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Take your first step towards your career in Accounting, Finance and Economics.

This Accounting, Finance and Economics Foundation Year will provide you with an understanding of the wider financial world, applying this knowledge to real world examples.

Over the course of the year, you will be challenged to analyse and interpret financial data, tackle real life organisational issues and build the fundamental skills required in industry. You will conduct a collaborative research project to enhance your understanding further of the contemporary issues in accounting, finance and economics. You will develop the academic skills and business awareness to begin applying basic business principles to solve real world problems.

Why choose Northumbria to study Accounting, Finance and Economics?

  • 100% of students studying Accounting at Northumbria believed that their course was well organised, staff supported their learning, and they had chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth (NSS, 2024).
  • Accounting at Northumbria is ranked 2nd in the UK for Academic Support (NSS, 2024).

You will join the Newcastle Business School, which holds double accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in business and accounting. This accreditation reflects our academic excellence and commitment to developing individuals to achieve their potential through professionally relevant, research engaged education.

According to AACSB, “Approximately 6% of the world's schools offering business degree education have achieved AACSB accreditation, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality, rigorous standards, innovation, and continuous process improvement”. Read more about our 'double' AACSB Accreditation.

What can I progress onto after my foundation year?

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, you can automatically progress onto the following undergraduate degrees:

Students will also have the option to progress onto other undergraduate business courses.

Take your first step towards your career in Accounting, Finance and Economics.

This Accounting, Finance and Economics Foundation Year will provide you with an understanding of the wider financial world, applying this knowledge to real world examples.

Over the course of the year, you will be challenged to analyse and interpret financial data, tackle real life organisational issues and build the fundamental skills required in industry. You will conduct a collaborative research project to enhance your understanding further of the contemporary issues in accounting, finance and economics. You will develop the academic skills and business awareness to begin applying basic business principles to solve real world problems.

Why choose Northumbria to study Accounting, Finance and Economics?

  • 100% of students studying Accounting at Northumbria believed that their course was well organised, staff supported their learning, and they had chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth (NSS, 2024).
  • Accounting at Northumbria is ranked 2nd in the UK for Academic Support (NSS, 2024).

You will join the Newcastle Business School, which holds double accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in business and accounting. This accreditation reflects our academic excellence and commitment to developing individuals to achieve their potential through professionally relevant, research engaged education.

According to AACSB, “Approximately 6% of the world's schools offering business degree education have achieved AACSB accreditation, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality, rigorous standards, innovation, and continuous process improvement”. Read more about our 'double' AACSB Accreditation.

What can I progress onto after my foundation year?

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, you can automatically progress onto the following undergraduate degrees:

Students will also have the option to progress onto other undergraduate business courses.

Course Information

UCAS Code
N775

Level of Study
Undergraduate

Mode of Study
1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department
Newcastle Business School

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2025

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

#IAmNorthumbria / Samuel Akanya

Samuel owns his own tech business and alongside learning how to run a business and be a better manager, loves to spend time socialising as part of the Afro-Caribbean Society here at Northumbria.

Northumbria University has given me the opportunity to express myself in every way possible. They've given me a good insight on how to run a business. How to be a better manager.⁠⠀

The Business Clinic / Real-World Experience

Highly acclaimed by clients as successful, as students get to the root of the problem, and results in a detailed report and presentation of their recommendations.

Business Clinic

The Business Clinic

Discover More

The Business Clinic is an education scheme whereby a group of business students participate in a ‘consultancy firm’ to provide advice for our clients.

Department / Newcastle Business School

Newcastle Business School has a global reputation for delivering some of the best business management education in the UK.

If you want to become a future leader or manager in a corporate environment, then you’ll be interested to find out more about Newcastle Business School.

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Newcastle Business School

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News / Business

Find out what our Newcastle Business School students and staff are taking part in and achieving.

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This course is eligible for a scholarship

find out more →

Book an Open Day / Experience Accounting, Finance and Economics Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Accounting, Finance and Economics Foundation Year. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.

Delve Deeper / Discover more about life at Northumbria

Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

96 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas or the International Baccalaureate

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course

GCSE Requirements:
Students will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4 or C, or the equivalent.

Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course

International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match those shown above. If you have taken qualifications outside the UK you can find out how your qualifications compare by visiting our country page www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

96 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas or the International Baccalaureate

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course

GCSE Requirements:
Students will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4 or C, or the equivalent.

Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course

International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match those shown above. If you have taken qualifications outside the UK you can find out how your qualifications compare by visiting our country page www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2024/25 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.


