Accounting and Finance with Placement Year

Course details Combining the study of accounting and the study of finance in a business context, the Accounting and Finance degree programme is an ideal foundation for many careers, including careers in the accountancy profession or across the wider business sector. Using examples from real businesses you’ll learn how a business’ finances impact on every aspect of an organisation. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to make finance, accounting and business decisions, relating to the legal, regulatory and social contexts within which accounting operates. What’s more, several modules will give you exemption from some of the ACA, ACCA and CIMA professional examinations (exemptions are subject to module choice and, in some cases, the mark obtained on the module). These industry-recognised qualifications can help boost your employability and fast-track your career. This four-year degree includes a placement year to give you a real-world taste of work. The Year 3 placement is a valuable opportunity to gain first-hand industry experience and start building a network of business contacts in preparation for graduation.

Why Durham University? The Departments of Accounting and Finance are two specialist departments within Durham University’s Business School; one of the UK's longest established business schools. We offer an inspiring and stimulating learning environment, and consistently rank highly for the quality of our teaching, research and for graduate career prospects. Our reputation is down to the expertise of our staff. Their global experience, outstanding research insight, professional experience and real business connections keep us at the leading edge. We offer a wide selection of courses in both accounting and in finance, including specialist routes that are designed to provide maximum accreditation from professional accountancy qualifications.

For further details on our Business School please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/business/

Rankings 12th for Accounting and Finance in the Complete University Guide 2025 5th in the Guardian University Guide 2025 9th in the Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 Top 100 in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2025

Career Opportunities Our students graduate with specialist knowledge in areas of accounting and of finance, as well as the analytical, IT and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers in the UK and internationally. This combination of academic knowledge and transferable skills will open up a range of career opportunities in the financial world and beyond. Previous graduates have gone on to work within the accountancy profession and for businesses as accountants, specialising as auditors, financial accountants, tax specialists, management consultants etc. Graduates have also specialise in areas of finance such as financial analysis, risk management and investment banking. For employers such as PWC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY, Grant Thornton, National Audit Office, Capita, Deutsche Bank and Sage Plc.