AdvDip(CPD) ACCA Strategic Professional (Accountancy Professional Level 7 Apprenticeship)

• We accept a full range of qualifications that are appropriate for entry into this professional programme. For entry at foundation level these include A-levels, BTECs, AAT level 3 and T levels. At Applied Skills level these include the full AAT level 4 technician qualification. At Strategic Professional level these include students who already hold foundation and applied skills credits from the ACCA or holders of an accountancy degree that attracts maximum exemptions from the ACCA (foundation and applied skills levels).
• An applicant must possess GCSEs in English and Mathematics at grade 4-9 (or grade C or above) or hold an equivalent such as Functional Skills Level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy. If an applicant has yet to achieve these qualifications, then with their employer's support, they can complete suitable equivalents locally or with assistance from the University. Please contact apprentices@bolton.ac.uk for a list of acceptable GCSE equivalents, further information and support.
• If a candidate does not meet the standard entry requirements but has non-traditional qualifications or relevant experience, we'll be happy to consider their application.
• Applicants will attend a joint discussion with their employer and the University of Bolton. This combined interview and onboarding discussion fosters trust and sets the tone of the relationship between the applicant, their employer and our tutors.
• Admission to this programme is only available to applicants who meet ESFA eligibility criteria, including the following: 1) They are employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week in a role relevant to the apprenticeship. 2) They have valid residency status and the right to work in England and can provide a valid BRP card (valid beyond the end date of the programme including End-Point Assessment (EPA)), and a ‘Right to Work’ share code for validation. 3) Their employer is willing to sponsor them to spend a minimum of six hours per week of their time in off-the-job training, including attending the University (times and dates to be determined) for the duration of their course. Please note that an apprentice cannot be self-employed. ESFA eligibility criteria may change so please contact apprentices@bolton.ac.uk for up-to-date information.
• If English isn’t the applicant's first language, they will also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
• To be eligible for tuition fee funding through the Apprenticeship Levy, candidates should not normally have already completed a qualification at the same level as the proposed apprenticeship, unless that qualification was gained in a completely unrelated discipline.

Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

ACCA is ideal if you’re looking to become a chartered accountant in business or work in an accountancy, audit or tax firm. Organisations are looking for accountancy professionals who can understand the financial needs of the organisation, and who can evaluate and propose business solutions. The ACCA qualification is designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills that you’ll need.

This programme is accredited by Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), one of the leading professional bodies for accountants globally.

Apprentices will not be expected to pay tuition fees towards this programme. If your organisation has a wage bill of more than £3 million per annum, then it may be able to fund this apprenticeship through its Apprenticeship Levy contributions. If your organisation does not pay the levy, it will be eligible for government support to fund apprenticeships. This support, called co-investment, covers 95% of the apprenticeship's tuition fees, with your organisation funding the remaining 5% of the fees.

Home/EU Fees

Apprentices will need to be employed by your organisation for a minimum of 30 hours per week. Your organisation will also need to commit to sponsoring apprentices to complete this qualification.

For further information on how your organisation can access funds to support apprentices, please e-mail apprentices@bolton.ac.uk.

Whether you’re an employer, employee or school leaver, please visit our Apprenticeship web page for support and advice regarding apprenticeships.

International Fees

International applications are not possible for this course

As an international student you are not allowed to study this course because of the restrictions on your visa.

We offer a wide range of full-time courses in lots of different subjects, many of our courses start in September and January. If you would like to see what courses are available please visit our Course Search.

Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2025-26 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.

The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.

Programme structure

The typical duration of this programme is three years plus EPA with approximately 500 hours of tuition, however, there are multiple entry points allowing apprentices with recognised prior learning to join the programme to complete their studies and training towards the ACCA qualification.

Apprentices study with the university one day per week during term time, which provides the opportunity to use the facilities and meet with programme staff. Outside of term time apprentices undertake independent study and develop their knowledge and skills through practical application in the workplace.

Assessment takes place through coursework and exam and apprentices will then need to pass through the Gateway to take the End Point Assessment (EPA) in order to achieve their qualification.

With support from the employer, apprentices are required to spend 20% of paid working hours on studies and be able to evidence this. This is a statutory requirement for apprenticeships and the funding is conditional on this being met.

Off-the-job learning includes activities which have not previously been a part of the role or furthers apprentices’ development into new areas.

Teaching and assessment

The programme places emphasis on encouraging the group to explore different perspectives from their diverse backgrounds and varied experiences. Approaches to teaching vary depending on the module, but will be practice-led and research-informed, introducing apprentices to concepts and issues from specific subject areas.

Each module has 45 hours of scheduled tuition over 15 weeks towards either June or December external examinations with the ACCA. In addition, there is a significant number of scheduled tuition on the Strategic Business Leader module, which forms part of the EPA.

All classes will be on-campus and through face/to face teaching.

A range of summative assessment methods are used throughout the programme. These are related to module aims and learning outcomes, and include coursework content reviews and mock exams.

Upon completion of the qualification apprentices must complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) comprised of a portfolio of workplace evidence, demonstration of practice and professional discussion.

Applied Knowledge Modules

The Applied Knowledge papers provides students with a broad introduction to the world of finance and develop your essential understanding and techniques in accounting. These exams are:

• Business and Technology (BT)


• Financial Accounting (FA)


• Management Accounting (MA)

Applied Skills Modules

The Applied Skills papers build on existing knowledge and understanding and develop strong, broad and practical finance skills required of future strategic professional accountant in any sector or industry. These papers are:

• Corporate and Business Law (LW)


• Taxation (TX)


• Financial Reporting (FR)


• Performance Management (PM)


• Financial Management (FM)


• Audit and Assurance (AA)

Strategic Professional Modules

The Strategic Professional papers prepare students for future leadership positions. They develop the strategic vision using your unique blend of technical, ethical and professional skills. And you can specialise in areas that best suit your career ambitions. Students must complete both Essentials exams and choose two of the Options. These papers are:

Essentials

• Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)


• Strategic Business Leader (SBL)

Options

• Advanced Financial Management (AFM)


• Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)


• Advanced Taxation (ATX)


• Advanced Performance Management (APM)

Ethics and Professional Skills Module

Students are required to complete the ACCA Ethics and Professional Skills module which develops in students the complete range of skills that employers tell us they need. By introducing students to the full spectrum of advanced ethical and professional skills and exposing them to realistic business situations, our students are ready to shine with current employers and be really credible in the workplace.

Assessment methods

100% external examinations taken with the ACCA.

The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.