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.
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Route
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Who it suits
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What to check
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BA Accounting and Finance
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School leavers seeking undergraduate study
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Accounting content, quantitative modules and professional exemptions
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BSc Accounting and Finance
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School leavers seeking undergraduate study
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Mathematics requirements, module choices and assessment methods
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MSc Accounting and Finance
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Graduates seeking postgraduate study
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Accepted degree subjects, required prior knowledge and course length
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Accounting degree with a foundation year
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Applicants who need an approved route into undergraduate study
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Country-specific eligibility and progression conditions
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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.
For international students, published UCAS Tariff points and UK qualification grades should not be treated as automatic admission guarantees. Universities assess international qualifications individually and may apply course-specific academic and English-language requirements.
The most useful comparison considers the exact qualification, professional accounting exemptions, course duration, total tuition, intake availability and academic entry requirements.
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, daily living, travel, applicable government charges and any course-specific expenses. Budget for the full period you intend to study in the UK rather than relying only on the first year's tuition fee.
Here is an illustrative first-year budget using Birmingham City University's published 2027/28 Accounting and Finance tuition fee:
| Item |
Amount |
Basis |
| First-year tuition |
£19,220 |
Published 2027/28 international course fee |
| Twelve months of living costs |
£15,600 |
Illustrative planning assumption of £1,300 per month |
| Subtotal |
£34,820 |
Before travel, applicable government charges and a contingency |
The £1,300 monthly allowance is an example, not a university quotation or a guaranteed cost of living. Replace it with actual accommodation prices, bills, food and transport estimates.
Check whether accommodation includes utilities, whether you need to pay rent during holidays and how much you must pay upfront.
A tuition deposit normally contributes towards the overall tuition fee. Counting both the full annual tuition and the deposit as separate expenses would overstate your total study budget.
Planning your accommodation and living expenses
Living costs can vary significantly between UK cities, accommodation types and personal lifestyles.
For example, a student studying in central London may face different housing and transport costs from someone studying in Birmingham, Coventry or Dundee.
Before choosing an accounting programme, compare:
- Monthly accommodation costs and required deposits.
- Food, utilities and everyday expenses.
- Local transport and travel.
- Course materials and accounting software.
- Laptop and other study equipment.
- Health cover and applicable government charges.
- Emergency and contingency funds.
Understanding the different types of student accommodation can help you compare university halls, private accommodation and shared housing before committing to a rental agreement.
Accommodation can account for a substantial portion of a student's expenses, so comparing the cheapest places to live in the UK may help identify locations that better match your overall study budget.
International students should also distinguish personal living-cost estimates from the separate financial requirements set by the UK Government. The applicable requirements and exemptions are published on GOV.UK.
For individual immigration questions, consult the relevant government authority or an appropriately regulated immigration adviser.
Before accepting a university offer, prepare a realistic budget that includes the full course duration, expected accommodation costs, confirmed funding and a contingency for unexpected expenses.
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:
- Confirm eligibility. Check academic grades, required subjects, English-language evidence and the exact intake. Review country-specific qualifications where applicable.
- Prepare your academic documents. Gather transcripts, certificates, identification, references and any personal statement or supplementary information requested by the university.
- Submit through the correct admission route. Many undergraduate applicants use UCAS, while postgraduate applicants usually apply through the university's own application system. Check the course instructions and understand how to apply through UCAS where relevant.
- Compare your university offers. Review academic conditions, tuition fees, payment deadlines, deposits, refund policies and confirmed scholarship funding before accepting an offer.
- Complete the university's admission conditions. Submit any outstanding academic or English-language documents, meet the relevant offer conditions and follow the institution's instructions for confirming your place.
- Prepare for university enrolment. Review accommodation options, course start dates, orientation arrangements, tuition payment schedules and the documents required by your institution.
Understanding the difference between conditional and unconditional offer letters can help students make informed decisions before accepting a university place.
International students should check any separate government entry and residence requirements directly with GOV.UK. University admission does not automatically establish permission to enter or remain in the UK.
For individual immigration questions, consult the relevant government authority or an appropriately regulated immigration adviser.
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.