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Course type: Degree

Degree

Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.

Internationally respected, universally understood.

An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.

Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.

Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits: 360

Credits

Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.

One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.

You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.

For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

BSc (Honours) Accounting and Finance

: Course code: R52

This CIMA-accredited degree will provide you with a thorough understanding of the role of accounting and finance/financial management within business and society. You’ll learn to analyse and interpret accounting and financial information and explore specialist areas like auditing, governance, law, taxation, and financial reporting. Alongside technical skills for accountancy and finance roles, you'll develop broader academic knowledge and skills such as critical thinking, reasoning, research, and creativity – abilities valued in many industries. The expertise and insights you gain will prepare you for a wide range of rewarding careers in accounting, finance, and broader business roles.

This course is accredited by:

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Key features

Course details

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

How you'll study

Careers

How long it takes

Build practical skills in financial accounting, management accounting, and financial management
Covers specialist topics such as auditing and governance, law, taxation and financial reporting
Benefit from exemptions to some Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) CGMA professional examinations, helping you qualify as a chartered accountant faster
Earn a CIMA-accredited degree from a triple-accredited business school

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.

Course type

Degree

Credits

360

How long it takes

Full-time study – 3 years

Part-time study – 6 years

Time limit – 16 years

See How long it takes

Study method

Distance learning

Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

This accounting and finance 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, 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 include auditing and taxation.

Our modular study approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your life. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Stage 1 modules lay the foundations of your studies and prepare you for the later stages of this degree. You’ll learn essential and fundamental knowledge about understanding accounting, business management, data analytics, and decision-making.

Stage 1 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll start your degree with:
An introduction to business and management (B100)	60
Fundamentals of accounting (B124)	30
Business data analytics and decision making (B126)	30

Stage 2 (120 credits)

This stage develops the knowledge and skills you gained at Stage 1 and delves deeper into the theoretical and practical elements of financial and management accounting and financial management. You’ll also be introduced to the main legal principles within the context of accounting and finance.

Stage 2 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Intermediate financial accounting (B250)	30
Business law (B251)	30
Financial management (B252)	30
Intermediate management accounting (B253)	30

Stage 3 (120 credits)

You’ll study a range of specialist modules which are designed to extend your technical and analytical skills. They will also help you critically analyse and develop arguments and communication skills that are vital for accounting and finance-related roles.

Stage 3 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Advanced financial accounting (B350)	30
Governance, audit and assurance (B351)	30
Advanced financial management and management accounting (B352)	30
Taxation (B353)	30

You can complete this degree in as little as three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s 120 credits per year. To complete in three years, you’ll need to start your degree in October.

Don't worry if your circumstances change. You don’t have to stick to a full-time study pace. You can change the pace of your learning each year depending on what's right for you.

Modules	Credits
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study the following:
An introduction to business and management (B100)	60
Fundamentals of accounting (B124)	30
Business data analytics and decision making (B126)	30
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Intermediate financial accounting (B250)	30
Business law (B251)	30
Financial management (B252)	30
Intermediate management accounting (B253)	30
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Advanced financial accounting (B350)	30
Governance, audit and assurance (B351)	30
Advanced financial management and management accounting (B352)	30
Taxation (B353)	30

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That's 60 credits of study a year.

Modules	Credits
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
An introduction to business and management (B100)	60
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Fundamentals of accounting (B124)	30
Business data analytics and decision making (B126)	30
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Intermediate financial accounting (B250)	30
Financial management (B252)	30
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study the following:
Business law (B251)	30
Intermediate management accounting (B253)	30
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
Advanced financial accounting (B350)	30
Advanced financial management and management accounting (B352)	30
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll study the following:
Governance, audit and assurance (B351)	30
Taxation (B353)	30

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our BSc (Honours) Accounting and Finance uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
Finding external/third-party material online
Accessing online catalogues and databases
Specialist software, such as Excel
Online tutorials
Group-work

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.

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.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you’ve already completed some university-level study somewhere else, you may be able to count it towards this qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer. It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BSc (Honours) Accounting and Finance.

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance

Compare this course

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.

To help you plan your progression through this qualification, we recommend that you also read the entry requirements of each module. Some modules require you to successfully complete modules at one OU level before you can progress to the next.

All modules at Stages 2 and 3 in this qualification include an online-invigilated exam. ProctorU, a service based outside the UK, will remotely invigilate your exam. To study these modules, you must agree to additional Terms of Service. Find out more about online invigilation.

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback on your work.

The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Business and law Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module provides an excellent introduction to studying with The Open University as you'll use printed and online materials to cover a wide range of topics in law and business.

View full details of Business and law Access module

Y035

Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Qualification	Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University**	Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree	£28,605	£23,352	£5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education	£19,070	£15,568	£3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education	£9,535	£7,784	£1,751 (18%)

Honours Degree

Total cost at campus university* £28,605

Total cost at The Open University** £23,352

Saving with The Open University £5,253 (18%)

Diploma of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £19,070

Total cost at The Open University** £15,568

Saving with The Open University £3,502 (18%)

Certificate of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £9,535

Total cost at The Open University** £7,784

Saving with The Open University £1,751 (18%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for 25/26 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
details of each assignment and their due dates
a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

Tutor support

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
guide you to learning resources
support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
If a module has an in-person exam (that you must take at one of our exam centres) or is invigilated online, we’ll make this clear in the module description.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.
Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
free Microsoft Office 365 software
IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Skills for career development

The ability to analyse, report and manage financial information is a much sought-after skill in organisations. By completing this degree you’ll be equipped with transferrable skills and knowledge that can be applied in many areas of an organisation. Here are some of the skills which this degree will help you acquire.

Understanding the contexts within which an accounting and finance professional operates including wider organisational, ethical and governance issues
Understanding, applying and assessing a range of qualitative and quantitative concepts, methods, tools and techniques
Interpreting financial and accounting information.
Communicating and presenting accounting and finance information clearly and succinctly.
Constructing logical and coherent arguments and applying critical thinking.

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.

Accreditation

After successfully completing this degree, you’ll be eligible for exemptions from the following Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) CGMA professional examinations.

At Certificate level:

Fundamentals of Business Economics (BA1)
Fundamentals of Management Accounting (BA2)
Fundamentals of Financial Accounting (BA3)
Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law (BA4)

At Operational level:

Managing Finance in a Digital World (E1)
Management Accounting (P1)
Financial Reporting (F1)
Operational Case Study Exam

The Open University Business School is one of the few institutions worldwide that are triple-accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and Association of MBAs (AMBA).These are internationally recognised quality standards which independently validate the quality of the School’s teaching, research and operations. The School undergoes regular reviews to ensure that standards are maintained and has successfully retained its triple accredited status since 2004. This qualification is accredited through inclusion in these reviews.

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

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

accountant
management accountant
financial accountant
business analyst
financial analyst

budgetary advisor
fund manager
risk analyst
management consultant
investment analyst

tax advisor/analyst
auditor
project manager
finance manager
financial controller.

You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.

3-year degree

You can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.

You'll study 120 credits a year.
You'll need 32–36 study hours per week.

For a year-by-year breakdown of modules, take a look at our 3-year degree pathway in the Course details section.

6-year degree

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.

You'll study 60 credits a year.
You'll need 16–18 study hours per week.

For a year-by-year breakdown of modules, take a look at our 6-year degree pathway in the Course details section.

Register for this course

Start dates

Oct 2025 - Registration closes 11/09/2025
Feb 2026 - Registration closes 08/01/2026

Credit transfer: apply by 14/08/2025

Credit transfer: apply by 04/12/2025

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