Accounting & Finance
This degree will equip you with not just technical skills to be able to practice accountancy or work in a finance-related field but also with academic knowledge and skills covering a wider breadth of topics that instill critical thinking, reasoning, research and creativity skills.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 | Open University |
Duration
How long it takes
Part time – 6 years
Full time – 3 years
Time limit – 16 years
Study method: Distance learning.
How much time do I need?
• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
• If you study full time, as B352 and B353 start in April, you will complete your degree in September.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. However, a basic understanding of mathematical operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division would be helpful.
Careers / Further progression
Career relevance
The skills and knowledge you’ll develop by studying this degree will equip you to follow a number of career paths, and are recognised by employers as having great value for work in accounting, finance and business management areas. A qualification in accounting and finance can lead to opportunities in a wide range of areas such as auditing, taxation, management and financial reporting. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree such as becoming a Chartered Accountant or a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Other careers
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, accounting, finance, management consultancy and the public sector.
Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link for further information.
Further information
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
• February 2025: Registration closes 09/01/2025
Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024
BSc (Honours) Accounting and Finance
As the world of accounting and finance becomes more complex, this specialist degree is designed to provide you with a thorough understanding of the role of accounting and finance/financial management within business and society. This degree will equip you with not just technical skills to be able to practice accountancy or work in a finance-related field but also with academic knowledge and skills covering a wider breadth of topics that instil critical thinking, reasoning, research and creativity skills. The skills and knowledge gained studying this programme can be applied to a wide range of business activities, preparing you for a variety of exciting careers within accounting, finance and in business more broadly.
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
• You’ll start Stage 1 with an introduction to business and management, learn the fundamentals of accounting and business data analytics and decision making.
• Next, in Stage 2, you'll study financial and management accounting, financial management and business law.
• Finally, in Stage 3, you’ll study accounting and finance in greater depth as well as specialist subjects that includes auditing and taxation.
Key features
• Comprehensive coverage of the theoretical and practical aspects of financial accounting, management accounting and financial management.
• Covers specialist topics such as auditing and governance, law, taxation and financial reporting.
• Develops your ability to apply and evaluate accounting and financial information.
• Offers exemptions from some Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) CGMA professional examinations.
We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Accounting and Finance (W18) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree.
Stage 1 (120 credits)
• An introduction to business and management (B100)
• Fundamentals of accounting (B124)
• Business data analytics and decision making (B126)
Stage 2 (120 credits)
• Intermediate financial accounting (B250)
• Business law (B251)
• Financial management (B252)
• Intermediate management accounting (B253)
Stage 3 (120 credits)
• Advanced financial accounting (B350) – planned for October 2025
• Governance, audit and assurance (B351) – planned for October 2025
• Advanced management accounting and financial management (B352) – planned for April 2026
• Taxation (B353) – planned for April 2026
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Tel: +353 1 678 5399
Our advisers are available to take your call Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding public holidays.