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The final project and critical evaluation will be structured to assess the knowledge and understanding by means appropriate to individual students, though all approaches will lead to the production of a significant piece of work that involves the demonstration of advanced practice in business management and/or original small research. All approaches will be accompanied by a critical self- evaluation of the outcomes achieved.
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This module offers you the opportunity to build on your level 5 work placement through the more developed application of a negotiated work-based research project. You will agree with your placement tutor and workplace mentor a brief for a project which addresses a need within the organisation. Learners should complete a minimum of 100 hours in the workplace. It is in the spirit of this module that wherever possible, the focus will be on social or community / sustainable development.
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The module aims to develop from previous studies a comprehensive understanding of theory and best current practice of financial reporting, with particular emphasis on current and controversial issues in financial reporting. It will also develop a capacity for critical reasoning and rational analysis, the ability to conceptualise problems, create reasoned value judgments and opinions and the ability to solve practical problems.
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This module aims to equip the students with the knowledge and skills expected of the financial manager in relation to investment, financing and dividend policy decisions. It will provide students with the necessary managerial tools and techniques required in order to undertake a strategic analysis and review of their organisational environment and develop a suitable plan to lead the organisation into the future.
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During this module students will learn about the role of the auditor and develop an understanding of modern audit from both an internal and external perspective. They will be introduced to forensic accounting as a discipline, studying the role and procedures of forensic accounting and the impact of auditing standards on those who undertake assurance engagements. The module will develop understanding of current issues relating to the provision of audit and assurance services to enable the identification of the work required for, and the evaluation of the findings of audit and assurance engagements.
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This module will give students a deeper and more integrated understanding of how management accounting theory and practice can help management teams make decisions of strategic importance. Students will critique the role of traditional management accounting techniques and evaluate the use of strategic management accounting models. They will also develop critical analysis skills and learn how management accounting information can contribute to the development and implementation of effective strategic decisions.
Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons) Top-Up Degree
Top-up Degree, September 2025
Key Details
- N401 Course Code
- 1 Years
This course is intended to provide principal knowledge and skills in the thematic pathways of:
- Financial management and probity that will enable operational effectiveness in a modern organisation
- Decision making by organisations in the corporate environment with regards to investment appraisal
- The current research in technical and theoretical areas of accounting
- The effective design, supervision and management of organisational operations and processes
- The role of legislation in regulating internal control and ethics of an organisation in a modern society and the extent to which this currently addresses growing concerns and sustainability of an organisation, corporate law, audit & assurance
On the successful passing of our top-up degree modules, you would be able to submit applications to ICAEW, ACCA and IFA. for four exemptions from their postgraduate accountancy training programmes, with the option to apply for additional exemptions dependant on past experience. Exemptions could save you time and could give you a competitive advantage against graduates from unrelated courses applying for accountancy roles. Dependant on the modules you have taken and the professional body you choose to train with, you could expect to be a qualified accountant within one a half to two years of graduation, as opposed to the three to four years it might take a graduate from an unrelated degree. (See our Exemptions section of the Overview block for more information).
As well as focusing on the area of Accounting, our degree also explores key financial theories, which could give you an advantage against those who have studied other accountancy qualifications. By studying our top-up degree in Accounting and Finance, as opposed to other routes into the profession, you will be benefit from learning within a supportive university environment, developing a toolkit of vital transferable skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers.
We continue to accept applications for September 2023. Applications to join us in 2024 can be submitted on UCAS from this September.
The BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (top-up) programme aims to:
- enable you to undertake a rigorous study of the theories and techniques related to accounting and financial management
- acquire and develop the practical skills essential within an accounting and financial environment
- develop knowledge, understanding and skills in line with the QAA benchmark statements for accounting and finance (QAA Accounting and Finance, 2016)
- develop and enhance transferable skills relevant to a range of employment opportunities in both private and public sector organisations including the third sector
- enable students to develop competence in accounting and finance alongside wisdom in its application sufficient for them to enhance their employability and possibly progress to postgraduate study
- develop in you the ability to blend theory and practice in complex situations in a systematic and creative way to improve financial and business performance
- encourage and support the spirit of intellectual curiosity and enquiry, an ability to tackle problem solving and the capacity for creativity.
During the top-up year, you will be involved in using the conceptual tools and experience developed in the first two years of their studies (undertaken before joining Newman University). Final year modules may lead you towards partial exemptions that may be granted by the professional bodies. You will cover some core areas such as advanced management accounting, financial analysis, advanced financial reporting and audit and assurance. These modules in particular will help to develop skills of critical analysis and synthesis which will help you to reflect on your career aspirations. Accompanying the formal study will be the production of an individual project or dissertation which will offer the opportunity to integrate and consolidate material from all three parts of the course and to investigate issues of interest in greater depth.
You will be assessed via a combination of options including coursework, class tests, and formal examinations.
- Financial accountant
- Management accountant
- Financial analyst
- Investment banker
- Tax consultants
- Internal/External auditor
This programme seeks to develop within you a range of relevant skills, knowledge, and capabilities that would enable you to pursue a career as professional accountants (subject to ICAEW, ACCA and IFA accreditation/exemptions), or for any career in finance, banking, administration and other management roles.
Also, you will develop the ability to conceptualise and solve practical problems by creating reasoned value judgements. In addition, you will be taught academic skills, report writing, and analytical skills apart from your academic studies which will equip them to adapt easily to the rapidly changing environment of work.
Top-up students will be able to submit applications to ICAEW and ACCA for exemptions from their postgraduate accountancy training programmes*. The number of exemptions granted will be these professional bodies will be dependent on students’ individual skills and experience, taking into consideration content of their foundation course studied prior to joining Newman. Therefore each student’s outcome will be different. Newman University will support you in the application process for these exemptions, in order for you to continue your professional journey after graduation.
* Please note that if you have a conviction for fraud the above professional bodies may not agree to exempt you.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW)
Top-up students will be able to submit an application for up to six exemptions from professional exams as part of postgraduate accountancy training via ICAEW. These exemptions will save you time when applying for professional qualifications.
For more information about ICAEW’s Credit for Prior Learning please visit www.icaew.com/cpl
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Top-up students will be able to submit an application for between four to seven exemptions from professional exams as part of postgraduate accountancy training via ACCA.
For students who are awarded all seven exemptions, this means that they could save up to two years of further study before they are fully qualified with ACCA.
Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA)
Top-up students will be able to submit an application for four exemptions from professional exams upon graduation from Newman. The accredited modules are listed below.
Advanced Financial Reporting (IFA Direct unit – Level 7 Corporate reporting for strategic business advanced)
Financial Analysis (IFA Direct Unit – Level 5 Financial Management)
Principles of audit and Assurance (IFA Direct Unit – Level 5 Assurance)
Advanced Management Accounting (IFA Direct Unit – Level 5 Financial and Management Control)
The exemptions listed above are for future Newman University students. Current or past students should check with the Course Leader about the exemptions applicable to them.
Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.
Studying at Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.
Dining out
Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Newman).
Entertainment
Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!
Location
Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!
Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?
Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.
Entry Requirements
UK home students
All applicants will need to have 120 credits at level 4 and 120 credits at level 5 in a relevant Foundation Degree or HND.
Some applicants will need to successfully complete the Accounting and Finance Bridging Module to support their transition into the programme. If you have specific questions about the Top Up Award or bridging module please contact Admissions.
Applying Direct Option
You can apply direct to Newman University for this course if you have not previously applied to Newman University through UCAS and you are not applying to any other universities.
N.B. will need to enter ‘New User’ account details when first accessing this portal.
International students
If you are an international student, please get in touch with our International team who will be able to advise on entry criteria for this course. Email international@newman.ac.uk or telephone +441218160449.
Course Fees
UK home students
The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is £9,535 per year.
International students
For detailed information on course fees for international students, please visit our International Students page.
Additional Costs
Find out more about the other additional costs associated with our undergraduate degrees.
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
Modules
Please be aware that, as with any course, there may be changes to the modules delivered, for information view our Changes to Programmes or Module Changes page.
Timetables: find out when information is available to students
Additional Information
General Academic Regulations: Terms and Conditions for students attending our courses