F I N A N C I A L - A CC A CO U R SE B R O C H U R E

ACCA COURSE BROCHURE

DETA ILS IN SIDE *

Making the Difference in ACCA

BUILDING FUTURES

Over 17,000 students trust us with their ACCA studies, making us market leaders in the UK. We are the only provider whose students achieved the worldwide gold, silver and bronze awards for the December 2007 and June 2008 exam sittings Our average pass rates are up to 25% higher than the ACCA worldwide average We have over 360 customer service staff across the country meaning we have more dedicated local support staff than any other national provider We are the only provider to offer a fully integrated online testing platform, using EN-gage to measure and benchmark your progress against other students in the UK.

NEW FOR 2009 Pre-revision EN-gage online tests making sure youre ready for your revision course Flexible payment terms to help you through the difficult economic climate *.

*terms and conditions apply

CONTENTS

Why choose Kaplan Financial? A Kaplan success story Ways to study with us How we support you through your studies EN-gage study materials Route to ACCA qualification Getting started with ACCA Continuing your studies How to enrol Contact us

3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

WHY CHOOSE KAPLAN FINANCIAL?

Kaplan Financial is the UKs largest accountancy training provider with over 35,000 trainees trusting us each year. We aim to make the difference; by supporting you to build a successful future.
Excellence
We have been delivering expert training for over 50 years and have a proven track record of excellence. Over 17,000 students trust us with their ACCA studies, making us market leaders in the UK. Our students regularly achieve average pass rates up to 25% higher than ACCA worldwide average. The majority of our UK wide centres have been awarded ACCAs Platinum status the highest honour ACCA gives tuition providers rewarding both our commitment and dedication to our students. Our tutors are specialist lecturers, with both exam and industry experience so understand what you need to pass. They are frequently recognised for excellence, and in both 2007 and 2008 Kaplan tutors were awarded Tutor of the Year by PQ Magazine. Our sister company, Kaplan Publishing, is an ACCA approved publisher so you can be assured that the materials we provide meets the examiners high standards. Our courses and materials are written by our own in-house content specialists and are exam focused and adapted for each level of the ACCA qualification. Examples of our range of materials include:

Innovation
We are the only provider to offer a fully integrated online testing platform, using EN-gage, which enables you to test your knowledge, identify areas of weakness and benchmark yourself against other students in the UK. Our interactive real time testing platform also enables the tutor to tailor the next days' lecture to address any issues identified by the overnight test done on the previous days work. For 2009 we have improved EN-gage by introducing pre-revision online tests to prepare you for your revision course. EN-gage also hosts our interactive learning materials, which are available online enabling you to study at any time and place that suits you. All our conveniently located centres offer FREE internet access and are WIFI enabled. Private study facilities are available whenever you need them, including evenings and weekends.

Texts and assessments written by specialists Online fully integrated materials and tests Podcasts and video lectures.

WHY CHOOSE KAPLAN FINANCIAL?

Our People
We understand that professional studies can be challenging and it is critical to your success that you are fully supported throughout. We have the people and the passion to get you through your exams. We have more dedicated local support staff than any other national provider, solely focused on ensuring your experience is both enjoyable and successful. Our tutors are specialist lecturers, experienced in how to help you pass. They themselves have sat their exams, so understand the personal support a student may need. As well as updating our materials regularly, our content specialists team also teach in our classrooms, thereby ensuring exam focus at all times. Classroom and Distance Learning students are able to contact their tutor for help by email and will receive a reply within 48 hours. If you are attending a classroom course, your tutor will also be available to speak to in person outside of class. If you do not have a local centre, you can still contact one of our dedicated ACCA customer service staff, by emailing accaadvice@kaplan.co.uk.

Flexibility
We understand that juggling a job and personal commitments can be extremely demanding. We offer more flexible training than any other training provider, so you can tailor your course to suit your lifestyle. Our courses commence twice a year, so you can sit your exams in both June and December this enables you to progress through the qualification at the pace you want. All of the courses are consistent throughout our national centres, enabling you to mix and match: Between course types within a centre e.g. evenings, day release and weekends; and Between our national centres, and to be confident that you will get the same standard and content of teaching. All students receive access to EN-gage online study materials which can be accessed 24 hours a day, allowing you to study wherever you may be at a time that is convenient to you. During these difficult economic times, we dont want you to compromise on the quality of your studies and achieving your goal of becoming a qualified accountant. We recognise that managing the expense of studying can be difficult so for 2009 we are the first tuition provider to offer flexible payments* to help you spread the cost. We also offer distance learning packages if you are unable to come into classes or if you prefer to study at your own pace.

