Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business
Accounting and Business · Equivalent to Year 2 of a UK bachelor's degree · online with LSIB
The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business is an Ofqual-regulated Level 5 extended diploma in Accounting and Business worth 240 credits (2400 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 two years, 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 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business?
The objective of the OTHM Level 5 Extended 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. Learners will build the knowledge and skills required for a career in a wide range of businesses, where accounting and business literacy are key skills for managers at all levels.
Learners will study level 4 and 5 units, worth 120 credits per academic year with a total credit value of 240 credits (equivalent to the first 2 years of an honours degree).
The Level 4 units lay the foundation for subsequent learning by providing an introduction to relevant accounting and business topics. The units combine 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.
Learners have the opportunity to progress and apply key skills and techniques to a variety of relevant subject areas through the Level 5 units. The course will provide learners with knowledge and skills in the areas of business strategy, financial management, planning, reporting and human resource management. Learners will also integrate their knowledge and skills from these disciplines and learn to produce a viable business plan.
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.
Who is this qualification for?
This Level 5 extended 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
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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 the English Language Expectations page.
Qualification structure and units
The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business qualification consists of 12 mandatory units, 240 credits, 2400 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and the recommended Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for this qualification is a minimum of 1200 hours.
To achieve the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business, learners must achieve 240 credits, of which 120 credits are at Level 4 (6 units) and 120 credits are at Level 5 (6 units).
| Unit | Type | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Writing and Research Skills | Mandatory | 20 |
| Business and the Economic Environment | Mandatory | 20 |
| Principles of Financial Accounting | Mandatory | 20 |
| Quantitative Methods in a Business Context | Mandatory | 20 |
| Management Accounting | Mandatory | 20 |
| Leading and Managing Teams | Mandatory | 20 |
| Principles and Concepts of Business Strategy | Mandatory | 20 |
| Financial Management | Mandatory | 20 |
| Financial Planning and Control | Mandatory | 20 |
| Financial Reporting | Mandatory | 20 |
| The Management of Human Resources | Mandatory | 20 |
| Business Start-up; Conception to Market | Mandatory | 20 |
| Total for the qualification | 240 | |
Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 610/0728/6.
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.
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 the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business provides learners the opportunity for a wide range of academic progressions including the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Accounting and Business qualification.
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 3 of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree programme. For more information visit the University Progressions page.
Fees and how to apply
The course fee for the Level 5 Extended 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.
| Duration mode | Length | Course fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard mode | 9 months | £950 |
| Accelerated mode / Fast-track | 6 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)
| Plan | Instalments | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | 5 × £190 | £950 |
| Quarterly | 2 × £475 | £950 |
| Pay in full (Save 5%) | 1 × £903 | £903 |
6 months (Accelerated / Fast-track)
| Plan | Instalments | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | 3 × £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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business
What is the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business equivalent to?
How many credits is the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business?
How long does the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business take?
Is the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business recognised?
Are there exams on the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business?
How do I apply for the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business with LSIB?
Progression path
- Level 4 Diploma
- Level 5 Extended Diploma
- Level 6 Diploma in Accounting and Business
Related OTHM qualifications
Other OTHM Accounting and Business qualifications
- Level 4 Diploma in Accounting and Business — 120 credits
- Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business — 120 credits
- Level 6 Diploma in Accounting and Business — 120 credits
Awarding organisation: OTHM Qualifications, regulated by Ofqual. Ofqual qualification number 610/0728/6.
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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