The United Kingdom remains one of the premier countries in the world in terms of attracting students interested in taking admission in the best universities for accounting and finance. The best unis for finance in the UK offer a tough academic curriculum, skills development and acknowledged degree programs. These specialized finance degrees UK programs will be of immense benefit to students who want to practice in fields like financial analysis, auditing, or investment banking.
Some of the leading UK universities in accounting and finance are among the top universities in the Global and UK university rankings for accounting and finance. They are renowned for producing industry-leading professionals, thus the UK can be considered ideal for those willing to work their way up the financial food chain.
In this guide, we will discuss the top UK universities that provide solid preparation in accounting and finance in the UK, justifying why it is possible to achieve great success in the sphere of finance if you study in the UK.
The best universities for accounting and finance degrees in the UK provides the students with opportunities in economics, mathematics, political science, psychology, and sociology. It takes an average of three years to complete, with the first covering essential finance and economics concepts.
During the second year, students expand their knowledge about corporate finance and, depending on their preferences, can choose additional modules. The last year may have a large project or dissertation to enable the students to apply what they have learned to practically solve real-life financial situations.
Bachelor programs are 3 years long, and master’s programs last between 1-2 years for full-time students. If the program includes placements or a year abroad, it may definitely take longer. Students are evaluated through papers, reports, projects, and group assignments with practical experience using placements in the industry.
For those needing extra academic support, seeking an assignment helper UK can be a great way to manage challenging coursework effectively. The international student’s average annual fees vary between £15,000 and £30,000 depending on the rank and location of the university.
Several universities in this country have been found to offer some of the best unis for accounting and finance courses. These rankings consist of criteria such as entrance requirements, student satisfaction and the research activity.
| Institution | Guardian Score/100 |
| London School of Economics | 100 |
| Warwick | 95.6 |
| UCL | 89.8 |
| Aberdeen | 87.8 |
| Durham | 86.7 |
| Liverpool John Moores | 85.4 |
| Lancaster | 84.3 |
| Edinburgh | 84.2 |
| Manchester | 83.7 |
| Edge Hill | 83.6 |
Here’s a look at some of the best universities for accounting and finance in the UK:
LSE is famous for its specialists in finance and economics all over the world. Accounting and finance are among its outstanding specialties that are based on powerful theoretical knowledge and real-world experience. LSE is a top choice for students who want to work in the field of investment banking, auditing and consultancy.
Undergraduate: BSc Accounting and Finance – 3 years (full-time)
Postgraduate: MSc Accounting and Finance – 1 year (full-time)
Graduates from LSE’s Accounting and Finance programs are highly sought after in various fields, including:
Investment banking
Corporate finance
Financial consulting
Risk management
Asset management
Government and regulatory roles
Major recruiters include top firms like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG.
LSE offers various funding options, including:
Christ's Undergraduate Scholarship for UK students
Golden Scholarship
Nehru Shanker Patel Scholarship
Pass the Torch Scholarship
Peter Bence Scholarship
The London Business Forum Scholarship in Government
Uggla Family Scholars Programme
UK Undergraduate Scholarship
Applicants to LSE must submit an online application with transcripts, a statement of academic purpose, and two references. Additional documents like GMAT/GRE scores or a research proposal may be required. Admissions decisions are based on academic merit and program availability, with updates provided via the Graduate Applicant Portal.
It is located in Coventry and accommodates more than 28,000 students from over 150 countries. It is highly placed in the university rankings; 92% of its research is considered ‘World leading’ or ‘Internationally excellent’ (REF 2021).
Warwick provides students with high-quality accommodation services, careers, and guidance, counseling, and health services. Students are learning in the new facilities such as The Oculus, the Sports Hub, etc.
Undergraduate: The BSc Accounting and Finance is a 3-year full-time program.
Undergraduate with Placement Year: An alternative 4-year option includes a placement year in the third year, allowing students to gain valuable industry experience before completing their final year.
Postgraduate: The MSc Accounting and Financial Management is a 12-month full-time program.
Graduates from Warwick's Accounting and Finance programs have pursued careers in various sectors, including:?
Investment Banking
Financial Consulting
Corporate Finance
Asset and Wealth Management
Financial Risk Management
The university's job portal, MyAdvantage, lists numerous graduate jobs, placements, and internship opportunities throughout the year. Additionally, the Student Careers & Skills team provides workshops and resources to support students' career development.
Warwick offers several scholarships to support international students:
Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship assists gifted international learners in pursuing their academic interests at Warwick.
Postgraduate Scholarships: Various scholarships are available for postgraduate students, including merit-based awards. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the university's official website for detailed information on eligibility and application procedures.
Undergraduate Admissions:
Academic Requirements: Applicants are typically required to have studied the Higher Secondary Certificate/Standard XII/Class XII from CBSE, CISC, or certain state boards, achieving a score of 90%. Additionally, a GCSE grade of 88% in at least one humanities or social science subject and a grade of 85% in GCSE English Language are expected.
English Language Proficiency: An IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in each component, is required. ?
Application Process: Applications are submitted through the UCAS platform. Applicants must provide official transcripts, a personal statement, and references. The personal statement should focus on the applicant's interest in the chosen subject, and where possible, relate extracurricular activities or experiences to the subject.
Read Also: Top Reasons to Study Accounting & Finance
Postgraduate Admissions:
Academic Requirements: A minimum of a 2:1 degree in a related field is expected. Specific requirements may vary depending on the program.
English Language Proficiency: An IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in each component, is typically required.?
Application Process: Prospective students should visit the official University of Warwick website to access the application portal, create a login ID, and complete the application form. Detailed instructions and requirements are provided on the university's admissions page.
UCL was established in the year 1826. It is a multidisciplinary university with more than 16,000 staff and 50,000 students from more than 150 different countries. The UCL promotes a culture which encourages students and staff to question, challenge, and think creatively.
The BSc Accounting and Finance program at UCL is typically a three-year full-time course. The program is structured to provide a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, equipping students with the skills necessary for careers in the financial sector.
Graduates from UCL's Accounting and Finance program are highly sought after by leading firms in finance, consulting, and accounting. Career paths include:
Financial Analyst
Investment Banker
Auditor
Financial Consultant
Management Accountant
Many students also pursue professional qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, or CFA after graduation. UCL’s strong industry links and career services provide access to internships and job placements with top-tier companies, including Big Four firms and leading investment banks.
UCL offers several scholarships to support students in the Accounting and Finance program:
UCL Undergraduate Bursary – Based on household income, providing financial support up to £3,000 per year.
Departmental Scholarships – Merit-based and need-based scholarships are available for high-achieving students.
External Scholarships – Students may also apply for scholarships from private organizations and government bodies.
Admission to UCL's BSc Accounting and Finance program is highly competitive. Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:
A-Level Requirements: A*AA, including Mathematics.
IB Requirements: 40 points, including a 7 in Higher Level Mathematics.
English Language Proficiency: IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any component.
Personal Statement: A compelling personal statement highlighting academic achievements, motivation for studying Accounting and Finance, and career aspirations.
Application Process: Applications are submitted through UCAS. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview.
The University of Aberdeen has created transformative opportunities for over 525 years, staying committed to being open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth.
Aberdeen combines a rich history with a forward-thinking approach, boasting connections to five Nobel Prize winners and consistently ranking among the top 30 UK universities (The Times and Sunday Times 2020).
The University of Aberdeen offers a Master of Science (MSc) in Accounting and Finance, which is a 12-month full-time program designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in accounting and finance. ?
Graduates from the MSc Accounting and Finance program have a wide array of career opportunities in the financial sector. Potential roles include:
Accountant
Auditor
Financial Manager
The program's comprehensive curriculum prepares students for positions in prestigious firms worldwide, leveraging the university's strong industry connections and dedicated career services.
The University of Aberdeen provides several scholarships to support postgraduate students:?
Aberdeen Global Scholarship: Eligible self-funded postgraduate taught students may receive this scholarship. Detailed eligibility criteria and further information are available on the university's scholarship page.
Additional Funding Opportunities: The university offers a range of bursaries and scholarships. Prospective students can search for relevant funding options using the university's scholarship database.
Admission to the MSc Accounting and Finance program requires:?
Academic Qualifications: A good undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK second-class Honours degree) or above in any discipline.
English Language Proficiency: For non-native English speakers, evidence of proficiency is required. Accepted tests and minimum scores include:
IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no component less than 6.0.?
TOEFL iBT: 90 overall, with minimum scores of 21 in listening, 22 in reading, 21 in speaking, and 22 in writing.?
PTE Academic: 62 overall, with a minimum of 59 in each component.
The UK has become widely popular for offering some of the best financial education available. Students pursuing the best unis for finance degrees UK benefit from several key advantages that make the UK a preferred choice:
World-Class Education: The top universities in the UK for accounting and finance are evident to be among the best universities across the world with competitive quality education.
