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Key Details

Course Area:

Business and Accounts

Student Type:

19+ student

Course Type:

Part-time FE course

Course Introduction

The Level 3 Diploma in Accounting offers technical training in accounting and is ideal for anyone wishing to pursue a career in accountancy or finance.

Classes will be delivered every week during 24/25 and additional resources are made available to support independent and follow up study outside of classes - these can be online and/or physical book resources based on your course and level. Evening courses are available on some levels which allow for blended learning where 2 hours of your course is online study.

AAT is the UK’s leading professional body offering skills-based accountancy and finance qualifications. Their qualifications are practical, internationally recognised and can open doors in any industry across the world.
This qualification is a progression route for students who have achieved the Level 2 Certificate in Accounting. It is also suitable for those who have already started their journey studying a related subject and are looking to develop their skills in accounting, or for those who have already started working in finance and who have a need and desire to attain formal recognition of their skills.

The Level 3 Diploma in Accounting covers a range of essential and complex accounting tasks, including maintaining cost accounting records and the preparation of reports and returns. Key themes have also been introduced throughout the suite of accounting qualifications including technology, ethics, sustainability and communication.

The purpose of this qualification is to ensure that students are well prepared to progress into a career in business, finance or professional accountancy, or into further education. Students will learn and develop skills needed for financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping and preparing financial statements. They will also understand the business environment, technology used in finance and accounting, business issues regarding payroll and value added tax, issues in business, management accounting techniques, ethical principles and sustainability considerations for accountants.

The course includes:

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

This course is for learners aged 19+ only.

If you don't already hold a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to at least two A Levels, or a Level 3 vocational qualification), you can now study this course fully funded!

The Government’s new Free Courses for Jobs programme has created new opportunities for adults, aged 19 and over, to access fully funded full-time learning.

For more information, view our Free Courses for Jobs programme.

Course Information

AAT Diploma in Accounting Level 3

Level 3

Entry requirements for this course are:

  • You must be aged 19+
  • AAT level 2 or equivalent qualification/experience in Accountancy
  • GCSE English and Maths at a minimum of grade 4/C (or Functional Skills at Level 2). If you do not have this, you will be asked to undertake English and maths assessments to determine the level you are working at. If the results of the tests show that your English and maths skills are below Level 2, you will need to enrol for either GCSE or Functional Skills to support your studies.

The four units are assessed individually through computer-based end-of-unit assessments at the City Hub.

This qualification opens up a wide range of career opportunities, in finance. It will also lead to further study of AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.

Students are responsible for registering with the AAT and paying student membership fees directly to them (currently £228). This fee covers the time studying level 3, up to a maximum of 3 years.