RQF Level 5 Diploma Ofqual-regulated

Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business

Accounting and Business · Equivalent to Year 2 of a UK bachelor's degree · online with LSIB

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The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business is an Ofqual-regulated Level 5 diploma in Accounting and Business worth 120 credits (1200 hours of total qualification time), delivered online and flexibly by LSIB, an OTHM approved centre. It is equivalent to Year 2 of a UK bachelor's degree. Most learners complete it in one year, studying part-time around work. You can apply online today, download the brochure, or ask for the full course details by email.

What is the Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business?

Accounting and finance are at the very heart of business operations. From banking to manufacturing, from huge service industries to micro businesses, the ability to manage, plan and account for money is still the ultimate measure of business success and the key driver of growth.

The objective of the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required by a middle manager in an organisation that may be involved in the areas of business strategy, financial management, financial reporting, financial planning/control and human resource management. Learners will also integrate their knowledge and skills and learn about the world of Business start-ups and how to develop a business plan.

Who is this qualification for?

This Level 5 diploma suits learners who hold a Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience and want second-year degree-level knowledge in accounting and business.

  • Study fully online with tutor support from LSIB, with no fixed timetable.
  • Assessment by assignments, so you can evidence learning from your own workplace.
  • Each level carries 120 credits, so you can progress one level at a time.

Entry requirements

For entry onto the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business qualification, learners must possess:

  • Relevant Level 4 diploma or equivalent recognised qualification
  • Learner must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the course
  • Mature learners (over 21) with management experience (learners must check with the delivery centre regarding this experience prior to registering for the programme)

If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit English Language Expectations page.

Qualification structure and units

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business consists of 6 mandatory units for a combined total of 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.

UnitTypeCredits
Principles and Concepts of Business StrategyMandatory20
Financial ManagementMandatory20
Financial Planning and ControlMandatory20
Financial ReportingMandatory20
The Management of Human Resources (20 creditsMandatory—
Business Start-up: Conception to MarketMandatory20
Total for the qualification120

Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 610/1479/5.

Duration and delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over one academic year 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, online by approved centres only.

At LSIB the qualification is delivered online: you receive the unit materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit assignments when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.

How you are assessed

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.

Progression and career routes

Successful completion of Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business qualification provides learners the opportunity for a wide range of academic progressions including progression to Level 6 Diploma in Accounting and Business, and other relevant OTHM Level 6 Diplomas.

The Level 5 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 the final year of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree.

For more information visit University Progressions page.

Fees and how to apply

The course fee for the Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business at LSIB depends on how quickly you choose to complete the qualification. Every programme is available in two duration modes.

Course fees by duration mode
Duration modeLengthCourse fee
Standard mode9 months£950
Accelerated mode / Fast-track6 months£1,250

The fee is payable in monthly or quarterly instalments. It includes tuition, learning materials, assessment and OTHM registration and certification.

Fee payment plans

9 months (Standard mode)

Standard mode payment plans
PlanInstalmentsTotal
Monthly5 × £190£950
Quarterly2 × £475£950
Pay in full (Save 5%)1 × £903£903

6 months (Accelerated / Fast-track)

Fast-track payment plans
PlanInstalmentsTotal
Monthly3 × £416£1,248
Pay in full (Save 5%)1 × £1,188£1,188

You can avail a 5% discount if you pay the full course fee upfront in one instalment (bursary amounts shown in the tables).

The enrolment fee is £10 when you submit your application. It is separate from the course fee above.

  1. Apply and pay the £10 enrolment fee Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Complete the form, upload your ID and qualification certificates (or a CV showing relevant experience), and pay the £10 enrolment fee to submit.
  2. Application review and course-fee link Admissions review your application within one working day. If you are approved, we email you a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan.
  3. Start your course As soon as your course fee (or first instalment, if you chose a plan) is paid, you receive your learning-platform login and can begin the first unit. There is no fixed intake date.

Frequently asked questions about the Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business

What is the Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business equivalent to?
The Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business sits at Level 5 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Equivalent to Year 2 of a UK bachelor's degree.
How many credits is the Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business?
The qualification carries 120 credits, with 1200 hours of Total Qualification Time and 600 Guided Learning Hours. Credits are awarded per unit on successful completion.
How long does the Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business take?
OTHM designs the qualification to be completed in one year of full-time study; LSIB delivers it online so you can study part-time and pace the assignments around work.
Is the Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business recognised?
Yes. OTHM Qualifications is an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual in England, and this qualification is listed on the Ofqual register under qualification number 610/1479/5. LSIB is an OTHM approved centre.
Are there exams on the Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business?
No. OTHM qualifications are assessed by written assignments for each unit, marked by the centre and externally verified by OTHM.
How do I apply for the Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business with LSIB?
Apply online through the LSIB application portal (Apply now), pay the £10 enrolment fee, and upload your documents. Admissions review your application within one working day. If approved, you receive a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan. You start as soon as course fee payment clears.

Progression path

  1. Level 4 Diploma
  2. Level 5 Diploma
  3. Level 6 Diploma in Accounting and Business

Related OTHM qualifications

Other OTHM Accounting and Business qualifications

Who awards and delivers this qualification

Awarding organisation: OTHM Qualifications, regulated by Ofqual. Ofqual qualification number 610/1479/5.

Delivery centre: London School of International Business Ltd (LSIB), 622 Crown House, North Circular Road, Park Royal, London NW10 7PN — OTHM approved centre since 2007.

Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF); facts on this page are taken from it and re-checked nightly.

Last reviewed 18 October 2026Published by LSIB admissions team

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