How this online Accounting and Business course works
With our online Accounting and Business programme, you can complete a Level 4 (120 credits), Level 5 (120 credits), or combine them for a Level 4 & 5 diploma (240 credits) through OTHM. It’s built to help you gain the practical knowledge and confidence you need to move forward in the business world.
Your studies take place online, so you can start whenever you like and fit everything around your schedule. Each module at Level 4 and Level 5 is made up of 40 hours of guided online learning. On top of that, you’ll have 30-50 hours of optional material, including suggested exercises, additional readings, digital resources, and self-check tasks.
To complete the qualification, you’ll submit 6 online assignments at each level. Each assignment is roughly 2,000 to 3,000 words. After you successfully pass, you’ll receive an OTHM Accounting and Business diploma, and you may then be able to top up to a bachelor’s degree through partner universities across the UK.
Throughout the course, you’ll have access to 1-2-1 tutor support and webinars, plus social learning forums and extra resources. If you want to see what support is available, it’s all explained in our Student Resources page.
You can also review the academic standards we meet and the groups we’re connected with, so you know you’re learning in a well-supported environment.
How the Account and Business degree pathway works
This Level 4/5 Accounting and Business online course includes 10 modules, with 6 written assignments at each level. Each assignment is typically around 2,000 to 3,000 words. You’ll get guidance for both the modules and assignments through the ‘Tutor’ section of the learning platform.
The Level 4 Diploma in Accounting and Business includes 6 modules:
Academic Writing and Research Skills (20 credits) Develop strong research and writing foundations for academic and workplace success.
Academic Writing and Research Skills (20 credits) Develop strong research and writing foundations for academic and workplace success.
Business and the Economic Environment (20 credits) Learn how economic conditions and government decisions affect business outcomes.
Business and the Economic Environment (20 credits) Learn how economic conditions and government decisions affect business outcomes.
Principles of Financial Accounting (20 credits) Get to grips with financial reporting, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow.
Principles of Financial Accounting (20 credits) Get to grips with financial reporting, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow.
Quantitative Methods in a Business Context (20 credits) Use numbers and statistical tools to support planning and decision-making.
Quantitative Methods in a Business Context (20 credits) Use numbers and statistical tools to support planning and decision-making.
Management Accounting (20 credits) Explore how accounting information is used inside organisations to control costs and improve results.
Management Accounting (20 credits) Explore how accounting information is used inside organisations to control costs and improve results.
Leading and Managing Teams (20 credits) Learn practical approaches to lead, motivate, and manage teams effectively.
Leading and Managing Teams (20 credits) Learn practical approaches to lead, motivate, and manage teams effectively.
The Level 5 Diploma in Business Management includes 6 modules:
Principles and Concepts of Strategy Explore how organisations design and carry out strategies to stay competitive and keep growing.
Principles and Concepts of Strategy Explore how organisations design and carry out strategies to stay competitive and keep growing.
The Management of Human Resources Learn how to recruit, manage, and develop employees in a way that supports business goals.
The Management of Human Resources Learn how to recruit, manage, and develop employees in a way that supports business goals.
Marketing for Managers Understand essential marketing tools and how managers use them to drive business targets.
Marketing for Managers Understand essential marketing tools and how managers use them to drive business targets.
Business Law for Managers Gain insight into the legal responsibilities and rights that shape how businesses operate.
Business Law for Managers Gain insight into the legal responsibilities and rights that shape how businesses operate.
Management Accounting and Decision Making Use financial information to make better business choices and plan with more clarity.
Management Accounting and Decision Making Use financial information to make better business choices and plan with more clarity.
Business Start-up: Conception to Market Learn how to take a business idea from concept to launch, including planning and go-to-market steps.
Business Start-up: Conception to Market Learn how to take a business idea from concept to launch, including planning and go-to-market steps.
