- An undergraduate course
in
Business and Management.
Introduction to bookkeeping and accounting
- On this page
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | B190 |
| Credits | 10 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| No residential school | |
This short course caters for people who want a good grounding in double-entry bookkeeping and the production of basic financial statements as well as anyone who wants to proceed to professional qualifications as bookkeepers, accounting technicians or fully qualified accountants. You’ll gain practical skills in Excel spreadsheets and double-entry bookkeeping, both manual and computerised, as well as knowledge and understanding of the essential principles, concepts, ethics and limitations that underpin bookkeeping and financial accounting. This course is a recommended preparatory course for our Professional Certificate in Accounting. It has a choice of start dates, and you decide how long to take over your studies, from twelve up to twenty-four weeks.
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What you will study
As this course leads to accreditation, it is not a ‘taster course’ as such. It is more demanding than most Level 1 courses and does require you to be highly committed to your studies, as it covers both introductory bookkeeping and accounting within a relatively short time period. This module uses the terminology of current UK GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), which is the terminology used predominantly in the UK by small and medium-sized businesses. The study of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is beyond the scope of this course. However, there is the opportunity to learn about IFRS in accounting modules at Level 2 and above where IFRS terminology is used.
The content of this course consists of the following:
- the basic principles, concepts, ethics, limitations and techniques central to bookkeeping and accounting
- the role of bookkeeping and accounting within for-profit organisations, not-for-profit organisations and the public sector
- the relationship between bookkeeping and accounting, including similarities and differences
- careers in bookkeeping and accounting, and the requirements for professional qualifications in the two subjects.
Students will learn the following practical and professional skills:
- perform basic operations with numbers, as required for bookkeeping and accounting
- perform basic operations with Excel spreadsheets, as required for bookkeeping and accounting
- complete all the steps required in a double-entry bookkeeping and accounting system from recording financial transactions in books of prime entry to preparing the profit and loss account/income statement and balance sheet
- a brief introduction to Sage accounting software
- develop the general practical and professional skills of bookkeeping and accounting
- develop awareness of relevant ethical issues for bookkeepers and accountants.
The likely audience of this course is students who want a good grounding in double-entry bookkeeping and accounting, and the production of basic financial statements. The course is of particular vocational relevance to students who want to progress to professional qualifications as bookkeepers, accounting technicians or fully qualified accountants.
The study material will be supported by CD-ROMs and web-based material.
Entry
Students should have some basic computer literacy and be familiar with basic financial documents and records, i.e. bank statements, invoices, receipts, credit notes, etc.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Outside the UK
The study material is aimed at students in the UK or in any location where current UK GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) is used.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Module Regulations and the Student Regulations which are available on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
Students will need to be able to access CD-ROM material in order to complete the learning outcomes of this course. Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader. Other alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Services for disabled students website for more information, including:
- help to determine your study requirements and how to request the support that you need
- Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)
- using a computer for OU study
- equipment and other support services that we offer
- examination arrangements
- how to contact us for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Course guide, study book, CD-ROM material and use of website.
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study this course. It includes online activities – you can access using a web browser – and some course software provided on disk.
- If you have purchased a new desktop or laptop computer running Windows since 2007 you should have no problems completing the computer-based activities.
- A netbook, tablet or other mobile computing device is not suitable for this course – check our Technical requirements section.
- If you have an Apple Mac or Linux computer – please note that you can only use it for this course by running Windows on it using Boot Camp or a similar dual-boot system.
You can also visit the Technical requirements section for further computing information including the details of the support we provide.
Teaching and assessment
Study support
Study support will be provided by a moderator-led online forum.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You must use the online eTMA system to submit your end-of-module assessment (EMA).
Professional recognition
Introduction to bookkeeping and accounting (B190) is accredited by the International Association of Book-keepers (IAB). The course provides exemption from both their Level 2 Certificate in Book-keeping and also their Level 3 Diploma in Accounting and Advanced Book-keeping. Therefore on successful completion of B190 students will be able to apply to become Members of the IAB.
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in May, August and November 2013 and February 2014. We expect it to be available four times a year.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Student Reviews
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Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor or study adviser will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information read Distance learning explained.
Undergraduate
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | B190 |
| Credits | 10 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| No residential school | |
Course satisfaction survey
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