This guide is designed to go beyond rankings, offering detailed insights into the standout features of each university. Whether you value cutting-edge research, industry connections, or an enriching student experience, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the top 10 universities for Accounting and Finance in the UK and discover what makes them exceptional.
Best Universities for Accounting and Finance: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
| Rank | University | Academic | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gold | Newcastle University | 89 | 85 |
| 2 Silver | Cardiff University | 88 | 82 |
| 3 Bronze | University of Leeds | 89 | 72 |
| 4 | University of Liverpool | 87 | 86 |
| 5 | University of Manchester | 90 | 68 |
| 6 | University of Sheffield | 87 | 81 |
| 7 | University of Glasgow | 89 | 81 |
| 8 | University of Nottingham | 87 | 74 |
| 9 | University of York | 85 | 73 |
| 10 | Durham University | 91 | 68 |
1. Newcastle University Gold
2. Cardiff University Silver
3. University of Leeds Bronze
4. University of Liverpool
5. University of Manchester
6. University of Sheffield
7. University of Glasgow
8. University of Nottingham
9. University of York
10. Durham University
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Accounting and Finance rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to reflect what really matters to students.
- Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
- Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
- Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
- Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
Top-Ranked Accounting and Finance Universities Explained
Newcastle University
Strong in graduate employability and student satisfaction, Newcastle offers great teaching and a lively social scene.
Cardiff University
Known for its balance of academic rigour and excellent nightlife, Cardiff is a popular choice for finance students.
University of Leeds
High research output and solid teaching quality make Leeds a top pick for Accounting and Finance.
University of Liverpool
Liverpool scores well for social life and student support, with good graduate outcomes.
University of Manchester
Manchester combines strong academic credentials with a vibrant student community and plenty of career opportunities.
University of Sheffield
Excellent teaching and student satisfaction, plus a welcoming city known for affordability.
University of Glasgow
Great balance of academic strength and social life with top student satisfaction scores.
University of Nottingham
Well-regarded for graduate employability and research, Nottingham offers good value for money.
University of York
Strong teaching and social environment with a supportive student community.
Durham University
Known for academic excellence and career prospects, Durham also offers a close-knit student experience.
Career Prospects After an Accounting and Finance Degree
An Accounting and Finance degree opens doors to careers in banking, consultancy, audit, and financial management. Graduates often work with top firms in London and beyond. Check out our overall UK university rankings for broader career insights and explore Management as a related field.
Accounting and Finance Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Typical UCAS entry requirements range between 120 and 160 points depending on the university. Russell Group institutions generally ask for higher grades. If you’re unsure about your predicted grades, see our course selection tips to help choose the right uni.
Cheapest Cities to Study Accounting and Finance in the UK
Cities like Newcastle, Sheffield, and York offer affordable living costs and student-friendly transport. Consider rent prices, pint costs, Uber fares, and public transport when comparing your options.
Best Accounting and Finance Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Manchester, Liverpool, and Cardiff rank highly for nightlife and social activities. Check if the student union has an accounting or finance society for networking and events.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Top universities for support services in this subject include Newcastle, Glasgow, and Durham. Look out for high NSS satisfaction scores on mental health and study support when making your choice.
Not Sure About Accounting and Finance? Consider These Alternatives
If you’re interested in similar fields, take a look at Economics, Management, or Business.
Summary: Which Accounting and Finance Uni is Right for You?
Think about academic strength, social life, cost, and career outcomes. Bookmark this guide or compare multiple unis to find your best fit.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Accounting and Finance
Top UK universities for Accounting and Finance consistently include the London School of Economics, University of Warwick, and University of Manchester. Our 2026 student-led rankings highlight these universities for their excellent teaching, strong career support, and vibrant campus life.
The London School of Economics often tops the rankings due to its academic reputation and graduate employability. Warwick and Manchester also score highly, particularly for student satisfaction and employability outcomes.
Absolutely. Graduates in Accounting and Finance enjoy strong job prospects in banking, consulting, and corporate finance, with competitive salaries. Choosing a university with high student satisfaction and good graduate outcomes maximises your investment.
The UK is a global leader for Accounting and Finance education, with world-renowned universities and strong industry connections. However, countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia also offer excellent programs depending on your career goals.
Most universities expect Maths at A-level or equivalent, and some may require Economics or Business Studies. Entry requirements vary, so always check your chosen university’s course page for the latest details.
Graduates often find roles in auditing, financial analysis, investment banking, and management consulting. Other options include corporate finance, risk management, and roles in public sector finance.
Yes, the demand is strong, especially in London and major financial hubs. Graduates with strong analytical skills and relevant work experience are highly sought after across sectors.
Starting salaries typically range between £25,000 and £35,000 depending on location and employer, with opportunities to earn significantly more as you gain experience and qualifications like ACCA or CIMA.
Courses combining Accounting and Finance with rigorous quantitative modules or professional accreditations can be demanding. Speak to current students and check course content to understand workload and difficulty.
Graduates often work in financial services, accounting firms, multinational corporations, public sector finance, and consultancy. Your career will depend on your skills, interests, and network.
Yes, it is highly respected by employers and professional bodies worldwide, especially when earned from a top UK university with strong industry links.
Unifresher Team
Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.
Student Writers
Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.
Expert Panel
We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.
Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:
- Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
- Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
- Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
- Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
- Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.
This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.
✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking
- Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
- Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
- Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
- Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
- Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
- Updated for 2025: Last checked
