Accounting

Accounting is the language of business, providing the information that organisations use to measure performance, manage resources, and make decisions. It is also a rigorous professional discipline with its own body of theory, standards, and practice, and a recognised qualification in accounting opens some of the most reliable and well-remunerated career pathways available to graduates. The University of Manchester's accounting programme provides a fast track to an accountancy qualification, and the three-year degree offers the opportunity of a full-year paid work placement in your third year of study.

You will build expertise in financial reporting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, corporate finance, and the conceptual frameworks that underpin accounting standards. The University of Manchester has strong relationships with major professional services firms and corporations, and its programmes are designed with the requirements of professional bodies in mind, offering the potential for exemptions from certain professional examinations. The paid sandwich placement in year three is a significant advantage, giving you real commercial experience and professional contacts before you graduate, while also allowing you to test the kinds of accounting environments that interest you most.

Accounting graduates from Manchester are highly sought after by the major professional services firms, corporate finance teams, investment banks, public sector finance departments, and management consultancies. Many graduates go on to qualify with one of the professional accounting bodies while working in practice or industry, completing training contracts that lead to chartered accountant status. Others move into financial management, treasury, financial analysis, or advisory roles.

The analytical and commercial skills you develop also provide a strong platform for postgraduate study in accounting, finance, or business.