BSc (Hons) Accounting Finance Manager (Degree Apprenticeship)
Become a confident, work-ready accounting and finance professional with Buckingham's Accounting Finance Manager degree apprenticeship.
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Course overview
About the course
Develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to excel as a confident, work-ready accounting and finance professional. This integrated apprenticeship combines university study with professional experience, allowing you to earn a degree while you work.
This degree is aligned with the Level 6 Accounting Finance Manager (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship standard.
The BSc (Hons) Accounting Finance Manager (Degree Apprenticeship) is delivered in person at our Buckingham campus. It blends academic learning with practical application, providing you with a structured pathway, whether you are an aspiring or current finance professional, to advance your career while remaining in employment. This integrated degree, delivered over 36 months, plus a 4-month End-Point Assessment period, develops the technical, analytical and strategic capabilities required to manage financial operations effectively.
Apprentices study key areas such as financial reporting, audit, taxation, corporate finance, management accounting, and strategic performance, alongside essential themes including ethics, sustainability and governance. The programme also emphasises digital transformation in finance, focusing on the use of AI, automation and data analytics tools within accounting and financial management to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and strategic insight.
Teaching is delivered in person at The University of Buckingham, with integrated work-based projects allowing apprentices to apply theory directly in their professional roles. The programme aligns with the Accounting Finance Manager apprenticeship standard, and is structured to meet the learning outcomes required for exemption consideration by ACCA, CIMA and CPA Australia.
On successful completion, apprentices will be awarded two qualifications:
- BSc (Hons) Accounting Finance Manager Degree (awarded by The University of Buckingham)
- Level 6 Accounting Finance Manager Apprenticeship (awarded by Skills England/EPA)
Together, these awards demonstrate both academic achievement and professional competence.
Course Highlights
- Emphasis on digital innovation and sustainability in finance
- Dual award: degree and apprenticeship combined
- Industry-informed curriculum shaped by employer input
- Aligned with ACCA, CIMA and CPA Australia exemption pathways
- Effective pathway to professional membership and leadership roles
- Ofsted-rated Good apprenticeship provider
- Delivered in-person with integrated workplace learning
- Small-group teaching
Industry accreditations
This programme is aligned with the curriculum requirements of leading professional bodies, including ACCA, CIMA, and CPA Australia, supporting graduates who wish to progress toward professional qualifications.
Students seeking to pursue ICAEW membership may be eligible for exemptions on an individual basis, subject to ICAEW’s review process.
Course breakdown
The apprenticeship runs over 36 months, plus up to four months for the End-Point Assessment (EPA).
Apprentices complete 240 academic credits at Levels 5 and 6, with a further 120 credits recognised through prior learning (Level 4). Each term combines university teaching, self-directed study, and structured work-based learning. This is supported by regular tripartite reviews between the University, the employer and the apprentice to monitor progress and ensure integration of academic and workplace learning.
Year 1
You will build a strong foundation in accounting and finance through modules such as Accounting Fundamentals for Managers, Applied Taxation and Compliance in Practice and Corporate Finance and Investment Decision-Making in Practice. You will develop essential financial reporting, costing and investment appraisal skills, all whilst applying these techniques directly in the workplace.
Year 2
During your second year, you will deepen your understanding of professional and strategic aspects of accounting through modules in Ethics, Governance and Legal Responsibilities, Strategic Performance and Sustainability Accounting in Practice, Applied Audit and Financial Fraud, and Applied Financial Markets and Derivatives. Apprentices explore governance, sustainability, audit practice, financial markets and the use of technology in performance and risk management.
Year 3
In the third year you will consolidate advanced knowledge in financial reporting, analysis and ESG disclosure through Applied Financial Reporting and ESG Disclosures. Apprentices strengthen their analytical, digital and professional judgement skills while preparing for the End-Point Assessment (EPA). This brings together academic learning and workplace experience through a work-based project report with a presentation, questions and answers, as well as a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of workplace evidence.
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Teaching and assessment
We keep class sizes small so you won’t get lost in the crowd. You will be assigned a personal tutor to support you every step of the way, and our academic and student support teams will ensure you have the tools to success in your studies. We value the quality of your learning experience.
Teaching methods
Teaching is delivered in-person at our Buckingham campus through a combination of interactive lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars led by experienced academics and finance professionals. Sessions are highly participative, encouraging discussion, problem-solving and the sharing of workplace experience.
You’ll learn through case studies, simulations and applied projects that connect theory to real business practice. Apprentices are encouraged to bring examples from their own organisations, helping to link classroom learning directly to workplace application.
Small class sizes mean you’ll get to know your lecturers and receive regular feedback and academic guidance. Your progress is also supported by regular tripartite reviews between the University, your employer and you, ensuring that university learning, professional development and workplace experience stay fully integrated.
