

Our in-house Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) is available to all Business School students, offering additional support in areas such as 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.

Recent students on the programme have had the privilege of securing placements at renowned organisations such as PwC, the NHS, Worldpay, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Grant Thornton, and Ernst & Young.

Find out more about work placements

You can choose to take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a tremendous personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

More and more companies are now operating on an international scale, and the experience of living in another country will make a significant impression on future employers. Put your knowledge into action, learn how businesses operate, and establish professional connections.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world truly is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office will provide guidance 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 will not be required to pay any tuition fees, whether it is to the partner university or to us.

Find out more about study abroad options

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!

Find out more about work placements

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world truly is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office will provide guidance 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 will not be required to pay any tuition fees, whether it is to the partner university or to us.

Find out more about study abroad options

Where 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 academics and researchers, our team comprises cutting-edge professionals with extensive commercial experience and expertise.

They utilise their industry knowledge to provide deeper meaning to the numbers.

You'll have access to an academic support team, a well-being team, and a personal tutor who can assist you in acclimating to the unique learning and living environment at the university.

Your teaching and support team will collaborate with you to help you realise and achieve your full potential.

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.

Find out more about support and wellbeing

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
Typical A Level offer	BBC–BBB
Typical IB offer	112–120
Typical BTEC offer	DMM–DDM
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Languages and Mathematics.
Access courses	112–120
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.
Additional information	Find out more about International 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.

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 2024	Full time	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with placement year	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with study abroad year	Apply via UCAS

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	2024/25 Fees
UK students	Full time	£9,250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU students	Full time	£15,500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
International students	Full time	£15,500 for the 2024/2025 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.
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) Business and Accounting	Download PDF

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Accounting	Download PDF

Additional information
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Sandwich, 4 Years

BA (Hons) Business and Accounting

Solve business challenges and develop practical strategies for organisational success when you pursue an in-depth study of business, with a focus on accounting, taught by specialists.

Typical offer: 112–120

Fees: £9,250 per year (UK)

UCAS code: NN4D

Course length: Sandwich: four years

Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Institute code: H36

Work placement option

Study abroad option

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Professional accreditations

Your future career

What you'll study

What if I need support?

Optional sandwich year

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Where you'll study

Who you'll learn from

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.

Entry requirements

UK applicants

International applicants

Ready to apply?

UK applicants

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

International applicants

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional information

More about the course

Further information

Not ready to apply?

Undergraduate subjects

Student Life at Herts

Chat with students and staff

Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield