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CIMA Certificate Level: BA2 - Fundamentals of Management Accounting


In Fundamentals of Management Accounting, you'll explore key management accounting concepts and techniques, understanding its role in both commercial and public sectors.

You'll develop essential skills for planning, control, and decision-making. Our expert tutors and subject specialists provide high-quality study materials to support your success.

Study from£325 (inc VAT)

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Dedicated support from CIMA qualified tutors

Classroom, residential and blended online options

Over 50 years delivering accounting qualifications

Approved CIMA provider

Globally recognised qualifications

Market leading pass rates

What you'll study

In the BA2 - Fundamentals of Management Accounting module, learners will study the principles and practices of management accounting. The key topics typically include:

The nature of management accounting

  • The role of management accounting in planning, decision-making, and control.

  • Understanding cost behavior and the classification of costs.

Costing methods and techniques

  • Different costing methods, such as absorption costing, marginal costing, and activity-based costing.

  • Techniques for calculating and analysing costs for products, services, and processes.

Budgeting & forecasting

  • The importance of budgets in financial planning.

  • Preparation and interpretation of budgets.


Standard costing and variance analysis

  • How to calculate standard costs and analyse variances to monitor and control performance.


Performance measurement

  • Tools and techniques for assessing and improving financial and operational performance.

  • Non-financial performance measures and their integration with financial metrics.


Decision-making techniques

  • Contribution analysis, cost-volume-profit (CVP) analysis, and relevant costing for short-term decision-making.

  • Evaluation of risks and uncertainties in decision-making.


This module builds foundational knowledge and skills in management accounting, essential for further studies and professional application in financial and business management contexts.

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements but you’ll need a good understanding of both English and Maths, as well as a passion to succeed in business. 

You’ll also need to register with CIMA before you begin your studies. 

If you have some accounting experience, you might be eligible for exemptions from subjects at this level or be eligible for full exemptions from this level and be able to move directly to the Professional level. 

To find out more speak to a learning advisor.

Support & assessments

Support from expert advisors

Our team will be on hand throughout your journey to answer questions, signpost additional support and provide guidance on your study route. Our experienced tutors will also be there to support you through your learning.

24/7 access to all our learning resources

Our online learning resources give you 24-hour access to our comprehensive business and finance resources to help you through your course and beyond. Available for the duration of your CIMA programme, it includes course recordings and course notes, revision question bank and revision cards, online access to practice mocks, as well as group chats. Perfect for when you want to revisit something you’ve just learnt or revise for your assessments.

Collaborate with other learners

Learn with and from other our experts and other students on our online platform. Share what you have learnt in each unit, reinforcing your understanding while helping you prepare for your assessments and future role.

Get your burning questions answered quickly

Our learning support team are here to help If you have a question about the VLE, CIMA membership, workshops or anything else to do with your course. They are contactable whenever you need them, for as long as you’re on the programme.

Achieving your qualification

For the CIMA BA2 module (Fundamentals of Management Accounting), learners are assessed through:

  • Objective Test (OT): A computer-based exam featuring multiple-choice, multiple-response, drag-and-drop, and other objective question formats.

  • Exam Duration: 90 minutes.

  • Passing Mark: 70%.

The BA2 module is assessed through a standalone exam with no additional coursework or assessments required.

Booking your exams 

Reed Business School is a CIMA exam center.   

You’ll need to register with CIMA before you can sit an exam. If you’d like to book your exam with us, please complete our CIMA enrolment form.  

If you are not attending one of our courses and you’d like to book your CIMA exam with us, please download our computer-based exam (CBE) dates, complete the booking form and return it to us. 

Your pathway to becoming CIMA qualified

Completing this CIMA qualification typically takes 6-12 months  

Induction 

Before we dive into the course units, you’ll complete an induction to help you prepare for the programme and get the most out of your learning. This will involve: 

  • Meeting the learner community and accessing our extensive online resources 

  • Receiving your study materials 

  • Meeting your tutor and connecting to Microsoft Teams 

  • Exploring your module workbooks 


Apply now

Ready to take your accounting skills to the next level? 

Complete this booking form to apply for this course.

Not sure which study option is right for you?  

Our specialist advisers are here to help. They’ll talk you through the different qualifications and delivery styles, and help you choose the best options for your career.

Enquire today to speak to an advisor.  

Chose your study method

We offer a range of study methods to suit your lifestyle and budget. All our study options include 24-hour access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where you can study in your own time between classes.

On-demand

Flexible, self-paced online learning. Ideal for independent learners.

  • Comprehensive digital materials

  • Access to recorded webinars

  • Tutor support via email

  • Self-assessment quizzes

  • Engage with your tutor on a 1-2-1 basis


Duration: 6 - 12 months

£325 (inc VAT)

Live Online

Real-time, online classes with live tutors. Ideal for learners seeking flexibility.

  • Scheduled live sessions online

  • Direct support from tutors

  • Real-time collaboration with peers

  • Recorded sessions for later review

  • Interactive online learning environment


Duration: 6 - 12 months

£540.00 (inc VAT)

Online classroom

Enjoy a classroom experience from home. Ideal for learners seeking live online lessons.

  • Online classroom experience

  • Direct support from tutors

  • Real-time collaboration with peers

  • Recorded sessions for later review

  • Interactive online learning environment


Duration: 6 - 12 months

£540.00 (inc VAT)

Classroom

In-person learning. Ideal for learners who prefer traditional classroom settings.

  • Face-to-face, classroom learning.

  • Immediate feedback from tutors.

  • Networking with fellow learners.

  • Online resources for extra support.

  • Convenient times and locations


Duration: 6 - 12 months

£735.00 (inc VAT)

Residential

In-person learning at our 17th-century Manor. Ideal immersive experience.

  • Unique learning environment

  • All-inclusive experience

  • Accommodation and meals

  • Outstanding facilities

  • On-site exam centre

Course price does not include accommodation fees. Rooms are available from £75 per night.


Duration: 6 - 12 months

£700.00 (inc VAT)

What to expect

If you're looking to start a career in business and finance but lack experience or qualifications, the CIMA BA2 Fundamentals of Management Accounting module is the ideal first step.

Designed for beginners, this module introduces essential management accounting concepts and techniques, helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in your first role in business, finance, or accounting.

 When you learn with Reed Business School, you’ll get access to:  

  • Dedicated, experienced tutors who are subject specialists, will teach everything you need to know to pass your qualifications 

  • A variety of delivery options including classroom learning at our conveniently located training centres and residential study programs at our iconic 11th-century manor.  

  • Access to additional study materials including revision cards and a question bank  

  • Our unique teaching formula, which has helped thousands of students succeed on their course and beyond  

  • Access to practical mock exams and recorded lessons via Microsoft Teams  

 Not sure if this CIMA qualification is right for you? 

Get in touch with a learning advisor. They’ll run through the options with you and help you make the best decision for your career.  

Not sure which option is right for you? 

Speak to one of our specialist learning advisers who will talk you through your options.