The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has granted accreditation to the UK’s “largest” academic institution, The Open University’s (OU) Bachelor of Science (BSc) Accounting and Finance degree.
This move marks the first time a distance learning course has obtained formal recognition from the professional body.
This development introduces a new pathway for individuals seeking the chartered accountant (CA) qualification, allowing students from more than 180 nations to pursue the professional degree.
The degree offers foundational knowledge in accounting and finance, and covers topics such as law, governance, auditing, financial reporting, and taxation.
Graduates can have up to five exemptions right from the first stage of the CA qualification through the ICAS Accredited Programme, thereby aiding students to qualify as a chartered accountant Faster.
ICAS executive director of learning Gail Boag said: “We’re committed to providing access to the accountancy profession which is inclusive and flexible. We’re particularly pleased to be working with one of the world’s largest universities, which has championed widening access to higher education in the UK since its founding.
“By accrediting the OU’s accounting degree, we are opening the door for more students from various backgrounds to gain the skills, knowledge and professional recognition needed to build rewarding careers in accountancy.”
ICAS’s decision to accredit this programme comes after it expanded its Graduate Apprenticeship scheme in Scotland’s Central Belt, which forms part of broader efforts to increase accessibility to the CA qualification.
The Open University claims to have taught more than 2.3 million pupils globally since its inception in 1969.
The Open University Accounting senior lecturer Dr Karin Shields said: “We’re proud that our BSc Accounting and Finance degree is accredited by ICAS, recognising the high standards and professional relevance of our programme.”
In September 2025, ICAS issued a call to action for stakeholders to provide their insights on the government’s recent series of consultations concerning the UK’s sustainable finance strategy.
