Accounting & Finance Manager Degree Apprenticeship

The content has been designed to be delivered in interactive workshops over 4 days on-campus per 20 Credit Module (day release format). This is also a chance to network with fellow learners from a wide range of organisations. Face-to-face study sessions give apprentices the opportunity to enrich their learning through discussion of current business issues.

No. This course is currently only offered on campus

In line with Skills England guidelines, approximately 20%* of an apprentice’s contractual working hours will be dedicated to off-the-job training, equating to a minimum of 6 hours per week. Our delivery model is designed with flexibility at its core, allowing apprentices to balance study and work effectively through a structured day-release approach.

This ensures that learning fits around business demands while providing meaningful time for apprentices to gain new knowledge, build essential skills, and embed positive workplace behaviours. By attending scheduled sessions on campus, apprentices benefit from face-to-face support and timely feedback from academic staff with extensive real-world industry experience.

Employers can be confident their apprentices are progressing in a supportive, high-quality learning environment that complements their professional development and aligns with national standards.

*Exact hours can vary slightly by course. Specific details are providing in the onboarding and enrolment process.

What modules/topics are covered in each year?
Designed to prepare apprentices for a successful career in the accounting and finance industry, the course focuses on managing and implementing accounting and finance systems, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting decision-making.

First Year: Core modules include Exploring Professional Practice, Financial Accounting, Indirect Tax, Introduction to Management Accounting and Managing Financial Resources equipping learners with a strong foundation in accounting principles and the legal environment.

Second Year: Students progress to advanced topics such as Assurance, Enhancing Professional Practice, Financial Management, Financial Reporting, Personal Income and Reporting Essentials, and Strategic Management Accounting.

Third Year: Focus on Business Tax, Influencing Professional Practice, Integrated Reporting, Strategic Financial Management, and a Negotiated Project leading to the End Point Assessment (EPA).

Yes.

This apprenticeship is designed to deliver recognised professional status at key milestones, giving learners and employers confidence that skills gained are both practical and formally accredited.

Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)

On successful completion of Year 1 / Level 4, learners can complete two Level 4 AAT units and gain a recognised AAT Level 4 qualification, demonstrating strong technical competence in accounting and finance.

Institution of Financial Accountants (IFA)

Graduates of the Level 6 Accounting and Finance Manager Apprenticeship are eligible for professional membership of the IFA and will be awarded the grade of Intermediate Financial Accountant, with the right to use IFA after their name.

Further Professional Progression

Graduates wishing to progress to Associate Financial Accountant (AFA) membership with the IFA need only complete two additional units, offering a clear and achievable pathway to enhanced professional standing.

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, learners will receive a BSc (Hons) Accounting & Finance Manager degree from University of Northampton and an apprenticeship completion certificate.

The University of Northampton Accounting and Finance Manager Degree Apprenticeship (AFMDA) is assessed through a fully work-based, exam-free approach—without compromising academic rigour or professional recognition.

Assessments are designed around real workplace activity, enabling apprentices to apply learning directly to their role and deliver immediate value to their employer. This means no additional time off work for exams and a more meaningful learning experience for apprentices.

Learners complete a range of authentic assessments, including portfolios, presentations, written reports and scenario-based tasks. These encourage critical thinking, professional scepticism and confident decision-making in real business contexts. Each apprentice is supported throughout by an academic expert, ensuring assessments are both relevant and robust.

Importantly, while there are no formal exams, successful completion of the programme still leads to professional accreditation. In addition to passing university-assessed modules, apprentices must meet the Skills England ST1303 Apprenticeship Standard, including the End Point Assessment (EPA).

All learners including apprentices studying at the UON campus in Northampton will receive academic skills development at each level of the course of study.  These will be shared across modules and will cover academic and digital skills from Library and Learning Services teams, and employability skills development from Student Futures.

Additional Course support:

• Initial induction/ returning course sessions for all levels.
• A dedicated Virtual learning environment, “NILE” for course and modules sites, used to create a sense of belonging and cohort identity. It will be used as a communication channel to promote and support UON events, networking and career development opportunities.
• Ensuring Nile sites are designed to optimise accessibility.
• Embedding study skills throughout the whole period of study through collaborating closely with the Learning Technologists and Learning Development teams.
• Apprentices with identified additional needs will receive an Academic Inclusion Report (AIR), so the necessary adjustments will be made, as advised by the University’s Additional Student Support and Inclusion Services Team (ASSIST).
• Each apprentice will be allocated a Personal Tutor (PAT) and invited to regular 1:1 meetings with their PAT.
• A tripartite review meeting between university tutor, workplace mentor and apprentice once every three calendar months.
• Careers support in conjunction with Student Futures and Career Development Consultants at all levels.
• Student Union representation and facilities.
• Participation in Quality Assurance (QA) processes such as the annual review process and the Student Voice Meetings.
• Open (or appointment) access to course and module tutors.