Success
We want you to pass your exams, its as simple as that. Our aim is for you to pass your exams first time and fulfil your goal of becoming a qualified accountant, and in turn help you to progress in your chosen career. To ensure greater success throughout the qualification, we use exam standard questions from day one of each course and teach all our students effective exam techniques. And the success of our approach is reflected in our pass rates. Our students exam pass rates are up to 25% higher than the ACCAs worldwide average and they frequently win ACCA awards, including gold, sliver and bronze medals for the December 2007 and the June 2008 exams. We are so confident of your success that we include a Pass Guarantee if you are studying our part time courses - see our part time ACCA FAQs for more details.

*Terms and conditions apply

A KAPLAN SUCCESS STORY

At Kaplan, our mission is to build futures, one success story at a time. Here is just one of the many students who excelled in their studies with us last year.
Kaplan Financial student Yizhe Wang, achieved first place in the world in the June 2008 ACCA F4 Corporate and Business Law examination. His exam result of 95% topped those reached by the other 20,571 students sitting the paper worldwide. Yizhe, a Chinese student who moved to the UK seven years ago, has studied full time at our Birmingham centre since 2007, and passed all his exams first time. He hopes to gain experience working at a UK accountancy firm before returning to China as a managing director or chief financial officer in a multinational organisation. After discovering just a week prior to the exam that he had inadvertently entered for the global variant instead of the English variant exam, Yizhe contact his law tutor at Kaplan Financial, Brian Benton. During special tutoring sessions Brian explained the key differences between the two law variants, allowing Yizhe to proceed with his exam. Yizhe said Brian encouraged me when I thought about giving up. He is a very professional and knowledgeable tutor. If, like Yizhe, you have the determination to aim high with ACCA, you can be sure that Kaplan Financial will support you every step of the way. Start your success story today by enrolling with us.

WAYS TO STUDY WITH US

At Kaplan Financial we recognise that balancing work and personal commitments with studying is not easy. To help, we offer a variety of ways to study for the ACCA exams.

Your study options

Classroom courses

Home study

Part time
We offer tuition, revision and question based courses. These are available during the week, at the weekend or in the evening.

Full time
The full time weekday courses are suitable for overseas international students as they meet Home Office requirements for the granting of student visas. They are also attended by UK-based students who choose to study full time.

Distance Learning

Course materials only You can purchase a full range of study materials over the telephone or online, which you can use to study in your own time.

Students are guided and supported by a specialist team of tutors and customer service staff who are dedicated to the success of people studying from home. By offering assistance in the evenings and at weekends, we make it easy to access support from our experienced tutor team. You will receive a full set of EN-gage study materials and guidance on how to study at home successfully.

For more information on each study option, please see the leaflets in the pocket at the back of this brochure or visit www.kaplanfinancial.co.uk.

HOW WE SUPPORT YOU THROUGH YOUR STUDIES

We understand that each individual student will have different needs with regard to study support. You may require advice on how best to study at home, guidance with booking your courses, extra support with a technical subject or recommendations about how to improve your exam technique whatever your need, Kaplan Financial is here to help.

Tutor support
Classroom and Distance Learning students are able to contact their tutor for help by email and will receive a reply within 48 hours. If you are attending a classroom course, your tutor will also be available to speak to in person outside of class if you have any technical queries.

Open days
Informal open days are available at Kaplan Financial centres in February/March and August/September each year, providing you with the opportunity to drop in to discuss your ACCA studies. You can look round the college, meet the Kaplan team, browse our study materials and get advice on how to successfully complete the ACCA qualification with Kaplan Financial.

Online support and resources

As well as giving you access to course material, online testing and reporting, EN-gage also provides additional ACCA support items including: Course programmes Exam tips Articles Podcasts Events lists.

