Will the Advanced Diploma in Finance and Business give me ACCA exemptions?

Exemptions are decided by the professional body (ACCA, CIMA or AAT) based on your assessed learning. We recommend you apply to the body directly with your transcript.

Is this diploma equivalent to a degree?

No. It is a pre-degree qualification — substantial, but below bachelor's level. It can serve as a strong stepping stone to a finance or business degree.

Do I need a maths background?

Basic numerical confidence helps. The Advanced Diploma in Finance and Business teaches the analytical methods you need from the ground up.

Is this the right course if I want to start a business?

It is a sensible choice. The course gives you working financial literacy and a structured way to think about your business model. Real-world experience and a willingness to test ideas matter just as much.

Yes — on-campus, online and distance modes are available.

What does the diploma cost?

Fees vary by mode and intake. Contact admissions for the current schedule.

Advanced Diploma in Finance and Business | HICL London | Harold International College of London

Advanced Diploma in Finance and Business at HICL

The Advanced Diploma in Finance and Business sits at a serious pre-degree level for people who want a strong dual grounding in financial concepts and the broader running of a business. It is a sensible choice if you are not sure whether your future is in accounting, finance, banking or running your own company — the diploma exposes you to all of them in a structured way.

It is also a credible route for working professionals who picked up finance on the job and want a formal qualification to back up their CV.

Where finance and business meet

Plenty of finance courses treat business as decoration, and plenty of business courses skim over the numbers. Neither approach survives contact with reality. The Advanced Diploma in Finance and Business deliberately keeps both sides in view — you will work with management accounts, P&L thinking, basic corporate finance, and the strategic and entrepreneurial questions that decide whether the numbers actually mean anything.

Who This Diploma Is For

School leavers planning to pursue accounting (ACCA, CIMA, AAT), banking, or a business degree.
Working professionals in operations or admin roles moving into finance.
Entrepreneurs and family-business candidates who need stronger financial literacy.
International students preparing for further finance or business study in the UK.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Finance and Business typically move into junior finance, accounts assistant, business analyst, operations executive and entrepreneurial roles. Many use the diploma as a launching pad for further professional study (ACCA, CIMA, AAT) or a bachelor's degree.

How the Programme Is Delivered

Available on-campus, online and via distance learning. Module structure and intake calendar are confirmed at enrolment.

Entry Requirements

Completed secondary education or recognised equivalent.
IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent) for non-native English speakers.
Numerical confidence at a basic working level.

Apply for the Advanced Diploma in Finance and Business

If you want a credible, broad first qualification that opens both finance and business doors rather than locking you into one, the Advanced Diploma in Finance and Business is a strong fit. Click Enroll Now and admissions will respond within one working day.