BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year)

What you will study

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

The Foundation Year is an integrated year where you will study core modules with a broad range of students from across the Faculty of Social and Life Sciences, giving you access to different perspectives and networking opportunities.   

The modules will equip you with key skills needed for Higher Education and beyond. They will give you the chance to explore your subject area and available careers, allowing you to adapt your reading and assessments to be relevant to your degree pathway.  

Alongside teaching from the broader faculty staff, you will be able to meet with staff and other students from your main degree pathway and get involved with events and opportunities that they are running.  

• Study Skills for Success: This module will provide a solid foundation in academic conventions and time management skills to help you to progress through your degree.  
• Business Environment: This module will introduce you to the nature and purpose of business organisations, and how they operate in a range of environments. You’ll explore the different types of business functions, structures and the factors which influence their decisions and performance.
• A Day in the Life: This module allows you to explore the potential career options open to you on completion of your chosen degree. You will be exploring the professions linked to your degree and start preparing your graduate portfolio for employers.  
• Numeracy: If your degree requires a competent level of numeracy, you may be advised to choose this option.
• Professional Communication in the Workplace: In this module, you will begin to develop the skills and aptitude necessary to communicate effectively in a professional context.
• Fundamentals of Business and Finance: This module aims to develop your understanding of the fundamentals of defining a business and the role of finance in a business.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)

In year two, you will explore the core principles that underpin the world of accounting and finance. This foundational stage introduces you to key subjects that shape financial decision-making and business strategy. This year is designed to give you a strong grounding in financial thinking, analytical techniques, and business awareness - setting the stage for deeper specialisation and professional development in later years.

MODULES:

• Principles of Economics: This module will introduce you to essential economic literacy by exploring core microeconomic and macroeconomic principles. You will analyse how economic forces, from market supply and demand to national inflation rates, directly influence business strategy and performance. It will also introduce you to digital tools for analysing economic data.
  Accounting for Business: You will be introduced to fundamental accounting principles, including double-entry bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, and key financial and management accounting concepts. It will equip you with the skills to analyse financial data, differentiate between cash and profit, and explore sources of finance. By connecting theory to practical applications, the module will enhance your decision-making abilities and prepare you to assess the impact of financial decisions on a firm’s financial performance.
  Introduction to Management Accounting: The module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand key management accounting principles and techniques in organisational planning, decision-making, performance evaluation and control. By exploring cost behaviour, budgeting, performance evaluation, and financial analysis, you will learn to evaluate and interpret financial data to support strategic and operational objectives. Through practical applications and case studies, the module will foster your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, preparing you to assess and manage financial performance effectively in dynamic business environments.
  Financial Analytics: Explore key concepts in financial analytics. The module will introduce the fundamental principles and techniques used to analyse financial data for informed decision-making. You will develop a foundational understanding of key financial concepts, basic statistical methods, and data analysis tools commonly applied in financial contexts. Through hands-on experience with spreadsheets and introductory coding platforms, the module will equip you with the essential skills to interpret financial information, identify trends, and communicate analytical findings effectively within a business environment.

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

In year three, you will deepen your understanding of accounting and finance through applied analysis, regulatory frameworks, and strategic decision-making. This stage builds on your foundational knowledge, introducing more complex financial reporting standards, legal principles, and valuation techniques. You’ll explore the role of management accounting in performance and control, gain insight into corporate finance strategies, and develop a working knowledge of UK taxation. This year sharpens your technical skills and prepares you for advanced study and professional readiness. 

MODULES:

• Corporate Finance and Valuation: During this module, you’ll gain the analytical tools and financial insight needed to understand how firms make strategic decisions and how corporate value is assessed in practice. You will explore key areas such as capital budgeting, financing choices, cost of capital, dividend policy, and business valuation techniques. By examining both theoretical frameworks and real-world case studies, you will learn to evaluate investment decisions, assess financial performance, and estimate enterprise value using a range of valuation models. The module will also develop your ability to interpret financial data and apply valuation methods in corporate and investment contexts. Through practical applications and critical analysis, you will gain the confidence to assess financial strategies and make informed decisions in dynamic business environments. This module lays a foundation for future roles in corporate finance, investment analysis, and strategic financial planning.
• Financial Reporting and Business Law: In this module, you will explore the dual pillars of financial reporting and business law that shape responsible and transparent business practice. You will develop the skills to interpret and apply international financial reporting standards, record complex transactions, and prepare and analyse single-entity financial statements confidently. Alongside this, you will examine the legal frameworks that govern business conduct, including contract law, employment rights, corporate structures, and ethical responsibilities. You will also engage with legal principles covering insolvency, data protection, and corporate crime, enabling you to assess legal implications in financial decision-making. By combining technical accounting knowledge with legal awareness, this module equips you to critically evaluate financial information and understand the legal context in which businesses operate - preparing you for informed, ethical practice in the professional world.
• Management Accounting: Our Management Accounting module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to apply advanced management accounting techniques in planning, decision-making, performance evaluation, and strategic control. You will explore a range of decision-making tools, including cost analysis, budgeting systems, and variance analysis, to support operational and long-term financial planning. Through topics such as divisional performance measurement, strategic control, and non-financial indicators, you will learn to assess organisational effectiveness beyond the numbers. You will also examine the role of management information systems and risk management in shaping business strategy, enabling you to interpret financial and non-financial data in dynamic environments. Practical case studies and real-world scenarios will sharpen your ability to solve problems, make informed decisions, and contribute to sustainable business performance.
• Taxation: During the Taxation module, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to navigate the UK taxation landscape, understand its legal foundations, and apply core principles across a range of personal and business contexts. You will explore the structure and administration of the UK tax system, including the role of HMRC, tax law, and ethical considerations in compliance and planning.