International Fee in Year 1: £18,250


Please see the main Funding Pages for 24/25 scholarship information.

 


ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

Fees and Funding 2025/26 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1*: TBC

* Government has yet to announce 25/26 tuition fee levels. As a guide, 24/25 fees were £9,250 per year. 



International Fee in Year 1: £19,350


Please see the main Funding Pages for 25/26 scholarship information.

 


ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

AF3000 -

Professional Practice for Accounting, Finance and Economics (Core,20 Credits)

This module is designed to develop your understanding of professional practice in accounting, finance and economics. It will empower you to develop a commercial mind-set and will give you the opportunity to find out about what it means to work in accounting, finance and economics sectors. You will become more confident in generating and implementing new ideas and will begin to develop your own network of business contacts.





You will deepen your understanding of what it means to work in accounting, finance and economics through a series of lectures and seminars. You will engage with experienced professionals working in accounting, finance and economics through guest lectures and round table discussions that will enable you to deepen your understanding of what it is like to work in your chosen field.





The module centres on collaboration and teamwork, and your team will be required to secure, conduct and record an interview with an established professional and share your experience with the rest of the group (50%). You will also be required to prepare an individual reflective journal mapping your own personal development and experiences (50%). This will enable you to develop group work skills, project management skills, communication skills and reflective practice.

More information

AF3001 -

Practical Mathematics and Statistics (Core,20 Credits)

This module provides you with the knowledge and skills of applying a variety of practical mathematical and statistical methods that are used to analyze and interpret financial data. On the side of mathematics, you will be introduced to a range of subject specific formulas, and related operations such as factoring, grouping, and transposition. This will be used as an opportunity to review key notation and basic mathematical operations. Subsequently, linear and some important non-linear functions will be examined in the context of main theories from economics and finance. In particular, supply and demand theory and the time value of money concepts will be used as key contexts in the example of how important formulas are derived. On the side of statistics, you will be exposed to formal descriptive statistics and introduced to the key probability distribution functions such as Binomial, Poisson and Normal. You will use the named probability distribution functions to learn how to formally formulate hypotheses.

More information

AF3002 -

Navigating the Financial World (Core,20 Credits)

This module will to introduce you to key concepts of corporate finance, theories and practice in a business environment. The module covers core aspects ranging from organisational goals, adding value to shareholders to raising finance. Specifically, you will study financial objectives of the corporation, shareholder vs. stakeholders interests, capital structure, decision-making and, the basics of mergers and acquisitions.


Responsible financial management is at the heart of business decision making. This includes how firms raise finance and the relationship between the business and its stakeholders. This module will develop your awareness of contemporary financial issues and academic literature surrounding such issues through a research rich approach to teaching. The module explores case studies alongside interactive lectures designed to develop analytical thinking skills. In addition, this will cultivate your business curiosity regarding commercial and professional activity in accounting, finance and economics. Lectures will be supported by seminars, which enable students to examine the cases and lecture topics in greater detail.


The module will engage you with reading and analysing key stories, cases and events in the business press over the last few years, particularly in the Financial Times (which you will have a free university subscription to). In addition, the module introduces you to the Newcastle Business School Trading Room, a high tech platform specialist software that gives you access to financial and market data and, global news and insights.

More information

AF3003 -

Ethics and Social Responsibility (Core,20 Credits)

This module aims to develop your curiosity and interest of ethical decision making in business, and to help you understand what ethics means from both an individual and organisational perspective. The module will enable you to develop an awareness of ethical dilemmas in business and challenge you to discuss and debate ethical decision-making as a future employer or employee.

The module further engages you in collecting, reading and reflecting on past business news, events and case studies where ethical dilemmas have been prominent, and will encourage you to use the knowledge you will gain from interactive lectures to contribute to wider discussion and critical debate about ethical issues in business. In particular, this module will support you in developing a strong commercial awareness around ethics in business today, and leave you with the skills needed to foster good ethical understanding needed throughout your degree and future.

At the end of the module, students will also be able to understand and critically discuss the concepts and topics of corporate social responsibility, as well as business’ responsibility towards sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

More information

AF3004 -

Business Intelligence and Analytics (Core,20 Credits)

This module is designed to develop your understanding of the role that data and data analytics plays in organisations. The module will introduce you to various data sources. It will empower you to build an understanding of how to collect and analyse data. You will become confident in locating data, interpreting and analysing it to facilitate business decisions.

