University of Derby

BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Top-Up)

Course Title

BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Top-Up)

Course Type

Top-Up

Course Level

Undergraduate

Study Method

Distance Learning

Start Date

September / January / May

Course Duration

12 months

Awarded & Delivered By

University of Derby
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Course Description

BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Top-Up) degree will give you a thorough understanding of Accounting and Business concepts. It is ideal if you want to become a professional accountant or work within the financial services sector. Having a solid grasp of Accounting and Finance is also an advantage in many other professions today, so even if you do not plan to work directly in financial services, you will find this programme valuable.
Our teaching staff are all professionally qualified and bring both industry and academic experience. They also teach on professional body courses such as ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), ensuring that what you learn is up to date and relevant to today’s business world.
Through your modules, you will develop a critical understanding of personal finance, investment theory and practice, and the causes of financial crises. You will learn to evaluate business situations from a strategic financial perspective, apply accounting tools and techniques to support decision‑making, and assess the implications of different courses of action for companies. You will also prepare and present a research proposal, critically review literature, and evaluate qualitative and quantitative research methods to support your Independent Study. In addition, you will apply concepts in management accounting control and performance measurement to real‑world scenarios, investigating and presenting appropriate responses to current business problems.

Course Content

For this top-up degree, you will need to complete a total of 120 credits. This will be made up from the core modules (adding up to 80 credits) and two of the optional 20-credit modules in your preferred area of Accounting and Finance.

Core modules

Financial Strategy focuses on advanced capital budgeting, capital structure, and dividend policy to maximize shareholder wealth. It blends theory, models, and practical tools with real-life case studies, encouraging critical analysis and effective communication of financial decisions. The module develops skills through seminars, workshops, and presentations, aligning with professional bodies like CIMA, CPA Australia, IFA, and ACCA. By completion, students can evaluate business situations strategically, apply financial techniques, and assess implications of corporate decisions.
Independent Study enables you to deepen prior learning through a dissertation that refines research skills. It involves analysing theories and concepts in real organisational contexts, producing an individual research project under academic supervision. The module develops competencies in research design, ethics, methodology, and data analysis across qualitative and quantitative approaches. By completion, you will independently deliver a substantive study, critically evaluating literature, methods, and outcomes to contribute meaningfully to your discipline.
Focuses on control, performance measurement, and strategic management accounting, emphasizing clear communication of insights.Covers budgeting, variances, benchmarking, incentives, ethical issues, and modern cost/pricing theories through lectures and seminars.

Optional modules

Explores corporate accountability beyond financials, including ethical, social, and environmental impacts. Covers integrated reporting, ESG metrics, circular economy principles, and case studies using Bloomberg tools.
Develops knowledge of international accounting standards, principles, and their application to financial reporting. Covers consolidated statements, business combinations, financial instruments, non‑financial reporting, and limitations of reporting
Focuses on interpreting company reports, forecasting, and evaluating internal/external factors affecting performance. Includes share price drivers, industry comparisons, vulnerability to events, and prediction of business success.
Explores personal finance decisions, investor biases, and the psychology/economics of financial markets. Covers pensions, savings, portfolio building, crises, regulation, and the role of financial institutions.

Study Method

The academic year is made up of three 10‑week terms, known as trimesters. About 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20‑credit module over a 10‑week trimester, is recommended. If you aim to study two modules in one trimester, 40 hours of study per week, is recommended.

If you choose the accelerated study plan, you should ensure that you have the capacity to fully engage with your studies and achieve the best grades and final award. Studying at the accelerated rate requires balancing approximately 40 hours of study

per week alongside your professional and personal commitments. It may be useful to begin with one module at the standard rate before deciding whether to increase to the accelerated rate.

There will be one or two virtual classrooms over the 10‑week trimester. If you are unable to attend, you will be able to download the session to view in your own time.

This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.

Whilst students are encouraged to become independent, life‑long learners, the University recognises the importance of providing the right support and guidance to help you achieve your goals. A wealth of support is available, including your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor.

Entry Requirements

  • Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Finance, or equivalent qualification.

  • If you have relevant work experience but no traditional qualifications, or if you have other professional qualifications (e.g. ILM, CMI), we still encourage you to apply as all applications are considered on an individual basis.

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This degree programme has intakes in September, January and May. Click the Enrol Now button and share your information so that one of our Academic Advisors will get in touch with you promptly.

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Progression

Upon completing the BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Top-Up), you will be able to progress directly into:

Accounting and Finance
  • Distance Learning
  • 12 months

MSc in Finance (Advanced Entry)

  • University of Leicester Logo
Accounting and Finance
  • Distance Learning
  • 09 months

MSc Finance and Management (Top-Up)

  • University Central Lancashire Logo
Accounting and Finance
Finance MSc by distance learning
  • Distance Learning
  • 24 months

MSc Finance

  • University of Leicester Logo

Course Fees

Please get in touch with us to get the most up-to-date course fee for this programme.

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Apply now to embark on your academic journey and unlock endless opportunities! Join our vibrant community of scholars and leaders, and pursue your passion with an internationally recognised British qualification.


Click Apply Now to start your application for the BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Top-Up) programme today.

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