Exeter or Lancaster for Accounting and Finance

I am applying for Accounting and Finance, my predicted grades are ABB and Lancaster and Exeter both want AAB but will offer an alternative offer if you do an EPQ (I am predicted an A), which is more likely to give me an offer. When I emailed both said they are happy for me to apply and it was possible for me to get an offer. Which is considered better as both courses seemed similar to me?

Reply 1

lcigroup

Exeter

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More recognised overall, especially with employers in London

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Bigger campus, stronger business network and career fairs

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Busier student life, more clubs and societies

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Better if you want Big 4 / banking routes and a more lively uni feel

Lancaster

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Excellent management school, very supportive teaching

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Smaller, close-knit environment

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Cheaper living, calmer vibe

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Great if you prefer a quieter place and more personal academic support

Simple pick:

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Want a target-ish uni feel, big campus, and strong employer links? Exeter

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Want a friendly, quieter campus, strong teaching, and lower costs? Lancaster

Both solid — pick based on lifestyle + how much you value campus vibe vs employer reach.

Reply 2

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Hello!

Either course would be a great choice as they are both strong UK universities, if there is no major differences to you then I would recommend choosing based on where you would rather live or on the university wide things! Have a look if there are any specific societies you like at either, or if there are any facilities you prefer.

Here at Lancaster we are a small city and have a more cosy vibe with a nice friendly campus. It's about an hour train up to the Lakes, or down to Manchester, and so there is a good variety of things nearby. We have a good variety of shops in the city, many larger ones not here could be found in Preston or Manchester instead. The campus is lovely and has all the facilities you could need, including its own GP surgery, pharmacy a massive sports centre! I quite like living in Lancaster as it is historic, and I enjoy being surrounded by the interesting architecture and atmosphere it brings.

Exeter is of course near the Moors and also has a lovely campus. It was one of my UCAS choices and so I can say it was lovely there on an Open Day too. I like to think they are reasonably similar kinds of cities, just far apart.
Do you have a preference living in Devon vs Lancashire? Consider how far home is and what you want to be near, the weather may be nicer down south, but would you rather be close to a major city like Manchester?

Happy to help further if you have any questions!
Zak (Student Ambassador)

Reply 3

ExeterStudentRep

Official Rep

Original post

by aleezahjamal

Hi @aleezahjamal,

The business course at Exeter is really well respected, and taught by academics and professionals from the industry. We are also a Russell University so that and the reputation of the business school combined result in really attractive graduates!

Honestly, student life at Exeter is really great. The campus is buzzing, but it’s still manageable - everything’s close together, so you can pop from lectures to the library, cafés, or societies in minutes. For Accounting and Finance, the course is pretty hands-on. You get a mix of lectures, seminars, and workshops, plus loads of opportunities to do projects, get involved in finance or business societies, and even network with firms. It doesn’t feel like you’re just sitting in lectures all day.

Socially, there’s always something happening. There are a few main clubs, lots of bar nights, and loads of societies, so it’s super easy to make friends and find your people. The campus vibe makes it really easy to balance studying and having fun - you get that proper uni experience without feeling overwhelmed. Honestly, most students I know say it’s one of the best parts about being here.

I recommend asking a current business student if you have any course specific questions: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/ask-a-student/

And if you get a chance you should come and visit the campus itself: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/open-days/

Hope this helps, let me know if you have more questions 🙂

Klaudia
University of Exeter Student Ambassador

(edited 2 months ago)