Accounting and Taxation with Placement Year

We are still ranked in the top 100 globally for Accounting and Finance (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026)

Summary
Accounting and taxation influence how organisations make decisions, how governments shape policy, and how economies respond to change. At Southampton, you will explore how these areas connect, and how financial insight can drive impact across both business and the public sector.
This flexible degree allows you to tailor your studies to your interests and career ambitions. You can work towards professional accountancy recognition while developing expertise in areas such as green finance, audit, pensions and tax technologies. A distinctive focus on the public sector helps you understand how businesses and policymakers interact, giving you a broader perspective on the role of finance in society.
On this four-year programme, you will also spend your third year on a paid industry placement. This is your opportunity to apply your knowledge in a professional setting, gain practical experience and build confidence for your future career. Our award-winning placements team will support you in securing opportunities, preparing for interviews and making the most of your placement year.
As part of a department ranked in the top 100 globally for Accounting and Finance (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), your learning is shaped by research and real-world expertise.

Key features of the course
• Shape your degree around your ambitions - Choose pathways that support professional accountancy recognition and reflect your interests, from sustainability to audit and tax.
• Develop knowledge you can apply with confidence - Explore audit, taxation and public sector accounting, building a strong foundation across key areas of the discipline.
• Take your learning into the workplace with a paid placement year - Gain hands-on experience, build professional networks and enhance your CV with the support of our placements team.
• Build skills that employers value - Learn to analyse and communicate data across accounting, audit, tax and sustainability, and understand how to apply these insights ethically and responsibly.
• See theory in action through real-world projects and case studies, developed with our industry partners.
• Prepare for strategic roles - Develop the skills needed to contribute to decision-making in businesses, public sector organisations and beyond.

Student support
Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will support you throughout your time at Southampton, offering guidance on your studies, career planning and wellbeing. You will also have access to a range of academic and pastoral support services whenever you need them.

Further information
This course prepares you for careers across accounting, finance, the public sector and consultancy. Your placement year, combined with strong industry links and practical experience, will help you stand out in a competitive job market and take your next step with confidence.

"Some of the modules you may study include Management Accounting; Advanced Taxation; Information, Strategic Management; and Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Business.

For a full list of modules, please visit our course page."

Assessment methods might include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and projects for example.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales