MQF/EQF Level 4

Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Finance

Knights College
Malta
October 2025
Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Finance
Mode
Full Time
Delivery
Face to Face & Work-Based Learning
Duration
15 months
Location
Malta
Credits
120 ECTS/ECVET
Language
English
Price Early Submission (EU Students)
€10,795.50
Price Full (EU Students)
€11,995

Up to €8,396 refunded via the Get Qualified Scheme on the Full Price for EU students.

Price International (Non-EU Students)
€13,995

The MQF Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Finance equips you with a foundational/intermediate level education in accounting and finance fundamentals. This blended programme is designed to provide students with a strong understanding of accounting principles and practices.

Students will acquire the skills to prepare financial statements, evaluate investment opportunities, analyse risks and make well-informed financial decisions.

The qualification offers a comprehensive, immersive experience that allows students to integrate classroom learning with real-world work experiences, equipping students with both finance and accounting knowledge and practical skills. It covers fundamental modules such as financial accounting principles, investment analysis, managerial finance, and financial markets and institutions.

Students will each be assigned a position with one of our apprenticeship programme partners. Each student will also be paired with a dedicated mentor who will provide guidance, support and feedback throughout the entire journey to help them navigate challenges, set goals and maximise their learning and growth. Pre-tertiary work-based learning provides a solid foundation for students to get a head start on launching their finance career and provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain valuable skills, explore career paths and achieve professional growth that ultimately enhances their employability and success in the workforce.

By graduation, students will have a thorough understanding of financial principles, investment strategies, managerial decision-making and the functioning of financial markets. This knowledge and experience will enable them to excel in the dynamic and ever-changing field of finance and accounting, making them well-equipped to further their studies or pursue a career in these fields.

Mode of Assessment

The Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Finance adopts a variety of formative and summative individual and group-based assessments to assess learners’ understanding of the learning outcomes. These include examinations, individual and group presentations, in-class quizzes and practical assessments.

Target Audience

The programme is intended for those who are aged between 16-18 and aspire to get a more holistic preparation in setting themselves up for future success on both a personal and professional level by exposing themselves to relevant and topical academic inputs in parallel to a structured yet engaging real-world work environment.

