Finance and Accounting with Foundation Year

A degree in finance and accounting offers valuable knowledge and skills for various careers within the business world. Whether your goal is to become a qualified accountant or explore other business roles, this degree provides a solid foundation.

Successful completion of the finance and accounting course provides the highest level of exemptions, covering a total of 9 foundation papers, for students who are already considering obtaining a professional accounting certification, such as the acca (association of chartered certified accountants).

Whether you want to move into auditing, financial reporting, management accounting or financial services, this could be the course for you. You’ll develop subject-specific skills alongside important transferable skills like communication, enterprise, problem-solving and quantitative analysis.

The course syllabus has also been carefully designed to combine both theoretical and practical aspects of finance and accountancy. Students acquire practical knowledge of finance and accounting fields and essential tools and techniques through real-world content, preparing them with the abilities and skills desired by potential employers.

The extended degree course has been specifically designed to ensure that candidates gain the skills needed to succeed at degree level.

For students who do not meet our standard entry requirements for admission to one of our undergraduate degree courses, ARU London offers the option of an extended four year degree course.

Modules help to develop skills in writing assignments, mathematics, computing, public speaking and presenting, whilst developing an understanding of the modern business world. Prospective students should expect to undertake significant amounts of reading and independent study outside of the classroom (approximately 12 hours per week during term time).

This course has particular appeal for candidates who want a change in career and candidates wanting to return to education. Our innovative courses ensure that what you learn can be practically applied to the business world as well as preparing you to tackle the academic workload of a full degree course.

At ARU, you’ll be supported from day one with wellbeing services, money advice and careers guidance to help you through university and beyond.

Their courses are built around the skills and experience employers value. ARU are proud to be in the top 20% of UK universities for teaching quality (TEF 2023), and ranked #1 in the East of England, and #8 in the UK, for UG graduates in senior roles 15 months after gradudation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). You'll have access to fantastic facilities thanks to £95m of investment - think SuperLabs, TV studios, law courts, mock hospital wards, gaming studios and more.

Wherever you're heading, ARU will help you get there.