BSc Accounting and Finance with Professional Placement

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a comprehensive BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Professional Placement degree, providing students with a solid grounding in the fundamentals of accounting, finance, and business management. This extended four-year program, which includes a dedicated year in industry, is designed to equip graduates with the essential knowledge, analytical skills, and practical experience required to make informed and holistic business decisions across various sectors. Recognizing the importance of professional accreditation, the course is structured to provide exemptions from major accounting bodies, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for professional careers in accountancy, finance, and beyond, with the added advantage of substantial real-world work experience. The degree not only focuses on technical languages and applications crucial for graduate roles but also on developing vital transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.

Curriculum: The BSc Accounting and Finance with Professional Placement curriculum at CCCU is designed to provide a robust foundation in financial principles and practices over three academic years, interspersed with a professional placement year. In the initial stages, students are introduced to core concepts such as Principles of Financial Accounting, Principles of Management Accounting, and Economics, alongside modules that develop personal and academic skills for success. As the program progresses into the second year, students delve into more advanced topics that may include Business and Corporate Law, Corporate Governance & Leadership, Financial Reporting, Audit and Assurance, Financial Management, UK Taxation, and Research Methods. The third year is dedicated to the professional placement, followed by a final year of advanced study including a major project. The curriculum incorporates a blend of theoretical learning and practical application, with diverse assessment methods including computer-based assessments, portfolios, essays, reports, business simulations, and presentations. This varied approach aims to build both individual knowledge and the practical skills needed to apply theory to realistic business scenarios.

Research Focus: The BSc Accounting and Finance with Professional Placement program at Canterbury Christ Church University is delivered by talented academics and experienced professionals within the Christ Church Business School. While specific, granular research interests for every faculty member teaching this particular BSc are not individually itemized on general course pages, the Business School has a strong emphasis on knowledge exchange and engagement with current industry practices. The curriculum is informed by contemporary and emerging business themes, including the changing macro-environment, new economies, global trade interconnectedness, and the impacts of globalization. This suggests an implicit research focus on relevant and current financial and accounting issues, ensuring that students learn about the latest developments and challenges in the field, which can be further explored during their professional placement.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a pivotal component of the BSc Accounting and Finance with Professional Placement program at CCCU, aimed at significantly enhancing graduate employability. The Christ Church Business School fosters extensive links with industry professionals, who are regularly invited as guest speakers to share their insights and experiences. Students benefit from opportunities to test their skills in a real business environment within the university's Bloomberg Trading Room, with the option to graduate with a Bloomberg Certification in Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC). The core differentiator of this program is the compulsory professional placement year, typically undertaken between the second and final academic years. During this 6-12 month paid work experience, students apply their theoretical knowledge in a professional setting, gaining invaluable practical skills and industry contacts. The university provides extensive support for securing placements through a dedicated placement officer and the university's Employability Team, which offers workshops and one-to-one appointments for CV building, application forms, and interview preparation. Students also have the opportunity to take a "work-based learning module" in year two to further develop their skills in seeking and obtaining internships. These comprehensive efforts ensure students interact directly with businesses and accounting firms, promoting student interaction and enhancing their readiness for the professional world.

Global Perspective: The BSc Accounting and Finance with Professional Placement program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a robust global perspective, preparing students for careers in an increasingly interconnected financial world. The curriculum introduces students to the national and global dimensions of finance and accounting, exploring how contemporary and emerging business themes, such as the inter-relatedness of global trade and the impacts of globalization, affect different industry sectors. Modules like "International Finance" and "International Financial Reporting" (where offered as options) further deepen students' understanding of currency derivatives markets, international money and capital markets, principles of currency risk management, and the evolution of international accounting standards. Crucially, the professional placement year can also be undertaken internationally, offering students the chance to gain experience in a diverse global work environment. By examining how accounting and finance operate within an international context and providing opportunities for international work experience, the program ensures graduates are equipped with the knowledge and global outlook to navigate the complexities of the global marketplace.