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This is a research driven programme focusing on contemporary issues in accounting and their implications for organisational performance.
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Professional Accounting (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

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Key Facts

  • Level

    UndergraduateUG BSc (Hons)

  • Duration

    Distance Learning: 1 Year

  • Starting

    September

    SEP

Updated 31/10/2025

Open Days

Updated 31/10/2025

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

The professional accounting top up degree enhances the knowledge gained through professional studies by the development of analytical and problem-solving skills, critical thinking and social responsibility in a professional accounting context.  It is a research driven professional accounting programme focusing on contemporary issues in accounting and their implications for organisational performance.

The accounting top up degree will enable partially qualified accountants to obtain an Honours degree by completing 120 credits of Level 6 study that extends their professional studies with coverage of analytical skills, problem-solving, critical thinking and social responsibility in a professional accounting context.

 

Highlights

  • Flexible online learning on the professional accounting top up BSc to fit around your schedule
  • Top up your qualification to a complete a BSc (Hons)

Entry Requirements

Students who have successfully completed all papers up to the professional level (ICAP CAF 1-9, ACCA applied knowledge and applied skills levels, CIMA operational and management levels, ICAN foundational and skills levels) or equivalent will be admitted into this top up accounting degree programme.

All International and EU students applying for a top up BSc accounting course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands for study at undergraduate level.

It may be possible to waive the IELTS requirement for students whose professional qualifications have been taught entirely in English or who sat those qualifications in a majority English-speaking country’.

For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

Course Content

The BSc Professional Accounting Top Up degree comprises of 120 credits; Contemporary Issues in Accounting (30 credits), Research Methods (30 credits) and Professional Accounting Dissertation (60 credits).

You will study:

  • Examining emerging contemporary issues in accounting and finance such as corporate governance, environmental accounting, and Economic, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting, and their impact on business sustainability
  • Exploring existing research methods skills to design an academic project.

The two 30 credits modules (ACC3028 and ACC3029) run in the first term allowing you to build critical analysis and writing skills. You will then progress to complete the 60-credit dissertation module (ACC4008).

The delivery and assessment design of individual modules are structured to meet distance learning requirements in terms of technology-enhanced and active blended learning. The first, Contemporary Issues in Accounting (ACC3028) will use a flipped virtual classroom and adopt a range of team-based and case-based learning approaches. The other two modules Research Methods (ACC3029) and Professional Accounting Dissertations (ACC4008) will adopt a technology-enhanced delivery approach, making use of state of the art techniques and technologies, with access to live data, and statistical software. On the top up accounting degree, there will be a strong emphasis on problem-solving and enhancing employability skills.

The modules use a variety of assessment methods and strategies. A combination of case-based reports, essays, dissertation and a research-based project to report your finding.

There is an emphasis on research, both of selecting relevant data and of determining the appropriate tools to assist with decision making. This is assessed often in the form of a case study enabling you to incorporate current issues and formulate and justify solutions.

Modules

Information about the modules for this professional accounting top up degree can be found on the award map:

BSc Professional Accounting Top Up modules

Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.

  • Module code: ACC3028
    Status: Compulsory
    This module enables students to evaluate contemporary issues in accounting to carry out research on a relevant topic. Students develop an ability to present, analyse and evaluate information in a reflective and critical manner.
  • Module code: ACC3029
    Status: Compulsory
    This module gives a solid foundation on research methodology and methods for undertaking accounting research. It equips students with the skills to justify, develop, and carry out research in preparation for an extended piece of academic writing.
  • Module code: ACC4008
    Status: Compulsory
    The purpose of this module is to carry out independent research on a relevant topic of their choice and develop an ability to analyse, evaluate and present information in a reflective and critical manner.
Is there any additional support for BSc accounting top up degree?

The University and the Faculty of Business and Law will organise an extensive Online Welcome Week Induction Programme awards with supplementary input for specific groups such as international students, mature learners and direct entrants. For Overseas Student, the university offers access to English Language Support.

In the Faculty of Business and Law private one to one online meetings/tutorials can be arranged when necessary. Tutors also respond extensively to email for simple queries. In addition to the Module Tutor and Programme Leader. All contact points are named in Student Guides and provide additional layers of support for the individual.

The use of a virtual learning environment is well developed within the Faculty of Business and Law, and makes good use of an electronic Managed Learning Environment called NILE, which is based on Blackboard. The NILE system will also be used to support staff in the dissemination of best practice and to facilitate discussion and the sharing of experience in the development and management of modules and programmes.

All accounting top up degree students have a named personal academic tutor (PAT). For the final year of the undergraduate awards, this is usually the students’ dissertation supervisor. All dissertation students receive one to one support. Changemaker Hub is also the mechanism for additional input from subjects such as that for careers.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees
  • Distance Learning: £5,860

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2025/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UON will adjust UK fees annually in line with Government Policy.

There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2025. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Scholarships and Fees and Funding pages.

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2024/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • Distance Learning: £5,060

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