BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year

Course Overview

Arden’s accounting and finance with foundation degree is designed to provide you with the skills needed to achieve your higher education goals, even if it’s been a while since you last studied. And what’s more, our flexible study options provide the best of both worlds when it comes to the university experience. 

Starting with an accounting and finance foundation degree is the perfect option for those looking to improve their study habits, develop a wide range of universal skills, and gain an in-depth understanding of a range of disciplines before continuing to undergraduate study. If this sounds like the best option for you, then we’re here to support you through every stage of your accounting and finance degree studies. 

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications 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 – we are more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility

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

  • Passes at grade C (grade 4) or above in three subjects at GCSE level OR 45 credits at Level 2 or equivalent – if your qualifications are older than 3 years we 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.  
  • We also offer this course as a standard bachelor’s degree without foundation year.

Candidates are required to submit a personal statement (of between 350-550 words) or attend an interview demonstrating an ability to study for the programme. This statement should include:

  • Your motivation for undertaking the programme
  • Why you’ve chosen your particular course
  • Any long-term goals or career aspirations

English proficiency

  • IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent

Course fee

BlendedFee
Fee Per Year£ 9,250
Distance LearningFee
Fee Per Year£ 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.

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 (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Course details and modules

Our accounting and finance foundation degree will equip you with the skills needed to succeed at undergraduate study. You’ll then progress to your accounting and finance degree where you’ll cover a range of specialist topics across a variety of fields – from financial reporting and management accounting, to applying these concepts to inform good financial decision-making in real business situations.

Modules

You’ll have 4-12 years to complete your accounting foundation degree and undergraduate degree, meaning that you can take up to three years to complete each level. However, many of our students complete the course in 4-8 years.

Foundation year

  • Using Numeracy, IT and Data
  • Research Skills and Using Information
  • Values, Ethics and Working Collaboratively
  • Developing Academic Skills
  • Structure of Business
  • Technology in Organisations 

Level 2

  • Financial Accounting
  • Cost Accounting
  • Developing Personal and Management Skills
  • Business Maths
  • Understanding the Business Environment (Accounting and Finance)
  • Management Information Systems

Level 3

  • Business Law
  • British Taxation
  • Accounting and Audit Framework
  • Financial Reporting
  • Management Accounting
  • Decision Making

Level 4

  • Audit
  • Financial Management
  • Ethics
  • Professional, Statutory and Current Accounting Issues
  • Research Methods and Dissertation

Career prospects

Accounting and finance skills are high in demand, and employers are seeking candidates who can demonstrate knowledge in a range of specialist areas. That’s why we’ve designed our accounting and finance foundation degree to help you develop into a well-rounded and forward-thinking finance professional – ready to launch your graduate career.

What can I do after Arden University?

Every organisation and business around the world requires accounting and finance skills, meaning your career possibilities are endless – but you don’t have to decide right now! In the meantime, some roles you might want to consider are:

  • Accountant
  • Finance Analyst
  • Financial Manager
  • Actuarial Analyst
  • Investment Banking
  • Broker
  • Tax Advisor

What can an accounting and finance with foundation degree do for me?

After graduating from your accounting and finance degree with foundation year from Arden, you’ll be ready to enter a variety of business, financial and accounting roles. Graduates equipped with a solid understanding of business management – as well as financial knowledge and accounting skills – are highly valued to many employers.

What is Blended Learning in Arden University ?

Do you want to study for a Degree, but feel like you just don’t have the time to fit it into your life? Arden University’s  Blended Learning courses combine innovative online learning with traditional, face-to-face classes to give you a more flexible way to study.

How does it work?

The face-to-face hours are delivered as a part-time course would be, but with the additional independent online learning, you can still complete your Degree in 3 years*. This Blended approach means you can study anytime, anywhere and your tutors and support teams can be contacted outside of the classroom, online or over the phone.

When can I study?

Requiring just 8 hours of classes a week at your chosen UK study centre, you will have the opportunity to select when you want to learn: weekdays or  evenings .

  • Weekdays: 2 days per week either 9.00–13.00 or 13.30-17.30
  • Evenings**: 2 evenings per week 17.30–21.30

Where can I study?

With  Arden study centres across Birmingham, London , Manchester and Berlin, we believe we can offer a study option that suits most lifestyles.

So, whether you’re a full-time parent, striving to be employee of the month, or just don’t want the traditional study methods offered by other universities, Blended Learning at Arden University offers all the flexibility and support you need to fit study around your life.

Take a look at the courses on offer and talk to one of the Ulearn’s course advisors through our Live Chat function, or complete an enquiry form and someone will be in touch.

*4 years if taken with a foundation year.
** selected centres and courses only.

Flexible Intake Dates

At Arden University you don’t have to start your Degree in September like most other universities. We offer 6 different intakes throughout the year so you can start your course at a time that suits you and fits around your commitments.

Undergraduate Intake Dates

  • September
  • November
  • February
  • April
  • June

 How much will it cost?

We believe costs shouldn’t be a barrier to personal development which is why the cost of studying with Arden is lower than traditional universities. If you are looking for a smart, value for money option then look no further – you can stay in control of your finance and focus on your learning.

You can choose to pay for your course in full, in installments or through employer sponsorship. For UK students, you can also choose to pay with a student loan, if you’re eligible. For more information and for up-to-date fees please visit: https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/fees-and-funding

Part time online learning

How does it work?

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year 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. 

Our 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 our 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 our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy. 

Studying online does not 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 our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We 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 are 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. Please find more information on our fees and funding page. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.