Modules

This course is divided in 3 Semesters and a work-based final Project. Modules places in each semesters may have an altered sequence from the below. However, the below is the aimed structure of the modules.
Semester 1
Gaining the Fundamental Knowledge Skills
Module
ECTS
Duration
Interpersonal Skills
This module is designed to introduce learners to the basic skills necessary to communicate and collaborate effectively while managing interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Key topics covered in this module include empathy, assertiveness, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and active listening.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Academic English
This module is designed to allow learners to acquire the necessary language skills to communicate effectively. Key topics include academic writing, presentation skills, vocabulary and reading strategies. Learners will learn to communicate their ideas efficiently and effectively through written and oral forms.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Critical Thinking and Public Speaking
This module has been designed to assist students in enhancing their critical thinking and public speaking skills. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of critical thinking in a business environment, particularly in terms of analysing, evaluating and applying information to solve problems and make effective decisions. Additionally, learners will learn how to prepare and deliver presentations effectively and communicate with different types of audiences.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Interdisciplinary Insights
This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the three core disciplines that make up this diploma, allowing them to choose which discipline to specialise in. To enhance the learning experience, students will be introduced to brain mapping tools such as Prism for Teens, which will help them gain a better understanding of themselves and identify their natural strengths, interests and abilities.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Entrepreneurship
This module is designed to introduce learners to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, covering business planning, ideation, innovation, risk-taking and adaptability in the entrepreneurial process. By completing this module, learners will gain an understanding of the concepts and skills required to start and run a successful business. They will also have opportunities to develop and enhance their critical thinking, communication skills, creativity and problem-solving abilities.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Mathematics
This module is designed to provide learners with the fundamental mathematical concepts and their relevance in business management. Learners will be equipped with the relevant mathematical skills to enable them to solve problems and carry out effective decision making. Learners will also be encouraged to develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking through the application of basic mathematical techniques.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Semester 2
Gaining Personal Growth & Transferrable Skills
Module
ECTS
Duration
Cost and Management Accounting (P1)
This module provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of cost and management accounting. Its aim is to familiarize the students with the key concepts in this field. The module is divided into different subject areas that focus on specific aspects of cost and management accounting. These areas include financial and management accounting, inventory valuation, labor costs, overhead costs, and job and process costing. By studying these subjects, the students will gain a thorough understanding of cost and management accounting principles and learn how to apply them in real-world business scenarios.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Cost and Management Accounting (P2)
This module is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of decision-making, budgetary control and performance analysis. It covers a range of cost calculations and break-even analysis techniques. Students will learn how to utilise marginal and absorption costing, perform variance analysis, make decisions based on costs and resource availability, and implement corrective measures to optimise financial performance. By the end of this module, students will have the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage financial resources and make informed decisions that contribute to the success of a business.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Financial Accounting (P1)
This module is designed to cover the basics of financial accounting and to serve as a revision for students who have a level 3 accounting qualification. It includes various topics such as the role of accountants, the conceptual framework, financial statement characteristics and the users of accounting information. Additionally, the module covers accounting concepts, end-of-year adjustments, preparation of financial statements for sole traders, control accounts and correcting errors. Finally, the module concludes with financial statement preparation from incomplete records.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Financial Accounting (P2)
This module introduces students to new and novel concepts that are not typically covered in levels 1-3. This module covers accounting for both non-profit organisations and for-profit companies. Students will learn the basics of non-profit accounting, including the role of financial statements. They will also gain a strong foundation in company accounting practices, which is essential for further accounting studies. Finally, the module teaches students how to use ratio analysis to assess business performance and make informed financial decisions.
10
ECTS
60
hours
Semester 3
Accounting & Finance Focus [Theory & Practice]
Module
ECTS
Duration
Accounting and Finance Project
This module is designed to enable students to put into practice the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their studies by devising a substantial finance project. The module will guide students through the process of project development, from problem identification and requirements gathering to design, implementation, testing, and documentation, all within the context of financial applications. Students will work both independently and in groups to create a project that addresses financial challenges and meets industry requirements and expectations.
20
ECTS
112
hours
VET Component
Bridging Classroom and Career: The Knights Sixth Form Work Placement Programme As a key element of the Knights Sixth Form Programme, our work-based learning component spans a total of 120 hours, offering students hands-on experience that bridges the gap between academic theory and practical application. This structured placement forms part of our broader Vocational Education and Training (VET) approach, equipping learners with the skills and insights necessary to thrive in real-world professional environments. Students are placed with one of our job placement programme partners and supported by a dedicated industry mentor. Throughout the placement, academic mentors provide personalised guidance, encouragement, and feedback helping students set goals, overcome challenges, and grow both personally and professionally. By aligning workplace experiences with academic content, this component enhances students’ understanding of their studies and facilitates the effective transfer of knowledge from classroom to career. It is designed to build employability, broaden career perspectives, and lay a strong foundation for future success.
Module
ECTS
Duration
Work Placement
The Work Placement takes place throughout Semesters 2 and 3 as part of the programme structure.
ECTS
hours
Module
ECTS
Duration
No modules listed
Module
Total Credits
Core Modules
60
Elective Modules
40
Final Project
20
Credits to graduate
120 ECTS/ECVET

Awarding &
Accrediting Bodies

Awarding Body
Validating Body
Knights College

Knights College

This qualification is awarded by Knights College.
Accrediting Body
Malta Further and Higher Education Authority

Malta Further and Higher Education Authority

This qualification is accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority.

Course Information

No items found.

Entry Requirements

This programme has the below entry requirements

Applicants must be in possession of a school leaving certificate (at Level 3) and three MATSEC passes, two of which must be in Mathematics and English.

Applicants must also have an MQF/EQF Level 3 Certification in Computer Science, Business Management, Accounts or similar subject. International students need to be in possession of the equivalent and should demonstrate proficiency in the English Language with an IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent.

All applicants should demonstrate a basic level of digital competence.

Funding Schemes

This course is divided in 3 Semesters and a work-based final Project. Modules places in each semesters may have an altered sequence from the below. However, the below is the aimed structure of the modules.

Scholarships & Facilitations

Get Qualified Scheme

Get Qualified Scheme

Governed by the Malta Enterprise, this scheme gives the student up to 70% of the total fees paid for the course in tax credits. Get Qualified is an initiative that supports the personal development of individuals for the achievement of qualifications and certifications required by industry.
No items found.

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