Unit levels and syllabus aims
To find out more information about units at level 4, 5 and 7 download the full syllabus for each of the units where you can understand the aims, learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
Credit value
This is the number of credits that will be awarded to a learner who has achieved each unit. The credits that you achieve accumulate and can be used towards completion of the full ATHE accountancy qualifications or can be transferred towards additional study for example a top-up degree.
Guided learning hours (GLH)
This is an estimate of the amount of time, on average, required to achieve a unit to the appropriate standard.
14 units, three routes to membership
About IFA Direct unit levels
Level 4
Units at this level develop the relevant knowledge, skills and awareness needed in the accountancy and tax regulatory environment. You will also study the operational requirements for the accounting and finance function and learn what is expected of a professional accountant.
These units are suitable for those who:
- are entering the profession
- are wanting to build on their experience by undertaking a formal study pathway to membership of the IFA
- are wanting to progress to study Level 5 units
Level 5
These units have been designed to develop the understanding and skills of the regulatory requirements for tax and accountancy and how these frameworks are applied in the workplace.
Learners completing these units will build on their understanding of what is expected from a professional accountant at work and be able to produce and interpret a full range of financial information and accounts.
These units are suitable for those who:
- have completed an accountancy qualification at Level 4 or the IFA Direct Level 4 units
- are part-qualified leaners seeking a pathway to membership of the IFA
Level 7
These units have been designed to provide the advanced knowledge and skills required by senior finance professionals.
These units are suitable for those who:
- have completed an accountancy qualification at Level 5 or 6 or the IFA Direct Level 5 units
- are part-qualified learners seeking a pathway to membership of the IFA
| IFA Direct Units | Unit level | Credit value | GLH |
Intermediate Financial Accountant IFA AIPA route |
Associate Tax Adviser ATA route UK only |
Associate Financial Accountant AFA MIPA route |
| Financial Accounting 1 | 4 | 15 | 60 |  |
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| Financial Accounting 2 | 4 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Budgetary Control | 4 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Cost and Management Accounting | 4 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Personal Taxation | 4 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Business Environment | 4 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Law for Accounting | 4 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Financial Reporting | 5 | 30 | 120 | |
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| Financial Management | 5 | 30 | 120 | |
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| Financial and Management Control | 5 | 30 | 120 | |
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| Business Taxation | 5 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Assurance | 5 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Corporate Reporting for Strategic Business - Advanced | 7 | 20 | 60 | |
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| UK Taxation for Business and Individuals - Advanced | 7 | 20 | 60 | |
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