For many ambitious accountants, completion of ACCA OBU is not just a mere milestone related to academia; it’s a game-changer for their careers. The ACCA in Ireland offers the opportunity to gain both a globally recognised professional qualification and an academic degree from Oxford Brookes University. This double achievement opens doors to better career opportunities, higher salaries, and a strong professional reputation. If you are close to finding your exams, or even a fresh graduate, understanding how OBU works, the requirements, and the steps involved in it are important for you. This article will let you know the ACCA and OBU partnership, explaining the ACCA OBU eligibility criteria and steps through completion of the degree efficiently and effectively.
What is the ACCA OBU in Ireland?
The ACCA OBU is the result of a strategic ACCA and OBU partnership that allows the ACCA student to get a BSc (hons) in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University while completing their ACCA qualification. Students in Ireland can submit a research and analysis project (RAP) to OBU after meeting the ACCA OBU criteria. If approved, students can get the qualification and academic criteria, a main advantage in the present job market.
Main highlights of the ACCA OBU in Ireland:
- Degree awarded BSc (Hons) in applied accounting
- Designed to enhance both practical and academic skills
- Available to eligible ACCA students in Ireland and worldwide.
- Offered in collaboration between ACCA and Oxford Brookes University
The value of an OBU degree for Irish ACCA students
Oxford Brookes University degrees have so much importance because they add significant value to an accountant’s profile. Here is why it is important.
Improves analytical and research skills
Through the ACCA OBU project topics and skills, students learn to apply real-world business analysis.
Academic credibility improvements
A degree from a respected UK university like Oxford Brookes will strengthen your CV and provide you with international recognition.
Open up the global opportunities.
With both the ACCA membership and a degree, you can get roles worldwide, particularly in finance, audit, and consultancy.
Broaden career options
Employers in Ireland frequently seek candidates who have professional qualifications as well as academic qualifications. ACCA OBU fills that gap.
Step-by-step guide to completing ACCA OBU in Ireland in 2025
Step 1: You must first verify that you fulfill the requirements for ACCA OBU eligibility.
Requirements include:
- You must have the following requirements to meet the eligibility criteria:
- It is mandatory to pass all the applied knowledge and Applied skills exam (formerly F1-F9)
- You must be registered as an ACCA student in Ireland ( or any other country).
- Professional skills and ACCA ethics must be completed.
- You have to be inside the time frame for submission eligibility. OBU permits a time limit.
Step 2: Comprehending the ACCA and OBU procedures
The ACCA and OBU partnership is straightforward:
- Your eligibility is confirmed with ACCA.
- You register with Oxford Brookes University for the BSc degree.
- Research and analysis project(RAP) on one of the approved ACCA OBU project topics.
- OBU evaluates your submission and awards the degree if you pass.
Step 3: Selection of an approved ACCA OBU project topic
OBU offers 15-20 topics for the research and analysis project, such as the
- Analysis of a company’s financial performance.
- Corporate governance and ethics evaluation
- Environmental accounting and sustainability.
When choosing your topic, consider:
- Availability of company data in Ireland
- Your interest in the subject
- How well does it align with your career goals?
Step 4: Plan and research your RAP
The RAP consists of
- A 7,500-word research and analysis project report
- A 2,000-word skills and the learning statement
- Appendices, references, and supporting documents
Tips for success
Use reliable sources as annual reports, industry journals, and financial databases.
Follow the OBU guidelines for formatting and referencing..
- Create a realistic timeline for research, analysis, and writing.
Step 5: Work with a registered mentor
OBU needs you to have a registered mentor( often an ACCA member or academic professional) who will guide you through RAP.
- They will critique your work and provide you with feedback.
- You will have at least three mandatory meetings with your mentor.
- Choose someone with experience in your chosen topics.
Step 6: Complete the professional ethics and skills program.
It will improve your communication, analytical thinking, and ethical decision-making, all of which are essential for your RAP.
Step 7:Review the ACCA OBU fees in Ireland
The ACCA OBU fees in Ireland include:
- OBU registration fee
- Mentor fee if applicable
- Potential costs for resources or software
Fees can be very different in 2025, but expect around £500-£650 for registration, plus any mentor charges. Always check the latest OBU fee schedule for Ireland.
Step 8: Submit your RAP within the deadline
OBU has two submission periods each year, in May and November. Missing the deadlines means waiting until the next session, so you have to plan your work accordingly.
Submission checklist
- Correct file format (PDF/Word as per OBU rules)
- Ethical statement form
- Turnitin originality report
- Complete report and statement
Step 9: awaits results and plans the next steps
OBU results are normally released about three months after submission. If you pass
- Add BSc (Hons) applied accounting to your CV and LinkedIn profile.
- Use it for better roles in finance, accounting, or consultancy.
- Celebrate your new degree.
If you fail
- Review the feedback
- Rework your RAP for the next submission period.
Challenges ACCA students face in Ireland with the OBU and how to overcome them
Time management:
Create a weekly schedule and stick to it, as balancing ACCA exams and the RAP can be a huge challenge.
Mentorship costs. Search for the affordable meteor through the networks of ACCA Ireland students.
Academic writing skills: Develop academic writing skills by using the OBU referencing guide and consider short academic writing workshops.
Data availability: Select a topic with easy accessibility, as some of the companies in Ireland have limited public financial data.
Conclusion
The ACCA OBU combo is a highly wise professional investment that offers you a relevant degree in Ireland.By completing all the criteria for the ACCA OBU, for instance, the selection of relevant ACCA OBU projects, and the following OBU structured projects. You can earn an Oxford Brookes University degree in addition to your ACCA qualification if you have all these requirements met. The combination of these two not only strengthens your academic and professional credentials but also opens the doors to diverse, high-paying roles in Ireland and beyond. Your journey from ACCA student can be rewarding and smooth with dedication, planning, and mentorship.
Frequently asked questions
What are the advantages of ACCA OBU education in Ireland?
The key advantage of ACCA OBU is that it enables you to achieve a globally recognized professional qualification as well as an academic degree from Oxford Brookes University, enhancing your career opportunities.
What are the requirements of the ACCA OBU?
All the applied skills and applied knowledge exams must have been passed, complete the Ethics and professional skills module, and be within the OBU eligibility period.
How much does ACCA OBU cost in Ireland?
You will expect to pay around €500–€650 for the registration, plus mentor fees. Prices may change every year.
How do I choose ACCA OBU project topics?
Select from the OBU-approved list based on your interest, data availability, and career goals.
