Anyone know anything about ACCA Applied Knowledge modules - how hard are they?

[thirdistheonewiththehairychest]

My local university offers a Level 7 ACCA Professional Accountant Apprenticeship which I'm interested in eventually doing, but I would need to have already passed the ACCA Applied Knowledge modules in order to qualify for the course.

ACCA do offer the Applied Knowledge modules via online learning, but would I be able to go straight in at this level without much prior experience?

I am fairly well-qualified in a different field (masters degree) and have some middle-management-type experience in the workplace but am new to accountancy.

Am I kidding myself that I can do this? I have also looked at AAT courses but the advisor I spoke to said I would have to start at Level 2 and so it would take yeeeeears to qualify for the apprenticeship. Any thoughts?

Hi,
Join fb groups and ask your questions you can get answers based on personal experience - UK(ONLY) ACCA Distance Learning and AAT students independent group.
I didn't do the knowledge levels, I was exempt because I had AAT level 4.
I did AAT level 2 and 3 in a year. My local college had AAT intensive courses. I understand you can self study it depends on your commitments etc
As far as I know the Applied Knowledge levels don't require any prior knowledge or experience.
It's never too late.
All the best.

Are you going to be working in the field by then? I wouldn't be embarking on ACCA without a job to gain the experience side as you can't qualify otherwise.

Thank you @PrincessTilly I've requested to join that fb group. That's reassuring that you think I might be able to go straight into the Applied Knowledge.

@Logistria yes I have a job working for a company that provides financial services to highstreet retailers. Working for them part-time self-employed while I work the notice period of my current job. Then they have said they are willing to employ me as an apprentice.

Financial Accounting (FA) is the starting point and what you study appears to be an introduction to accounting. Even as basic as what is a sales invoice and a credit note, double entry bookkeeping etc and then advance from there. However, the exams (in my opinion) are not easy, both because it's a level 4 qualification and also you are studying for the prestige of ACCA qualification. AAT I think is probably a more gradual way of passing through the exams.

Brilliant.

The ACCA exams are challenging but achievable. They will be more challenging without prior knowledge / experience, but still achievable as long as you put the right work in.

It was a long time ago now, but I did my ACCA direct with absolutely zero prior accounting/knowledge experience. It was a steep learning curve and a lot of work, but as long as you prepare appropriately it is perfectly achievable.

Thank you. That is really encouraging.