Key information
UCAS code:
N3N1
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
Relevant HE study leading to a Level 4 qualification
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Build on your previous higher education studies to gain a full BA (Hons) degree in finance and business communications in just 1 or 2 years.
This degree combines English language improvement with the study of finance.
- Get your English and business communication skills to a standard where you can use your English to succeed in a global business or finance career
- Gain degree-level knowledge in subjects such as financial markets, business analysis, financial management and investments
You can do this undergraduate degree in 1 year or in 2 years, depending on your level of previous study and your ability to write and speak English.
Eligibility
This course is open to international, EU and UK students whose first language is not English. A key part of the course is improving your written and spoken business English.
Course highlights
- Learn in a Business School that's ranked 3rd in the UK for teaching power (Financial Times 2021)
- Improve your English in 3 ways:
- dedicated English language classes to improve your vocabulary and grammar
- business communications classes where you'll practise presentations, interviews and writing for business
- living and working with both UK and international students and experiencing life in a welcoming UK city
- Be employment-ready by using business simulation games and industry-standard software and databases such as S&P Capital IQ
- Gain a Bloomberg Certificate (a trading platform that's used by 250,000 financial service professionals) in our Bloomberg Suite
- Understand the global business and finance environment through study that explores global markets and international financial management
- Research an independent study project in an area that interests you
- Experience excellent support from both your tutors and our dedicated global team
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accounting.
No. 3
influential business school in the world
Financial Times Teaching Power Rankings 2021
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
How to apply for accommodation
We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk
See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Entry requirements
BA (Hons) Finance with Business Communication (Top-up) degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- Applicants for the 2 year course require relevant HE study leading to a Level 4 qualification, for example an appropriate HNC, or 120 credits from year 1 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc), in a relevant subject.
- Applicants for the 1 year course require relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification, for example an appropriate HND, foundation degree or Advanced Diploma, or 240 credits from year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc), in a relevant subject.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- For year 2 entry applicants require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5. For year 3 entry applicants require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
I enjoy studying in Portsmouth because the city is beautiful and the University has a good education quality. It's great that we can use the Bloomberg Suite to search for some information which we need.
Your facilities
Bloomberg Suite
Access data from the world's global financial markets and gain experience using industry standard software.
Next Generation Lab
Gain practical skills with cloud-based software, such as SAP and S&P Capital IQ, in our dedicated lab.
Maths Café
No problem is too small or too tough for our Maths Café tutors, who are on hand every day during term-time to help you if you get stuck or need something explained.
Learn more about the Maths Café
Careers and opportunities
Graduates of this course have gone into careers such as:
- commercial banking
- corporate finance
- financial planning
- investment banking
- financial management
Postgraduate study
Many graduates of this course go on to postgraduate study on master's courses such as MSc Forensic Accounting or MSc Finance. As a graduate of Portsmouth you may be able to get a scholarship or a reduction on your postgraduate tuition fees if you continue your studies with us.
Set up your own business
We're an endorsing institution for UK start-up visas, so we can offer you lots of help and support if you want to stay in the UK after you graduate and set up your own business.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get work experience while you study with support to find part-time jobs and volunteering opportunities. Towards the end of your degree and after graduation, you'll get 1-to-1 support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to find your perfect role. On top of this you'll get bespoke careers support through our faculty 'career-ready' programme.
Ways to enrich your study
Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme (EiR)
We have more than 20 experienced business entrepreneurs on our free EiR programme who can help you develop your business idea.
"I have a business idea, but I was not too sure about it. After this meeting, I felt so encouraged and positive about it! I felt so motivated to pursue my business venture. He gave me real life advice and helped me how to approach my ideas."
Rabab El Habchi Mahir meeting EiR Mark Smith
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules in this year include:
-
Business Analysis and Decision Making - 20 credits
- Business Communication 2 - 20 credits
-
Corporate Financial Management - 20 credits
-
Critical Issues in Accounting and Finance - 20 credits
- General Language Grade 5 (English) - 20 credits
-
Investment Analysis - 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Core modules in this year include:
-
Advanced Corporate Financial Management - 20 credits
-
Business Communication 3 - 20 credits
-
Financial Investment Project - 20 credits
-
General Language Grade 6 (English) - 20 credits
-
Independent Study Project - 20 credits
-
International Financial Management - 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Bloomberg (L6) – 0 credits
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Alternative courses
Not quite sure this course is right for you? Take a look at our other finance and accounting courses to compare your options.
You can join this top-up BA (Hons) Business with Business Communication degree in either the 2nd or 3rd year, depending on your level of previous study and your ability to speak and write English. This degree is designed for non-native English speakers and combines the study of global business with classes to improve your business English and communication skills.
If you've done some of an accounting degree at another institution and you're interested in a career in accountancy this ACCA and CIMA accredited top-up BA Accountancy and Financial Management is a good choice. Although designed primarily for international students this top-up doesn't include any English language or communication modules.
Teaching
Portsmouth Business School is ranked 3rd in the UK for teaching power. You'll be taught by a dedicated team of specialist staff that includes a great mix of research expertise and industry experience.
The majority of your timetabled teaching will be face-to-face and will include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
- practical sessions
We pride ourselves on the academic support we offer our students. In addition to our dedicated teaching team, you'll have a personal tutor, student engagement officers and study support staff to help you throughout your studies.
Assessment
Your assessments will depend on the modules that you take.
Assessment methods are likely to include:
- analysis of topical case studies
- written reports
- essays
- presentations
- examinations
- group work
- your choice of independent research
Teaching staff profiles
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this degree course.
Dr Khaldoon Albitar
I'm a senior lecturer with a significant amount of experience in teaching a range of accounting courses. I'm a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and a member of the British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA).
I have a variety of research interests, including corporate disclosure, social and environmental responsibility and corporate governance. I recently published an analysis of auditing in times of social distancing, looking at the effect of COVID-19 on auditing quality.
Professor Andrew Wood
I'm Head of Accounting and Financial Management here at Portsmouth. Before working as an academic I worked for the National Economic Development Office (NEDO), the UK Treasury and the Civil Service Committee at the House of Commons.
I would describe myself as a behavioural (financial) economist and my research focuses on how markets actually work in practice.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for this degree.
Your total study time will depend on the modules that you take, but in your first year this is what your week may look like:
- timetabled teaching activities (lectures, seminars, tutorials, classes and workshops) = about 15 hours a week
- independent study (research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group) = about 20 hours a week
You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.
The Maths Cafe offers free advice and help with maths skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop, or use our online resources.
You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.
They can help with:
- academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- reflective writing skills
- critical thinking skills
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Arrival support
Whether you're travelling halfway around the world or just a few miles, starting university can be nerve-wracking. Our airport pickup service, international orientation week events, and amazing support teams will help you settle in.
Feel at home in our international community
Over 5,000 international students from over 150 countries study with us. You'll find clubs and societies for everything you can imagine.
In our welcoming and diverse city, you can enjoy a wide range of global cuisine and international food shops.
Explore student life in Portsmouth
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,535 per year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £16,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Tuition fees terms and conditions
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Apply
Please only apply for this course if English is not your first language.
Note this course is a top-up degree, which means you'll start in year 2 or 3.
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – N3N1
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.