BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year

Course Overview

Arden University designed this course to give you the forward-facing skills required in today’s evolving accounting and finance sector. You’ll cover in-demand areas such as the role and scope of technology in the field in areas such as Fintech and blockchain, as well as gain the skills to make sound investment decisions. Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to put your learning into practice, helping you gain real-world skills you can use in your future role.

Accounting

This course is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), three world-leading professional bodies. Arden have fully aligned your course content with these qualifications, meaning you can gain up to 26 exemptions towards any future exams you may take with these accountancy bodies.

Finance

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) approved this course, meaning you can prepare to sit CFA Level 1 papers. This makes it one of the select few programmes carrying three professional accounting body accreditations and CFA endorsement.

AU have also partnered with Moody’s to give you access to a wealth of financial data. Using these alongside advanced statistical software, you’ll have the opportunity to make real-world financial decisions using live data, ensuring you’ll be well-versed in modern finance before you even graduate.

Course details and modules

Arden’s foundation year modules have been designed to give you a tailored and fully supportive introduction to university study. This first year of study will prepare you for success in higher education by introducing you to the academic skills and subject-specific knowledge required to excel in your chosen degree subject.

Accounting and finance professionals perform important roles in almost all sectors of business. They use their specialist knowledge to help organisations make critical decisions and devise strategies for increasing organisational success.

Using AU business simulation software, you’ll be able to access a virtual business and run it as your own enterprise – managing activities such as accounting and finance, sales, finances, people, and product development. This will give you the chance to practice making critical decisions within a safe environment, helping you develop your ability to interpret commercial information and apply your learnings to generate a profit for your enterprise. 

You’ll also have access to AU Digital Enterprise Hub throughout your course, which provides you with additional software and resources as well as real-world mentors and industry experts to draw knowledge from.

How do Arden University assess students?

AU assess students using diverse methods that go beyond traditional exams, especially in postgraduate certificate programs. Instead of exams, these programs employ practical, real-world assessments tailored to meet individual needs and help students develop transferable skills for their future careers. These assessments may include:

  • Essays: Developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
  • Consultancy Reports: Addressing real-world challenges with professional insights.
  • Recorded Presentations: Enhancing communication and presentation abilities.
  • Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
  • E-Portfolios: Showcasing personal and academic achievements through organized digital collections.
  • Visual Research: Combining creativity and analytical skills to present research visually.

This approach ensures that students gain valuable, hands-on experience relevant to their career goals.

Modules

You have 4-12 years to complete this course, which means you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of Arden’s students, however, aim to complete the course within 4 to 6 years.

Foundation Year

  • Preparing for University Success
  • Exploring the Business Environment
  • Advancing your Academic Skills
  • Becoming an Effective Leader
  • Planning for Your Future Success
  • Investigation & Innovation Project

Level 4

  • Digital Skills & Professional Development (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Business Environment (20 credits)
  • Marketing Dynamics (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Business Finance (20 credits)
  • People Management (20 credits)
  • Technology & Innovation (20 credits)

Level 5

  • Data Analytics & Management (20 credits)
  • Business Start-up (20 credits) 
  • Sales Management (20 credits)
  • Digital & Social Media Marketing (20 credits)
  • Financial Accounting (20 credits)  
  • Cost Accounting (20 credits) 

Level 6

  • Business Transformation (20 credits)
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation (20 credits)
  • Corporate Governance, Law & Ethics (20 credits)   
  • Independent Study (20 credits)   
  • Financial Management (20 credits)
  • Business Risk Management (20 credits)  

Study options

This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode at Arden campuses in London Tower Hill, London Holborn, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds.

Full-time blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose Arden blended learning study mode, each week you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at the Arden campus of your choice. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, Arden university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study successfully. As a blended learning student you’ll also have access to Arden Library Portal, an extensive digital library with thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and a range of academic and industry databases that you can use to research and gain in-depth information on your area of study. At Arden, all of your course materials are provided free of charge, removing the need for you to buy expensive textbooks to study your degree successfully.

Blended learning is the best option for students who prefer the structure of regular face-to-face classes with their tutor and fellow classmates, and is particularly suited to students who live within commuting or driving distance of one of Arden UK campuses.

If you’re a student from England who is enrolling on a blended learning course with Arden (based in one of Arden’s UK campuses) then you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan to help pay for your living expenses. You can find more information on Arden fees and funding page. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland you can find information about obtaining a student loan to cover your costs from your student finance body.

