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
4
4th for graduate prospects: Accounting & Finance
The Guardian University Guide (2025)
7
7th for Accounting and Finance
The Guardian University Guide (2025)
8
8th for Accounting and Finance
The Complete University Guide (2026)
Introduction
When you study BSc Accounting and Finance 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.
Find out what it's like to study Accounting and Finance at Lancaster University Management School.
Key facts
Features of the BSc Accounting and Finance course you should know about:
Course accreditations
BSc Accounting and Finance is accredited by ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW and ICAS.
Careers support
Specialist Accounting and Finance Career Coaches who have industry experience within the accounting and finance sectors will support you with careers advice and skills development.
Opportunities
Study abroad at one of our international partners, spend a year on an industry placement, or complete an internship as part of your course.
Recognised for our quality
Highly ranked globally for Accounting and Finance
Course accreditations
This course is accredited by five major accounting bodies:
the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA)
the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)
You can gain exemptions from exams with these professional bodies, depending on the specific modules you take.
This course is also available with the option to spend your third year on an industry placement, building your skills and putting your learning into practice before returning to Lancaster to complete your degree in year four.
Fees for your placement year are only 20% of the standard course fee.
As a BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance 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.
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.
Your careers services
We provide a range of innovative services for Accounting and Finance students, including support for finding Spring Weeks and internships. Some services begin before your first semester.
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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
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
Access to our LUMS Accounting and Finance Alumni Community
Continued access to all LUMS Careers services for life
Entry requirements
These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.
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
Help from our Admissions team
If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, complete our enquiry form and one of the team will get back to you.
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
Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and some which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism.
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
This practical module provides you with a strong foundation in statistics and econometrics for data analysis. It focuses on implementing these concepts in Python and R, two programming languages highly sought after in the finance industry. You will learn how to perform statistical tests and use descriptive statistics for data analytics. You will also explore linear regression and ordinary least squares (OLS) to model and estimate relationships between variables, enabling you to make predictions.
The module also covers hypothesis testing for conducting inference, teaching you how to specify the most appropriate model for different tasks. You will learn to manage complex data features, such as dependence in cross-sectional and time series data.
You will have hands-on practical experience using Excel and SQL alongside Python and R. This will teach you to handle, manipulate, and visualise large datasets, as well as manage databases effectively. By the end of the module, you will feel confident using a wide range of statistical and visualisation tools to analyse data and solve real-world problems.
Discover how various stakeholders utilise accounting information for decision-making. This module provides a foundation in financial and management accounting. You will begin by exploring the fundamental principles of financial accounting along with the regulatory environment in which accountants operate. You will develop essential skills in preparing basic financial statements and applying key techniques that support financial reporting.
You will learn how to interpret financial statements and understand the significance and the limitations of financial reporting, particularly its external focus. The module then introduces key concepts in management accounting. You will explore how strategic and operational considerations drive internal reporting needs and how internal controls help manage resources effectively to implement company objectives.
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to economic principles with a more mathematical approach. It explores the workings of modern economies at both the microeconomic and macroeconomic levels.
At the microeconomic level, you will examine the decision-making processes of individuals and firms, investigating concepts such as supply and demand, market structures, and consumer behaviour.
At the macroeconomic level, you will explore key national economic indicators, including national income, unemployment rates, inflation, and the implications of economic policy.
This module provides an engaging introduction to the world of financial markets and trading. You will explore the role of financial institutions and gain an understanding of key markets, including stock, options, futures, and foreign exchange (FX) markets. You will cover fixed income securities, such as bonds, and examine the growing sectors of crypto and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), offering insights into their impact on modern finance.
We will discuss commodities and their significance in global trade and investment. Additionally, you will explore how financial institutions and markets are regulated to maintain stability and ensure their proper functioning. Through a practical approach and real-world examples, you will develop a strong foundation in how financial markets operate and how traders and investors navigate them.
By the end of the module, you will have a solid understanding of various asset classes, preparing you to tackle more advanced topics and engage confidently with the financial world.
The Management School is committed to your professional development. We provide study skills to equip you to learn effectively from day one, along with employability skills to help you in securing placements and jobs during and after your degree. The module is tailored to the needs of Accounting and/or Finance students.
In this module, you will develop core academic skills that are important for your success. This module will introduce you to the broader business environment in which accounting and finance professionals operate. You will explore core business functions such as marketing, human resources, and management.
