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Accounting and finance at university

Hi everyone,

I am a current year 13 student sitting my A levels. I am predicted AAA, and I am in a very good position to expect good grades. I have firmed the University of Liverpool to study accounting and finance with a year in industry.

I feel as if I underestimated myself this year, almost applying to quite weak universities. I hold offers from Ulster University, Liverpool John Moores, the University of Reading, and Newcastle University. I applied to Reading and Newcastle for the Flying Start degree, which was my main plan, but I was unfortunately not offered a place but just given their standard A+F course.

I am currently unsure of what I want to do because I feel as if getting into the University of Liverpool almost doesn't really push me enough, as I may be able to enter better universities, such as the University of Edinburgh or the University of Glasgow, which are considered more of target schools and better ranked than Liverpool. I'm just wondering if this is something I should be fussed about.

I am considering potentially applying through clearing or maybe even next year because I am reapplying to the PwC flying start degree again anyways.

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Reply 1

Original post
by fionnd5000
Hi everyone,
I am a current year 13 student sitting my A levels. I am predicted AAA, and I am in a very good position to expect good grades. I have firmed the University of Liverpool to study accounting and finance with a year in industry.
I feel as if I underestimated myself this year, almost applying to quite weak universities. I hold offers from Ulster University, Liverpool John Moores, the University of Reading, and Newcastle University. I applied to Reading and Newcastle for the Flying Start degree, which was my main plan, but I was unfortunately not offered a place but just given their standard A+F course.
I am currently unsure of what I want to do because I feel as if getting into the University of Liverpool almost doesn't really push me enough, as I may be able to enter better universities, such as the University of Edinburgh or the University of Glasgow, which are considered more of target schools and better ranked than Liverpool. I'm just wondering if this is something I should be fussed about.
I am considering potentially applying through clearing or maybe even next year because I am reapplying to the PwC flying start degree again anyways.

You can't apply through clearing with any outstanding offers, because it's for people who got 0/5 mainly - I guess you could reject them and then apply though. If you wanted to do a gap year then absolutely you could reapply next year with your achieved grades to the mentioned unis such as Edinburgh - which will give you an advantage when applying to jobs. Also, if you feel you want to be stretched academically then yes absolutely unis like Edinburgh would be a better fit for you - have you visited them?

Reply 2

Clearing can also be used on results day to level up - it's not just for students who don't get the grades they needed. Clearing opens in UCAS on 5 July, so you can go in then and see which unis have spaces still available. Make a list so you know which ones to target. On results day, if you get good grades and still want to try for a higher tariff university, you can give them a call and see if they'll take you. Don't reject any offers until you've spoken to them though, otherwise you could end up without a place. Your school or college UCAS coordinator should be able to provide advice. Hope this helps :smile:

Reply 3

Hi @fionnd5000

Firstly, massive congratulations on your predicted grades and the offers you’ve received that’s a fantastic achievement!

It’s completely normal to question your choices, especially if you’re now wondering whether you underestimated your potential. Just remember, a university’s reputation is only one part of the equation. What really matters is the quality of the course, the opportunities available (like placements and professional accreditations), and how well the environment fits you.

If you haven’t already, I’d recommend visiting the universities you’re still considering. Being on campus and attending a subject taster can really help determine what is a right fit. LJMU’s next Open Day is on Friday 20 June 2025 you can book your place here: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/undergraduate-open-days

Or explore our On Demand platform for virtual resources and a detailed course presentation: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/on-demand/login

You can also chat directly with a current student via Unibuddy to get honest insights about the course and university life. We currently have an Accounting and Finance student on there: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/chat-to-a-student

If you're thinking about Clearing or even taking a gap year to reapply, those are valid options. Just bear in mind that not all universities and courses take part in Clearing, so this is something you would need to look into.

Whatever you decide, the most important thing is that it feels right for your goals and what you want from your university experience. If you have any more questions about the LJMU course or university, I’m happy to help 🙂

Megan (LJMU Rep)

Reply 4

Original post
by isaac123444566
You can't apply through clearing with any outstanding offers, because it's for people who got 0/5 mainly - I guess you could reject them and then apply though. If you wanted to do a gap year then absolutely you could reapply next year with your achieved grades to the mentioned unis such as Edinburgh - which will give you an advantage when applying to jobs. Also, if you feel you want to be stretched academically then yes absolutely unis like Edinburgh would be a better fit for you - have you visited them?

I have not visited any unis Edinburgh yet but as you mentioned it could give me an advantage when applying for jobs, but do you think the difference from University of Liverpool to University of Edinburgh offers that much, or is this something I am just overthinking

Reply 5

Original post
by discrete-feeling
Clearing can also be used on results day to level up - it's not just for students who don't get the grades they needed. Clearing opens in UCAS on 5 July, so you can go in then and see which unis have spaces still available. Make a list so you know which ones to target. On results day, if you get good grades and still want to try for a higher tariff university, you can give them a call and see if they'll take you. Don't reject any offers until you've spoken to them though, otherwise you could end up without a place. Your school or college UCAS coordinator should be able to provide advice. Hope this helps :smile:

Yes, this was exactly how I was thinking about it, I think I will go over this in the summer and check who is open to clearing, as I believe Edinburgh is one that does open for clearing. I also need to weigh out all the factors for it still, as Liverpool is the city I most want to go to, and Edinburgh doesn't actually offer a placement year programme.

