Finance

Why Finance at LSBU

London Southbank University’s business school leads the country in improving student outcomes, according to Guardian 2024 data that explains its appeal for finance studies. Among modern London universities, it ranks fourth for Accounting and Finance (Complete University Guide 2025), while placing second citywide for economics after LSE—remarkable for a non-Russell Group institution. Graduates work at Warner Brothers Discovery, BNP Paribas CIB, and Hitachi Global, having trained with Bloomberg, Stata, and SPSS tools essential to financial analysis.

Professional Diploma in Accounting

This year-long Professional Diploma in Accounting (AAT) targets students aged 19+ and represents the qualification’s final, internationally recognized Level 4. Taught by practitioners with extensive accounting backgrounds, it covers management accounting, budgeting, financial reporting for limited companies, and systems control, plus two electives ranging from taxation to audit and credit control. Upon completion, graduates qualify for financial specialist and accountant positions across various sectors, combining theoretical foundations with insight into what the profession actually demands.

Accounting and Finance at London Southbank University

BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance carries accreditation from five professional bodies—Institute of Financial Accountants, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, and CIPFA—exempting graduates from certain professional exams. Students learn business language in one of the world’s major financial capitals, working with Xero, Bloomberg, and SAGE in the university’s specialized Bloomberg Suite. From first year, they tackle real business cases through the LSBU Discovery Project, developing problem-solving and project management skills that prepare them for a £2.8 trillion industry where alumni now work at NHS, London police, HSBC, MHA, and Morgan Stanley.

Economics (Finance Pathway)

BSc (Hons) Economics (Finance pathway) applies economic analysis from day one—from critically examining fundamental concepts to building forecasting models. The degree encompasses micro- and macroeconomic modeling, econometrics, digital finance, and corporate risk management, while students explore country-specific cases, sustainable development, and cryptocurrency. An optional placement year lets them apply knowledge before graduation. The economics program ranks sixth nationally (Guardian League Table 2025), with London Southbank University leading among non-elite London institutions in this field.

Certificate of Higher Education

CertHE Accounting and Finance is a year-long program laying foundational concepts that lead into second-year undergraduate study. It delivers 120 credits across financial accounting basics, business management and organization, marketing principles, and data-driven decision-making. The business school placed second among London universities for Accounting and Finance (Guardian 2021) and third among the capital’s modern institutions (Complete University Guide 2021). Students access Bloomberg, SAGE, and other professional software from their first semester, preparing them for industry standards even at this foundational stage.

Master’s in Finance

MSc Accounting and Finance at London Southbank University deepens professional knowledge for those expanding their career prospects in accounting and finance. It examines contemporary approaches to financial reporting and analysis within constantly evolving legal frameworks, giving students critical understanding of the sector’s theoretical and empirical dimensions. Through the prestigious Bloomberg computer suite, they analyze data from organizations worldwide—an essential tool for modern financial work. This qualification prepares specialists for careers in financial services, professional accounting, banking, and management both domestically and internationally, within a multicultural environment that shapes global perspectives.