I’m originally from Solihull and chose to study BSc Business Accounting at The University of Manchester because it offered the best balance between academic rigour and real-world work experience. The University’s strong reputation was important to me, but equally I wanted a course that would allow me to gain meaningful professional experience alongside my studies, rather than having to choose between university and work. 

A key factor in my decision was the opportunity to complete placements at PwC as part of the programme. This provided early exposure to professional services and allowed me to apply what I was learning in a real business environment. The degree also offered significant ACA exam exemptions. I graduated with 12 out of 15 exemptions, which made it a particularly attractive route for progressing towards professional qualification while still at university. Overall, the course genuinely offered the best of both worlds: studying at a top university while gaining relevant work experience. 

During my time at Alliance Manchester Business School, I found the course content closely aligned with the demands of the accounting profession. Core modules in financial reporting, audit and management accounting provided a strong technical foundation, while group projects and case-based learning helped develop communication, teamwork and professional judgement. A particularly valuable aspect of the course was completing three placements in London at the end of my second, third and fourth years. This structure allowed me to apply what I had learned at university each year in a professional setting, building on my technical knowledge and confidence with each placement and reinforcing the relevance of the academic content. 

Alongside my studies, I was actively involved in student life, including serving on the committee for the university lacrosse society, a sport I had never previously played. From this, I made some of my closest friends at uni and with the club, we were able to go on tour to both Prague and Budapest, which were definitely some of my uni highlights! 

Since graduating, I have continued my career at PwC and have transferred to the Manchester office, where I am training towards my ACA qualification. The technical grounding provided by the degree, combined with the cumulative experience gained through multiple placements, has been directly relevant in my role and has helped make the transition into full-time work smoother. 

For prospective students, my advice would be to make the most of the people and opportunities around you. Engage with your lecturers, who are experts in their fields and bring valuable academic and practical insight into the classroom. Alongside this, getting involved in societies is a great way to meet people, build friendships and feel part of the wider student community, which really enhances the overall experience. 

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