Finance, Business, Management and Accountancy

What would I study and how would the courses differ?

Accountancy Accounting or accounting courses provide a fast track to working in the accountancy profession. Courses generally include learning skill and knowledge to qualify in accountancy, management or public finance. Some courses also study maths, statistics, economics and finance. Some courses put theory into practice on a placement. Courses with placements generally have higher entry requirements. It is essential to check with each course how many post university accountancy exams you do not have to take i.e. your University course includes them.

Finance There are a huge variety of courses, some are broad based and include all aspects of finance, including accounting, while others specialise in specific areas such as investment banking, modelling or trading skills. Courses occasionally offer a fast track to careers in banking by offering financial services exams within their course. You do not need to have a finance degree to go into financial services.

Business and Management An increasingly popular choice of course that comes in all shapes and sizes. The more theoretical courses cover economics, politics and sociology, while others focus more on the skills and practices you need to carry out specific management and business functions including accountancy, finance, marketing, international business an event planning.

What are typical entry requirements?

Top universities are asking for AAA for Business / Management degrees and slightly lower for Accountancy / Finance. However the range of courses on offer are so wide that variations of the course can go to DDD. Select the course with the highest grades you can get into.

Consider the following - ‘With’ vs ‘And’ courses - could you tag the course with another interest e.g. a language - professional placements are increasingly popular and very well regarded by recruiters after University. Courses with paid placements during university often require higher grades. Often placements can be abroad, gaining international experience as well.

Are there any essential or recommended AS or A levels?

Very few courses have set requirements.

What is important for my personal statement?

University admissions tutors are looking for individuals who really understand the course they are applying for and have researched it well. For business and management courses regular reading of a quality newspaper or consultant quarterly e.g. McKinsey, will help any applicant develop a more informed understanding of the basics of the business and management world, including current influences and key definitions.

Do I need work experience?

Business / Management degrees have a higher level of practicality to them than some purely academic degrees so work experience would be useful on any applicant’s personal statement. This can include working in one or multiple departments at any business (big or small.) It will allow the applicant to show a genuine understanding of how a business works, how issues are dealt with, how conflicting demands are dealt with etc.

For accounting / finance degrees work experience can also be important to allow a candidate to fully understand what their degree offers as the majority of students will leave the course and start a job in that field.