Administration queries
Each Kaplan centre has its own dedicated customer service team who will be able to advise you on many issues, for example: course options, study packages, timetable queries, visa requirements or registration processes. Our specialist Distance Learning team are also on hand to answer your queries about studying at home.

Study support
Kaplan Financial centres run a series of study support courses which are designed to complement our classroom and Distance Learning courses. Our support course programme is an ideal opportunity to develop new skills or sharpen up existing ones. Examples of the courses we offer are: Exam focused learning Memory skills Exam day techniques Basic maths courses Exam review evenings Knowledge gap courses Finance Act update course Exam confidence-boosting courses English Language courses Revision skills Practical experience requirement (PER) presentations.

Central ACCA advice team

If you do not have a local Kaplan Financial centre, you can still contact one of our dedicated customer service team. Email accaadvice@kaplanfinancial.co.uk for expert advice on your ACCA studies, throughout the year.

Please contact your local Kaplan Financial centre for more information on the courses available, many of which are free.

EN-GAGE STUDY MATERIALS

Kaplans revolutionary EN-gage learning materials have been developed so they are suitable for all students, whatever their preferred learning style.
EN-gage learning materials are straightforward, visually memorable, dyslexia friendly and in bite-size sections, to help you to easily recall the key points in the exam hall. They are approved by the ACCA examiners and written with your exam success in mind. To reinforce knowledge and significantly improve your chances of exam success, EN-gage materials contain a range of practice options, from worked examples and exercises to an exam-standard question bank. Our range of ACCA EN-gage materials, especially written for each exam syllabus include: Complete text book All the examinable technical information, with examples, tests and questions. Essentials text The most important key examinable areas from the Complete text, with test questions, for use in class. Exam kit Past real exam questions, grouped by topic so you can target areas you need to practice, with the answers for you to review. Pocket notes A handy small study guide with the key topics, often in easy to remember diagram format. Fits in your pocket or handbag. Tuition assessments No other tuition provider offers these tools. To learn more about EN-gage please visit: www.EN-gage.co.uk. Written assessments which you can complete and submit for marking, to measure your progress to date. Mock exam Written mock exam for you to complete and submit for marking, targeted with the forthcoming exam in mind. The full complete text, available online for you to access 24 hours a day, anywhere in the world.

Question based Exam-focused practice questions, designed to be sat to time under exam conditions, shortly prior to the real exam. Online fixed tests Quick tests completed online. Your results are instantly available and you can compare your results anonymously with other students. Online Complete text

EN-gage online
Study anywhere, anytime with EN-gage online, which is free to all Kaplan Financial students. This easy-to-navigate learning platform replicates the written material and contains a self-testing facility. Youll instantly be able to see your test results and chart your performance by topic or, in confidence, in comparison with your peers. Your learning can be tailored, as you and your tutors diagnose your key strengths and weaknesses from the online test reports.

ROUTE TO ACCA QUALIFICATION

What is ACCA?
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is one of the worlds leading professional accountancy organisations with nearly 450,000 members and students members in 170 countries. ACCA members work in public practice, industry, commerce and the private sector.

1. Fundamentals Level Knowledge Module If you have one of the following, you may be exempt from this module: A degree in Accountancy or Business The AAT qualification Membership of a professional body accredited by ACCA. For a full list check the exemption database at www.accaglobal.com. 2. Fundamentals Level Skills Module If you have a relevant degree you may be granted exemptions from some of the papers. The papers in this module can be taken in any order, allowing you flexibility to take papers that align with your current role, and responsibilities.

3. Professional Level Essentials and Options Module Again papers can be taken in any order within each module, and there is no requirement to take all papers at the same exam sitting. At this level you are expected to apply knowledge, skills and professional judgement as well as analyse, evaluate and make recommendations.

How do I become ACCA qualified?

To qualify you must complete the 3 elements required by ACCA Exams, Ethics and Experience.

Ethics
There is an online Ethics Module to complete. It is compulsory for students who joined ACCA from 1 January 2007 onwards and recommended for all other students. ACCA will advise all students how to complete this module, which should normally be done when studying paper P1 Professional Accountant in he Essentials Module.