What and where?
You will consider the different forms of data and learn to recognise data, examining fields, records and tables and carry out searching, filtering and querying. You will receive an introduction to specific databases that are available in the economic arena including an initial introduction to (indicative examples) the Newcastle Business School Trading room, Eurostat, FAME (Financial Analysis Made Easy) and OSIRIS in addition to data sources (including electronic journals) available within the library at Northumbria so you can use these throughout your career. You will learn how to locate company, industry, market and country reports.

Analysing the data
You will also build simple models in Excel to facilitate the simple analysis of trading and profitability for different organisations. You will receive a basic introduction to Excel covering simple functions such as =COUNT, =MAX, =MIN, =AVERAGE etc. and build formulas to manipulate data. You will learn how to make valid comparisons and recommend appropriate business decisions.

Presenting the data
You will learn how to present to an audience in such a way that they can understand the key findings you have discovered. You will learn about different graphs/charts and how to present them appropriately.

Employment in data
This section briefly considers employment roles/tasks within the data and analytics fields e.g. being a Data Officer and how data is handled within organisations in line with data protection legislation such as GDPR.

More information

AF3005 -

Contemporary Issues in Accounting, Finance and Economics (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will explore the contemporary issues that are impacting the world of Accounting, Finance and Economics today. You will be able to understand and critically apprise the issues in order to demonstrate how these contemporary issues are likely to shape the future of the Accounting, Finance and Economics landscape. For example:





Accounting


The rise of Artificial Intelligence and changing nature of the Accounting profession


Global Accounting standard harmonisation


Governance and its impact on companies






Finance


COVID-19 (Global Pandemics) and market volatility


Open Banking


Development of FinTech


Development of RegTech






Economics


Global financial crisis


China/USA trade war


Brexit for macroeconomics






You will be assessed my means of a continuous professional development (CPD) event. You will be expected to prepare a professional briefing paper and present (in your group) to a panel of academics and industry experts. In this event you will present on your chosen contemporary issue, providing a critical appraisal to demonstrate your understanding of how the issue will impact the Accounting, Finance or Economics landscape. This will involve you carrying out research on a topic and being able to find innovative and interesting ways to disseminate that research to the experts and your peers during the event.

More information

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

AF3000 -

Professional Practice for Accounting, Finance and Economics (Core,20 Credits)

This module is designed to develop your understanding of professional practice in accounting, finance and economics. It will empower you to develop a commercial mind-set and will give you the opportunity to find out about what it means to work in accounting, finance and economics sectors. You will become more confident in generating and implementing new ideas and will begin to develop your own network of business contacts.





You will deepen your understanding of what it means to work in accounting, finance and economics through a series of lectures and seminars. You will engage with experienced professionals working in accounting, finance and economics through guest lectures and round table discussions that will enable you to deepen your understanding of what it is like to work in your chosen field.





The module centres on collaboration and teamwork, and your team will be required to secure, conduct and record an interview with an established professional and share your experience with the rest of the group (50%). You will also be required to prepare an individual reflective journal mapping your own personal development and experiences (50%). This will enable you to develop group work skills, project management skills, communication skills and reflective practice.

More information

AF3001 -

Practical Mathematics and Statistics (Core,20 Credits)

This module provides you with the knowledge and skills of applying a variety of practical mathematical and statistical methods that are used to analyze and interpret financial data. On the side of mathematics, you will be introduced to a range of subject specific formulas, and related operations such as factoring, grouping, and transposition. This will be used as an opportunity to review key notation and basic mathematical operations. Subsequently, linear and some important non-linear functions will be examined in the context of main theories from economics and finance. In particular, supply and demand theory and the time value of money concepts will be used as key contexts in the example of how important formulas are derived. On the side of statistics, you will be exposed to formal descriptive statistics and introduced to the key probability distribution functions such as Binomial, Poisson and Normal. You will use the named probability distribution functions to learn how to formally formulate hypotheses.

More information

AF3002 -

Navigating the Financial World (Core,20 Credits)

This module will to introduce you to key concepts of corporate finance, theories and practice in a business environment. The module covers core aspects ranging from organisational goals, adding value to shareholders to raising finance. Specifically, you will study financial objectives of the corporation, shareholder vs. stakeholders interests, capital structure, decision-making and, the basics of mergers and acquisitions.


