Accounting and Finance

Why study Accounting and Finance?

  • Our success speaks for itself! Students have a high Distinction grade profile and our course achievement is 12.2 percentage points above the national rate.

  • Gain real-world experience with top employers, exclusive placements, and breakfast networking meetings that set you apart in the job market. You’ll have access to the One Million Mentors programme, guest speakers such as stars from The Apprentice, and former students who have become successful entrepreneurs.

  • Learn from professionals who have worked in banking, corporate finance and project management, who will share their workplace knowledge to make lessons interesting and relevant.

  • Take part in exciting challenges beyond the classroom, such as Dragon’s Den-style pitches, charity events, visits to exhibitions, universities and tourist attractions. Participate in the WorldSkills Competition, the Mastercard Challenge and take advantage of an international trip where you can collaborate with students in the Netherlands on a sustainability project.

  • 100% of our business students progress to a positive destination after completing their course. Some go on to university to develop their research and analysis skills. Others land high-level apprenticeships or jobs with City companies, thanks to our dedicated careers specialists. 

Prepare for success

Learn more about your course.

Get ahead of the game and feel confident about what’s coming next. Get a feel for your course by trying the activity below.

Discover where your course can take you

Not sure what jobs your course could lead to?

Explore career options linked to the subject you’ve applied for. From real-world job roles to industry insights, you’ll see how your studies at New City College can help you build a successful future.

Top tips

Get to grips with the basics early!

Before diving into complex topics, make sure you fully understand foundational concepts like the accounting equation, double-entry bookkeeping, and financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow). These are the building blocks you'll rely on throughout your course, so mastering them early will pay off big time later

1

Use real-world case studies and annual reports.

Studying theory is great, but seeing how it applies in real companies makes it stick. Try reading annual reports from major businesses and analysing their financials. This will help connect textbook learning with practical application and boost your analysis skills for assignments or exams.

2

Practise using accounting software and Excel.

Tools like Excel are essential in the real world—and in many course modules. Spend time learning formulas, pivot tables, and data visualisation in Excel. This will save you hours on coursework and look great on your CV

3

Meet Olga

“I couldn’t pick out one part of the course because in general I have loved the whole of this course. Accountancy is like learning a new language – I found it interesting and challenging at the same time and found all the topics we studied to be enjoyable.”

 FAQs

  • AAT stands for the Association of Accounting Technicians. AAT is the world’s leading professional body for accountants. Their qualifications are internationally recognised and provide you with a professional status within the industry.

  • Although accounting is maths based it isn’t necessarily all about calculations! We have to learn about reporting, accounting principles and ethical practices that can be applied to a business setting- its actually really fun.

  • Most people in the industry would have completed an AAT course, our Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas are AAT qualifications.

We’re officially Outstanding!

New City College has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted (March 2025) — the highest grade possible.

Inspectors praised our inclusive culture, exceptional teaching, strong student support, and inspirational leadership. We’re proud to be the largest college in the UK to achieve this top rating — and even prouder of what it means for our students.

Ask us almost anything

  • College isn’t just about studying — it’s about getting ready for the real world. At New City College, you’ll have access to over 1000+ employers who offer work experience, set live projects, mentor students, and even come in as guest speakers.

    From day one, you’ll start building the skills, experience, and contacts that employers are looking for — giving your CV a serious head start.

    And college life? It’s more independent and more grown-up.

    • No uniform

    • First-name terms with your teachers

    • A more flexible timetable

    It’s a big step forward — and we’re here to help you make the most of it.

  • Yes.

    Many of our students from both our A level, T Level and vocational study programmes progress to university.

  • No.

    Yes, we expect you to work hard — but we’ll be with you every step of the way.

    You’ll have regular one-to-one sessions with your teachers to set goals, track your progress, and get extra help if you need it.

    We’re here to push you, support you, and keep you motivated — so you can do your best and achieve more than you thought possible.

  • Feeling nervous? You’re not the only one.

    Starting something new can feel like a big deal, but we’ve made sure the move to college is smooth, welcoming, and fun.

    Before you start, you’ll be invited to an applicant taster sessions where you can meet your teachers, get to know other students, and explore the campus.

    Once term begins, you’ll take part in induction activities and our Freshers Fair — a great way to settle in, make friends, and get a taste of college life.

    And if you ever need support, our teachers and friendly support teams are always here to listen and help.

  • If you’re not 100% sure on what to study, that’s totally okay — we’re here to help you figure it out.

    The best choice is something you enjoy and feel confident in.

    If you're still deciding, come to one of our enrolment events or taster sessions. You’ll meet teachers, chat with current students, and get a real feel for what suits you.

    And if you change your mind after applying? No stress. At enrolment our friendly team can help you switch to a course that’s a better fit.

    Or if you decide that you’re not enjoying it after the first few weeks of study, you will have the chance to swap to a different course at our transfer event.

  • We offer courses from Level 1 to Level 3. Each level of programme has different entry requirements, which are the different GCSE grades you need to get on the course. You’ll find these on each course information page.

    Don’t worry if you don’t get great GCSE grades, we have Level 1 courses that don’t tend to have entry requirements. You can then work your way through the levels.

    Some courses will also provide you the opportunity to retake your English and/or Maths GCSE alongside your full-time programme.

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