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University of Amsterdam - UvA
speciality: Accounting & Finance

3.4

What is an Accounting & Finance degree?

An Accounting & Finance degree focuses on the management of monetary resources available to an organization. Such a degree is aimed at students who want to pursue careers in investment analysis, management, banking, auditing, consulting and financial management. It teaches students how to assess the assets and liabilities of an organization financially and manage the financial risk of their activity.

Accounting & Finance covers the core areas of financial accounting, management accounting and finance but also includes other aspects of the business activity, such as financial management and control, corporate finance, company accounts, investment and business law. Optional module options provided by different universities around the world often allow students to specialize in a particular area such as auditing, taxation, etc.

Benefits of an Accounting & Finance degree

The completion of an Accounting & Finance degree comes along with numerous benefits. Students develop strong analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, which are highly demanded by employers in both the private and the public sector and result in graduates often finding employment in large multinational organizations that offer professional services such as PwC, KPMG and Deloitte. On top of that, established companies around the world offer excellent and well-structured graduate schemes, which help Accounting & Finance graduates to kick-start their careers.

Accounting & Finance degrees are mostly practically oriented. They allow students to put the knowledge and skills they acquire on a daily basis to practice through simulated and real-life business accounts management and work placement opportunities.

Most Accounting & Finance degrees are professionally accredited by professional bodies, such as ACCA, AIA, CIMA, ICAEW and CIPFA, which provides students with the opportunity to become chartered accountants. Students gain professional qualifications in accountancy, which eliminates the need for additional certifications after graduation.

Due to the nature of the Accounting & Finance Degree, which complements business-related subjects, students often have the opportunity to complete a joint honours degree.

Accounting & Finance Degree Structure

An Accounting & Finance degree’s duration varies depending on the country and degree level. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting & Finance can be completed in three years. However, universities also offer students the option to take a sandwich course, which allows them to undertake a year-long placement between their second and third year, which extends the course to four years. Four years is the regular time of completion of this degree in other countries, such as the United States.

The first year of a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting & Finance introduces the core principles of accounting and finance, including financial accounting, management accounting and finance as well as economics and business law. The second year’s focus is usually on managerial and business economics, financial control, corporate finance and company accounts, but optional modules might enable students to pursue their interests in other aspects of Accounting & Finance such as auditing or strategic business analysis. At this point, students studying at Higher Education Institutions in the UK could choose to take an industry placement in order to apply the theoretical concepts and the acquired knowledge to practice in the professional environment. The next stage of this degree is dedicated to further-developing students’ knowledge of financial and management accounting. Optional modules might enable students to specialize in a particular area of their choice such as auditing or taxation in some countries like the UK.

Masters’ degrees in Accounting & Finance usually take between 12 and 18 months to complete depending on the country that students choose for their studies. 

Research-based degrees, such as MPhil and PhD, can take anywhere between 1 and 7 years depending on the country and type of degree. MPhil degrees in Accounting & Finance in the UK usually take 12 months if it is studied full-time and 24 months for part-time studies. PhD degrees in the UK, on the other hand, take about 36 months to complete if studying full-time and 72 months for a part-time program. In the US, students may be required to dedicate between 4 and 7 years on their degree.

8 Student Reviews

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  • Accounting
    Tania
    Real life integration

    At the University of Amsterdam, it’s not just about studying from books. Classes often dig into bigger ideas and real-life issues, not only what’s on the syllabus. There’s plenty happening outside of lectures too—sports, student groups, cultural events—and the chance to study abroad if you want to explore more. The way the courses are set up makes it easy to see how theory connects to everyday life. For me, it’s been more than an education—it’s changed how I look at things and helped me grow.

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    Programme: Accounting
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2027
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Amsterdam
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  • Accounting and ...
    Finance
    avatar
    Amazing experience

    Nothing can get better than this. The city, the program, the university, the crowd and most importantly the people, everything is great here. The course curriculum is very well devised and up to date as per global standards.
    Highly recommended.

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    Programme: Accounting and Finance
    Degree: Master's
    Graduation: 2027
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Amsterdam
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  • Accounting and ...
    Finance
    Rosa
    Learning beyond walls

    The University of Amsterdam is more than just a place to learn – it’s a way of life. I loved how the city and university blend together, with classes in historic buildings and state-of-the-art facilities. What really stands out is the university’s openness to activism and community involvement, supporting students’ initiatives and encouraging them to engage with societal issues. The libraries are vibrant hubs where students from different fields naturally connect and discuss ideas. Plus, the university prioritizes sustainability, with eco-friendly cafeterias and bike-friendly policies. Amsterdam offers freedom and inspiration, and the university provides the structure and support to make the most of it.

