ACCA, or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, is a globally recognized accounting qualification designed to shape financial professionals of the future. In the UK, ACCA is one of the most sought-after designations for those following careers in finance, audit, tax, and management accounting. With more than 240,000 members and 540,000 students in 180+ countries, the qualification offers a gateway to international opportunities in finance. ABNEducation provides expert guidance for students desiring to follow ACCA in the UK.
Why Choose ACCA in the UK?
The UK is considered the core of ACCA qualification, offering unparalleled resources, academic support, and networking opportunities. Studying ACCA in the UK through trusted partners of ABNEducation provides:
- Direct access to world-class tutors and institutions
- Alignment with UK and international financial regulations
- Enhanced job market prospects in top financial cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh
- Visa advantages and study pathways for international students
Moreover, employers across the UK recognize and value the strict standards of the ACCA qualification, making it one of the most employable credentials in the finance industry.
Eligibility Criteria for ACCA in the UK
To enrol in the ACCA program in the UK, applicants must meet at least one of the following:
- Two A-levels and three GCSEs (including Maths and English)
- A bachelor’s degree (any discipline)
- Completed AAT qualification
- Relevant work experience (with additional requirements)
Students without proper qualifications can still start with the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) route and progress into the complete ACCA program. ABNEducation advisors can help you choose the right path.
Steps to Become ACCA Certified
ACCA Exam Structure
ACCA comprises 13 exams split across three levels:
- Applied Knowledge (3 papers)
- Applied Skills (6 papers)
- Strategic Professional (4 papers)
Students can take up to four papers every six months, giving them the freedom to learn at their own pace.
Work Experience Requirements
You must complete 36 months of relevant work experience, verified by a qualified supervisor, to become fully certified.
Ethics and Professional Skills Module
All ACCA students must complete an online Standards and Professional Skills Module (EPSM) designed to improve decision-making, communication, and ethical judgment.
Top ACCA-Certified Universities in the UK
ABNEducation suggests the following top ACCA-approved institutions in the UK:
- University of London
- Offers distance and on-campus ACCA programs
- Integrated BSc in Accounting and Finance with ACCA exemptions
- University of Glasgow
- Tailored postgraduate programs aligned with ACCA modules
- London School of Business and Finance (LSBF)
- Platinum Approved Learning Partner by ACCA
- Offers flexible online and in-class ACCA training
- BPP University
- Offers ACCA courses in London, Birmingham, Manchester
- University of South Wales
- ACCA-accredited MSc Accounting and Finance
- Kaplan Financial
- Known for high pass rates and industry-relevant training
- University of Exeter
- Offers ACCA-aligned degrees with multiple exemptions
ABNEducation can help you in applying to any of these institutions with full application support.
ACCA Course Duration and Cost in the UK
Course Duration
The average time to complete the ACCA qualification is 3 to 4 years.
- Full-time students (with exemptions): 2.5 – 3 years
- Part-time professionals: 3.5 – 4.5 years
Cost of ACCA in the UK
- Registration/subscription fees: £120 – £135/year
- Examination fees: £84 – £210 per exam
- Tuition per paper: £400 – £1,000 depending on provider
ABNEducation also helps students find scholarships and funding options.
Career Opportunities After ACCA
Positions for ACCA Professionals:
- Financial Accountant
- Internal Auditor
- Tax Specialist
- Business Analyst
- CFO
Top UK Employers Hiring ACCA Graduates:
- Big Four (PwC, KPMG, EY, Deloitte)
- HSBC
- Barclays
- Shell UK
- British Airways
- HMRC
ABNEducation stays updated on employer trends to guide you toward high-demand career paths.
Benefits of ACCA Qualification
Flexibility and Global Reach
ACCA is recognized in over 180 countries and is ideal for those seeking global mobility.
High Earning Potential
Experienced ACCA professionals can earn competitive salaries in the UK and abroad.
Career Progression
Graduates can advance to roles such as:
- Finance Manager
- CFO
- Head of Internal Audit
ABNEducation provides career counselling to help you make the most of your ACCA journey.
Conclusion
Earning an ACCA qualification in the UK is a powerful investment in your future. With guidance from ABNEducation, students can access top-tier universities, prepare with expert support, and unlock global career opportunities. Whether you’re just starting or transferring from another program, ABNEducation is here to guide you every step of the way.
For more detailed information or to get started with your ACCA application, visit ABNEducation.
