BA (Hons) Business Management (Accounting & Finance)

Course Overview

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.

On AU Ba (Hons) Business Management (Accounting and Finance) course*, Arden will help you develop a thorough understanding of modern financial theories, together with learning how and why organisations make those all-important accounting and finance and decisions. On your first academic year of the course, you’ll develop broad knowledge in key areas of business management, including managing people and an introduction to how modern organisations function. On the second and third years of your degree, you’ll learn how to use the key accounting and finance skills and technologies required to be successful in today’s workplace, as well as studying financial and cost accounting, risk management, business transformation, corporate governance, and more. You’ll also develop your understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of a range of key accounting and finance functions, including an awareness of the legal and ethical environment in which domestics and international organisations now operate.

This course has been launched with input from world-leading organisations and researchers so that you are exposed to the most relevant advancements in accounting and finance. That means you’ll be able to show future employers that you have the knowledge required to fill current skills gaps in the field. And because you’ll also graduate with a keen awareness of business areas such as operational planning, finance, and management theory, you’ll have gained important transferable skills that will give you flexible, future-proof career ahead.

Entry requirements

At Arden University application 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 eligible for AU BA (Hons) Business Management (Accounting and finance) course, you must have:

Two subjects at GCE A-Level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in mathematics and two additional subjects at GCSE level or equivalent

If you don’t currently hold the above qualifications, Arden also offer this course with an additional foundation year, which is designed for students who need extra support when starting their degree course.

Course fee

International Fee	Fee
fee per level:	£5500

UK Fee	Fee
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.

AU 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.

Apply for the Course

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Course details and modules

By providing you with knowledge of the fundamentals of business and then developing your core skills and knowledge in modern accounting and finance, Arden will prepare you to become a skilled and informed professional in this exciting and rewarding career choice.

During your studies you’ll gain a wider understanding of accounting and finance functions, operations, and technologies. You’ll also develop new personal and professionals attributes in dedicated skills-related modules to help build your soft skills and decision-making abilities. Learning research and data analysis techniques using academic and industry focused texts, articles, and reports, you’ll gain a better understanding of contemporary accounting and finance, management, and overall business functions, with the ability to analyse practical case studies drawn from a range of international organisations.

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, product development, operations, and your supply chain. 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. The Digital Enterprise Hub also gives you the chance to engage in social learning with your classmates, developing your collaborative skills and providing the opportunity for networking with fellow professionals.

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 3-9 years to complete this course, which means you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of AU students, however, aim to complete the course within 3 to 6 years.

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)

Career prospects

Perhaps you have a strong idea of where you want to go with your accounting and finance degree, or maybe you want to keep your career options open for now? Either way, don’t worry if you’re still a little unclear about what the future holds. AU accounting and finance bachelor’s course will give you a range of in-demand and transferable skills that will help you understand how modern organisations work. This gives you the freedom to take your time deciding where in the business ecosystem you’ll fit best, be it as an entrepreneur, manager, or if you’re an experienced professional looking for a career change.

What can I do after Arden University?

Your degree in accounting and finance will open up a wide range of career opportunities across industries. As you study with us you’ll have access to AU dedicated career services portal, where you can access additional ‘bolt-on’ e-learning courses, employer presentations, and search for jobs worldwide. Of course, your course lecturers are always on-hand to provide advice and guidance when it come to your professional future. Just a few of the possible roles you might want to consider after graduation could include:

Business Analyst
Business Development Executive
Buying Assistant
Accounting Technician
Actuarial Analyst
Company Secretary
Stockbroker

What will the BA (Hons) Business Management (Accounting and finance) do for me?

As well as developing important soft skills, up-to-date knowledge of business functions, and career planning abilities, you’ll also be encouraged to develop a Personal Development Plan as you work through your degree. With support from AU lecturers, this will help you track your progress and identify areas where you excel.

On the course, your assessments will be linked to real-world workplace issues and practices. Added to the benefits of AU enterprise simulation software and Digital Business Hub, you’ll graduate with hands-on experience in problem solving and identifying areas for business growth – all highly desirable skills for today’s employers.

The BA (Hons) Business Management (Accounting and finance) will also give you the chance to:

Comprehend and appreciate the importance of the key skills, technologies, and competencies required to be successful in the finance and accounting sector.
Identify and evaluate the roles and contributions of the key business and finance functions applicable to contemporary organisations.
Produce and evaluate relevant and robust solutions to meet the challenges located in modern accounting and finance practice.
Apply and evaluate accounting theories and accounting principles to a range of business contexts, challenges, and situations.
Develop your research and analytical skills.

Part time online learning

How does it work?

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management (Accounting & Finance) online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.

AU online students study their degree through iLearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. iLearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to AU Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us. iLearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate AU study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy.

Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with likeminded students who you can meet with through AU Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. Arden have even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning.

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.