Accounting (Distance Learning) NHS

The course is delivered by e-based distance learning. Students do not have to attend classes.

The FdA in Accounting has two stages, each with six subjects or modules. Students that have passed AAT Technician level have proved their competence in a wide range of finance-related disciplines. Therefore, these students are exempt from:

• The whole of stage one of the FdA
• Two modules at stage two

In agreement with your employer we will also accept evidence of prior learning provided it is equivalent to the AAT Technician level.

This means that you must successfully complete four modules to be awarded the FdA in Accounting. The four modules are very different but are linked by their strong emphasis on finance and accounting.

Module one

Managing Public Sector Finance

This module considers the distinctive financial environment within the NHS. Issues explored include the conceptual and regulatory aspects of accounting, governance, budgeting and auditing procedures in the NHS.

Module two

Managing People

This module will help students understand the complexities of managing people and evaluate the techniques to be more effective at all levels of the organisation and in a variety of settings.

Module three

Measuring Organisational Success

This module is closely linked to your current or future role at work (therefore it is work-based learning) and requires you to:

1. Analyse the challenges and issues you encounter as a finance professional at work

2. Evaluate your performance in a work-related project or task that you have chosen to investigate

In completing this module, you will be expected to carry out some in-depth academic research in finance and accounting which underpins the work-related activity. The project chosen will be determined by, among other things, the nature of your employment, your level of seniority and the wishes of your employer.

Module four

Learning Through Work

This second work-based module (whose aims are summed up in the title) considers your personal and professional development. Learning is achieved through:

1. Setting yourself objectives for a six month period, in consultation with your tutor and/or your employer

2. Assessing your development in seeking to achieve these objectives (a Personal Development Log will be kept)

3. Reflecting on the process so that further development can occur

• One of only a handful of FdAs in the UK that is specifically linked to accounting
• Represents an agreed career progression opportunity within the NHS
• Natural progression for AAT graduates who wish to gain a relevant qualification but do not wish to take the professional route
• Delivered by e-based distance learning, allowing a flexible mode of study, and can be accessed anywhere in the world
• Backed by the NHS and the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) who are fully involved in its development

• Managing Public Sector Finance
• Managing People
• Measuring Organisational Success
• Learning through Work

• Allows NHS employees to further their professional expertise
• Assessment is directly related to the workplace
• On successful completion students can progress to a full honours degree