Course Overview

This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) advanced level course is a mid-level accounting qualification, ideal for anyone who is looking to advance their existing knowledge of accounting.

This flexible course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education, and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom.

This Level 3 course is part of theFree Courses for Jobsinitiative and is fully funded for eligible learners. Alternatively, you can apply for an advanced learner loan to cover the cost of studying this course. Please ask a member of college staff for more information.

Please note: classroom attendance is weekly, every Thursday evening.

This qualification covers a range of complex accounting tasks. You will learn and master financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, preparing financial concepts, management accounting, tax processes and business awareness.

On successful completion of this course, you will be awarded an AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting. This internationally recognised AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification enables those working in accounting or those who are looking to pursue accountancy as a career to gain knowledge, practical experience and the all-important certification often sought by employers.

Units of Study

The Level 3 course covers a range of key areas, including:

• Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
• Management Accounting Techniques
• Tax Processes for Businesses
• Business Awareness

You will also develop business communications and lifelong learning skills, applying what you learn on the course to the wider industry context.

• AAT Annual Student Membership, this will be directly paid for by the student to the AAT, please check with the AAT for their current costs.
• The course fee includes up to two exam sittings for each unit, further resits will be charged at £75 per exam attempt.

Assessment Methods

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this course through our flexible Online and On Campus model.

Online, you will study award-winning video lessons, which are available on demand, and can be viewed from your phone, tablet or computer, meaning you can choose how, when and where you want to study.

Lessons last for around 45 minutes and are accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Practice questions, downloadable lesson materials and interactive case studies help to enhance the learning experience further and learners should expect to spend around 6-10 hours studying independently online each week.

On campus, you benefit from regular classes with a college tutor – without having to commit to attending multiple evenings each week. Your tutor will review what you have learnt during your online lessons and will be on hand to provide guidance on progress and assessment. Regular discussion with classmates will help to reinforce key points while also providing the additional support and motivation that comes from being part of a group.

AAT Assessments against the standards of competence take place through either a computer-based test, marked online by the computer, or computer-based assessment, marked externally. The exams are set and marked by AAT as the Awarding Body of the qualification.

All computer-based exams will take place following the delivery of each unit of study and are scheduled normally on a Friday. Sittings are usually scheduled 9.30am – 12 noon and 1pm – 3pm. The exam timetable will be provided upon commencement of the course and attendance to scheduled exam sittings is a mandatory requirement.

Progression Options

The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including Finance Officer, Assistant Accountant and Bookkeeper. You will also be eligible for AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB) status, giving you the option to work as a freelance bookkeeper. Alternatively on successful completion of this course, you can progress to the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.