Lancaster University Accounting Society works to enhance classroom learning while improving future employability and developing essential skills. It offers informative events and academic support sessions to help you choose your future accounting position. The group collaborates with a diverse range of professional firms, including RSM, Azets, CIMA, and ICAEW, to provide workshops and revision sessions that foster open discussions about academic topics to encourage learning and consolidate your knowledge.
We welcome applications from the United States of America
We've put together information and resources to guide your application journey as a student from the United States of America.
Overview
Top reasons to study with us
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4
4th for graduate prospects: Accounting & Finance
The Guardian University Guide (2025)
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7
7th for Accounting and Finance
The Guardian University Guide (2025)
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QS 5 Star rating for Accounting and Finance
Introduction
When you study BSc Accounting and Finance (Industry) at Lancaster University, you join an innovative, research-led programme that equips you with the necessary expertise, skills and confidence to pursue a successful, well-compensated and rewarding career within a broad range of commercial and financial settings in an ever-changing business landscape. Career paths include Financial Controller, Tax and Financial Advisor, Financial Manager, Analyst, Management Accountant, Consultant and Auditor.
Our curriculum is industry-leading, contemporary and accredited by professional accounting bodies, which allows you to qualify for exemptions. You will learn to work collaboratively and develop analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills while engaging with the latest developments in accounting and finance.
There are opportunities to study abroad, complete an internship and pursue an advanced specialised MSc at top UK and international universities for further study.
Why Lancaster?
We will provide you with a perfect blend of theory and practice, covering topics such as:
- Financial and managerial accounting
- Auditing, financial markets
- Statistics, economics
- Professional ethics
- Employability skills
You will learn how different stakeholders use accounting and finance information, as well as the broader context within which accounting and finance professionals operate. You will have the flexibility to personalise your learning, gaining expertise in key areas that align with your developing interests and career goals. You will learn to work collaboratively, think critically, solve complex business problems and develop highly sought-after professional skills.
The course is delivered by prestigious academics who engage with the latest developments in the field, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), sustainability and professional ethics in accounting and finance.
You will benefit from our department’s strong connections with professional accounting bodies, global graduate employers including Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC, leading financial institutions, local and national government and the NHS. Get a head start in your career with our sector-leading specialist Accounting and Finance Career Coaching Team, providing you with opportunities to carry out internships and placements in industry.
Open doors with your industry experience
On this course, you spend your third year on placement in industry, giving you the chance to gain work experience and become more employable. Research shows that students who complete work placements are employed more quickly when they graduate than students who don't go on placement. Course fees for your placement year are only 20% of the standard course fee. Discover how we support students in finding a placement
Course accreditation
This programme is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Some modules also provide exemptions from ACCA examinations to fast-track your progression.
Learn more about the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants accreditation
Depending on the modules taken as part of your course, you could gain exemptions from CIMA Operational and Certificate level examinations.
Learn more about the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants accreditation
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy is the only body globally dedicated to public financial management. Depending on the modules taken, you can gain exemptions from CIPFA assessments.
Learn more about the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) accreditation
Depending on the specific modules taken, you can gain exemptions from all certificate level examinations and Financial Management at professional level with ICAEW.
Learn more about the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales accreditation
This course is accredited by ICAS, and will help you gain exemptions from the Tests of Competence, depending on the modules you choose.
Learn more about the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland accreditationCareers
As a BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Industry) graduate, you will leave Lancaster with a profound knowledge of your subject area, coupled with valuable problem-solving and team-working skills, preparing you for a well-compensated and rewarding career within a broad range of commercial and financial settings. Past students have joined companies such as:
- Barclays Bank Plc
- Deloitte
- EY
- HSBC
- IBM
- KPMG
- Morgan Stanley
- Unilever
Our alumni work with professional firms and financial institutions, as well as large commercial and local government organisations in roles such as:
- Financial controller
- Tax and financial advisor
- Financial manager
- Analyst
- Management accountant
- Consultant
- Auditor
Many of our graduates are also inspired to continue their academic studies and embark on postgraduate education, such as pursuing a specialised master’s at Lancaster or other top universities in the UK or overseas.
The Management School has an award-winning careers team that provides dedicated careers and placement services, offering a range of innovative services for LUMS students. Our high reputation means we attract a wide range of leading global employers to campus, allowing you to interact with graduate recruiters from day one of your degree.
We provide a range of innovative services for Accounting and Finance students, including:
Before you arrive
- Industry-focused careers webinars
- Support in finding first-year Investment Banking and Asset Management Spring Weeks and, subsequently, Financial Services internships, beginning virtually in the four weeks leading up to the start of your course.
During your studies
- Embedded careers education throughout the degree
- Career information, advice, and guidance appointments with our specialist careers coaches
- Weekly workshops on key employability skills
- Exposure to international career options and networks
- Connections to strong networks of employers and alumni
- Support in finding and acquiring work experience opportunities, including placements and internships
On graduation
- Access to our LUMS Accounting and Finance Alumni Community
- Continued access to all LUMS Careers services for life
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with relevant life and work-based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award, which allows you to complete key activities such as work experience, employability awareness, career development, campus community and social development. Visit our careers section for more details.
Entry requirements
These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. You may need to have qualifications in relevant subjects. In some cases we may also ask you to attend an interview or submit a portfolio. You must also meet our English language requirements.
Find more about these qualifications and others not shown here
Qualifications and typical requirements accordion
AAB
36 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 9 Level 3 credits at Merit
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.
