Undergraduate Programmes
BSc Accounting and Finance
Course Code: 2245-DP044A (Year 1 Entry) / 2245-DP044A (Year 2 Entry)
- QF Level: 5 QR Registration No.: 13/000446/L5 Validity Period: 01/09/2013 to 31/08/2026
Programme
Overview
Programme Overview
Sharpen your knowledge in accounting and finance, as well as in the associated fields of financial reporting, auditing and assurance. You will establish a solid foundation for an analytical position in related industries.
Programme Highlights
- The degree is awarded by the University of London and the programme is academically developed and managed by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE);
- In 2024, LSE was ranked 6th worldwide in the subjects of Accounting & Finance; 7th worldwide in the subjects of Economics & Econometrics; 12th worldwide in the subjects of Business & Management Studies; and 45th worldwide overall in QS World University Rankings.
Programme Objectives
- provide an undergraduate education at the forefront of the international field in the study of the theory and practice of financial management, control and accountability in organisations;
- situate the study of accounting and finance in some of the various contexts within which accounting and finance professionals play a key role;
- develop in students an understanding that not only is accounting and finance as a discipline concerned with computational skill but, more importantly, it is central to the way in which both management internally, and also various stakeholders externally (including investors, lenders, customers, the government and the public) perceive, understand, and seek to change and control the nature of organisations and the ways in which resources are allocated to and by them;
- foster in students a critical and flexible approach to accounting and finance issues, within a UK and international context;
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes
On completion of the programme, students should be able to
- Knowledge and understanding
- communicate knowledge and understanding of several of the major contexts within which accounting operates, based on a critical evaluation of related theoretical and conceptual frameworks and of empirical evidence as to its effects;
- communicate knowledge and understanding of, and appropriate ability to use and critically evaluate, current and major alternative technical languages and practices of accounting, together with appropriate ability to apply them;
- record and summarize financial data and prepare financial statements;
- manipulate financial and other numerical data and appropriate understanding of and ability to apply mathematical and statistical concepts;
- communicate and apply knowledge and understanding of the principles of business information systems management at an appropriate level;
- analyse business activities and perform financial analyses and projections in appropriate contexts of planning, decision making and control at an appropriate level; and to recognise the limitations of these techniques;
- communicate knowledge and understanding of financial management, risk and the operation of financial markets at an appropriate level, based on critical evaluation of theories and empirical evidence.
- Intellectual and cognitive skills
- locate, extract, analyse and draw reasoned conclusions from multiple sources (including electronic sources) of appropriate literature and relevant data and acknowledge and reference sources appropriately;
- critically analyse arguments;
- assimilate and lucidly evaluate alternative views.
- Transferable skills
- communicate effectively in a written context;
- use information technology (spread-sheets, word-processing and online databases) appropriately;
- organise information, and to assimilate and evaluate competing arguments;
- manage their own learning, including working effectively to deadlines;
- be open minded and have a capacity to handle ideas and scrutinise information in critical, evaluative and analytical ways.
University of London Programmes
The University of London is truly one of the greatest universities in the world. The University is a federation of 18 world-class colleges and 10 specialised institutes, with a student population of more than 120,000. The University's reputation for high academic standards has been built on the outstanding teaching and research of its colleges since 1836, and its degrees are recognised internationally by governments, universities, employers and professional bodies as being of a high academic quality and standard.
For over 150 years, University of London degrees have been accessible to students all over the world through the University of London Programmes. Over the years, many exceptional people who have studied with the University of London Programmes have shaped our world. Former students include seven Nobel Prize winners, leaders of commonwealth countries, government ministers, renowned authors, academics, judges and business leaders. Today, the University of London Programmes are truly international in character with more than 50,000 students in 180 different countries.
Academic Direction:
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Academic direction for all of the courses offered through the University of London Programmes is provided by the colleges of the University. Academics at these colleges develop the syllabi, prepare the study materials, and are responsible for the assessment of students. In the case of the BSc Finance, BSc Accounting and Finance, BSc Economics and Management and BSc Business and Management programmes, academic direction is provided by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Please click here for more details.
LSE has consistently been ranked at the highest level among universities in the United Kingdom.
2024 QS World University Rankings45th – Overall ranking worldwide
2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject6th – Subject: Accounting & Finance
7th – Subject: Economics & Econometrics
12th – Subject: Business & Management Studies
More Programmes:
Content and
Teaching
Programme Structure*
The BSc Accounting and Finance programme offers students with knowledge of both accounting and finance. It provides a solid accounting and finance background for analytical positions in various industries.