This module also emphasises the development of important professional skills and aims to improve your employability. You will refine your communication skills in both individual and group settings. You will participate in certified software training, engage in management simulations, and create and reflect on your CV as an aspiring accounting and finance professional.
You will build a strong foundation in essential mathematical concepts and statistical skills relevant to accounting and finance. Key techniques you will learn include differentiation, integration, systems of multiple equations, and optimisation. These skills will provide you with the tools to find optimal solutions, whether with or without constraints. You will explore random variables and distributions, and use descriptive statistics for data analysis, presentation and visualisation.
With a practical approach, this module will enhance your mathematical and statistical knowledge, as well as your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This preparation will help you tackle the more quantitatively focused subjects offered in all our undergraduate accounting and finance courses.
Core
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Understand the key financial reporting principles for publicly listed companies that adhere to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
You will gain a thorough understanding of accounting regulations and financial reporting by examining various theoretical and practical issues, including regulatory requirements and their enforcement, the IFRS conceptual framework, taxonomy, and digitalisation.
The topics covered will include segmental reporting, leases, impairments and accounting for financial instruments. While exploring the technical aspects of accounting, the module will also emphasise the importance of judgment and management goals in financial reporting. By the end of the module, you will be able to evaluate how accounting rules, policies, and management choices affect reporting decisions.
Discover the tools and models used in asset pricing.
You will learn how financial markets value assets, starting by exploring time value of money, risk and return, risk aversion and utility functions. These concepts are crucial for understanding how individuals make decisions when faced with uncertainty.
Next, you will learn about portfolio theory, mean-variance frontiers, and the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). CAPM is one of the most widely used models in finance for estimating the expected return of an asset. Furthermore, you will learn how modern investment decisions are driven by sustainability considerations.
You will explore topics such as contingent claims, discount factors and consumption-based models. With real-world examples, their implementation in Python and R and clear explanations, this module gives you the theoretical and practical tools to understand how assets are priced in financial markets, enabling you to make informed investment decisions.
Explore the essential concepts of management accounting and control, while understanding the evolving role of management accountants as trusted business advisors.
You will develop skills in measuring, analysing, and reporting information to support management decision-making. Specifically, you will learn to apply a range of costing techniques, such as variable, absorption and activity-based costing.
This module will also address control systems, including budgeting, variance analysis, and performance measurement. You will look at how these systems affect motivation and the organisation. Additionally, you will study Accounting Information Systems (AIS) which support management accounting processes. You will examine system documentation, key design features, and the relationship between AIS and financial reporting.
By the end of this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of both management accounting techniques and the functionality of AIS. This will allow you to confidently evaluate short- and long-term management decisions such as pricing strategies and capital allocations.
This module introduces you to corporate finance. It focuses on key concepts that drive decision-making in businesses. You will explore the roles and interests of key stakeholders and understand their influence on decision-making within an organisation. You will also explore the core functions of a company, examining how governance structures shape company strategies and support growth and stability.
Key topics we will cover in the module include capital structure, investment and financing decisions, and dividend policy, all of which are essential for a company’s financial health. By the end of this module, you will have a solid foundation in corporate finance, preparing you to tackle more complex financial challenges in your studies and future career.
This module improves your employability skills within the accounting and finance sector. You will learn about the requirements and expectations of accounting, finance, and audit professionals, such as codes of conduct. You will also gain hands-on experience with practitioner software and financial databases such as Bloomberg, WRDS, CRSP and Compustat.
The module's content and delivery format will be tailored to your career aspirations, for example, through opportunities for internships or placements, or study abroad at one of our international partners (subject to availability). Throughout the module, you will reflect on, consolidate, and evaluate your professional development.
You will continue to develop essential professional skills through activities like exploring personality dynamics, participating in advanced business simulations, working in groups, and completing mock assessment centre exercises. You will also improve your project management skills to prepare for your final year capstone project and learn basic research methods and independent learning techniques.
Optional
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This module develops your knowledge and understanding of the legal framework relevant to business operations, while also equipping you with the skills to identify when specialist legal advice may be required. You will explore key areas of business law and regulation, learning about the distinctions between different types of law and how law shapes business practices.
The key content of the module includes topics such as:
the law of obligations
contract formation and content
unfair contract terms
breaches of contract
available remedies.
