Study Accounting in UK: Universities, Fees & 2027 Guide

To study accounting in the UK, you will usually choose an undergraduate BA or BSc in Accounting and Finance, or a postgraduate MSc if you already hold a degree. Your shortlist should match your qualifications, budget and preferred start date, alongside the professional exemptions each course offers.

For 2027 entry, published international undergraduate fees include £19,220 for the first year at Birmingham City University and £39,300 per year at LSE. These are two course examples, not a sector-wide price range. January options also exist at postgraduate level, including Dundee’s MSc Accounting & Finance.

The useful question is simple: which course gives you the right academic route at a cost you can sustain?

Which accounting degree should you choose?

Your current qualifications determine where to start.

Do not assume a BSc automatically offers more exemptions than a BA. The degree title alone cannot tell you that; the professional body’s recognition of the particular programme matters more.

The undergraduate examples at BCU, LSE and Warwick below run for three years full time. A foundation or placement route can change the duration and total cost, so compare the exact course variant before applying.

Universities and accounting courses to compare

These examples give you different fees, entry profiles and intake options. They are a starting shortlist, not a university ranking.

When comparing universities for accounting and finance, open the module list as well as the fees tab. Two similarly named courses can offer different combinations of taxation, economics, audit and corporate finance.

Entry requirements for international students

The requirements to study accounting in the UK vary by university and study level. Undergraduate admissions teams assess your school qualifications, grades, subject preparation and English proficiency.

BCU, for example, lists IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for its course above. Warwick’s standard offer specifically requires A-level Mathematics. Neither requirement represents every UK accounting degree.

If you apply with Bangladeshi HSC, Indian Standard XII or another national qualification, check the university’s country-specific rules. A UCAS tariff figure alone does not establish whether you qualify for direct entry.

For an MSc, check whether the university requires accounting or finance study at undergraduate level. Some programmes consider other subjects alongside relevant modules or experience; Dundee explains these options in its postgraduate admission requirements.

An IELTS alternative is possible only where the institution accepts your evidence. Before booking a test, check which English-language alternatives your university accepts and confirm the conditions for your chosen course.

How much does it cost to study accounting in the UK?

Your accounting degree cost includes tuition, accommodation and daily living, plus travel, visa-related charges and any course-specific expenses. Budget for the full period you will live in the UK.

Here is an illustrative first-year budget using BCU’s published 2027/28 tuition fee:

The £1,300 monthly allowance is an example, not a university quotation or a guaranteed cost of living. Replace it with actual rent, bills, transport and food estimates. Check whether accommodation includes utilities and whether you need to pay rent during holidays.

A small budgeting detail matters here: a tuition deposit normally pays part of your tuition bill. Counting both the full fee and the deposit as separate expenses would inflate your budget.

Visa financial evidence is a separate calculation

Under the current Student visa financial requirements, applicants who need to show funds normally need outstanding course fees stated on their CAS, plus maintenance of:

This nine-month evidence requirement does not cover a twelve-month living budget. Nor should you add it to living expenses as though it were another fee.

The rules normally require you to hold the relevant funds for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of your application. Check applicable exceptions and prepare the right financial evidence before arranging your visa application.

Accounting intakes and application deadlines for 2027

The undergraduate examples above start in September 2027. If that suits your plans, work backwards from an autumn start to allow time for applications, funding and accommodation.

UCAS sets 13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time as the equal consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. That is an application deadline, not a January course start. Later applications depend on the course and available places.

For a January 2027 accounting intake, check individual postgraduate programmes. Dundee lists January entry for its MSc, but that does not mean every accounting degree offers a winter start. If you need that timetable, plan around a winter start and confirm the course’s application, deposit and CAS deadlines directly.

ACCA, CIMA and ICAEW exemptions

An accounting degree may reduce the professional exams you need to take later. Exemptions depend on the university, programme, modules, results and applicable graduation year.

Use the ACCA exemption checker for the exact course you are considering. Ask the university to confirm current CIMA and ICAEW recognition too, including any required module choices.

More exemptions can save time, but they should not decide your whole shortlist. You still need a course you can afford and complete successfully. A degree or an exemption award alone does not make you a chartered accountant.

