AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) professional level course is a higher-level accounting qualification. If you successfully complete this qualification and fulfil the AAT’s work experience requirements, you can apply for AAT full membership and achieve professional AAT Accountant status.
This flexible course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education , and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom.
You can apply for an advanced learner loan to cover the cost of this course. Please ask a member of college staff for details.
In this qualification you will cover higher accounting tasks including drafting financial statements, managing budgets and evaluating financial performance, as well as a range of optional specialist units.
On successful completion of this course, you will be awarded an AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting. This internationally recognised AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification enables those working in accounting or those who looking to pursue accountancy as a career to gain knowledge, practical experience and the all-important certification often sought by employers.
Entry requirements
A Level 2 in English and maths, a Level 3 Accountancy or industry accepted equivalent (an industry equivalent does not include GCSE Accounting, A Level Accounting, BTEC Business and Finance or BTEC Finance, NCFE Finance or the City and Guilds qualification).
AAT Level 3 or an accounting degree. Students do not need to be in relevant employment because sufficient evidence is provided within the course. The AAT welcomes individuals with no relevant experience who wish to work in accounting or finance. An application form must be completed and an interview may be required. You should be over 19 at the start of your course.
If you have a criminal record or have been made bankrupt, AAT might not accept you as a member making you unable to sit your exams. Please contact AAT directly for more advice if this is relevant to you.
Course units
The Level 4 course covers a range of key areas, including:
Applied Management Accounting
Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements
Internal Accounting Systems and Controls
These core units of study are assessed at unit level. In addition a synoptic assessment will ask students to apply knowledge and skills gained across the qualification in an integrated way, within a workplace context.
Optional units - select two of the following (subject to availability):
Business Tax
Personal Tax
Audit and Assurance
Cash and Financial Management
Credit and Debt Management
You will also develop business communications and lifelong learning skills, applying what you learn on the course to the wider industry context.
Assessments
This course is assessed through computer-based exams and a synoptic assessment, which draws on and assesses knowledge and understanding from across the qualification.
Course fees
Course progression
This qualification can also open up a choice of great careers, as well as providing progress onto higher education. The AAT Professional Diploma in Accountancy can give qualified students exemptions towards all or parts of the UK’s chartered and certified accountancy qualifications. The following chartered bodies offer exemptions to AAT students:
- The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
- The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
- The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
- The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)
Dates & course durations
21st September 2022 - 7 July 2024, Wednesday daytime
54 weeks (4 terms)
Study 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 6-7 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.
Facilities
Students have access to a fantastic range of College-wide facilities such as the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), study hubs, computer areas with accompanying multi-function printers and helpdesk advice.
Additional costs
All materials are provided for you to complete the course. However, some courses may require additional study from home, you may need access to a PC/laptop and suitable Wi-Fi to access teaching and learning. You will be made aware of any additional study time at the time of enrolment.
Course and career progression
Progression
The accountancy skills developed by studying this qualification will enable you to seek employment with confidence, and/or to progress to study chartered accountancy.
Career opportunities
The Diploma in Professional Accounting can lead to the achievement of professional AAT (MAAT) status. Employment opportunities include: Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor, Assistant Financial Accountant, Commercial Analyst, Cost Accountant, Indirect Tax Manager, Payments and Billing Manager, Payroll Manager, Senior Finance Officer, Senior Insolvency Administrator, Tax Supervisor, VAT Accountant.
