How it works
When you study our Accounting course, you’ll work toward a Level 3 (60 credits) OTHM diploma. It’s built to help you develop practical skills you’ll need to move confidently into the finance world.
You complete everything online, and you can start at any time, so it fits around work and life. Each module includes 40 hours of guided online study. On top of that, there are about 30 to 50 hours of optional materials, such as suggested exercises, helpful readings, digital resources, and self-check tasks.
To finish the course, you’ll submit 3 online assignments, one at each stage. Expect each assignment to be around 2,000 to 3,000 words. Once you pass, you’ll receive your OTHM diploma, and you can then top up to a bachelor’s degree at a range of UK universities.
Throughout your study, you’ll have access to 1-2-1 tutor support and webinars, plus social learning forums and extra materials to help you stay on track. If you want to see exactly what support is available, have a look at our Student Resources page. You can also review the academic standards we meet and the organisations we’re associated with, so you know you’re getting a high-quality learning experience.
Click Here to view a Sample Certificate
Course Modules
The Level 3 foundation diploma in accountancy includes 3 modules:
Recording financial transactions This module gives you a clear introduction to how financial transactions are recorded. You’ll look at what’s required to record them accurately and completely, including using things like source documents. You’ll also explore how income and expenditure are grouped and handled.
Management information This module helps you build an understanding of cost and management accounting, including why management information matters. You’ll learn how ICT can support the recording of management information, and you’ll cover both the benefits and the drawbacks.
Maintaining financial records This module focuses on why keeping financial records is so important. You’ll develop the skill to use the double-entry bookkeeping system and complete a three-column cash book, as well as a bank reconciliation statement.
There are also 3 written assignments for this foundation diploma in Accountancy. Each assignment is usually around 2,000 to 3,000 words. You’ll get support with both the modules and the assignments through the ‘Tutor’ section on the learning platform.
The assignment unit titles you’ll complete for the Level 3 course are:
1. Recording financial transactions
2. Management information
3. Maintaining financial records
More detail on the Level 3 units can be found here: OTHM_L3_FDip_Acc_spec_2020_03.pdf
During the Accountancy course, you’ll have access to 1-2-1 tutor support and webinars, social learning forums and extra materials to help you complete your diploma comfortably. For full details on the support available, check our Student Resources page.
You can also read about the academic credentials we meet and the professional associations we’re part of, so you feel confident you’re learning with a programme that meets strong standards.
Am I eligible for this programme?
To join our Level 3 Accounting course, you need to be at least 16 years old and have completed full secondary education.
If you haven’t completed secondary education or don’t have the equivalent, you might still be able to enrol based on your work experience.
To find out what applies to you, speak to a member of our friendly team on: 0333 772 1158
Career Progression
Studying accounting can lead to a whole range of roles in different industries. If you’re thinking about where it might take you, here are some common directions people go in with an accounting-focused qualification:
1. Public Accounting:
• Auditor: Review financial records to check accuracy and ensure rules are followed.
• Tax Advisor: Prepare and submit tax returns, and help individuals and businesses with tax planning and guidance.
2. Corporate Accounting:
• Financial Accountant: Produce financial statements, manage ledgers, and make sure reporting meets the required accounting standards.
• Management Accountant: Work on internal reporting, budgets, and cost control to support business decisions.
3. Government and Nonprofit Accounting:
• Government Accountant: Oversee public funds, support audits of government agencies, and ensure compliance.
• Nonprofit Accountant: Take care of reporting, budgeting, and grant-related financial administration for charities and nonprofit organisations.
4. Specialised Accounting Roles:
• Forensic Accountant: Investigate suspected fraud and financial disputes, often working closely with legal teams or law enforcement.
• Environmental Accountant: Look at how environmental policies and sustainability work affect costs and reporting.
5. Financial Services:
• Financial Analyst: Study financial data, help shape investment ideas, and make recommendations to businesses and investors.
• Credit Analyst: Evaluate how likely individuals or companies are to repay borrowed money, which helps support lending decisions.
• Budget Analyst: Create and manage budgets, forecast future financial needs, and review spending trends.
Overall, accounting is a flexible, in-demand field, and opportunities exist across almost every part of the economy.
University progression
After you finish this course, you can apply to progress into a full BA or BSc degree programme with a number of UK universities, whether you study online or attend on campus.
Some examples include:
Coventry University
Anglia Ruskin University
London Metropolitan University
University of Derby
Middlesex University
