Programme structure
The typical duration of this programme is four years 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.
Accreditation
The course is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). As an ACCA Gold Learning Partner, we have 20+ years' experience delivering ACCA tuition.
Modules
Year 1
- Corporate and Business Law
- Performance Management
- Financial Reporting
Year 2
- Taxation
- Audit and Assurance
- Financial Management
Year 3
- Strategic Business Reporting
- Option Module 1
Year 4
- Option Module 2
- Strategic Business Leader (EPA)
Option modules
- Advanced Financial Management
- Advanced Performance Management
- Advanced Taxation
- Advanced Audit and Assurance
*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.
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 48 hours of scheduled tuition. In addition there are 64 hours of scheduled tuition on the Strategic Business Leader module, which forms part of the EPA.
A blended learning approach will be adopted through the university's student intranet My Studies. This enables the provision of learning resources specific to modules, the ‘study skills’ resource and provides access to the online library.
A range of summative assessment methods are used throughout the programme. These are related to module aims and learning outcomes, and include:
- coursework assignments
- exams.
Upon completion of the qualification apprentices must complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) comprised of:
- a portfolio of workplace evidence
- demonstration of practice
- professional discussion.
Employer and apprentice commitments
In order to deliver the programme, the employer undertakes to:
- conduct a workplace induction and set out a contract of employment
- provide a workplace mentor to supervise and monitor the progress of the apprentice
- release apprentice for scheduled off-the-job training
- ensure apprentices have continued protected time outside of term for off-the-job training
- provide opportunities in the workplace to meet work-based learning requirements.
Throughout the programme, apprentices will:
- attend the workplace for the agreed pattern as set out in the employment contract
- record all training sessions and off-the-job learning
- attend scheduled university learning sessions and complete all assessments as required by the university and End Point Assessment Organisation
- behave in a safe and responsible manner at the workplace and university
- engage with regular progress reviews
- complete, throughout the apprenticeship, a professional development portfolio.
Course leader
Nigel Padbury
Nigel is a principal lecturer and the course leader on our ACCA Professional Accountancy programmes.
He is a qualified chartered accountant and spent a number of years working at KPMG followed by considerable experience in the commercial sector in various managerial roles.
Nigel joined the University of Brighton in 2013. In addition to his Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) qualification, he's also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
Fees and funding information for apprentices
Course fees
As an apprentice the cost of your learning programme is covered by your employer through their Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.
Student finance
Higher and degree level apprentices are not eligible for any element of student finance. This is because they receive a salary instead of the student loan package. However, if you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 642 888.
Learning support
Apprentices studying at Higher and degree level may be able to access funding in relation to additional support but this is available through the university and not Disabled Students Allowance. Apprentices may also be able to apply for Access to Work funding for work-based equipment and software. Please contact the Disability and Dyslexia team on 01273 643 799.
Living costs and benefits
Higher and degree level apprentices must fulfil the standard eligibility criteria in order to apply for means tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit. If you have any questions about entitlement to benefits, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 642 888.
Higher and degree level apprentices who are undertaking a full-time mode of study can be treated as being exempt from paying Council Tax. Although some programmes require study on a day-release arrangement, this can still be classed as full-time study. You will need to obtain a letter from the Student Information Desk at any campus and send this to your Council Tax department when you enrol on the programme.
Other
Brighton & Hove bus discount
NUS card