Key facts at a glance

  • What: The BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance at Bloomsbury Institute London is accredited by both ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CIMA (the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants).
  • Why it matters: Students earn a full undergraduate degree and gain exemptions from professional exams at the same time, so they reach chartered status sooner.
  • Exemptions: Up to 9 of 13 ACCA papers and up to 8 of 16 CIMA modules.
  • Degree validation: Birkbeck, University of London validates the degree.
  • Routes: 3-year degree, 2-year accelerated degree, or 1-year top-up.
  • Intakes: February, June and October 2027.
  • Fees: £9,790 per year for UK students. Student Finance is available.

What is ACCA and CIMA accreditation?

ACCA and CIMA are two of the world's leading professional bodies for accountants. When a degree is accredited by them, its modules are recognised as meeting the standard of some of their professional exams. Graduates are then exempt from those exams and start their professional qualification further along.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is one of the world's most prominent accountancy bodies. The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is one of the world's leading bodies for management accountants, with more than 597,000 members and students in 188 countries.

Our BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance is accredited by both, so you graduate with exemptions from two professional qualifications, not one.

What is the difference between ACCA and CIMA?

Both qualifications lead to chartered status, but they prepare you for different kinds of finance careers:

  • ACCA leads to becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant. It covers the full breadth of accountancy, including financial reporting, audit, tax and financial management, and suits careers in accountancy practice or industry.
  • CIMA leads to becoming a Chartered Management Accountant. It focuses on management accounting, strategy, risk and decision-making, and suits finance roles inside businesses.

With a dual-accredited degree, you don't have to choose before you start. You can decide which route fits your career once you know where you want to work.

The benefits of studying an ACCA and CIMA accredited degree

1. Exemptions from two professional bodies

Most accounting students finish their degree and then start professional exams from the beginning. On our BSc, your degree counts towards your professional qualification. You graduate with a BSc (Hons) validated by Birkbeck, University of London, plus up to 9 ACCA exemptions and up to 8 CIMA exemptions.

2. Less time and cost to qualify

The ACCA Qualification requires 13 papers and the Ethics and Professional Skills module. Our graduates are exempt from 9 of those papers, so only 4 remain, alongside the Ethics and Professional Skills module and 36 months of supervised experience. Fewer exams means less time studying and lower exam fees on the way to chartered status.

3. Your career options stay open

Dual accreditation gives you a choice of professional routes, and the degree prepares you for a wide range of roles, including:

  • Chartered Accountant (ACCA)
  • Management Accountant (CIMA)
  • Auditor or Tax Advisor
  • Financial Analyst or Investment Analyst
  • Finance Manager or Corporate Treasurer
  • Forensic Accountant

4. Skills employers are looking for

You build practical skills in financial reporting, taxation, auditing and strategic management accounting. These are the core competencies accountancy firms and finance teams recruit for, from mid-tier practices to Big Four firms and corporate finance departments.

5. Small cohorts and 1-to-1 support

You study in small cohorts with personalised 1-to-1 tutoring, so your tutors know you and can help you progress. BSc Accounting & Finance student Gamar Abdien describes the support:

"When you ask for help, you immediately get the support you need. I haven't missed a single lesson, because I just enjoy being here."

Gamar Abdien, BSc Accounting & Finance student

6. Recognised for the quality of our teaching

In the National Student Survey 2026, 88% of UK students at Bloomsbury Institute rated their teaching positively. Students also have full access to Birkbeck's library and academic resources.

What happens after you graduate?

  • To become a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA): complete the 4 remaining ACCA papers, the Ethics and Professional Skills module and 36 months of supervised experience.
  • To become a Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA): complete the remaining CIMA modules and CIMA's practical experience requirements.

Many graduates start a finance role and study for their professional qualification at the same time, putting their degree to work straight away.

ACCA and CIMA in 2026: what has changed?

CIMA upgraded its CGMA Professional Qualification syllabus for exams from May 2026. The update puts more focus on finance business partnering, analytical thinking and strategic planning, and adds topics such as sustainability and emerging technology, including generative AI. Our BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance remains accredited by both ACCA and CIMA.

Who is this course for?

The BSc Accounting & Finance is a strong fit if you:

  • Want to become a chartered accountant as quickly as possible
  • Are deciding between ACCA and CIMA and want to keep both options open
  • Are returning to education as a mature student or changing career
  • Want a degree with full university standing and professional recognition
  • Prefer small classes and personal support from your tutors

Entry requirements

  • Standard entry: A Levels at BBC (112 UCAS tariff points) or equivalent Level 3 qualifications, plus GCSE English Language or Literature at grade 4/C or above.
  • Non-standard entry: Applicants without traditional qualifications are considered case by case and may be invited to an academic interview.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Routes are available for entry into Years 2 and 3, subject to approval.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bloomsbury Institute BSc Accounting & Finance accredited by ACCA and CIMA?

Yes. The BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance is accredited by both the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

How many ACCA exemptions do I get?

Graduates are exempt from 9 of the 13 ACCA papers. To become a Chartered Certified Accountant, you then complete 4 more papers, the Ethics and Professional Skills module and 36 months of supervised experience.

How many CIMA exemptions do I get?

Graduates are granted up to 8 exemptions from the 16 CIMA modules required to become a Chartered Management Accountant.

Who awards the degree?

The degree is validated by Birkbeck, University of London.

What is the difference between ACCA and CIMA?

ACCA covers the full range of accountancy, including audit, tax and financial reporting, and suits careers in practice or industry. CIMA focuses on management accounting and business strategy, and suits finance roles inside organisations.

Is there an accelerated option?

Yes. A 2-year accelerated route leads to the same BSc (Hons) degree.

Is Student Finance available?

Yes. Eligible UK students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the full £9,790 annual fee and a Maintenance Loan towards living costs.

Take the next step

Our BSc Accounting & Finance is open for February, June and October 2027 entry. Explore the course, book an Open Day, or contact our Student Recruitment team at [email protected].