Online Accounting Courses in the UK

There are two pathways to becoming an accountant in the UK. You can take an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in accounting or gain certification from one of the main accountant bodies listed below.

• AAT (Association of Accounting
• Technicians) accounting courses
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified
• Accountants) qualifications
• AIA (The Association of International
• Accountants) professional qualificationICAEW (Institute of Chartered
• Accountants in England and Wales) chartered accountant status
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)

Yes, all the main professional certificates are available to take online. There is also an increasing number of UK universities offering tutor-led accounting qualifications online.

You cannot become a charted accountant without a recognised accounting qualification. However, you do not need a degree to work in accounting. It is common for accountants to take professional accounting qualifications as their career develops.

The AAT offers entry-level accounting certificates that can then be used to progress to more advanced courses with the AAT or other professional bodies. It is typical for students taking the professional route to become a chartered accountant to combine study while working full-time.

Taking self-study accountancy courses with no tutor interaction or actual classes is possible. The first step is to ensure you have the essential numerical skills required to work in accountancy. Taking a short maths refresher course is sensible if you do not feel confident with numbers or have been out of education for a while. Once you are ready, most professional bodies offer self-paced study options and some universities, such as the University of London.