Exams
You will have two levels to complete: Fundamentals and Professional, comprising 16 papers of which 14 you are required to pass (unless you receive exemptions from any papers).

Experience
P r of e s s i o n a l L e ve l ( 5 p a p e rs )
O pt i on s M o d u l e ( 2 p a p e rs o n l y)

E s s e nt i a l s M o d u l e ( a l l 3 pa p e r s )

You must have 3 years relevant practical experience, which can be obtained before, during or after your exams. This is known as the Practical Experience Requirement (PER). You will be asked to provide ACCA with an online annual return to show the experience you have achieved during the preceding year, which has to be authorised by a workplace mentor. If you have completed your Exams and Ethics module, but not your Experience requirements, you are known as an ACCA Affiliate. Once you have completed all three elements, you can apply to ACCA for full membership and have ACCA after your name.

Fund a m en t a l s L e v e l ( 9 p a p e rs)
S k il ls M o d u l e

Kn o w l ed g e M od u l e

GETTING STARTED WITH ACCA

Can I start the ACCA qualification?
The ACCA qualification is open to everyone, although your starting point may be different depending on your previous qualifications. For example, if you have any of the following qualifications, you should be eligible to join ACCA: Degree, NVQ, AAT, CAT or two A levels and three GSCEs in five separate subjects including English and Maths. If you dont have any of the above, and are over 21, you can join ACCA under the Mature Student Entry Route. You will be required to pass papers F2 and F3 within 2 years of joining. Once you have passed those two papers, ACCA will permit you to progress through the rest of the qualification.

When do I need to register as an ACCA student by?

If you are beginning at the Knowledge module and taking the computer based exams, we recommend you register as you begin your studies, but no later than two to three weeks before your first examination. For all paper-based exams, ACCA have strict deadlines on when to register, depending on when you would like to sit your first exams: June Exam sitting Registration deadline is 31 December of the preceding year. December Exam Sitting Registration deadline is 15 August that year. Please note that it is YOUR responsibility to register with ACCA. This is separate to enrolling on a course with Kaplan Financial.

How do I enter for my exams?

If you are studying the Knowledge level and are taking the computer based exams, you should contact your nearest Kaplan Financial centre to book your CBE. For all paper-based exams, ACCA have strict deadlines regarding when you should enter for exams: June exam sitting Enter for the exam on/before 15 April. December exam sitting Enter for the exam on/before 15 October. ACCA will send all registered students an exam entry form by March and September each year. You can either complete and post this back, together with the necessary fees, to ACCA before the deadline, or enter online through the myACCA section of the ACCA website, using the log-in details sent to you by ACCA when you registered as a student.

How can I find out if I have any exemptions?

If you have completed the AAT qualification, you will start at the Skills module. If you have a degree in Accountancy, Finance or Business, you could have exemptions from the Knowledge module and some of the papers in the Skills module. Detailed information is available on the ACCA website www.accaglobal.com.

How do I contact ACCA? When and where are the ACCA exams?
ACCA paper based exams are held in June and December of each year. They take place within the first two weeks of the relevant month. Exams for the Skills, Essentials and Options modules are held at regional ACCA exam centres. A list of locations can be found on the ACCA website. The exams are all three hours long, with an additional 15 minutes reading and planning time at the start of the exam. Knowledge module exams are two hours long and can be attempted by two different methods. You can complete a paper-based exam at your regional exam centre, or a computer based exam at your local Kaplan Financial centre. ACCA Customer Services 2 Central Quay 89 Hydepark Street Glasgow G3 8BW Telephone: 0141 582 2000 Fax: 0141 582 2222 Email: students@accaglobal.com Website: www.accaglobal.com

How and when do I register as an ACCA student?

You must register as an ACCA student if you wish to sit your exams and become ACCA qualified. We recommend that you register online via the ACCA website and send all the information required by ACCA as soon as you decide to start the qualification. It normally takes at least six weeks to process an application once ACCA have received all your documentation.