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    Programme: Accounting and Finance
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2027
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Amsterdam
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  • Accounting and ...
    Finance
    Stephanie
    UvA: My Amsterdam Adventure

    Choosing the University of Amsterdam was honestly the best plot twist in my student life! Stepping into UvA felt like diving into a world buzzing with ideas and opportunities. The classes? Forget passive listening! They’re intensely interactive, pushing you to think critically and engage deeply with the material. I remember being intimidated by corporate finance, but the way it was taught, with real-world examples and passionate discussions, just made everything click. It wasn’t just learning; it was truly *understanding*.

    What completely won me over were the professors. They’re not just lecturers; they are leading experts who are genuinely invested in your growth. I felt so supported, always encouraged to challenge myself and explore new perspectives. Thanks to their guidance, I even presented my work at a student conference – a moment I’m incredibly proud of!

    Beyond academics, Amsterdam itself is the ultimate campus! The city is alive with student energy, and UvA is right in the heart of it. Making friends from all corners of the globe was so easy, and the international vibe is just incredible. There’s always something happening, from cultural events to study groups in cozy cafes.

    UvA isn’t just a university; it’s an experience that transforms you. It’s given me the knowledge, the confidence, and the global network to chase my ambitions fearlessly. If you’re looking for a university that’s intellectually stimulating, personally enriching, and located in an amazing city, then seriously, look no further than the University of Amsterdam. Trust me, choosing UvA is choosing to invest in an unforgettable journey!

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    Programme: Accounting and Finance
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2026
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Amsterdam
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  • Accounting and ...
    Finance
    Boetzelaer
    student life

    The University of Amsterdam offers more than just education; it is a real lifestyle. What struck me is how the city and the university are intertwined. You can take a philosophy class in a historic building on the canals and then study in a state-of-the-art lab. What is unique is the openness to activism. Students are actively encouraged to participate in societal discussions, and even small initiatives, such as a neighborhood project in the Jordaan, can be supported by the university. The libraries are not just a place to study; they are also social hubs where interdisciplinary conversations arise almost naturally. Another special aspect is the focus on sustainability: the university has a fully circular policy in the canteens and stimulates bicycle use with special discounts on maintenance. Amsterdam as a campus city offers freedom and inspiration, but the university makes sure that this freedom is accompanied by structure and support.

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    Programme: Accounting and Finance
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2025
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Amsterdam
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  • Accounting and ...
    Business Finance
    avatar
    Education system

    I didn’t felt the program was worth my money and it was definitely not what I expected. From the professors to the actual syllabus I didn’t learned much and I feel this debt I just acquired was definitely a waste of time a big mistake

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    Programme: Accounting and Business Finance
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2024
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Amsterdam
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  • BSc Economics ...
    with Econometrics
    avatar
    Unpleasant experience

    My time at this university was overwhelmingly frustrating, marked by a lack of student support that bordered on negligence. The program’s difficulty is exacerbated by an abysmal structure, leaving students with minimal class time and inadequate professor interaction. Exams consistently present absurdly challenging questions, forcing many to resort to external exam prep companies for a fighting chance at decent grades—an outright indictment of the university’s teaching methods. Despite the program’s emphasis on economic theory and quantitative skills, the learning experience feels stunted by this institution’s poor organization and minimal professor involvement.

    Moreover, the blatant bias against certain nationalities, particularly evident in the IMF module’s explicit material, is both offensive and unwarranted. If you hail from Italy, Greece, Portugal, or Spain, prepare to be unfairly scapegoated for the financial crisis. International students face further isolation, with Dutch students sticking to their own cliques and showing little interest in socializing in English. The international body might be inviting, but the overall social climate is far from inclusive.

    While the program itself is relatively affordable, the exorbitant costs of living in Amsterdam offset any financial advantages. In essence, the university offers a thought-provoking but deeply flawed experience, plagued by poor structure, insufficient teaching support, and a distressingly subpar international atmosphere.

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    Programme: BSc Economics with Econometrics
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2025
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Amsterdam
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  • Accounting and ...
    Finance
    avatar
    Masters programme

    The university provides proper guidance for the students. Students are able to excel and ask questions which are answered elaborately. Courses are clear and good to understand, but it is hard to keep up with the materials every week. Professors are good and knowledgeable.

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    Programme: Accounting and Finance
    Degree: Master's
    Graduation: 2019
    Campus: Amsterdam
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