International Study Centre

Study Experience

Study accounting and finance

Two students studying

What is accounting and finance?

Accounting and finance integrates the concepts of money with business and management. The field of accounting is primarily concerned with recording financial transactions - storing, summarising and analysing. It is different to the field of finance, which concentrates on the management of money and the funds of a business.

Fields of accounting and finance

The fields of accounting and finance span lots of different areas, such as:

  • Corporate finance
  • Commercial banking
  • Public accounting
  • Financial planning

Why study accounting and finance?

There are many reasons to study accounting and finance at university:

High-demand profession

Choosing an accounting and finance career path means you will have a profession that is constantly in high demand. You will have a strong degree of job stability as businesses will always need staff to manage their finances. Jobs in these areas also offer good prospects for promotion, career advancement and working abroad.

High salaries

Since accounting and finance roles are constantly in-demand, you will typically enjoy high-salaried jobs. Graduates of accounting can expect to earn a strong wage in their first accounting roles, while they undertake professional training. You will typically work towards further qualifications while employed in a graduate role. After you have completed your training and additional qualifications such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA, and built up some years of professional experience, ambitious accountants can command high salaries.

Advanced numerical and quantitative skills

Studying accounting and finance will help you to develop strong numerical and quantitative skills. You will be able to analyse both quantitative and qualitative data that is a desirable skill across a range of industries. You will have the ability to keep track of finances, stick to budgets and manage large data sets – skills that are typically in high demand. Some other skills you will develop include:

  • Advanced analytical and problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Time management and organisation.

Degree preparation at the International Study Centre

The University of Sussex International Study Centre offers a range of university preparation courses leading to accounting and finance degrees at the University of Sussex. These courses offer specific subject pathways, leading to different degree areas.

You will gain academic knowledge, English language skills, and develop your confidence before you begin a degree in accounting and finance.

Which course should I study to progress into accounting and finance?

Business, Media and Social Sciences

Venture into business with a pathway programme that will prepare you to study a degree at one of the UK’s top business schools. Start your career in business today.

Finance and Accounting

Topics such as accounting, economics, finance, investments, management, maths and quantitative methods are taught within the programme modules, alongside English language and career skills.

Business, Media and Social Sciences

Interested in expanding your business knowledge? Study a Pre-Masters pathway to prepare for a postgraduate degree at a top UK business school.

Degree options at the University of Sussex

There are a variety of degrees you can study at the University of Sussex once you have completed the relevant pathway at the International Study Centre.

Undergraduate degrees

Degree progression from the International Foundation Year: 

  • Accounting and Finance BSc
  • Accounting and Finance (with a professional placement year) BSc
  • Finance BSc
  • Finance (with a professional placement year) BSc
  • Finance and Business BSc (Hons)
  • Finance and Business (with a professional placement year) BSc (Hons)

Degree progression from the International Year One: 

  • Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)
  • Accounting and Finance (with a professional placement year) BSc (Hons)
  • Finance BSc (Hons)
  • Finance (with a professional placement year) BSc (Hons)
  • Finance and Business BSc

Postgraduate degrees

Progression from the Pre-Masters Programme:

  • Accounting and Finance MSc 
  • Banking and Finance MSc
  • Development Economics MSc
  • Economics MSc
  • International Accounting and Corporate Governance MSc
  • International Business Economics MSc
  • International Finance and Economics MSc
  • Management and Finance MSc

Why study accounting and finance at the University of Sussex?

If you choose to study an accounting and finance related degree at Sussex, then you will be based in the Department of Accounting and Finance, part of the University of Sussex Business School. You will enjoy access to state-of-the-art-facilities and expert academic staff who consult for leaders in business and government.

As a student at the Department of Accounting and Finance you will be able to use leading technology in the Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab. Here, supervised by industry experts, you can participate in real-time financial and trading simulations. Other benefits include: 

Strong research culture

The Department has a strong research culture, and as a student, you will also benefit from three research centres that promote both applied and theoretical research. The three centres are Accounting, Business Finance and Quantitative Finance. These specialised centres undertake impactful research that is often used to inform teaching and assessment at all levels.

Excellent career prospects 

  • 100% of Sussex Accounting and Finance BSc students in graduate-level jobs or further study six months after graduating (HESA EPI, Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2017)
  • Professional placement year with some degrees, helping you put your knowledge into practice

Professionally accredited degrees

Sussex is accredited by professional accounting and finance bodies including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), helping you get the qualifications you need. The University also has a professional partnership with the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI).

Accounting and finance graduate job prospects

With an accounting and finance related degree you will have a route into various financial professions. You will also be able to pursue roles in different sectors and industries, due to the transferable skills you will develop. After university you could go into a graduate role and follow a structured path with training.

Some of the jobs you could pursue include:

  • Chartered accountant
  • Stockbroker
  • Forensic accountant
  • Tax advisor
  • Auditor
  • Investment banker
  • Data analyst

Note: Salary information is sourced externally. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the salary ranges.