Assignment Unit Titles:
The assignment unit titles for the Level 4 Accounting and Business diploma course are:
Academic Writing and Research Skills (20 credits)
Business and the Economic Environment (20 credits)
Principles of Financial Accounting (20 credits)
Quantitative Methods in a Business Context (20 credits)
Management Accounting (20 credits)
Leading and Managing Teams (20 credits)
More information about the level 4 units can be found here: https://othm.org.uk/qualification/othm-level-4-diploma-in-accounting-and-business
The assignment unit titles for the Level 5 Business diploma course are:
Principles and Concepts of Strategy (20 credits)
The Management of Human Resources (20 credits)
Marketing for Managers (20 credits)
Business Law for Managers (20 credits)
Management Accounting and Decision Making (20 credits)
Business Start-up; Conception to Market (20 credits)
More information about the Level 5 units can be found here: https://othm.org.uk/qualification/othm-level-5-diploma-in-business-management
Am I eligible for this online Accounting and Business course?
To join our Level 4 online Accounting and Business course, you need to be at least 18 years old. You’ll also need a full secondary education, which usually means having at least 2 A-levels or an equivalent qualification.
No 2 A-levels? Don’t worry. If you have relevant work experience, you may still be considered. Qualifications like NVQ Level 3 can sometimes be accepted too. For the quickest answer, speak with a member of our friendly team at: 0333 772 1158
For the Level 5 online Accounting and Business course, you’ll need to have completed the Level 4 qualification in Accounting and Business.
Career progression
Once you complete this online Accounting and Business course, you’ll have access to a broad range of job opportunities across different sectors. If you’re wondering where you could go next, here are some common routes people take with a business and accounting qualification:
Public Accounting: • Auditor: Check financial records and make sure they follow rules and standards. • Tax Advisor: Help individuals and businesses with tax planning, and prepare and submit tax returns.
Corporate Accounting: • Financial Accountant: Produce financial statements, manage ledgers, and ensure reporting matches accounting requirements. • Management Accountant: Work on internal analysis, budgeting, and cost control to support decisions inside the business.
Government and Nonprofit Accounting: • Government Accountant: Oversee public funds, review government organisations, and ensure financial compliance. • Nonprofit Accountant: Handle reporting, budgeting, and grant-related finance for charities and other nonprofit groups.
Specialised Accounting Roles: • Forensic Accountant: Investigate suspected fraud, disputes, and irregularities, often working alongside legal teams. • Environmental Accountant: Look at how environmental rules and sustainability plans affect costs and performance.
Financial Services: • Financial Analyst: Study financial data, develop investment thinking, and share recommendations for businesses and investors. • Credit Analyst: Review credit risk for people and organisations so lending decisions are more informed. • Budget Analyst: Build budgets, track spending, forecast needs, and spot patterns over time.
Overall, accounting is a flexible and in-demand area. You can find roles in nearly every part of the economy.
University Progression
After you finish the online Level 4 and Level 5 Accounting and Business course, you can move on to a third-year Accounting and Business degree programme. It’s commonly known as a ‘BA top up’, and it’s available at a selection of UK universities.
You can apply to any university that offers the BA top up programme. And you can choose how you study, either online or by attending sessions on campus.
If you decide to complete the top up route through an accredited UK university, here are the costs shown:
Coventry University
Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons) – London Campus – £10,000
Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons) – Coventry Campus- £10,000
Northampton University
BSc (Hons) in International Accounting -£9,250
University of Derby
BSc (Hons) Business and Management – £5,200
Westcliff University
Business Administration – £11,655 (online) / £15,600 (on campus)
University of Hertfordshire
BA (Hons) Business Administration – £6,400
University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)
BA (Hons) Business Management – £9,240
University of Hertfordshire
BA (Hons) Business Administration (top-up) (Online)
Edinburgh Napier University
BA in Business Management – £4,600 BA in Business and Enterprise – £4,600 BA in Sales Management – £4,600
University of Sunderland – On Campus
BA (Hons) Business and Management – £9,250
University of Bolton
BSc Honours Business with Finance top-up
University of Cumbria
BA (Hons) Global Business Management – ON CAMPUS – £9,250 UK/ £13,250 International
BA (Hons) International Business Management – ON CAMPUS – £9,250 UK/ £13,250 International
NOTE: UK/EU students may be able to apply for student loans for the top-up part of their studies. Go to www.slc.co.uk to find out more.
