Northampton Business School offer IAT Certified members the opportunity to study for BA (Hons) in International Accounting through Distance Learning. BA (Hons) is a three year program. IAT members are admitted to the third year of the program, thus saving two years of study time and fee.
This course studies Accounting and Finance from an international perspective and to international standards The programme builds upon the technical and vocational approach of accounting professional qualifications and is benchmarked against accounting professional standards. Therefore the programme offers a blend of technical accounting and encourages students to take a critical and analytical approach to their understanding of current accounting practice.
The course is challenging and hard work but the upside for successful students will be a real sense of achievement, an improved skill set and increased career opportunities. It enables you to combine your work with distance learning study.
Introduction to Northampton Business School
With over 30 years experience, Northampton Business School (NBS) is renowned for high quality teaching and research, supported by strong links with industry and commerce. We offer a full range of part-time accounting, finance and management and professional courses at certificate, diploma and Masters level. With over seventy staff we are able to draw on expertise for teaching, research and consultancy in: Accounting, Business Strategy, Economics, Human Resource Management, Information Sciences, Languages, Management, and Marketing. NBS has over 2,500 students including 800 students studying part-time or by distance learning and 600 international students from outside the European Union.
Course Content
All modules are compulsory and are designed to give a balanced approach to the study
of Accounting. The course is split into semesters and the 'standard' version of the course enables students to complete two modules at a time, involving about 8-10 hours per week of distance learning study. Students can complete the course in 15 months as follows:
Semester I
• Strategic Management
• Accounting and Finance for Managers
Semester 2
• International Money and Finance
• Audit & Investigations
Semester 3
• Dissertation
It is possible to study the course at a more relaxed 'flexible' pace; students can take one module per semester and complete the course in 27 months.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are expected to have successfully completed an accounting qualification of the following professional body; IFA, AIA, IAT or are members of the AAT or hold an HND in Business/Finance or its equivalent. Please note that NBS will consider any International Accounting professional qualification provided the university can be satisfied its equivalence to the above. If English is not your first language you must provide evidence that you will be able to study at degree-level in English. You will be required to show that your use of English is equivalent to IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550/213.
Timetable information
Study Plan - September/October start - Enrol by end of August
| Semester 1 | Start | End | Assessment 1 | Assessment 2 |
| Strategic Management | Sept/Oct | Feb | e-portfolio | 2500 word essay |
| Accounting and Finance for Manager | Sept/Oct | Feb | Time constrained e- tests | 2500 word essay |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| International Money and Finance | March | June | 2500 word essay | 2500 word essay |
| Audit and Investigations | March | June | 2500 word essay | 2500 word essay |
| Dissertation | March | Dec | 10,000 research project incorporating interim report and final report | |
Study Plan - February/March start-Enrol by the end of January
| Semester 1 | Start | End | Assessment 1 | Assessment 2 |
| Strategic Management | Feb/Mch | End June | e-portfolio | 2500 word essay |
| Accounting and Finance for Manager | Feb/Mch | End June | Time constrained e- tests | 2500 word essay |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| International Money and Finance | Sept | Feb | 2500 word essay | 2500 word essay |
| Audit and Investigations | Sept | Feb | 2500 word essay | 2500 word essay |
| Dissertation | July | Feb | 10,000 research project incorporating interim report and final report | |
KEY FACTS Information for students
Q : When does the course start?
A : You can choose to start in either September or February.
Q : How long does the course last?
A : It normally takes 15 months but there is some flexibility in the course so that you can take one module each semester. This will of course mean that you will take longer to complete
What is NILE?
NILE stands for the Northampton Integrated Learning Environment. It is the University's Managed Learning Environment (MLE), which provides access to support and resources for web-based and web-enhanced courses at the University. NILE is supported by software called Blackboard.
The purpose of NILE is to create an online space where tutors and students can communicate and share information and resources. It provides a repository for documents, course handbooks etc., a space for discussion and debate, and a forum for online assessment and submission of assignments. NILE can be accessed 24 hours a day from any computer with an internet connection, providing increased flexibility for course delivery and a wide variety of tools for learning and teaching.
What are the assessment regulations?
There are standard assessment criteria detailed in the University student guide. The required assessments and submission dates for each module will be communicated to you through NILE. The submission dates are NOT flexible so you will need to plan your work and recreational activities carefully. All assessments are submitted online through NILE
Where do I attend?
The course is delivered by supported e-based distance learning. You do not have to attend classes at the University of Northampton.
What learning support do I receive?
In addition to the course material, you will have a tutor for each module who can be consulted on all academic issues. You also have access to all the University's on line facilities.
If I achieve this qualification, what then? You are eligible to enter post graduate programmes of any university worldwide that value a UK honours degree.
What are Top Up Degrees? Top up degrees are qualifications that are designed to:
- Provide progression from intermediate qualification to an honours degree
- equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in your current and future role at work
- provide a flexible form of learning so that you can study at a pace that fits in with your other commitments
- provide a route to higher level qualifications
In addition, the BA (Hons) in International Accounting focuses on enhancing your financial and accounting capabilities in the context of your workplace
Why the BA (Hons) International Accounting?
We believe this degree is special:
- it is one of only a handful of top up degrees in the UK that is specifically designed to be studied by distance learning
- uniquely it is backed by the accounting professional bodies such as the AAT, IFA and AIA who were fully involved in its recognition as a progression opportunity for accounting students
- taught to International Financial Reporting Standards
- it is delivered by e-based distance learning, therefore it can be accessed anywhere in the world
FULL PRICE OF THE COURSE IS £2,950.00