You will examine the impact of employment law on businesses and corporations, legal personality status, different methods of financing and the scope of directors’ duties. Additionally, you will examine the sale and supply of goods, the law of torts, and the principles of negligence, all explored through real-world examples and case law. Case law will serve as a core lens for examining corporate behaviour and fraudulent practices. This module is particularly valuable for students seeking professional accounting exemptions.
Explore advanced topics in financial markets and develop a deeper understanding of the complexities that shape today’s financial landscape.
You will explore private equity and gain insights into different investor classes, from retail to institutional investors, including mutual and hedge funds. You will also study how behavioural factors affect financial decisions and the principles of rational decision-making. Market microstructure will be covered, giving you an understanding of how markets operate at a granular level.
In addition, you will explore the transformative world of Fintech (Financial technology), DeFi (Decentralised Finance), and blockchain technology, highlighting their impact on financial systems and future trends. This module also covers regulations and ethics in finance, focusing on the frameworks that govern market behaviour and the ethical considerations that guide financial decision-making. By the end of this module, you will have the advanced tools, concepts and ethical understanding needed to navigate modern finance with confidence.
Core
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This module explores complex corporate reporting issues, focusing on advanced application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) along with sustainability reporting. You will critically examine advanced topics such as accounting for complex entities, hedge accounting and foreign currency translation. Other key topics include consolidation techniques, goodwill impairment, and employee benefits, ensuring you can understand complex financial transactions.
The module also explores regulatory developments in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting, and examines business practices in this area. Focusing on ESG frameworks and emerging topics such as carbon accounting, this module provides insight into the increasing role of non-financial disclosures in corporate transparency and investor decision-making.
Through real-world examples, you will learn to take a holistic view of corporate reporting, including financial and non-financial disclosures, to evaluate company performance.
This module provides a comprehensive understanding of audit principles, risk assessment, and internal controls. You will learn how to evaluate financial integrity and regulatory compliance. You will also explore the role of auditors in corporate governance and fraud detection, focusing on how audit functions contribute to stakeholder confidence and corporate accountability.
Through examples and real-world applications, you will develop skills to identify audit risks, create effective audit procedures, and use professional judgment in financial statement audits. The module covers key regulatory frameworks and international auditing standards, ensuring you understand the evolving responsibilities of auditors in the changing business environment.
By combining theory with practical learning, this module will develop your analytical and critical thinking skills. You will be able to confidently engage with key issues in external and internal auditing, risk management, and compliance.
This capstone module provides you with the opportunity to apply everything you have learned throughout your accounting and finance journey to a real-world project and enhance your employability profile further. You will choose a topic from key areas such as control systems and accountability, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), financial markets, corporate finance, and investments. You will conduct an in-depth analysis that reflects current trends and challenges in the fields of accounting and finance.
You will be encouraged to think critically, research, and apply accounting and finance theories to contemporary issues. Guided by expert lecturers, you will develop your analytical skills and gain practical experience in reviewing academic literature, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, financial modelling, and reporting.
By the end of the module, you will have produced a comprehensive project that showcases your knowledge and demonstrates your ability to tackle complex problems.
Optional
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This module explores advanced topics in audit and assurance, equipping you with the skills to navigate complex audit environments. Through real world examples, you will develop expertise in detecting financial misstatements, assessing fraud risks, and evaluating internal controls.
You will also consider how recent financial scandals have changed the auditing industry and examine the implications for auditor liability and independence. By examining the evolving regulatory frameworks and professional ethics, as well as corporate governance challenges, the module prepares you to critically assess the role of auditors in maintaining financial integrity.
By integrating theory with real-world scenarios, this module will enhance your problem-solving, analytical, and professional judgment skills. It will prepare you to engage with complex issues in external and internal audit, risk management, and assurance of non-financial information.
Learn how to apply corporate finance theory to real-world situations, with a focus on the decision-making processes that drive business success. You will explore optimal decision-making strategies, gaining insight into how companies make critical choices to maximise value. The module covers mergers and acquisitions, teaching you the fundamentals of how businesses expand and grow through strategic deals.
We will also cover rational decision-making, examining how companies weigh risks and rewards in their financial strategies. You will discover the increasing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and how Natural Language Processing (NLP) plays a role in financial decision-making. Essential topics such as raising capital through bonds and equity, risk management techniques, and the international aspects of corporate finance will also be covered.