The entire programme consists of 12 modules (30 credits each).
Upon completion of 12 modules (360 credits), students will be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance by the University of London. No other exit awards are accredited by HKCAAVQ.
| Course Title | |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction to Economics 2. Mathematics 1 and Statistics 1 3. Introduction to Finance 4. Principles of Accounting 5. Choose ONE from below: i. Managerial Economics ii. Microeconomics 6. Financial Reporting 7. Management Accounting 8. Asset Pricing and Financial Market 9. Auditing and Assurance 10. Accounting: Markets and Organisations
| 11-12 Choose TWO from below: a. Marketing Management b. Information System Management c. Organisation Theory: An Interdisciplinary Approach d. The Law of Business Organisations e. Human Resource Management f. Strategy g. Management and Innovation of E-business h. Macroeconomics i. Monetary Economics j. Principles of Corporate Finance k. Financial Intermediation l. Investment Management m. Core Management Concepts n. Business and Management in a Global Context
|
* Subject to change.
Remarks:
1. Students who admitted through the Graduate Entry Route will have to take 9 courses, i.e. courses 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
IC may offer some courses, but not all, as electives every year.
The above programme structure is intended to be used as a guide to prospective students. Students must also follow the programme structure, prerequisites and exclusions presented by the University of London Programmes Programme Specification and Regulations.
MODULE DESCRIPTION
- Modules
Introduction to Economics
This course aims to introduce students to an understanding of the domain of economics as a social theory; the main analytical tools which are used in economic analysis; the main conclusions derived from economic analysis. It will also develop students’ understanding of their organisational and policy implications and enable them to participate in debates on economic matters.
Mathematics 1
The course aims to enable students to acquire mathematical skills including multivariate calculus and linear algebra, as required for their use in economics-based subjects. It also prepares students for further study in courses of mathematics and/or related disciplines.
Statistics 1
The emphasis of the module is on the application of statistical methods in management, economics and the social sciences. Attention will focus on the interpretation of tables and results and the appropriate way to approach statistical problems. Treatment is at an elementary mathematical level. Ideas of probability, inference and multivariate analysis are introduced and are further developed in the half course 04b Statistics 2.
Introduction to Finance
The course aims to introduce students to the fundamental principles underlying finance and financial decision-making by individuals and firms; provide a broad understanding of financial theory, particularly in relation to the valuation of investments (both real and financial), and the main conclusions and implications derived therein; explain the importance of finance, financial markets, and institutions to individuals, firms, and society in general.
Principles of Accounting
This course aims to: introduce students to the principles underlying accounting; enable students to apply, interpret and explain key accounting techniques; provide a broad understanding of the theory and practice of financial accounting and management accounting.
Managerial Economics
The course aims to: enable students to approach managerial decision problems using economic reasoning; present business practice topics using an analytical approach, using equations and numerical insight.
Microeconomics
The course aims to: deepen the understanding of the basic theory of optimisation by economic agents and the efficiency of the resulting outcome for the market as a whole; introduce students to the analysis of strategic interaction as well as interaction under asymmetric information; clarify the role of economic policies as tools to improve efficiency in the presence of market failures; promote the ability to think in a structured framework, and clarify the importance of formal arguments; demonstrate the art of modelling which requires simplifying a problem by identifying the key elements without oversimplifying the issue.
Financial Reporting
The aims and objectives of the course are to: stimulate theoretical enquiry into financial accounting issues; develop students’ knowledge and understanding of financial accounting; prepare for further academic study in accounting and related areas; enable students to pursue a professional accountancy qualification; equip students for employment in areas where an understanding of accounting issues and tools is helpful.
Management Accounting
This course is designed to equip students with knowledge of the concepts and the ability to apply techniques of management accounting, in order to be able to contribute to the success of an organisation. Modern management accounting is concerned with decision making, planning and control. It supports decision makers in their daily and strategic decisions, contributes to short- and long-term planning and produces information for control, performance measurement and management. This may also include nonfinancial information in management accounting reports, where it is used in combination with financial information to construct broader pictures of the contribution that different processes, procedures, functions, activities and divisions make to the strategic achievements of a firm.
Asset Pricing and Financial Markets
The course aims to provide students with a thorough grounding in asset pricing; develop students’ skills in applying pricing methods to realistic scenarios; provide a critical overview of the research on financial market efficiency; allow students to develop an understanding of how securities markets operate.
