OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business

Overview

The objective of the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business qualification is to provide learners with an understanding of accounting and business in the broader business context, and to provide them with the practical, industry-focused skills to manage business finances, budgets and cash flow effectively, and to play a key role in business growth. Learners will build the knowledge and skills required for a career in a wide range of businesses, where accounting and business literacy are key skills for managers at all levels.

Learners will study level 4 and 5 units, worth 120 credits per academic year with a total credit value of 240 credits (equivalent to the first 2 years of an honours degree).

The Level 4 units lay the foundation for subsequent learning by providing an introduction to relevant accounting and business topics. The units combine theoretical and practical knowledge in academic and research skills, the business and economic environment, quantitative methods, financial accounting, management accounting, and leading and managing teams.

Learners have the opportunity to progress and apply key skills and techniques to a variety of relevant subject areas through the Level 5 units. The course will provide learners with knowledge and skills in the areas of business strategy, financial management, planning, reporting and human resource management. Learners will also integrate their knowledge and skills from these disciplines and learn to produce a viable business plan.

Successful completion of this qualification will equip learners with the specialist skills and technical terminology to develop their accounting and business and management skills and to progress to further study or employment.

Entry requirements

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These qualifications are designed for learners who are typically aged 18 and above.

The entry profile for learners is likely to include at least one of the following:

• Relevant Level 3 Diploma qualification or equivalent qualification
• GCE Advanced level in 2 subjects or equivalent qualification
• Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management experience (learners must check with the delivery centre regarding this experience prior to registering for the programme)

English requirements: If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country, they must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit the English Language Expectations page.

Equivalences

OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma qualifications represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Year 2 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme.

Qualification structure

The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business qualification consists of 12 mandatory units, 240 credits, 2400 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and the recommended Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for this qualification is a minimum of 1200 hours.

To achieve the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business, learners must achieve 240 credits, of which 120 credits are at Level 4 (6 units) and 120 credits are at Level 5 (6 units).

Level 4: 6 Mandatory units:

• 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)

Level 5: 6 Mandatory units:

• Principles and Concepts of Business Strategy (20 credits)
• Financial Management (20 credits)
• Financial Planning and Control (20 credits)
• Financial Reporting (20 credits)
• The Management of Human Resources (20 credits)
• Business Start-up; Conception to Market (20 credits)

Duration and delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over two academic years for full-time study but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning. The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, and online by approved centres only.

Assessment and verification

All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the Assessor.

The Assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.

Progressions

Successful completion of the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business provides learners the opportunity for a wide range of academic progressions including the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Accounting and Business qualification.

As this qualification is approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), learners are eligible to gain direct entry into Year 3 of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree programme. For more information visit the University Progressions page.