What will you study, and can you take a placement?

Accounting and finance courses can cover financial reporting, management accounting, taxation, auditing, business law, economics and corporate finance. The balance varies by programme, as the course pages above show.

Think about a business that makes a profitable sale but waits 90 days for payment. It can report a profit and still struggle to pay suppliers. Accounting study helps you understand that gap between reported performance and cash available to run the business.

If work experience matters to you, check whether the course offers an optional placement year, a shorter internship or projects within taught modules. Ask who secures the placement, whether employers select applicants competitively and what fees apply. Treat placement support and a guaranteed job as separate things.

Scholarships and funding

A confirmed scholarship can change your shortlist. An advertised maximum award cannot change your budget until you know you qualify.

For example, Dundee publishes an £8,000 postgraduate award for January 2027. Its conditions include international fee status, an eligible full-time, on-campus taught master’s offer with a programme fee of at least £22,250, and a UK first-class degree or equivalent. Programme exclusions and the university’s final assessment still apply.

Dundee does not require a separate application for this award, but it does require final academic evidence before confirming eligibility. Accounting applicants should check that their precise offer meets the terms.

Elsewhere, award values, eligible nationalities and renewal conditions vary. Compare funding by eligibility and study level, then calculate the tuition you would actually pay. Keep your initial budget affordable without an unconfirmed scholarship.

How to apply for a UK accounting degree

Once you have a realistic shortlist, follow these steps:

1. Confirm eligibility. Check academic grades, required subjects, English evidence and the exact intake.
2. Prepare your documents. Gather transcripts, certificates, identification, references and the application responses the university requests.
3. Submit through the correct route. Many undergraduate applicants use UCAS; postgraduate applicants usually apply through the university’s own system. Check the course instructions and organise your UCAS choices where relevant.
4. Compare your offers. Review conditions, tuition, deposits, refund terms and confirmed funding before accepting.
5. Complete the university’s CAS process. Meet the required conditions, then prepare your Student visa application and accommodation arrangements.

An offer letter and a CAS serve different purposes. Follow your university’s instructions carefully so missing documents do not delay the next stage.

Careers after an accounting degree

An accounting and finance degree can support applications for trainee roles in audit, tax, management accounting and financial analysis. Employers set their own recruitment requirements, and professional qualification may involve further exams and practical experience.

Before choosing modules, compare the professional training routes that fit your intended career.

If you hope to stay after graduation, current Graduate visa rules provide 18 months for non-doctoral applications made from 1 January 2027. Immigration rules may change before a 2027 entrant graduates, so revisit them when planning your next step.

Frequently asked questions

Can international students study accounting in the UK?

Yes, provided they meet the university’s academic and English requirements and, where necessary, obtain the appropriate visa. Check country-specific qualification rules before assuming you qualify for direct entry.

How long is an accounting degree in the UK?

The BCU, LSE and Warwick undergraduate courses listed here take three years full time. Other routes, including foundation and placement options, can take longer. Check the duration separately for an MSc and its selected intake.

Do I need A-level Mathematics for accounting?

Not for every course. Warwick’s standard offer requires it, while other universities set different mathematics conditions. Check both school-level and advanced-level subject requirements.

Are there accounting courses in the UK for international students starting in January 2027?

Yes. Dundee lists January 2027 for its MSc Accounting & Finance. Confirm availability and deadlines for that specific programme; a university’s January intake does not apply to every course.

Does an accounting degree include ACCA qualification?

No. An eligible degree may provide exemptions from particular exams. You must still meet the professional body’s remaining requirements to qualify.

Which university is best for studying accounting in the UK?

Choose by academic fit, total cost, course content, professional recognition and opportunities for practical experience. The right shortlist depends on your qualifications and priorities, so compare the same factors across each offer.

Conclusion

To study accounting in the UK, choose a degree that matches your qualifications, career interests and budget. For 2027 entry, compare confirmed tuition fees, course modules and professional exemptions, then check the application deadline for your chosen intake. Build your budget around funding you can rely on.

Ready to narrow your choices? With BHE UNI, you can discuss a shortlist that fits your grades and budget. Bring your qualifications, preferred 2027 intake and annual budget to make the conversation specific.