Finance, accounting and economics - Subject Guide

There is a complex network of specialisms which affects many aspects of the global economic ecosystem. Whether you’re looking at the academic side of things or thinking about your future career, there are hundreds of areas in which you can focus on. Specialised areas of study include: 

• Econometrics: By applying statistical methods to economic data, professionals can test strategies and forecast trends to make good financial decisions. The field combines financial theory, mathematics, and statistical analysis to better understand economic relationships and phenomena. 

• Taxation: The intricacies of the laws and regulations surrounding the collection of taxes are quite sophisticated. Tax specialists advise people and businesses on how to navigate the world of liabilities and compliances which govern the field of taxation. 

• Corporate finance: Corporate finance focuses on managing financial resources and investment decisions within corporations. Professionals in this field analyse investment opportunities and financial risks to maximise shareholder value and support strategic business objectives. 

• Auditing: Auditing entails examining financial records to make sure information is accurate and complies with the relevant laws. Auditors assess financial statements to look for errors, instances of fraud, and inefficiencies. 

• Risk management: Risk managers develop strategies and implement control measures to manage risks within business and their operations, such as credit risk, operational risk, and regulatory compliance. They help organisations navigate uncertainties and safeguard against financial danger. 

FIND OUT MORE: View all courses

• Financial analysis  

• Budgeting 

• Macroeconomics 

• Microeconomics 

• Financial accounting  

• Business law 

• Banking and investment  

• International trade 

Studying finance, accounting, and economics provides students with a strong foundation in financial principles, economic theories, and analytical methods, essential for building a successful career. 

 Underpinning each of these three disciplines is mathematics, and you can expect to learn advanced numeracy skills, being able to plot and read different types of graphs, interact with databases, and use statistics to interpret financial information.  

You’ll also keep up to date with current trends and develop an intuition about how different professional sectors are connected, and how world events affect global markets.  

Moreover, you’ll build a versatile set of transferable skills that can be used at different types of business organisations. These skills can include: 

• Numeracy 

• Report writing 

• Data analysis 

• Presentation skills 

• Decision making 

Most accounting, business and finance degrees will offer you the opportunity of gaining professional accreditations and part-exemption from professional accounting exams, including those from the:  

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)  

• Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI)  

• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)  

• Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)  

• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)  

• Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) 

There are many alternative subjects that overlap with finance, accounting, and economics which may offer more of what you’re specifically interested in. If you’re unsure about your degree choice, then it’s worth checking them out before making a final decision: 

• Business management 

• Political science 

• Mathematics and statistics 

• International relations 

• Computer science  

As a graduate of finance, accounting, or economics, you should have success finding a job in many different financial service industries including banking, insurance, marketing, and investments.  Your quantitative skills will be a huge asset, and your data fluency means that you can apply your skills to a wide range of career roles. Your ability to make informed and timely decisions will stand you in good stead for thriving in a professional environment. 

Graduates can pursue roles such as: 

• Financial analyst 

• Accountant 

• Auditor 

• Investment banker 

• Economist  

• Stockbroker  

• Tax advisor 

• Actuary 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in finance, accounting, and economics, or a related subject. 

FIND OUT MORE: Career guides