Top Accounting & Finance Programs

According to the Times Good University Guide 2008, London School of Economics (LSE), with its historical prestige and influence, topped the list, followed by other highly regarded institutions such as Edinburgh, Warwick, and Manchester.

London School of Economics (LSE)

Ranked first in the Times Good University Guide 2008, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is, without a doubt, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions for accounting and finance. With its unrivaled reputation, LSE has long been regarded as the gold standard for students pursuing careers in finance, economics, and accounting. Located in the heart of London, one of the world’s leading financial centers, LSE offers students unparalleled access to the financial industry, top-tier internship opportunities, and a vast network of alumni who hold influential positions in global finance.

LSE’s Department of Accounting and Finance is renowned for its cutting-edge research, academic rigor, and the high caliber of its teaching staff. The university’s accounting and finance programs are designed to equip students with a strong theoretical foundation while emphasizing practical applications in real-world financial scenarios. LSE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including the highly regarded BSc Accounting and Finance and MSc Finance, both of which are renowned for their academic depth and ability to prepare students for the highly competitive financial services industry.

The integration of research into the curriculum is another defining characteristic of LSE’s accounting and finance programs. Students benefit from the faculty’s ongoing research into key issues such as corporate governance, financial markets, international finance, and taxation. LSE's unique combination of academic excellence and industry relevance has allowed it to maintain its position at the top of the UK rankings year after year, consistently attracting top students from around the world.

University of Edinburgh

Ranked second in the 2008 guide was the University of Edinburgh, which has established itself as a leading institution for accounting and finance. Edinburgh, with its rich history and academic pedigree, offers a unique environment for students, combining rigorous academic training with a strong focus on international finance and investment. The university’s Business School provides students with a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including the highly regarded BA Accounting and Finance and MSc Finance.

Edinburgh’s strength lies in its research-driven approach to accounting and finance education. The university has a strong research culture, particularly in areas like financial reporting, audit theory, corporate finance, and financial regulation. Edinburgh’s accounting programs are noted for their analytical rigor, encouraging students to engage with both theoretical and practical aspects of finance. The university’s central location in Scotland’s capital provides students with access to a dynamic business community, which includes a wealth of banks, investment firms, and financial institutions that offer excellent opportunities for internships and employment after graduation.

Moreover, Edinburgh benefits from its international orientation, attracting students from across the globe who contribute to the university’s cosmopolitan academic environment. This global focus is reflected in the university’s emphasis on international accounting standards and cross-border finance, both of which are integral components of the curriculum. This global perspective, combined with the university’s academic rigor, makes Edinburgh a top destination for students seeking an education in accounting and finance.

University of Warwick

The University of Warwick, ranked third in the 2008 rankings, is another institution that has built a strong reputation in the field of accounting and finance. Known for its world-class Warwick Business School (WBS), Warwick offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive world of finance and accounting.

Warwick’s accounting and finance programs are particularly notable for their strong emphasis on the integration of theory and practice. The BSc Accounting and Finance and MSc Finance programs are designed to equip students with both technical financial expertise and strategic insights into corporate decision-making. The curriculum is built around core areas such as financial analysis, corporate finance, investment management, and financial reporting.

What sets Warwick apart is its close ties with industry. The university’s strategic location in the West Midlands and its strong links to financial services firms in cities like Birmingham and London offer students numerous opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, networking events, and career placements. Warwick’s faculty members are often leading experts in areas such as financial markets, financial risk management, and corporate governance, providing students with access to the latest research and industry insights. With its combination of academic excellence and strong industry connections, Warwick continues to be a top choice for students seeking careers in accounting, finance, and economics.

University of Manchester

Ranked fourth in the 2008 rankings, the University of Manchester offers another highly regarded accounting and finance program, particularly through its Manchester Business School. The university has a longstanding reputation for academic excellence and its accounting and finance programs are no exception. Manchester offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including the BSc Accounting and Finance and MSc Finance, both of which are designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the financial services industry.

Manchester’s approach to accounting and finance education focuses on developing both technical and managerial skills, ensuring that students are well-prepared to navigate the complex world of corporate finance, financial markets, and accounting. The university has strong ties to the financial industry, particularly in Manchester, which is one of the UK’s largest financial hubs outside London. These connections provide students with ample opportunities for internships and employment after graduation, further enhancing the university’s appeal.

University of Nottingham

Ranked fifth in the 2008 guide, Nottingham University is another institution with a well-regarded accounting and finance program. The Nottingham University Business School offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including the BSc Accounting and Finance and MSc Finance, both of which provide students with a strong foundation in the key areas of financial analysis, corporate finance, and accounting.

Nottingham’s accounting programs are distinguished by their emphasis on international business and global finance, offering students a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by multinational companies. The university is known for its strong research output, particularly in the areas of financial regulation and corporate governance, and its faculty are recognized for their expertise in the field.

University of Bristol, University of Glasgow, and University of Leeds

Ranked jointly fifth alongside Nottingham, Bristol, Glasgow, and Leeds universities offer high-quality accounting and finance programs that have earned recognition for their academic rigor and industry relevance.

The University of Bristol, known for its strong business school, offers students a comprehensive education in accounting and finance, with a curriculum that emphasizes both theoretical and practical knowledge. Its programs are designed to prepare students for roles in accounting, finance, and consulting, with a particular focus on corporate finance and financial markets.

The University of Glasgow, ranked seventh, offers a similarly well-regarded accounting and finance program. Glasgow’s program provides students with the opportunity to explore key areas such as taxation, financial reporting, and auditing, while also benefiting from the university’s strong connections to the financial industry in Scotland and beyond.

Finally, Leeds University, ranked eighth, is also known for its strong accounting and finance programs. The university’s Leeds University Business School offers a range of programs designed to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in accounting, finance, and consulting. Leeds is particularly known for its emphasis on accounting information systems and financial risk management.

Times Ranking of Top Accounting and Finance Programs in the UK:
1 London School of Economics
2 Edinburgh
3 Warwick
4 Manchester
5 Nottingham
=5 Bristol
7 Glasgow
8 Leeds
9 Queen's Belfast
10 Loughborough
11 Durham
12 Southampton
13 City
14 Aberdeen
15 Lancaster
16 Stirling
=16 Newcastle
18 Strathclyde
19 Cardiff
20 Sheffield
21 Dundee
22 Exeter
23 Kent
24 Birmingham
25 Robert Gordon
=25 Bangor
27 Liverpool
28 Heriot-Watt
29 Essex
30 Nottingham Trent
31 Hull
32 East Anglia
33 Reading
34 Glamorgan
35 Salford
36 Bradford
37 Ulster
=37 Portsmouth
39 Liverpool John Moores
40 Glasgow Caledonian
41 West of England
42 Aberystwyth
43 De Montfort
44 Queen Mary, London
45 Keele
46 Paisley
47 Oxford Brookes
48 Brighton
49 UCE Birmingham
=49 Staffordshire
=49 Bournemouth
52 Northumbria
53 Leeds Metropolitan
54 Huddersfield
55 Napier
56 Central Lancashire
57 Sheffield Hallam
58 Manchester Metropolitan
59 Wolverhampton
60 Gloucestershire
61 Derby
62 London South Bank
63 Kingston
64 East London
65 Hertfordshire
66 Bedfordshire
67 Southampton Solent
68 Plymouth
69 Sunderland
70 Lincoln
71 Middlesex
=71 Coventry
73 Greenwich
74 Northampton
75 UWIC, Cardiff
76 Teesside

Source: Times Good University Guide 2008