Auditing and Assurance
The aims of this course are: to introduce students to the principles of external auditing and other assurance services; to provide students with an understanding of the function of auditing and other assurance services and the related processes.
Accounting: Markets and Organisations
This course is aims to develop students’ ability to critically evaluate financial accounting theories and their impacts on recent development in accounting practices (part1); address issues in management accounting and organisational control, including: financial and other controls, organisational structures, performance measurement and incentive systems, budgetary control and public-sector and non-profit financial management within the organisational and human behavioural context(part 2).
Marketing Management
This course aims to introduce students to the fundamental principles of marketing; give students a broad understanding of consumers and the marketing behaviour of firms; explores the relevance of these academic subjects to marketing; encourage students to question the limitations of marketing management and to suggest ways of overcoming its many problems; develop students’ practical skills by applying learned theories to real-world organisational problems.
Organisation Theory: An Interdisciplinary Approach
This course explores the ways in which organisations can be designed (by management or others) in order to achieve their objectives. It exposes students to the ways in which economists, psychologists and sociologists address this and related issues. It is, therefore, an interdisciplinary course comparing and contrasting the contribution of the core social science disciplines to the study of organisations. The course draws upon both theoretical and empirical materials and students will be encouraged to draw upon their own local knowledge in pursuing their studies. There will be an emphasis (though not exclusive) on organisations, set up with an economics objective.
Human Resource Management
This course aims to: give students an introduce to the key elements of human resource management (HRM); demonstrate how the social sciences can assist in understanding the management of human resources; and to evaluate human resource policies and practices of organisations; help students examine the different theories which try to explain the relationship between HRM and organisational performance; develop students’ ability to analyse and critically evaluate HRM policies and practices.
Strategy
The course aims to provide students with an understanding of strategy formulation in firms and its main challenges. There is a particular emphasis on the practical application of the analysis of strategy.
Management and Innovation of E-business
The objectives of the course are to explain the growth of e-business to date, both business-to-consumer and business-to-business, using relevant theories from business, management and the social sciences; examine the interaction between technological trends and the business and social context of e-business; identify innovations within the domain of e-business by presenting cases of the innovative use of e-business and network technologies; present relevant theories from business, management and the social sciences that help to explain the development and growth of e-business; discuss different e-business (business) models and strategies, including global supply chain management; electronic markets; shared economy and digital marketing; introduce the notion of new organisational forms, and discuss their business implications.
Macroeconomics
The course aims to bring the students up to date with modern developments in macroeconomics and to help them analyse the macroeconomic issues of the day.Monetary Economics
The aims of the course are to develop students’ understanding of the theories that relate to the existence of money, explaining why it is demanded by individuals and used in the trading process; develop students’ understanding of the monetary transmission mechanism, whereby decisions made by the monetary authorities concerning money supplies or interest rates can have real effects on the economy; introduce a number of macroeconomic models through which monetary policy can be evaluated, including Classical and Keynesian schools of thought so as to understand why monetary policy matters and when monetary policy decisions may be impotent; develop understanding of the uncertainties policy-makers face and how policy makers may deal with these.
Principles of Corporate Finance
This course provides a theoretical framework used to address issues in project appraisal and financing, payout policy, capital structure, mergers and acquisitions, equity offerings, and risk management. It provides students with the tools required for further studies in financial intermediation and investments.
Financial Intermediation
The specific aims of this course are to: develop students’ understanding of the theories of financial intermediation; concepts and practices relating to the risk management process and techniques applied within major financial intermediaries; recent developments in financial risk management and regulation, including credit risk models, securitisation, derivative instruments and capital adequacy.
Investment Management
This course is aims to provide students to the investment environment in the role of a private or professional investor. Instead, it emphasises the use of pricing theory in investment management. It aims to provide an overview of institutional details linked to financial markets and the trading process; provide an overview of historical trends and innovations in financial instruments and trading processes; provide an overview of various financial instruments; provide insight into the use of finance theory in investment management; provide a guide to the measurement and analysis of risk of financial investments; provide a guide to the measurement of performance of fund management; address key issues in risk management.
Core Management Concepts
The aims of the course are to: give students a thorough grounding in the key management sub‐disciplines; provide an overview of the development of these disciplines; illustrate the disciplinary anchors of these disciplines in sociology, psychology and economics.