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)

In your final year, you will apply advanced accounting and finance knowledge to real-world challenges. You will explore financial markets, auditing practices, and complex reporting standards, while completing a consultancy project that integrates theory with practice. This year sharpens your professional judgement, analytical skills, and strategic insight - preparing you for graduate roles or further study in a competitive global environment.

MODULES:

• Advanced Financial Reporting: This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to interpret and apply advanced financial reporting standards in complex business contexts. You will explore ethical and regulatory frameworks that underpin corporate reporting, and apply IFRS treatments to transactions involving provisions, employee benefits, and foreign currency. Through the preparation of consolidated financial statements-including statements of financial position, profit and loss, and cash flow, you will gain confidence in reporting for group entities. You will also develop your ability to analyse financial performance using ratio techniques, and critically assess the evolving role of sustainability in accounting practice.  
  
• Audit and Assurance: Learn how to apply core principles of audit and assurance in professional contexts. You will explore the nature, scope, and regulatory framework of auditing, including ethical standards, risk assessment, and internal control evaluation. By learning how to design audit plans and gather reliable evidence, you’ll develop the ability to assess compliance and identify areas of financial and operational risk. You will also examine contemporary challenges in audit practice, including global regulatory developments and the role of professional judgement. Through practical applications and case-based learning, the module will strengthen your ability to interpret audit findings, apply assurance techniques, and uphold integrity in financial reporting.
• Consultancy Project: The consultancy project will help you develop the knowledge and skills to undertake an independent consultancy project that applies your learning to a real-world business challenge. You will identify a problem, engage with clients, and design a research-led approach to develop practical, evidence-based solutions. Through project planning, literature review, data collection, and analysis, you’ll build a robust foundation for strategic recommendations and change management. You will also refine your professional communication through report writing, presentation, and client engagement, while reflecting on your personal development and ethical responsibilities.
• Financial Markets: This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to critically analyse the structure, function, and behaviour of global financial markets. You will explore key markets - including equity, debt, foreign exchange, and derivatives, while examining the roles of institutions, investors, and regulators in shaping market dynamics. Topics such as market microstructure, trading mechanisms, and behavioural finance will deepen your understanding of price formation and efficiency. You will also assess the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical factors on market performance and evaluate ethical and ESG considerations in financial decision-making. Through applied analysis and real-world scenarios, the module will develop your ability to interpret market signals, assess risk, and formulate investment strategies.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

UCAS code: A268

Our general entry requirement for the foundation year is 48-72 UCAS tariff points but all applications are considered individually and we consider work experience, vocational training/qualifications as well as motivation and potential to succeed.

Teaching & Assessment

During our Accounting and Finance degree, you will learn through a mix of face-to-face and online classes, seminars, short, recorded lectures, and guided reading. Teaching is interactive, with case studies, quizzes, group discussions, and input from experienced lecturers and guest speakers. You can also book one-to-one support with tutors via Microsoft Teams to help with assignments and module content.

You will be assessed in ways that reflect real-world skills and professional standards. This includes exams, essays, presentations, portfolios, group projects, and practical tasks. All assessments follow Wrexham University’s academic regulations and are designed to support your development and future employability.

Teaching and Learning

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments.

Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Our dedicated Careers and Employability team is committed to helping you achieve your professional goals. They provide personalised advice, useful resources, and extracurricular employability events to prepare you for the job market.

Graduates of this course can pursue careers in: 

• Chartered Accounting
• Financial Analysis
• Management Accounting
• Tax Advisory
• Auditing
• Banking
• Corporate Finance
• Risk Analysis
• Compliance and Regulation
• Financial Consultancy

Additionally, you may choose to further your expertise through postgraduate studies. Explore our postgraduate courses for more information.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

For international students looking to study this course please see our international fees.

Accommodation

At Wrexham University, we offer on-campus en-suite rooms within our Wrexham Student Village. These private, fully furnished spaces are conveniently located, providing easy access to campus facilities, study areas, and social spaces. Plus, you’re just a 10-minute walk from the city centre!

With all bills included, free Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, and large social areas, you’ll find everything you need for a great student experience.

Explore our student accommodation options to find your perfect home away from home.

Subject to re-validation and re-accreditation

The University reviews its courses on a regular basis to ensure that they reflect the needs of students and employers. Periodic review of the existing programmes is required every five years and major changes may be made to the programmes during the re-validation process. Courses shown as “subject to re-validation and re-accreditation” are existing courses which are in the process of re-validation and renewing recognition/accreditation with the Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs). As soon as the programmes are re-validated and re-accredited, the details of the course will be confirmed. The majority of new courses that are still ‘subject to re-validation and re-accreditation’ are approved as expected however, this is not guaranteed and should the course not go ahead as planned, or be significantly amended, you will be informed by the University and assistance will be provided to those who have been offered a place to find a suitable alternative course either at Wrexham University or at another provider. 

International

This course is open to international students, for information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section.