10

CONTINUING YOUR STUDIES

After you complete ACCA, Kaplan can continue to support you in your career, from your CPD requirements to other qualifications like the degree and MBA programmes.
Degree Programmes
Oxford Brookes degree programme The BSc (Hons) Degree in Applied Accountancy is a joint initiative between ACCA and the Oxford Brookes University, a highly respected UK university. The degree programme was designed to recognise the quality of the ACCA professional qualification and to provide students with the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised academic qualification, whilst taking their ACCA examinations. The skills learnt can be used to aid your personal development and improve career prospects. Before starting the degree programme, you should complete the Fundamentals level exams and the ACCA Ethics module. In order to be awarded the degree you will have to: Pass the Research and Analysis Project, assessed by Oxford Brookes University, which consists of: 6500 word Research Project 2000 word Skills & Learning Statement Deliver a presentation of your findings to the Project Mentor and peer group Attend three structured mentor meetings with your Project Mentor. Kaplan Financial helps you to successfully gain your degree by: Providing an experienced Project Mentor a text book with lots of advice on how to complete your research Supporting and monitoring your progress during the project Verifying your output and submission, in line with University regulations. MBA Kaplan and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) have partnered to offer you a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree. LJMU have an excellent reputation in higher education, which combined with Kaplans experience of teaching in the private sector, gives you the opportunity to be taught and mentored by our highly skilled and experienced team of tutors whilst being assessed by the rigour of a University degree system. The programme aims to help you develop the appropriate skills and knowledge needed to perform as a business practitioner: A critical understanding of all major areas of business and management and a set of tools and techniques used to manage the interface between the needs of the business environment and the organisation Transferable Skills, namely, presentation and communication skills, team work, using information technology, problem solving, skills in critical reflection and time management. BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance Information The Liverpool John Moores University Accounting and Finance degree taught by Kaplan Financial is a three year full time programme developing practical skills, theoretical knowledge and management techniques equipping graduates for a career in accountancy or more general business areas. Part qualified ACCA students who have completed all of the Fundamentals level exams are eligible for exemption from the first two years of the degree. To find out more about the Kaplan MBA, contact degrees@kaplan.co.uk.

CPD
Once you have obtained full ACCA membership, all members are required to undertake relevant CPD to ensure that they maintain and develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's dynamic and demanding business environment. You are required to complete an annual CPD return by 1 January each year which will be similar to your annual Practical Experience Requirements return. In addition to your CPD return an annual ethical declaration is also required. Kaplan is a leading provider of CPD, offering an unrivalled range of accredited courses to both individuals and organisations. We can help you plan, complete and manage your ACCA CPD requirements to ensure you receive relevant, practical and cost effective training to meet your particular needs. Open CPD courses We offer open CPD courses through Kaplan Hawksmere, a market leader in training, seminars and conferences. To see our range of courses please visit www.hawksmere.co.uk. In-house courses If a number of delegates need training, in-house courses may be the best option. You will receive tailored training at locations and times suitable to you from some of Kaplans most experienced corporate presenters. We can design a CPD programme suitable for your precise development needs that will provide excellent value for money. For all CPD enquires please call us on 0845 076 0679 or CPD@Kaplan.co.uk.

11

HOW TO ENROL

Step 1 Choose your study centre

1. Choose your Kaplan Financial study centre

Make your choice from the list overleaf or find out more at www.kaplanfinancial.co.uk/acca.

Step 2 Choose your study option

2. Choose your study option

Decide between: Part time: weekday, evening and weekend courses Full time courses Distance learning courses.

Step 3 Choose your course dates

(if applicable)

3. Choose the course dates that suit you (if applicable)

Visit www.kaplanfinancial.co.uk/enrol and download your chosen centres timetable or simply call the centre to receive a hard copy.

Step 4 Choose your enrolment option

4. Choose an enrolment option to suit you:

Enrol online visit www.kaplanfinancial.co.uk/enrol (not available for full time courses) By post download an enrolment form from our website and post to your chosen centre By email download an enrolment form from our website and email to your chosen centre By phone call your chosen centre to book or for part time courses call our national advisers on 0845 873 6311 In person attend an open day at your local centre and book in person.

Step 5 Register with ACCA

5. Dont forget to also register for your exams with ACCA

Dont forget it is your responsibility to register for the exams with ACCA. See page 10 for details.