DDD
A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade AB plus BTEC at D
35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects
We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.
Distinction overall
Contact Admissions
If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, please complete our enquiry form and one of our team will get back to you.
International foundation programmes
Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.
Contextual admissions
Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.
Course structure
Enhancing our curriculum
We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future.
We will publish more detailed information about the structure of this degree course for 2026-entry in June 2025, ahead of our summer undergraduate open days. This will include overviews of the core modules you will take and examples of optional modules which may be available to you.
Fees and funding
We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set.
As a guide, our fees in 2025/26 were:
| Home | International |
|---|---|
| £9,535 | £25,450 |
Additional fees and funding information accordion
Additional costs for this course
Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small college membership fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2025, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
Study abroad courses
In addition to travel and accommodation costs, while you are studying abroad, you will need to have a passport and, depending on the country, there may be other costs such as travel documents (e.g. VISA or work permit) and any tests and vaccines that are required at the time of travel. Some countries may require proof of funds.
Placement and industry year courses
In addition to possible commuting costs during your placement, you may need to buy clothing that is suitable for your workplace and you may have accommodation costs. Depending on the employer and your job, you may have other costs such as copies of personal documents required by your employer for example.
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
Home fees are subject to annual review, and may be liable to rise each year in line with UK government policy. International fees (including EU) are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
We will charge tuition fees to Home undergraduate students on full-year study abroad/work placements in line with the maximum amounts permitted by the Department for Education. The current maximum levels are:
- Students studying abroad for a year: 15% of the standard tuition fee
- Students taking a work placement for a year: 20% of the standard tuition fee
International students on full-year study abroad/work placements will be charged the same percentages as the standard International fee.
Please note that the maximum levels chargeable in future years may be subject to changes in Government policy.
Scholarships and bursaries
Details of our scholarships and bursaries for students starting in 2026 are not yet available.
You can use our scholarships for 2025-entry applicants as guidance.
ICAS Foundation programme
Students applying for this course can also apply to the ICAS Foundation ‘Nurturing Talent’ programme for support during their university studies. This programme offers students from lower-income backgrounds the opportunity to receive bursary funding, mentoring support from a chartered accountant and assistance in finding internship opportunities and graduate roles. Applications close on 31 May each year for the next academic year. For full eligibility details and how to apply, please visit the ICAS Foundation website.
ICAS Foundation programme
Student insight
"The university has strong partnerships with many different businesses, and you will have the opportunity to network with the representatives during numerous career fairs. I was lucky enough to do my placement year at Ernst & Young (EY)."
Paula, BSc Accounting and Finance (Industry)
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Student societies
Take advantage of our range of academic societies that help you learn and network outside your studies. You could be part of the team running a society, giving you valuable leadership skills.
Lancaster University Investment and Finance Society is Lancaster University's dedicated investment society, bringing together consulting, accounting, business, and investing into one community. The society’s mission is to increase members’ financial knowledge and awareness of career opportunities within the sector while fostering professional connections. Their events include the Lancaster Forum, which offers members unique opportunities to network with industry professionals from leading firms such as Jefferies, Deutsche Bank, Bank of America, Barings, EY Parthenon, and more.
LUMS Alumni for life
When you join Lancaster University, you become part of a global network of over 170,000 graduates across more than 190 countries.
As a Lancaster University Management School alumnus, you’ll belong to a vibrant community of fellow graduates worldwide.
Alumni profiles
Link: click to see Panagiotis Kleanthous
Panagiotis Kleanthous
BSc Accounting and Finance, 2022
The best thing about living in Lancaster is the feeling of belonging and the sense of community you are exposed to from the very first moments of arriving.
Link: click to see Georgia Cann
Georgia Cann
BSc Accounting & Finance, 2019
I have gained so much confidence whilst at Lancaster which means I am happy to go to client sites alone and speak on the company's behalf.
Rated 5 Stars for Accounting and Finance
Lancaster University has been awarded 5 Stars for Accounting and Finance by QS.
Overall, Lancaster is rated 5 Stars for Teaching, Employability, Global Engagement, Research, Facilities and Environmental Impact.
Lancaster University QS profile
=75th in the world for Accounting and Finance
Lancaster is ranked 13th in the UK and joint 75th in the world for Accounting and Finance according to the QS World Rankings by Subject 2024, one of 11 subjects at Lancaster to be featured in the top 100 in these prestigious listings.
QS Rankings by Subject 2024Similar courses
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Accounting and Finance
- Accounting and Finance BSc Hons : N400
- Accounting and Management BSc Hons : NN24
- Accounting and Management (Industry) BSc Hons : NN25
- Economics and Finance BSc Hons : NL31
- Economics and Finance (Industry) BSc Hons : NL32
- Economics and Finance (Study Abroad) BSc Hons : NL33
- Finance BSc Hons : N300
- Finance (Industry) BSc Hons : N301
Important information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2026/2027 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
Undergraduate open days 2025
Our summer and autumn open days will give you Lancaster University in a day. Visit campus and put yourself in the picture.
Undergraduate Open Days
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Virtual tour
Take five minutes and let us show you what Lancaster has to offer, from our beautiful green campus to our colleges, teaching and sports facilities.
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Accommodation guide
Most first-year undergraduate students choose to live on campus, where you’ll find accommodation to suit different preferences and budgets.
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The city and beyond
Our historic city is student-friendly and home to a diverse and welcoming community. Beyond the city you'll find a stunning coastline and the picturesque Lake District.