Business and Management in a Global Context
This module aims to: give students a research-based grounding in the shifting context of, and changing priorities in, the international business including globalising trends, formal, and informal institutions, the political, economic, social, technological and legal issues and the resultant diversity of international business. Specifically takes into account the impacts of the 2020-21 pandemic and economics crises; prepare students to be able to discuss cultural, ethical and social issues for international business and suggest policies of corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices; provide an introduction to and develop students’ ability to assess international trade and investment, multilateral organisations and regional integration and the global financial system; prepare students to be able to discuss how firms develop international business strategies, enter markets and alliances, and operate and manage on the global stage; give insight through frameworks, studies and examples of how businesses manage marketing and research & development, organisational structure and architecture, sourcing and the supply chain, exchange rates, information systems and human resources, in different parts of the globe, globally, regionally and domestically; prepare students to understand and assess project and change management practices in an international context; provide an introduction to the major emerging digital technologies, and how to manage these into operation and become digital businesses internationally; Overall, give students insight into the contexts of international business and enable students to work within these contexts to make judgements on strategizing and managing operations in the global economy. Also, to help students understand and assess the future trends and challenges for international business.
The Law of Business Organisations
This course aims to: develop in the students an understanding of the core principles of the laws that regulate business organisations; develop the independent and individual skills needed for students to take their knowledge further, and to apply it, for example, in practice, in industry, or in an academic environment; inspire and to stimulate endeavor.Information Systems Management
The module aims to: provide the fundamental concepts needed to understand information technology management in orgainsation from the perspectives of information systems, organisation and management theory; introduces critical ideas to address the problems related to the use of implementation of information technology in organisations.
Duration of Study
Minimum 3 years (AD/HD graduates with full exemptions on 3 courses may complete the programme in 2 years).
Teaching Mode
The teaching methods include lectures and tutorials. Staff members consist of HKU SPACE and overseas lecturers.
Assessment
Assessment will be done by examination. Each course is assessed by one written examination determined by the University of London. All examinations are held once a year in May/June^.
^Some modules will be available in the second examination session in October/November.
TEACHING STAFF
- Teaching Staff - University of London
ABDEY, James Spencer BA, MSc Exeter; PhD LSE ADAMSON, Maria PhD York; FHEA; MCIPD ALI, Haider BSc, PhD Lond; MPhil Cranfield ARABSHEIBANI, Gholamreza BA Nott Trent; MSc, PhD LSE BAKOUSH, Mohammed BSc KFS; MSc, PhD Soton BEAUREGARD, Tanya Alexandra RA UW; MIRPM, PhD LSE BUCKLE, Michael John BA Newcastle; MSc Warwick; PhD CHANDLER, Roy Anthony BSc (Econ), FCA CORDELLA, Antonio BSc Bologna; PhD Info Sys Gothenburg DYKE, Eric George Lewis BSc, MSc QMC HASLAM, James BA Sheffield; PhD Essex KIRKPATRICK, Ian BA York; MSc LSE; PhD Wales LASSOU, Philippe Jacques Codjo BSc INE; MSc, PhD Birmingham TIMMS, Jill BA Keele; MSc UCD; PhD LSE
VIRDI, Arhat MA Oxford; MSc, PhD LSE WHEATLEY. Sharon Jayne BSc UCL; MRes, DPhil KCL - Teaching Staff - HKU SPACE
CHAN, Ken BEcon Lond; MEcon Sydney; MFin HK CHEUNG, Antony BBA, MSc CUHK CHEUNG, Mandy BA(Hons) OBU; MSc Aston FUNG, Andy BSc Ohio; MBA Illinois FUNG, Libon BSc, MSc, PhD Lond HUI, Nelson BA Winn; MA Tor KWOK, Hermione BEcon&Fin, MEcon HKU LAM, Philip BMath Wat; MInfo Tech CSU; PhD Info Sys Curtin; FHKLA; MIEEE LEE, Allan BA HKU; MAcc CSturt LEE, Kenneth BSc Western Ontario; MBA Bradford; DBA Australia NG, William BA HKU; MBA Bradford SIU, Phoebe BBA HKBU; MCom USYD TSE, Jason BCom UNSW; CFA, FRM TSUI, Brian BA UMich; MBA Chicago Booth YEE, Thomas BEcon, MEcon, PCEd HKU
Note: The list of teaching staff is subject to change.
Award and
Careers
Award
Upon satisfactory completion of the programme, students will be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance.
When students graduate with a degree, diploma or certificate from the University of London, they will be sent two documents - a final diploma (i.e. the parchment they receive following graduation) and a Diploma Supplement.