 

Entry requirements

At Arden University applications are consider on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree – Arden team is more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility 

To be able to study this course, AU need to see that you have: 

  • At least 3 x GCSEs OR 45 credits at Level 2 or equivalent – if your qualifications are older than 3 years AU would also ask to see a professional CV.
  • Applicants may be considered based on a minimum of 12 months of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and Reference if they do not meet the qualification requirements. 
  • Arden also offer this course as a standard bachelor’s degree without foundation year.

Course fee

International FeeFee
fee per level:£4000
UK FeeFee
fee per level:£6,935

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

English proficiency

  • IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent
  • Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted.

Arden also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer Arden recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Career prospects

This course has been created by experienced finance and accounting professionals to ensure that you gain the knowledge you’ll need to find secure employment after graduation. Arden aim to prepare you with universal skills that employers from a variety of organisations will value, so you’ll graduate feeling confident to decide where your future career lies.

What can I do after Arden University?

As a graduate of this accounting and finance degree, you’ll be prepared to enter a variety of business, financial, and accounting roles. Candidates equipped with a solid understanding of business management, financial knowledge, and accounting skills are highly valued and sought after by many employers, meaning there are a variety of job roles you might want to consider, such as:

  • Trader
  • Broker
  • Financial Agent
  • Financial Advisor
  • Auditor
  • Financial Accountant
  • Management Accountant
  • Corporate Treasury Manager
  • Financial Planner
  • Insurance
  • Banking

What will this course do for me?

By mastering the fundamentals of accounting and finance, you’ll be able to demonstrate to employers how valuable you are. Just as valuable, are the key skills you can develop with this undergraduate course, including:

  • An in-depth knowledge of modern business and finance with real-world applications.
  • Becoming prepared for Industry 4.0 by understanding the role and scope of technology in accounting and finance, including Fintech, blockchain, AI, and cloud computing.
  • Understanding the sector from a strategic, management, and investment perspective, covering international finance, financial technology and management, and more.
  • Using advanced computer software to analyse financial data and make robust forecasts, including SPSS, STATA, EViews, and MATLAB.
  • Writing and interpreting financial statements, and monitoring, controlling, and planning for the ongoing success of an organisation.
  • Experience in commonly used industry practices, including consultancy reports, investor memos, and management of equity portfolios.

During your Foundation Year, you’ll get comprehensive support and preparation for your university journey, including:

  • Introduction and preparation: Arden Foundation Year courses introduce you to university-level teaching, learning, and assessment methods. You’ll develop essential study skills, research techniques, and critical thinking abilities, laying a strong foundation for your degree studies.
  • Personalised support:Arden academic staff will guide you throughout your Foundation Year. They’ll ensure a smooth transition into your degree programme, providing the support you need every step of the way.
  • Direct relevance to your future degree: your programme content is carefully designed to align with Arden’s degree courses. Studying a Foundation Year will equip you with subject-specific knowledge and interdisciplinary exploration, establishing a solid base for your chosen degree.
  • Improved degree outcomes: Arden prioritise not only your academic preparation but also your success. By boosting your confidence, academic skills, and understanding of the subjects, AU empower you to achieve the best possible degree outcomes and expand your career opportunities.

Industry skills

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) is a world-leading professional membership organisation that promotes, develops, and supports chartered accountants and students around the world. At the end of 2020, it had over 189,000 members and students in 147 countries.

This course has nine exemptions from ICAEW, which means you’ll only need to complete six of the 15 exams on the qualification.

The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA)

The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA) is a global association of investment professionals. The organisation offers the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation to candidates that have successfully completed Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the CFA qualification.

Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charterholders apply their knowledge and skills in a wide range of positions throughout the global finance industry. Distinguished by their commitment to setting a higher standard of excellence, they are sought after as investment management professionals. The BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance programme covers all CFA Level 1 knowledge domains, thereby allowing students to prepare for Level 1 of the CFA programme. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be ready to sit the CFA Level 1 exam, taking you one step closer to gaining the Chartered Financial Analyst qualification.

Moody’s Analytics

You’ll have access to Moody’s Orbis database throughout your studies. Orbis is a leading publisher of business information specialising in private company data combined with software for research and analysis. It’s the world’s most powerful comparable data resource on private companies, with information on more than 400 million companies across the globe and 41 million of these including detailed financial information.

Through this, you’ll be able to gain a holistic overview of different companies and how data can be used for better decision-making and increased efficiency. You can use the database to explore areas such as credit risk, compliance and financial crime, corporate finance, business development and strategy, and much more.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) membership.

Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide.

This membership reflects the fact that Arden University has successfully matched the high standards required by the AACSB, and enables the sharing of ideas and the exchange best practises between global business schools. Membership also gives our faculty members access to in-depth data and research to support the development of our courses and teaching methods, ensuring that Arden University is able to provide you with the best possible university experience.

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