Accounting & Finance

Accounting and finance are the twin languages of business, providing the tools by which organisations measure performance, manage resources, raise capital and satisfy the requirements of investors, regulators and tax authorities. Accounting covers the preparation and analysis of financial statements, management accounting for internal decision-making, audit, tax and assurance work. Finance extends into investment appraisal, corporate financial strategy, risk management and financial markets.

Together they equip graduates to operate at the centre of commercial and public-sector life.

Edinburgh Napier University's Advanced Entry programme allows you to complete this qualification in two years of full-time study, joining at a more advanced level than a standard entry route. This is typically suited to students who already hold a relevant Higher National Diploma or equivalent qualification and wish to complete a full honours degree in an efficient timeframe. The programme includes a year abroad, giving you an international academic experience and the opportunity to see how accounting and finance are practised and taught in a different national context.

The typical entry tariff is around 152 UCAS tariff points.

You will cover financial reporting under UK and international standards, management accounting techniques, corporate finance, taxation, auditing and professional ethics. The curriculum is closely aligned with the requirements of the major professional accountancy bodies, which means that graduates are well placed to pursue exemptions when sitting professional exams with organisations such as ACCA, ICAEW, ICAS or CIMA. Edinburgh as a city has a substantial financial services sector, including fund management, insurance, banking and professional services firms, providing a rich professional environment during your studies.

Graduates typically move into professional accountancy training contracts with major firms, joining audit, tax or advisory practices. Others enter financial planning and analysis roles within companies, treasury functions, investment management or public sector finance. The combination of a degree with advanced entry standing and a year abroad gives Edinburgh Napier graduates a competitive profile in a field where employers value both technical competence and evidence of academic ambition.

Postgraduate study in finance, taxation or business is a further option.