Strategic Location: The UK is home to London, a leading global financial center. Education near this center allows students to get numerous networking, internship, and employment prospects at some of the leading financial companies across the globe.
Diverse Career Options: Students graduating from the top universities in the UK get employment in investment banking auditing and financial consulting due to well established market links of universities in the UK.
Read Also: How to Structure and Format Assignments for UK Universities
It is important to understand that to get admission into the best universities in the UK for accounting and finance, the following qualifications must be met.
Here’s what most institutions typically look for:
You should have done well academically in areas such as math, economics or business. High grades in high school exams or equivalent qualifications are generally required, especially for top universities such as LSE, Oxford, and Cambridge.
IELTS or TOEFL is the common way through which international students have to show their understanding of the English language. However, the set standard varies with course, and the top UK universities expect high scores, especially for competitive courses.
Most universities ask students to write a statement of purpose indicating why they want to pursue a finance degree in the UK from the best universities for finance. Some institutions may also conduct an interview in their selection process mainly when it comes to selecting the best programs.
Read Also: Finance Vs Accounting: Key Differences and Which to Choose
For undergraduate level there are programs such as Bachelor of Accounting or a Bachelor’s in Finance offered at the best universities in the UK for accounting and finance. Such programmes take four years, including an optional placement year, offering students valuable practical experience in their chosen fields.
A Bachelor of Accounting provides essential skills in areas like financial reporting, auditing, and tax accounting. It is also possible to complete the ACCA accredited modules, and pass some of the professional exams afterwards if a student decides to get ACCA accreditation in the future.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Finance helps a student to learn about global financial systems, manage assets, and assess risks. They also gain practical experience with tools like Bloomberg terminals and trading simulations preparing them for jobs in financial trading, investment analysis as well as risk management.
Accounting and finance Master’s degrees can be obtained by many of the top UK universities which offer opportunities to get deep into specialization.
This postgraduate program is ideal for those seeking a promotion in accounting or planning to take CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). Such master’s courses normally offer exemptions from up to 11 CIMA examinations resulting in the students taking less time to attain their professional certification.
A Master’s in Finance in the UK lets the students major in domains such as corporate finance, real estate finance or statistical machine learning. There has been a great demand in the market for any individual who has completed a masters degree in finance.
Graduates from the best universities in the UK for accounting and finance are highly valued by employers.
Below are some of the key job opportunities:
Investment Banking: Many graduates secure positions at leading investment banks in the UK and internationally. Finance degrees UK emphasizes on the practical training that makes them capable of becoming financial analysts, investment bankers and traders etc.
Accounting and Auditing: Graduates from the top UK universities always secure employment with some of the major auditing firms like PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, and EY. Here they apply accounting specialization to ensure compliance and provide financial advice to companies.
Financial Management and Consultancy: Graduates can also work in corporate finance as financial managers, consultants, or advisors. With the knowledge gained from finance degrees UK, they help companies manage finances and make informed decisions.
Read Also: Explore Top 10 Universities For Master's Degrees
The United Kingdom remains a top choice for students aiming to build successful careers in accounting and finance. Quality education, international recognition, and intensive practical learning make the best universities in the UK the best places to learn.
Writing essay services can be invaluable for students managing the demanding coursework, helping them articulate ideas effectively and achieve academic excellence.
Graduates from the best universities in the UK for accounting and finance are well-equipped to enter competitive job markets both locally and internationally. The close cooperation of these universities with employers and financial organizations prepares students for several sectors.
Here is the list of top UK universities for studying accounting and finance
The entry requirements for an accounting and finance degree in the UK included academic qualifications in the areas of math, economics, or business. Also, high grades in the high school exams or equivalent are needed
Proficiency in English is needed for international students specially through the IELTS and TOEFL. Lastly, the personal statements and interviews need to be provided and cracked respectively. This is generally done to know about the candidate and understand his or her capabilities.
The major career opportunities in the UK are as follows:
Yes, there are universities that provide scholarships to students studying accounting and finance at UK universities
The United Kingdom remains a top choice for students aiming to build successful careers in accounting and finance. Quality education, international recognition, and intensive practical learning make the best universities in the UK the best places to learn.
Graduates from the best universities in the UK for accounting and finance are well-equipped to enter competitive job markets both locally and internationally. The close cooperation of these universities with employers and financial organizations prepares students for several sectors.
Nick Johnson
Nick is a multi-faceted individual with diverse interests. I love teaching young students through coaching or writing who always gathered praise for a sharp calculative mind. I own a positive outlook towards life and also give motivational speeches for young kids and college students.
