BSc Accounting

The Manchester Bursary is available to UK students registered on an undergraduate degree course at Alliance MBS who have had a full financial assessment carried out by Student Finance England. 

In addition, Alliance MBS will award a range of Social Responsibility Scholarships to UK/EU and international students. These awards are worth £2,000 per year across three years of study. You must achieve AAA at A-level (or equivalent) and be able to demonstrate a significant contribution and commitment to social responsibility. The School will also award a number of International Stellar Scholarships to international students achieving AAA at A-level (or equivalent). Additional eligibility criteria apply - please see our scholarship pages for full details.

Grades AAA. Native language A-levels are accepted. General Studies is normally accepted if one of four A-levels passed in the same sitting. In most circumstances we will expect candidates to complete three A-levels in one sitting to demonstrate the ability to manage a high level and volume of study.

Preferred A-level subjects

We will consider the subjects you have taken in addition to your individual grades. Due to the popularity of our courses, preference may be given to candidates studying at least one of our preferred subjects. Please use the list below to check our preferred subjects for BSc (Hons) Accounting:

Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, English Language/Literature, Geography, Government and Politics, Law, Mathematics/Further Mathematics, Politics, Quantitative Methods and Statistics.

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade B or 6 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Grade A or 7 in Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

36 points overall. 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects.

Students  without  GCSE/IGCSE Maths at grade A (or 7) and English Language at B (or 6) will need 6 in SL Maths* and 5 in SL English (Language A: English Language and Literature or Language A: Literature). If Language B: English is offered at SL we would need you to achieve 6.

*We do not currently accept Maths Studies for BSc (Hons) Accounting applicants for the purposes of meeting our Maths subject requirements.

Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021

We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019. For this programme of study we will accept grade 6 in Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation.

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

Alliance MBS is a truly global business school welcoming undergraduate students from over 80 countries. We accept a wide range of qualifications from different countries - please see our international entry requirements for more information.

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers at grades AAA.

or

Two Advanced Highers at grades AA, plus two additional Highers at grads AA (plus Maths at Higher Level at grade A).

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade B / Intermediate 2 grade B / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). Maths not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (National 5 grade A / Intermediate 2 grade A / Standard Grade Credit level grade 2).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.

We require minimum grade A from the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus grades AA at A-level..

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We normally require: An average of 87% in the European Baccalaureate with 80% in English and 85% in Maths.

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme - please visit the international foundation year pages of our website for details of recognised programmes, including INTO Manchester and NCUK.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades D*D*D*. 

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades D*D* plus an additional A Level at grade A.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D* plus two A Levels at grades AA. 

Legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016)

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate.  The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

We consider the following Cambridge Technical qualifications from the 2016 suite for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course and studied alongside A Levels. Please contact us at   ug.ambs@manchester.ac.uk if you wish to check your eligibility.

• Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma at grades DDM plus grade A at A Level
• Cambridge Technical Diploma at grades D*D* plus grade A at A Level
• Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma at grades DM plus grades AA at A Level
• Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate at grade D* plus grades AA at A Level

Please note, we do not accept the Cambridge Technical Certificate or Cambridge Technical qualifications from the 2012 suite.

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma. 60 credits are required with 45 credits at Level 3 at Distinction. Please note that we do not accept credits at Pass. The subject of your Access to HE qualification will be taken into consideration when making a decision on your offer.

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.

We require you to achieve D3 D3 D3 over 3 Principal Subjects.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies). 

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

We advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.  The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  

Further information for mature students >>  

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.  The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

• GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade B/6, or;
• IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6 in any individual component, or;
• An acceptable equivalent qualification.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.

Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Work-related experience is not essential but can provide useful evidence of your team-working skills and ability to take responsibility. Relevant work experience can provide evidence of interest in and commitment to the subject.

Predicted Grades

Strong examination results are the main factor in admitting students to our courses. We consider other information to ensure we admit students with the most outstanding potential. This is assessed within a structured framework and includes prior and predicted grades. Your referee should give realistic grade predications for all qualifications that you are currently studying at the top of their reference. If you attend a non-UK school or college that does not provide predicted grades your referee should explain this policy within their reference. Further guidance for referees is provided by UCAS (www.ucas.com).

