Accounting and Finance - Study Location

Accounting and Finance

Students on our Accounting and Finance course can complete a Level 4 (120 credits), Level 5 (120 credits) or a combined Level 4 & 5 (240 credits) OFQUAL Accredited diploma, designed to provide students with the skills needed to succeed in the finance industry.

The course is completed online and you can start at any time, it’s completely flexible. Each module (Level 4 & Level 5) consists of 40 hours of guided online learning, with an additional 30-50 hours worth of optional materials that include recommended exercises, readings, digital resources and self-test tasks.

To complete the course you’ll submit 6 online assignments at each level, and assignments are approximately 2,000-3,000 words each. Once you’ve passed your course, you’ll be awarded with an OFQUAL Accredited diploma and you’ll be able to top up your qualification to a bachelor’s degree at a range of UK universities.

During the Accounting and Finance course you’ll have access to 1-2-1 tutor support and webinars, social learning forums and additional materials to complete your diploma with ease.

Course Modules

This Level 4/5 diploma in accounting and management has 10 modules and 6 written assignments at each level. The assignments are approximately 2,000-3,000 words each. Students are provided support on the modules and assignments via the ‘Tutor’ section of the learning platform.

The Level 4 diploma in Accounting and Finance has 10 modules:

The Business Environment: Explore external factors that affect businesses, including economics, international dimensions, nature, and competition.
Managing and Using Finance: Understand key accounting areas and how they inform management decisions.
Maximizing Resources to Achieve Business Success: Learn how to effectively manage resources for profitability.
Quantitative Skills: Develop knowledge of numeric exercises and their application in business.
Basic Accounting: Understand accounts and their use in assessing organizational health.
Budgetary Control: Learn about financial control methods using budgets.
Financial Performance: Assess financial performance using financial statements and accounting standards.
Financial Ratios: Understand the application and meaning of common financial ratios.
Financial Statements: Learn how to prepare and present financial statements.
Further Ratios: Determine financial efficiency and assess future financial success.

The Level 5 diploma in Business Management has 10 modules:

The Entrepreneurial Manager: Explore the characteristics and skills of entrepreneurs, including innovation, risk-taking, leadership, and problem-solving.
Organisational Structures: Understand the factors that influence organisational structure, such as size, industry, culture, and strategy.
Practical Accounting Analysis: Analyse accounts to gain insights into financial performance, identify trends, and inform decision-making.
Business Planning and Goal Setting: Develop clear goals and objectives for a business, create a strategic plan, and allocate resources effectively.
Politics and Business: Explore the impact of political factors on business, including government policies, regulations, and economic conditions.
Business Law: Understand the legal responsibilities of managers, including employment law, contract law, and corporate governance.
Managing in Today’s World: Explore modern business practices, such as sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and ethical leadership.
Performance Management: Improve employee and business performance through strategies such as performance reviews, goal setting, and training and development.
Marketing and Sales Planning: Develop a comprehensive marketing and sales plan, including market research, target market identification, product positioning, and sales strategies.
Quantitative Skills: Acquire knowledge of numeric exercises and their application in business, including financial analysis, data analysis, and statistical modelling.

Assignment Unit Titles:

The assignment unit titles for the Level 4 course are:

Accounting in a business context
Economics for business mathematical
Accounting methods
Financial accounting
Management accounting
Leadership and management in accounting

The assignment unit titles for the Level 5 course are:

Effective decision making

Business development

Business models and growing organisations

Customer management

Responding to the changing business environment

Risk management and organisations

Am I eligible for this programme?

To enrol in our Level 4 Accounting and Finance course, you must be at least 18 years old and have a full secondary education, meaning you must have a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent.

If you don’t have 2 A-levels or the equivalent, such as NVQ Level 3, you may also be able to enrol based on your work experience.

To enrol on the Level 5 Accounting and Finance course, you must have completed the Level 4 diploma in Accounting and Finance.

Cost and payments

Level 4: £5,000

Level 5: £5,000

Levels 4 & 5: £9,500

Students can make payment using one of the following methods:

Credit or debit card
Bank transfer
Interest-free monthly instalments
PayPal
Western Union
ELCAS funding

Career progression

Studying Accounting and Finance opens a wide range of career opportunities across various industries. Here are some of the primary career paths you can pursue with an accounting degree:
1. Public Accounting:
• Auditor: Conduct financial audits to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
• Tax Advisor: Prepare and file tax returns and provide tax planning and advice to individuals and businesses.
2. Corporate Accounting:
• Financial Accountant: Prepare financial statements, manage ledgers, and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
• Management Accountant: Focus on internal financial analysis, budgeting, and cost management to aid business decision-making.
3. Government and Nonprofit Accounting:
• Government Accountant: Manage public funds, audit government agencies, and ensure financial compliance with regulations.
• Nonprofit Accountant: Handle financial reporting, budgeting, and grant management for nonprofit organisations.
4. Specialized Accounting Roles:
• Forensic Accountant: Investigate financial fraud and disputes, often working with law enforcement agencies.
• Environmental Accountant: Analyse the financial impact of environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives.
5. Financial Services:
• Financial Analyst: Analyse financial data, develop investment strategies, and provide recommendations to businesses and investors.
• Credit Analyst: Assess the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses to facilitate lending decisions.
• Budget Analyst: Develop and manage budgets, forecast financial needs, and analyse spending patterns.

Overall, accounting is a versatile and in-demand field with opportunities in virtually every sector of the economy.

University Progression

Once you’ve completed your online Level 4 & 5 Accounting and Finance course you have the opportunity to complete a third-year Accounting and Finance degree programme, known as a ‘BA top up’, from a wide range of UK universities.

Students can apply to any university offering the BA top up and you can choose to study for your degree either online or in-person on campus.

If you decide to top up to a full undergraduate degree through an accredited UK university, the costs are listed below.

Coventry University

Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons)– London Campus

Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons)– Coventry Campus

Northampton University

BSc (Hons) in International Accounting

University of Derby

BSc (Hons) Business and Management

Westcliff University

Business Administration

University of Hertfordshire