By the end of this module, you will have the tools and knowledge to understand and engage with the complex financial decisions that shape today’s global business landscape.
This module provides a solid foundation in banking and behavioural finance. You will explore the fundamentals of banking, including the role of financial institutions in the economy and the complexities of their business activities, such as lending and risk management.
The module highlights the role of regulation and supervision in the banking industry, highlighting how these aspects differentiate banking from other industries, and how crises reshape regulation in banking. You will be introduced to the fascinating world of behavioural finance, where you will discover how psychological factors and cognitive biases such as overconfidence, loss aversion and herding behaviour influence decision-making in financial markets.
By combining traditional banking concepts with the latest insights from behavioural finance, this module offers a unique perspective on the interplay between human behaviour and financial systems. With real-world examples, you will gain practical insights into how these concepts apply to both individual and institutional decision-making.
This Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1 preparation module is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully tackle the CFA Level 1 exam. It focuses on key topics such as:
financial reporting and analysis
ethical standards
quantitative methods
economics
corporate finance
portfolio management
This module provides a solid foundation in the core areas of the CFA curriculum.
Through structured lessons, practice questions, and exam strategies, you will develop a thorough understanding of the material and the analytical skills necessary for the exam. You will also learn time management techniques and test-taking strategies to optimise your performance on the exam day.
Whether you are planning to take the CFA Level 1 exam soon or in the future, this module will ensure you are well-prepared to succeed. By the end of the module, you will feel confident in your ability to master the CFA Level 1 content and advance towards your professional finance career.
This module provides a solid foundation in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), climate and energy finance by exploring the financial aspects of transitioning to a sustainable future. You will explore how businesses integrate ESG factors into strategy and operations, addressing investor expectations, regulatory demands, and societal pressures.
The module covers:
ESG data collection
measurement
reporting frameworks, including TCFD, GRI, and national regulations
It also examines the challenges of incorporating ESG into risk management, supply chains, and corporate performance assessments. Additionally, you will study how financial markets, investment strategies, and policy decisions align with global climate change efforts, including green bonds, climate risk assessments, and sustainable finance. The module also explores the financial aspects of both traditional and renewable energy markets.
Combining theory with practical insights, this module prepares you to navigate the growing field of sustainable finance and contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy.
This advanced module equips you with the skills to interpret and analyse financial statements for evaluating corporate performance, valuation, and making investment decisions. You will apply financial ratios, cash flow analysis, and forecasting techniques to assess financial health, profitability, and risk.
Through real-world examples, you will develop the ability to critically evaluate corporate reports, applying analytical frameworks to investment, credit, and strategic business decisions. The module will also explore the growing connectivity between financial and non-financial reporting, highlighting how Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) and other non-financial data are increasingly used to assess corporate performance and long-term value creation.
By the end of the module, you will have the expertise to extract meaningful insights from corporate disclosures. This will support careers in equity research, corporate finance, risk analysis, and investment banking, where financial statement interpretation is a core competency.
This module is designed to equip you with a deep understanding of the evolving financial landscape. You will explore the dynamic world of financial technology (Fintech), focusing on innovations such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and algorithmic and high-frequency trading. Simultaneously, you will dive into the intricacies of market microstructure, learning how financial markets operate at a granular level and how factors like liquidity, order types, and trading mechanisms influence market behaviour.
This module provides practical insights into how technology and market structures impact trading strategies, risk management, and regulatory frameworks. With real-world applications and cutting-edge concepts, this module prepares you for a career in one of the most fast-paced and transformative sectors in finance.
You will examine how management accounting supports strategic decision-making, with a focus on cost management, performance evaluation, and long-term value creation. A range of advanced management accounting techniques such as balanced scorecards, strategic costing, and value-based management will be explored.
You will explore how organisations integrate Environment, Society and Governance (ESG) factors into management control systems, sustainability reporting, and performance measurement to ensure responsible and transparent business practices.
Using practical examples, you will learn to interpret both financial and non-financial data to support strategic decision-making. Given a range of contexts, you will learn to select appropriate techniques and explain their advantages and disadvantages. By the end of the module, you will have the skills to drive financially sound, ethical, and sustainable business strategies, preparing you for career in management accounting, consulting, corporate strategy, and financial planning.
This comprehensive module provides a foundational and applied understanding of taxation.
