Diploma in Accounting and Finance

Admission Requirements

• Typical Age: 18+
• Entry Point: Learners enrol at Level 4. Completing Level 4 then meets the entry requirement for the Level 5 stage.
• Entry Requirements: Completion of a Level 3 qualification in a relevant field or equivalent work experience in accounting or finance.
• International Qualifications: Equivalent qualifications may include:
  • High school diploma or recognised pre-university certifications (e.g., Grade 12 in Asia, Senior Certificate in Africa, EQF Level 4 in Europe, or a high school diploma in the US/Canada).
• English Proficiency (for non-native speakers): IELTS 6.0, CEFR level B2, or equivalent.
• Additional Guidance: For assistance with qualification equivalency or language requirements, please contact our admissions office.

Structure of the Qualification

• Total Credits: 240 ECTS (120 ECTS at Level 4 and 120 ECTS at Level 5)
• Modules: Mandatory modules at each level, each worth 20 credits, covering essential and advanced aspects of accounting and finance.

Level 4 Core Modules

1. Financial Accounting (20 Credits): Covers the basics of financial accounting, including recording transactions, financial statement preparation, and compliance with regulatory standards.
2. Cost and Management Accounting (20 Credits): Focuses on cost control, budgeting, and decision-making processes to manage financial resources effectively.
3. Budgeting (20 Credits): Introduces principles of budgeting and forecasting to support financial planning and resource allocation.
4. Working Capital Management (20 Credits): Examines cash flow management, credit control, and inventory management in business.
5. The Regulatory Framework of Accounting (20 Credits): Provides an overview of the laws, standards, and ethical guidelines governing financial practices.

Level 5 Core Modules

1. Financial Management (20 Credits): Covers advanced financial theories, working capital management, and techniques for managing global financial risks.
2. Financial Planning and Control (20 Credits): Examines corporate governance and financial planning, addressing economic and global strategies.
3. Financial Reporting (20 Credits): Focuses on asset management and preparation of financial reports that accurately reflect an organisation’s position.
4. Principles and Practices of Taxation (20 Credits): Provides an in-depth look at personal and business taxation, covering income tax, VAT, and corporate tax obligations.
5. Management of People (20 Credits): Explores HR practices across the employee lifecycle, emphasising recruitment, performance management, and training.
6. Ethics and Corporate Responsibility in Business (20 Credits): Discusses CSR, ethical considerations in finance, and the impact of corporate governance on business practices.

Explore the complete curriculum for this course to gain a detailed understanding of the topics covered, learning objectives, and key skills you’ll develop. See the full curriculum below.

View Curriculum

Assessment and Regulations

Assessment Approach

The programme is assessed through written assignments, case studies, practical tasks, and exams tailored to test both theoretical knowledge and practical skills:

• Written Assignments: Each unit includes assignments that require learners to apply financial theories to real-world contexts.
• Exams: Designed to evaluate understanding of core accounting and finance principles.
• Practical Tasks: Require hands-on demonstrations of financial planning and reporting.
• Case Studies: Practical exercises covering real-world financial management, ethical decision-making, and corporate governance.

Grading System

Grades are awarded as Pass, Merit, or Distinction:

• Pass: 40%-59%
• Merit: 60%-69%
• Distinction: 70% and above

Completion Requirements

All modules require a minimum pass mark of 40%. Assessment quality is assured through internal and external review by the Awarding Body.

Professional Development and Progression

Progress to Higher-Level Study:

• Advance to our progression course, the Level 6 in Business Administration.
• Final year of a Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field at a partner university, subject to acceptance.

Employment Opportunities:

This programme prepares learners for roles such as:

• Financial Manager
• Corporate Tax Specialist
• Compliance Officer
• Senior Financial Analyst

Work-Based Learning:

• Assignments simulate industry challenges, allowing learners to build competencies directly applicable in financial management and reporting roles.

When you enrol in our Level 4+5 bundle, you’ll start on the same course pathway for both levels. If you wish to change your Level 5 route after registration, just reach out to Student Services—we’re here to guide you toward the best fit.