Accounting and Finance

The degree involves studying courses to the value of 12 units, over three years, plus LSE100. Half of these are in accounting and finance, and half in related disciplines. You will have the opportunity to specialise to a certain degree in various fields within accounting and finance. 

First year

In your first year, you will take introductory courses in accounting and finance, economics, mathematics and statistics. In addition, you will "‹also take LSE100. You may also be able to take an outside option depending on your other choices.  

(* indicates half-unit course)

Elements of Accounting and Finance
Will introduce you to the preparation, uses and limitations of accounting information and to some issues in finance and investment.

Microeconomics I* 
There are two versions of this course: EC1A3 and EC1A5. Students will be advised about the most appropriate version to take depending on academic background or future course choices.

Macroeconomics I*
There are two versions of this course: EC1B3 and EC1B5. Students will be advised about the most appropriate version to take depending on academic background or future course choices.

Quantitative Methods (Mathematics)*
Develops the basic mathematical tools necessary for further study in economics and related disciplines.
And
Quantitative Methods (Statistics)*
Develops elementary statistical tools necessary for further study in management and economics.
And
Optional courses to the value of one unit

Or

Elementary Statistical Theory
Provides a precise treatment of introductory probability theory, statistical ideas, methods and techniques.
And
Mathematical Methods
An introductory-level course if you wish to use mathematics seriously in social science, or in any other context.

LSE100*
A half unit, running across Michaelmas and Lent Term in the first year, LSE100 is compulsory for all LSE undergraduate students, and is designed to build your capacity to tackle multidimensional problems through research-rich education.

Second year

In your second year, you will take an accounting course and a Principles of Finance course. Depending on your academic background you'll take a minimum of two economics courses. Please note that the format of the LSE100 course is under review. 

Accounting Theory and Practice
Provides an in-depth knowledge and understanding in accounting theories and practices underlying major accounting issues.

Either
Principles of Finance I
Examines companies' longer term investment decisions, and the ways in which these may be financed in the financial markets.
Or
Principles of Finance II
A more quantitative course examining companies' longer term investment decisions, and the ways in which these may be financed in the financial markets.

Courses to the value of one unit from the following:

Microeconomics II*
There are two versions of this course: EC2A3 and EC2A5. Students will be advised about the most appropriate version to take depending on academic background or future course choices.

Macroeconomics II*
There are two versions of this course: EC2B3 and EC2B5. Students will be advised about the most appropriate version to take depending on academic background or future course choices.

Econometrics I*
Introduction to econometrics to teach students the theory and practice of empirical research in economics
Students will be advised whether they are able to take this course depending on academic background or future course choices.

Outside options to the value of one unit

Third year

In your third year, you will take one compulsory accounting course, one compulsory finance course and will choose between two further accounting courses. You will take an outside option to the value of one unit from an approved list, and choose two accounting courses from a choice of five.

Contemporary Issues in Financial Accounting*
Considers the key areas of topical interests in financial accounting and the impact of accounting regulation on financial statements, in an international context. 

Either
Results Accountability and Management Control for Strategy Implementation*
Considers both the decision-facilitating and decision-influencing roles of management accounting.
Or
Corporate Governance, Risk Management and Financial Audit*
Introduces core concepts and practices of auditing, and provides a critical analysis of auditing practices and their role in organisational governance. 

Corporate Finance, Investments and Financial Markets
The course will cover a broad range of topics, with both a theoretical and an empirical emphasis. These include topics in corporate finance, investments and performance evaluation and international finance.

Two courses from a range of accounting options, to a total value one unit

Outside options to the value of one unit

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page. 

You must note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up-to-date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School"™s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated undergraduate course and programme information page. 

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Accounting

Median salary of our UG students six months after graduating: £35,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Financial and Professional Services
• Accounting and Auditing
• Consultancy
• Education, Teaching and Research
• Information, Digital Technology and Data

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2018-19 were the second group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

Recent graduates of this programme have gone on to work in the areas of professional accountancy, investment banking, investment analysis, management consultancy and financial management, the public sector, as well as further academic study. 

If you successfully complete the degree, then depending on the optional courses you have taken, you may be eligible for exemptions from some examinations of the professional accountancy bodies.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme
Further information on professional training and exemptions

• Anis Abdullah

BSc Accounting and Finance, 2011
Senior Associate, PwC

 

The BSc Accounting and Finance is a practical, technical degree which would be useful in any sector or industry.  joined corporate finance with PwC after graduation and worked primarily for public sector clients in health and transport, with clients such as the Department for Transport and the NHS. I'm involved in advising clients on transactions, policy shaping around the structures and funding for infrastructure projects and considering financial implications of these policies. I am now a chartered accountant and I'm taking on more responsibilities to manage teams in exciting projects. I'm also developing technical knowledge in a sector which is instrumental to the future of the UK economy. LSE's academic approach was rigorous and technical and the lecturers were very knowledgeable - a lot of the theories I learnt during my studies apply regularly to the line of work I'm in.

• Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search.