Reply 6

Original post
by fionnd5000
I have not visited any unis Edinburgh yet but as you mentioned it could give me an advantage when applying for jobs, but do you think the difference from University of Liverpool to University of Edinburgh offers that much, or is this something I am just overthinking

Edinburgh definitely offers more in academics, graduate prospects. Personally I think its a really nice uni in every aspect (i know lots if people who went there) and I think its better than Liverpool (my opinion)

Reply 7

Original post
by isaac123444566
Edinburgh definitely offers more in academics, graduate prospects. Personally I think its a really nice uni in every aspect (i know lots if people who went there) and I think its better than Liverpool (my opinion)

It does rank really high as well on basically every ranking system for both the uni and the course. I'll definitely take it into consideration.

Reply 8

Original post
by fionnd5000
It does rank really high as well on basically every ranking system for both the uni and the course. I'll definitely take it into consideration.


But I think the overall uni experience at Edinburgh is far superior in terms of clubs/societies/sports

Reply 9

Original post
by isaac123444566
But I think the overall uni experience at Edinburgh is far superior in terms of clubs/societies/sports


Edinburgh is wayy more prestigious globally asw btw

Reply 10

Original post
by isaac123444566
But I think the overall uni experience at Edinburgh is far superior in terms of clubs/societies/sports

Oh really, I think Liverpool has a great uni experience, especially for sports and nightlife, but I wouldnt know much about it for Edinburgh. Dont they have a really high number of international students as well

Reply 11

Original post
by fionnd5000
Oh really, I think Liverpool has a great uni experience, especially for sports and nightlife, but I wouldnt know much about it for Edinburgh. Dont they have a really high number of international students as well

Fair enough, obviously that's just my opinion. Edinburgh has more prestige though. 36% of Edinburgh is international compared to 35% at Liverpool though haha so not really any difference

Reply 12

Original post
by isaac123444566
Fair enough, obviously that's just my opinion. Edinburgh has more prestige though. 36% of Edinburgh is international compared to 35% at Liverpool though haha so not really any difference

Oh right, that's not as bad as I thought, I was just going off what I heard. Are you going to study accounting and finance this year aswell

Reply 13

Original post
by fionnd5000
Oh right, that's not as bad as I thought, I was just going off what I heard. Are you going to study accounting and finance this year aswell

Nah I'm actually going into yr 12 I've just been doing a lot of research for unis. i'll probably do something similar like economics though

Reply 14

When you mention 'target' universities - target for what?

Which A levels are you taking (does it include maths) and what grades do you expect?

Reply 15

Original post
by ajj2000
When you mention 'target' universities - target for what?
Which A levels are you taking (does it include maths) and what grades do you expect?

Target universities in the finance sector. I am a bit broad, so I am open to finance roles and accounting roles. I take A Level Economics, Business, and Graphic Design, and I am expecting arround AAA

Reply 16

Original post
by fionnd5000
Target universities in the finance sector. I am a bit broad, so I am open to finance roles and accounting roles. I take A Level Economics, Business, and Graphic Design, and I am expecting arround AAA

I have just finished GCSEs and I've been thinking about the same thing but I have chosen Maths, Chemistry, Business/Physics for A-level because I'm bad at essay subjects so didn't want to do economics. However, I don't know how economics at university is compared to A-level. I want to go down the more finance/banking route. Are you able to tell me anything from your experience? (If not just ignore the waffle 😂)

Reply 17

Original post
by Unknown292
I have just finished GCSEs and I've been thinking about the same thing but I have chosen Maths, Chemistry, Business/Physics for A-level because I'm bad at essay subjects so didn't want to do economics. However, I don't know how economics at university is compared to A-level. I want to go down the more finance/banking route. Are you able to tell me anything from your experience? (If not just ignore the waffle 😂)


Economics at a level is very theory based, so you have loads of like content and diagrams which I would argue is a good foundation for university but isn’t required to take. So I don’t think it’s needed if you were to study economics at university as I’ve heard it is very mathematics based so your pure maths at a level would be very helpful and I’m pretty sure most unis have it as a required subject. So overall I’d say no you don’t need it as a subject but it would be helpful for a better understanding, if your not as good in essay subjects and could do another subject and get a better grade I’d say go for that but I did find economics very enjoyable. What kind of unis are you thinking of applying to if you have any idea.

Reply 18

I have just seen many degrees like Economics and Finance which I think I will look more into as they seem like interesting courses. However, I don't know whether the entry requirements will be a lot higher or not 🤷*♂️ And as you have already mentioned Maths is basically the only required subject for this type of area so I guess it should be okay. I need to have another look at unis after thinking of a change but I've got places in mind like Bristol, Manchester, Durham, Exeter, Cardiff, Queens Belfast, Bath, Liverpool, Loughborough etc
(edited 6 months ago)

Reply 19

Original post
by Unknown292
I have just seen many degrees like Economics and Finance which I think I will look more into as they seem like interesting courses. However, I don't know whether the entry requirements will be a lot higher or not 🤷*♂️ And as you have already mentioned Maths is basically the only required subject for this type of area so I guess it should be okay. I need to have another look at unis after thinking of a change but I've got places in mind like Bristol, Manchester, Durham, Exeter, Cardiff, Queens Belfast, Bath, Liverpool, Loughborough etc


I’d say just as long as you have maths as one of your subjects you should be fine, so you don’t need to be too concerned with the rest of them. All I’d say is try to pick subjects that you enjoy or are good at, like there is no point in studying physics if your not good at it or don’t enjoy it because from what I’ve heard it’s a very tough subject. I hope this can help

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