Responsible financial management is at the heart of business decision making. This includes how firms raise finance and the relationship between the business and its stakeholders. This module will develop your awareness of contemporary financial issues and academic literature surrounding such issues through a research rich approach to teaching. The module explores case studies alongside interactive lectures designed to develop analytical thinking skills. In addition, this will cultivate your business curiosity regarding commercial and professional activity in accounting, finance and economics. Lectures will be supported by seminars, which enable students to examine the cases and lecture topics in greater detail.


The module will engage you with reading and analysing key stories, cases and events in the business press over the last few years, particularly in the Financial Times (which you will have a free university subscription to). In addition, the module introduces you to the Newcastle Business School Trading Room, a high tech platform specialist software that gives you access to financial and market data and, global news and insights.

More information

AF3003 -

Ethics and Social Responsibility (Core,20 Credits)

This module aims to develop your curiosity and interest of ethical decision making in business, and to help you understand what ethics means from both an individual and organisational perspective. The module will enable you to develop an awareness of ethical dilemmas in business and challenge you to discuss and debate ethical decision-making as a future employer or employee.

The module further engages you in collecting, reading and reflecting on past business news, events and case studies where ethical dilemmas have been prominent, and will encourage you to use the knowledge you will gain from interactive lectures to contribute to wider discussion and critical debate about ethical issues in business. In particular, this module will support you in developing a strong commercial awareness around ethics in business today, and leave you with the skills needed to foster good ethical understanding needed throughout your degree and future.

At the end of the module, students will also be able to understand and critically discuss the concepts and topics of corporate social responsibility, as well as business’ responsibility towards sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

More information

AF3004 -

Business Intelligence and Analytics (Core,20 Credits)

This module is designed to develop your understanding of the role that data and data analytics plays in organisations. The module will introduce you to various data sources. It will empower you to build an understanding of how to collect and analyse data. You will become confident in locating data, interpreting and analysing it to facilitate business decisions.

What and where?
You will consider the different forms of data and learn to recognise data, examining fields, records and tables and carry out searching, filtering and querying. You will receive an introduction to specific databases that are available in the economic arena including an initial introduction to (indicative examples) the Newcastle Business School Trading room, Eurostat, FAME (Financial Analysis Made Easy) and OSIRIS in addition to data sources (including electronic journals) available within the library at Northumbria so you can use these throughout your career. You will learn how to locate company, industry, market and country reports.

Analysing the data
You will also build simple models in Excel to facilitate the simple analysis of trading and profitability for different organisations. You will receive a basic introduction to Excel covering simple functions such as =COUNT, =MAX, =MIN, =AVERAGE etc. and build formulas to manipulate data. You will learn how to make valid comparisons and recommend appropriate business decisions.

Presenting the data
You will learn how to present to an audience in such a way that they can understand the key findings you have discovered. You will learn about different graphs/charts and how to present them appropriately.

Employment in data
This section briefly considers employment roles/tasks within the data and analytics fields e.g. being a Data Officer and how data is handled within organisations in line with data protection legislation such as GDPR.

More information

AF3005 -

Contemporary Issues in Accounting, Finance and Economics (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will explore the contemporary issues that are impacting the world of Accounting, Finance and Economics today. You will be able to understand and critically apprise the issues in order to demonstrate how these contemporary issues are likely to shape the future of the Accounting, Finance and Economics landscape. For example:





Accounting


The rise of Artificial Intelligence and changing nature of the Accounting profession


Global Accounting standard harmonisation


Governance and its impact on companies






Finance


COVID-19 (Global Pandemics) and market volatility


Open Banking


Development of FinTech


Development of RegTech






Economics


Global financial crisis


China/USA trade war


Brexit for macroeconomics






You will be assessed my means of a continuous professional development (CPD) event. You will be expected to prepare a professional briefing paper and present (in your group) to a panel of academics and industry experts. In this event you will present on your chosen contemporary issue, providing a critical appraisal to demonstrate your understanding of how the issue will impact the Accounting, Finance or Economics landscape. This will involve you carrying out research on a topic and being able to find innovative and interesting ways to disseminate that research to the experts and your peers during the event.

More information

To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.

Accounting, Finance and Economics Foundation Year

Home or EU applicants please apply through UCAS

International applicants please apply using the links below

START MONTH
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Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

 

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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Open Days are a great way for you to get a feel of the University, the city of Newcastle upon Tyne and the course(s) you are interested in.

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Virtual Tour

Get an insight into life at Northumbria at the click of a button! Come and explore our videos and 360 panoramas to immerse yourself in our campuses and get a feel for what it is like studying here using our interactive virtual tour.

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