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.

The Institution of Financial Accountants (IFA) is an internationally recognised professional accountancy membership body. Learners who have successfully graduated the Level 6 Accounting Finance Manager Apprenticeship will be eligible for membership of the IFA and be awarded the grade of Intermediate Financial Accountant and be able to use the designation IFA after their name.

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.

Wherever possible, assessments will provide opportunities for apprentices to apply their learning directly to their workplace contexts, ensuring both immediate value to employers and enhanced experiential learning for apprentices throughout the course.

This authentic assessment approach enables learners to apply their learning in context—embedding knowledge and developing their ability to think critically and exercise professional scepticism. Each apprentice is supported by an academic expert in their field, ensuring both rigour and relevance.

Assessments are designed to reflect the workplace, including portfolios, presentations, written reports, and scenario-based exercises. To ensure inclusivity and practical value, there is no requirement to sit an exam.

In addition to passing modules overall which have been assessed by the University of Northampton apprentices must meet Skills England ST1303 Apprenticeship Standards for 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.