We are looking for evidence of your interest in this subject, and your commitment to studying it.

We do not as a rule interview applicants. However, we reserve the right to interview candidates with non-standard backgrounds, eg. Mature students and students aged under 17.

The University encourages applications from applicants returning to education after employment or other experience. Your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. However, we recognise that standard selection measures and procedures may not enable you to demonstrate fully your suitability for your chosen course. Where appropriate, admissions staff will seek and consider alternative evidence in order to give you equivalent consideration. Where they deem this alternative evidence to meet entry criteria fully, you will not be required to meet the standard academic entry requirements.

Alliance MBS is a truly global business school welcoming undergraduate students from over 68 countries. Please see our international entry requirements for details of country-specific entry requirements.

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Deferred entry is granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and 2 years at the maximum. Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date.

We consider applicants who are resitting their qualifications. Whilst we do not increase our entry requirements for the first resit this would be considered for subsequent resits.

We understand that some candidates may have the option to take one or more A-levels early and we may be able to consider early A-levels to meet our entry requirements. However, in most circumstances, we will still expect candidates to have completed three A-levels in one sitting to demonstrate that they have the ability to successfully manage a high level and volume of study that will be expected of them once at university.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course. If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Transfers from students outside The University of Manchester to a course in our school are not considered without a full application through UCAS.  You may be asked to provide clarification of the reasons for a transfer as well as a transcript of grades from your current institution. Requests for transfers from students already attending The University of Manchester will be considered on a case by case basis with regards to our entry requirements for academic level and English language ability.  Where a request to transfer comes from an internal candidate we will normally consider you for year one entry and your current academic transcript of grades will be considered alongside your request to transfer.  All requests to transfer to Alliance Manchester Business School should be sent in writing to the Undergraduate Admissions Team by email initially, ug.ambs@manchester.ac.uk

The focus of the degree is on accounting and finance. Other relevant subjects such as management, law, mathematics, statistics and economics are also covered. There is some scope for you to study related subjects to broaden your knowledge of business and management, subject to the requirements of professional accreditation. You will receive a strong theoretical and practical grounding in the principles of accounting and acquire appropriate transferable skills.

Your first year is designed to introduce you to the foundations of accounting and finance. You will also study course units in mathematics, statistics, economics and law. A specialist course unit - only available to BSc (Hons) Accounting students - will introduce you to the skills and techniques required by the accountancy profession and will begin to prepare you for the workplace. Your first year project involves you preparing a competitive tender for an audit with support from employers such as KPMG.

Your second year will develop your analytical skills and give you a more in-depth understanding of accounting. You will take core course units in accounting and finance, plus a ten-credit business law course unit. You will develop your understanding of business strategy, accounting and auditing practice through a specialist course unit.

You will also select an optional 10-credit course unit - either from the list of optional second-year course units below, or from a range of University College level 2 course units, including the Manchester Leadership Programme .

Your final year is designed to allow you to choose from a range of more specialised topics. You will put theory into practice, develop transferable skills and gain an insight into the accounting profession. You will also study a core 30 credit project course unit involving an individual company project. You will continue your studies in business law and take core course units in taxation, accounting and finance. Your remaining course units will be chosen from a range of accounting, finance, economics or management subjects.

The Manchester Bursary is available to UK students registered on an undergraduate degree course at Alliance MBS who have had a full financial assessment carried out by Student Finance England. 

In addition, Alliance MBS will award a range of Social Responsibility Scholarships to UK/EU and international students. These awards are worth £2,000 per year across three years of study. You must achieve AAA at A-level (or equivalent) and be able to demonstrate a significant contribution and commitment to social responsibility. The School will also award a number of International Stellar Scholarships to international students achieving AAA at A-level (or equivalent). Additional eligibility criteria apply - please see our scholarship pages for full details.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email:  dass@manchester.ac.uk

This is a professionally oriented degree programme developed in consultation with the ICAEW. Completion of the core modules on this programme will ensure you receive substantial exemptions from the ICAEW's professional qualification, the ACA (Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales). A significant number of exemptions are also available from other professional accounting qualifications, including ACCA, CIMA and ICAS.