You will explore corporate and personal tax systems, focusing on:
income tax
corporate tax Value Added Tax (VAT)
capital gains tax
international tax issues
Through case studies and problem-based learning, you will analyse tax planning strategies, compliance requirements, and ethical considerations in tax decision-making.
The module also examines the economic and policy implications of taxation, including the role of tax in government revenue, business decision-making, and global tax regulation. By the end of the module, you will be able to apply tax principles to real-world scenarios, assess the impact of taxation on individuals and businesses, and navigate evolving tax laws and international frameworks. This module is strongly recommended for students pursuing careers in accounting, financial advisory, tax consultancy, and corporate finance.
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. The University will make every reasonable effort to offer programmes and modules as advertised. In some cases, changes may be necessary and may result in new modules or some modules and combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, staff changes and new research.
Fees and funding
We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2026/27
entry fees have not yet been set.
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 also be charged 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 international tuition fee during the Study Abroad year
Students taking a work placement for a year: 20% of the standard international tuition fee during the Placement year
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.
If you apply for this course, you can also apply to the ICAS Foundation ‘Nurturing Talent’ programme. 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.
"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 Robezniece
Student societies
Take advantage of our range of academic societies that help you learn and network outside your studies. You may be interested in the Accounting Society or the Economics and Finance Society.
Connect with graduates who work in the job sector that interests you and use your network to get advice and learn about career opportunities.
After you graduate, you'll enjoy a variety of benefits and services exclusive to Lancaster University Alumni, including:
careers support for life
free online journal access
discounts
Alumni story: Abbas
Abbas shares why he decided to study at Lancaster and how he took advantage of the placements and careers services on offer.
Transcript for Alumni Stories: Syed Abbas
My name is Syed Abbas Hasan, but I go by Abbas, and I've just graduated as a BSc Accounting and Finance student with a placement year.
I come from Pakistan. I live in Karachi. Accounting is a very popular subject for A-levels back in Pakistan. So that was my first time studying Accounting. That's where I developed an interest in it. It's something that I enjoyed doing.
So that is the career I looked into - towards the field of Accounting.
Finance has always intrigued me. So you get the best of both worlds with a double majors degree. I think that there was no other choice for me. That was specifically the degree I was looking for. It was either Accounting and Finance, or it was no other option.
I'll be going into the world of Accounting. I'll be starting my career as an Auditor in one of the biggest Accounting firms in the world, so I'm looking forward to that.
Although my university is now over, the studies continue. I'll be studying towards an Accounting qualification alongside my work as an Audit Trainee. So it's another three years of study.
One of the reasons I came to the UK, not just Lancaster, was that bigger platform, the opportunities. Being an ambitious person, working for those big names, learning from the best, that was something that I've always looked up to. I feel that, in itself, acts as the motivation for me.
One thing that I made really good use of was to get in touch with the Careers Team. I had regular meetings with different Career Coaches, the Finance Career Coach. That really helped me get two internships within my first year. My placement was with Unilever. Again, it's the biggest FMCG in the UK. And it's actually the biggest company in Pakistan, so it's a dream job in Pakistan, working for Unilever. It was a very exciting opportunity for me. I worked as a Business Analyst in Unilever, within their Supply Chain Team. And, I was the lead for their Global Cost Savings Initiative for their Elida Beauty portfolio, which was over €1 billion, so it was a big responsibility.
And I've seen quite a bit of the UK as well. I've been to Wales, been to Scotland, so it's good. I enjoy travelling and being in Lancaster. I think Lancaster, in itself, is a very beautiful place. It's tough to beat those scenic views of Lancaster, but I had the opportunity to travel quite a bit, make friends in university during my placement, who I hope I'll stay in touch with for the rest of my life.
The LUMS Careers team is super friendly, and they helped me greatly in my job interview preparation.
Top 100 in the world for Accounting and Finance
Lancaster is ranked 14th in the UK and joint 90th in the world for Accounting and Finance according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, one of nine subjects at Lancaster to be featured in the top 100 in these prestigious listings.
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. Find out more about our Charter and student 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.
Take five minutes and we'll show you what our Top 10 UK university has to offer, from beautiful green campus to colleges, teaching and sports facilities.
Most first-year undergraduate students choose to live on campus, where you’ll find award-winning accommodation to suit different preferences and budgets.
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 world-famous English Lake District.
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