Learning is supported by digital and analytical tools that reflect modern accounting and finance practice. The course places strong emphasis on employability, sustainability, ethical awareness and digital capability, preparing you for leadership in an evolving finance profession.
Assessment Methods
Assessment combines academic study with professional application so you can demonstrate both knowledge and competence. You’ll be assessed through coursework, exams, group presentations, reflective portfolios and applied workplace projects mapped to the apprenticeship knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Work-based assessments will allow you apply learning to live business situations and contribute to your apprenticeship portfolio.
The programme concludes with the End-Point Assessment (EPA), which brings together everything you’ve learned through a work-based project report with a presentation, questions and answers, and a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of workplace evidence. This ensures you graduate with both academic achievements and professional readiness.
After your course
On completion, apprentices will have developed the technical expertise, strategic awareness and leadership skills required for senior finance roles. The apprenticeship prepares you to lead financial operations, contribute to business strategy and drive performance improvement within your organisation.
Graduates commonly progress into roles such as Finance Manager, Management Accountant, Financial Analyst, Financial Controller, or Head of Finance, depending on their professional experience and sector.
You’ll also be well placed to continue your professional development, for example, by pursuing chartered status with ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, or CPA Australia. Progression to postgraduate study is also possible, with options such as a Level 7 Accountancy or Senior Leader Apprenticeship, or an MSc in Finance, MSc in Accounting, or an MBA.
Here are just some of the career opportunities and skills that can stem from studying on this course:
Career opportunities
- Accounting and Finance Manager
- Management Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Controller
- Head of Finance
- Audit or Tax Specialist.
Career skills
- Strategic and financial leadership
- Analytical and data-driven decision-making
- Ethical and governance awareness
- Financial reporting and risk management
- Digital and analytical literacy
- Communication, teamwork, and presentation.
Careers and Employability Support
Our courses strive to effectively combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. The Buckingham tutorial teaching model means that our students are well prepared as they embark on their careers and future study.
Find out more about our Careers and Employability Service.
Postgraduate study
Our two-year degrees mean you can begin your postgraduate studies quicker than your peers.
“Buckingham helped make the impossible, possible. The strong support offering and small class tutorials make the degree less daunting.”
Reni, Undergraduate student
Entry requirements
See our general University entry requirements for information on flexible entry, mature students and alternative qualifications.
UK Offers
To be eligible for this programme, applicants must:
- Have successfully completed a Level 4 qualification or apprenticeship in a relevant discipline, for example, the Professional Accounting Technician (Level 4 Apprenticeship) or an equivalent accounting, finance, or business qualification; or
- Demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience through the University’s Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) process.
Applicants must also have:
- GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent qualifications.
- Ongoing employment in a relevant accounting or finance role, with the support of their employer to undertake the apprenticeship.
Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant professional experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis through RPL assessment.
International Applicants
We have a number of standard entry requirements for our international applicants:
If you are uncertain on whether you will be eligible to apply for this course, please contact our Admissions team.
Course fees
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | 1st Year | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 | |
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
The total cost of the BSc (Hons) Accounting Finance Manager (Degree Apprenticeship) is £27,000, which is the maximum funding band approved by Skills England.
This degree is aligned with the Level 6 Accounting Finance Manager (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship standard.
Apprenticeships are fully funded by the employer through the Apprenticeship Levy for levy-paying employers. The maximum cost for this apprenticeship is £27,000, which is the approved funding band set by Skills England.
There is no cost to the employee undertaking the apprenticeship.
Your business will be paying the Apprenticeship Levy each month if it:
- Has an annual pay bill of more than £3 million, or
- Is connected to any companies or charities for Employment Allowance purposes and has a combined annual pay bill of more than £3 million.
The Apprenticeship Levy is an amount paid at a rate of 0.5% of an employer’s annual wage bill and is collected monthly through Pay as You Earn (PAYE).
Employers who do not pay the Levy can still access this programme through government co-investment, with the government funding 95% of the cost and the employer contributing 5%.
You can view the official Find Apprenticeship Training page for the Level 6 Accounting Finance Manager (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship (ST1303) on the gov.uk website.
Scholarships and bursaries
How to apply
We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form, or through UCAS.
Apply direct
Apply online from this page as:
- The most flexible option.
- You can apply until shortly before the course starts.
- There are no application fees.
- Apply as an additional option to your UCAS choices.
You can apply directly through our website by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button.
Apply via UCAS
Alternatively, if you do not wish to apply directly with us, you can apply via UCAS where you can easily make Buckingham one of your UCAS choices.
Do bear in mind that the application and decision deadline are set by UCAS and there is an application fee to UCAS.