I just want to say thanks for the great tutoring. I thought your classes were really excellent, and I now have the supporting evidence to back the theory.

Scott Rutherford Charles Kendall

12

CONTACT DETAILS

BIRMINGHAM** Baskerville House Broad Street Birmingham B1 2ND Tel: +44 (0)121 200 8440 birmingham@kaplan.co.uk BRISTOL** 6th Floor, CityPoint Temple Gate Bristol BS1 6PL Tel: +44 (0)117 925 5266 bristol@kaplan.co.uk CARDIFF** 3rd Floor, St Davids House Wood Street Cardiff CF10 1ES Tel: +44 (0)292 038 8067 cardiff@kaplan.co.uk GLASGOW** / ABERDEEN 112 West George Street Glasgow G2 1PS Tel: +44 (0)141 333 1101 glasgow@kaplan.co.uk HULL** 3rd Floor, Lowgate House Lowgate Hull HU1 1EL Tel: +44 (0)1482 620578 hull@kaplan.co.uk LEEDS** / SHEFFIELD 1st Floor, City Exchange 11 Albion Street Leeds LS1 5ES Tel: +44 (0)113 2243 7410 leeds@kaplan.co.uk LEICESTER** 2nd Floor, Enkalon House 66 London Road Leicester, LE1 7DD Tel: +44 (0)116 204 5980 leicester@kaplan.co.uk LIVERPOOL** 4th Floor, Cotton House Old Hall Street Liverpool, L3 9TP Tel: +44 (0)151 236 4052 liverpool@kaplan.co.uk

LONDON** - ANGEL 4th Floor, Block 3 Angel Square London EC1V 1NY Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 0700 accalondon@kaplan.co.uk LONDON** - HAMMERSMITH 1-15 King Street London W6 9HR Tel: +44 (0)20 8741 6087 accalondon@kaplan.co.uk LONDON** - LONDON BRIDGE 179-191 Borough High Street. London SE1 1HR Tel: +44 (0)20 7407 5000 accalondon@kaplan.co.uk LONDON** - PALACE HOUSE Palace House 3 Cathedral Street London SE1 9DE Tel: +44 (0)20 7407 5000 accalondon@kaplan.co.uk MANCHESTER** 6th Floor, St James Building 79 Oxford Street Manchester M1 6FQ Tel: +44 (0)161 237 3366 manchester@kaplan.co.uk MILTON KEYNES* 1st Floor, 564-598 Elder House Elder Gate Milton Keynes MK9 1LR Tel: +44 (0)1908 201127 miltonkeynes@kaplan.co.uk NEWCASTLE** Vine House, Vine Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7PW Tel: +44 (0)191 232 9365 newcastle@kaplan.co.uk NORWICH**/IPSWICH 74 St Faith's Lane Norwich NR1 1NE Tel: +44 (0)1603 617638 norwich@kaplan.co.uk

NOTTINGHAM** 3rd Floor, Alan House 5 Clumber Street Nottingham NG1 3ED Tel: +44 (0)115 853 3600 nottingham@kaplan.co.uk READING** Sixth Floor, Thames Tower Station Hill Reading RG1 1LX Tel: +44 (0)118 951 3100 reading@kaplan.co.uk SOUTHAMPTON** Broadcasting House Havelock Road Southampton SO14 7FY Tel: +44 (0)23 8022 0852 southampton@kaplan.co.uk DISTANCE LEARNING* West Gate 6 Grace Street Leeds LS1 2RP Tel: +44 (0)113 200 6363 accadistancelearning@kaplan.co.uk For further information or to book a course: Call: 0845 873 6311 quoting ref: ACCA/BRO/02 Email: accaaddvice@kaplan.co.uk Visit: www.kaplanfinancial.co.uk Text: ACCA to 81025
**ACCA Platinum Tuition Provider status *ACCA Gold Tuition Provider status ACCA only award the Platinum and Gold status accreditation to tuition providers who meet strict their guidelines, relating to high pass rates, excellent student facilities, dedicated tutors and a supportive and informed customer service team

www.kaplanfinancial.co.uk/acca

13

0845 873 6311 accaadvice@kaplan.co.uk www.kaplanfinancial.co.uk/acca