The final diploma will indicate that the student was registered with the University of London and awarded a University of London degree, diploma or certificate, and included the name of the Academic Direction which conducted the examinations. The University of London logo and signature of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of London are incorporated. The Diploma Supplement will describe the nature, level and content of the programme the student successfully completed and include a transcript of courses taken and marks achieved, as well as the overall classification. It also provides further information about the role of the Academic Direction and method of study.
Degrees are awarded with the following classifications: First Class Honours, Second Class Honours (divided into Upper Division and Lower Division), Third Class Honours and Pass.
Professional Recognition
For details of the latest recognition or paper exemption status of the University of London’s programmes, please check the respective professional organisation’s website:
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants 
CPA Australia 
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants 
Career Opportunities
Our graduates work in the private sector at firms ranging from accounting and auditing to banking and finance institutions. Others pursue fulfilling positions in government agencies, the nonprofit sector or other industries.
Further Studies
Our graduates are eligible to pursue further studies in business or finance related disciplines at a postgraduate level.
Fees and
Funding
Tuition Fee*
Tuition fees* of the entire programme for 2024/25 include HKD206,400 to HKU SPACE and GBP7,596 to University of London and HKD15,730^ to HKEAA (12 courses and to be completed in 3 years).
| 1st Year | 2nd Year | 3rd Year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HKU SPACE course fee | HKD68,800 | HKD68,800 | HKD68,800 |
| Module Composite Fee (4 full courses - inclusive of first assessment entry) | GBP2,512 | GBP2,512 | GBP2,512 |
| Examination fee^ per year (4 full courses) | HKD6,050 | HKD4,840 | HKD4,840 |
| Total: | HKD68,800 + GBP2,512 + HKD6,050^ | HKD68,800 + GBP2,512 + HKD4,840^ | HKD68,800 + GBP2,512 + HKD4,840^ |
An application fee GBP60 payable to the University of London also applies.
^To be adjusted in February 2025.
^The fee payable to the HKEAA is based on the number of papers.
*The published tuition fee is a reference for degree students who take the Standard Route and complete the programme within the shortest possible duration (3 years) without any re-sits. Fees are subject to change or year-on-year increases without prior notice. The amount of fees paid in GBP also depends upon the exchange rate differences.
Financial Assistance Schemes
This programme has been successfully accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ). Full-time students are eligible to apply for Hong Kong government grants and low-interest loans, i.e. Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) and Non-means tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS). For details, please refer to www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/sfo.
IC Scholarship
Entry
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Standard Route
Applicants shall hold:
- (a) 2 HKDSE Category A subjects at Level 3 (including English Language) and 2 HKDSE Category A subjects at Level 2 (including Mathematics) with Level "Attained" on Citizenship and Social Development); or
(b) 2 HKDSE Category A subjects at Level 3 (including English Language) and 3 HKDSE Category A subjects at Level 2 (including Mathematics); or - (a) 2 GCE ‘A’ Level Grade E + 3 GCE ‘O’ Level Grade C (including English Language & Mathematics); or
(b) 2 HKAL Grade E + HKCEE English Language at Grade C & 2 subjects at Grade E in HKCEE (including Mathematics); or - International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma including Mathematics / Mathematical Studies at Grade 3 (Higher Level / Standard Level); or
- An Associate Degree / a Higher Diploma from HKU SPACE or other recognised awarding institutions#.
Note: There are many other qualifications, both from Hong Kong and overseas, that the University of London accepts as satisfying the entrance requirements for the degree programmes.
#Course specific requirements such as competence in English language and Mathematics may be required
Graduate Entry Route
Students who hold a full first degree completed in a minimum of 3 years duration on a full-time basis (or equivalent) from a university or other institution acceptable to the University of London will be considered.
Students transferring to BSc programmes from the Certificate of Higher Education in Social Sciences (CHESS)
Students of the CHESS offered by the University of London may progress to the BSc programmes by applying to transfer their registration, provided that:
a) they have passed all four full module of the CHESS or
b) they have attempted all four full modules and passed three full modules of the CHESS
Students transferring to BSc programmes from the University of London International Foundation Programme (IFP)
Students of the IFP may progress to the BSc programmes by applying to transfer their registration, provided that they have passed all four full modules in the IFP.
Please click here for details.
Progression Path
Student Work
and Activities
CSM London Summer Study Programme
This programme organised by IC provides a valuable opportunity for students to enroll into a short course in Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design (CSM), one of the world’s leading institutes for arts and design education with 150 years of history.
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This is an exempted course under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which this course may lead.