International Study Centre

International Year One in Finance and Accounting

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Studying Finance and Accounting

The International Year One in Finance and Accounting is your route to a variety of Finance and Accounting degrees at the University of Sussex. Topics such as accounting, economics, finance, investments, management, maths and quantitative methods are taught within the programme modules, alongside English language and career skills.

Modules have been carefully designed to prepare you to successfully progress to your chosen Finance and Accounting degree.

Why study the International Year One in Finance and Accounting with us?

There are many reasons to study this preparational programme and progress straight to the second year of one of six practical undergraduate degrees. These include:

  • Sussex is ranked 14th in the UK and in the world top 125 for Business and Economics (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
  • 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).

Discover more about Finance and Accounting

If you're interested in studying finance and accounting at university, read more about your degree options and related career opportunities on our dedicated Accounting and Finance subject page.

What you’ll study

Semester 1 and 2 modules

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.

Semester 1 modules

The aim of the module is to give a broad understanding into the fundamentals of financial accounting which later modules build upon. The focus moves from recording transactions to producing and interpreting financial statements. It also touches upon the differing needs of users of accounting information and how the regulatory framework takes steps to standardise accounting information available to these groups.

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the mathematical methods and techniques used in accounting and finance, and to enable the confident and independent use of these skills. The skills also have a transferable content and are useful in other disciplines and applications (e.g. statistics). Mastery of these mathematical techniques will support your understanding of numerate topics within accounting and finance.

The main aim of this module is to introduce you to concepts relating to financing and investment decision making. The module also introduces you to theories relating to financing and investment decision-making and deals with how these theories might differ from what might happen in practice.

Semester 2 modules

This is an introductory module that aims to provide an understanding of the business and its environment, in particular the economic environment. It sets the scene and provides a basis for further learning. This module aims to contextualise the study of organisations and to give you the ability to analyse issues of organisation and management in a contemporary setting.

This module provides you with an opportunity to explore the innovations that are occurring in financial institutions and markets. You will learn about the various types of financial institutions and their role in society, including banks, insurance companies, and investment managers. You will also explore the ethical principles of finance.

Accountancy practices are governed by strict legal frameworks which the accountants and business leaders must adhere to. Being aware of these and having a working knowledge of legal framework will help you make the right decision without falling foul of the law.  It will also help you to understand and manage the many areas of legal work where legal and accounting principles touch on the same business issue but deal with it differently. Knowledge of the law and the skills developed in this module will provide you with a solid foundation which can be applied to all employment situations.

Contemporary managers in business and organisations must be digital and data-savvy. They need to understand the role of digitalization and datafication, be able to solve problems using a variety of computer tools, and make data-driven decisions. This module offers you the opportunity to acquire such critical understandings and skills with a particular emphasis on learning through doing.

The main aim of this is to introduce you to management accounting concepts and the techniques used by businesses in analysing data internally within a business. It aims to distinguish between Financial and Management accounting. This module also aims to develop an awareness of how management accounting techniques can be used as a basis for decision-making within a business, as well as some of the limitations of the various techniques.

This module aims to show how key models in the field of study can assist in explaining organisation behaviour. You will learn to apply these models selectively and appropriately with an understanding of their usefulness and limitations in improving business performance.

Your degree at Sussex

This course can lead to the second year of an undergraduate degree listed below (subject to meeting the grades outlined). The degrees and grades listed are valid for 2022/23 intakes only and are subject to change.

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
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How to apply

Ready to apply? Discover how to submit an application and learn more about fees, semester dates and entry requirements.

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University of Sussex International Study Centre

Develop skills to change the world at the University of Sussex International Study Centre. Improve your English, develop your academic skills, and grow the confidence you need to succeed in your degree.

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English language courses

Improve your English skills with one of our Online English language courses designed to support international students studying a pathway programme at the International Study Centre.

Join us today

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application. We can't wait to meet you!