BSc Economics and Accounting with Professional Placement

2024 entry

Course summary

This four-year course offers a fully integrated degree that combines economics and accounting subjects. The course is designed for students who seek to broaden their knowledge of the economy and understand the linkage with accounting.

The economics units provide you with insight into economic institutions (for example, banks), actors, and policies that underpin and influence the financial market. You will be prepared for a career as an economist, studying in a School of Economics run by world-leading experts.

The accounting units explore accounting institutions (for example, audit firms), accounting regulations, and accounting techniques that are used by and support organisations both in and outside the market.

Our course prepares you for a career in the accountancy profession or financial markets. The course provides you with access to subjects accredited by several professional accountancy bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

This course with Professional Placement allows you to spend your third year gaining experience in the industry. During your placement year, you will undertake a paid placement in an accounting role within a large organisation or an accountancy firm. Previously, students have secured roles at PwC, Grant Thornton, Hazlewoods, and Milsted Langdon.

Places on the course are allocated on merit depending on first-year examination results and an offer of employment for your placement from a qualifying employer. You can work towards your professional accreditation with ICAEW during your placement year.

You can also benefit from a range of specialist employability services provided by the Professional Liaison Network within the faculty, including a professional mentoring scheme with alumni, insight talks and internships.

Accreditations

Our Economics and Accounting with Professional Placement BSc is approved by major professional bodies in the UK (ICAS, CIPFA, ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA) so as a a graduate you can gain exemptions from a number of their examinations or credits for prior learning.

Course structure

In the first year, the focus is on strengthening your problem-solving skills. You will study the fundamental principles across core disciplines in accounting, economics, mathematics, and statistics. You will be able to choose an optional unit in the second semester of the first year.

The second year builds on principles learnt in the first year while advancing your knowledge in accounting and finance subjects. It emphasises problem-solving and application skills. A range of core units allow you to focus on building an in-depth knowledge in accounting, finance, and economics.

In your third year, you will undertake a paid placement in an accounting firm or within the accounting function of a large organisation.

The final year consolidates on your learning from years one and two. You learn more advanced quantitative and qualitative skills. You will have an opportunity to develop your critical skills and deepen your knowledge of complex issues in accounting and finance.

The final year offers greater flexibility and choice in the selection of options. You may choose to tailor the degree to your own interests by specialising in a particular area. You may also choose to keep your options open by selecting units across disciplines. Examples of recent units include Behavioural Economics, Management Accounting for Strategy, Advanced Financial Reporting, Auditing, Advanced Corporate Finance and Financial Markets.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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This course is available by transfer only. View the BSc Economics and Accounting entry requirements information.
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