OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Accounting and Business

Overview

The objective of the OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Accounting and Business qualification is to provide learners with an understanding of accounting and business in the broader business context, and to provide them with the practical, industry-focused skills to manage business finances, budgets and cash flow effectively, and to play a key role in business growth.

The Level 4 units combine both theoretical and practical knowledge in academic and research skills, the business and economic environment, quantitative methods, financial accounting, management accounting, and leading and managing teams.

Successful completion of this qualification will equip learners with the specialist skills and technical terminology to develop their accounting and business and management skills and to progress to further study or employment.

Entry requirements

These qualifications are designed for learners who are typically aged 18 and above.

The entry profile for learners is likely to include at least one of the following:

• Relevant Level 3 Diploma qualification or equivalent qualification
• GCE Advanced level in 2 subjects or equivalent qualification
• Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management experience (learners must check with the delivery centre regarding this experience prior to registering for the programme)
• English requirements: If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country, they must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit English Language Expectations page.

Equivalences

OTHM qualifications at Level 4 represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Year 1 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme.

Qualification structure

The OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Accounting and Business qualification consists of 6 mandatory units, 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and the recommended Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for this qualification is a minimum of 600 hours.

Mandatory units

• Academic Writing and Research Skills (20 credits)
• Business and the Economic Environment (20 credits)
• Principles of Financial Accounting (20 credits)
• Quantitative Methods in a Business Context (20 credits)
• Management Accounting (20 credits)
• Leading and Managing Teams (20 credits)

Duration and delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over two academic years for full-time study but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning. The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, and online by approved centres only.

Assessment and verification

All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the Assessor.

The Assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.

Progressions

Successful completion of the OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Accounting and Business qualification provides learners the opportunity for a wide range of academic progressions including progression to relevant OTHM Level 5 Diplomas, including the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business qualification.

The Level 4 Diploma in Accounting and Business has been developed with career progression and professional recognition in mind. As this qualification is approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), learners are eligible to gain direct entry into Year 2 of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree programme. For more information visit University Progressions page in this website.