Where will this course lead?

This course is the second level of the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) professional qualification. It is ideal for you if you have already studied the AAT Foundation Diploma (Level 2). Whilst relevant work experience is beneficial, you do not need to be working in an accounting or finance role to access this course. Completion of this course can lead to employment in a variety of accounting roles in large and small organisations. Typical job roles include Finance Assistant/Officer, Audit Trainee, Bookkeeper, Tax Assistant, Trainee Accounting Technician.

What will I study?

There are four modules in this qualification:

Financial Accounting - Preparing Financial Statements

Management Accounting Techniques

Business Awareness

Tax Processes for Businesses (VAT and Payroll)

As well as studying financial and management accounting at advanced level, these units will introduce you to the business and ethical issues faced by accountants and the increasing importance of technology in modern accounting practice.

How will this course be delivered?

The course is classroom based at our Blossomfield Campus. Teaching methods include lectures, demonstrations of question techniques, practical activities and question practice. We provide a variety of digital and paper-based resources to support you in your learning at college and at home. Day time and evening courses are available - please ensure that you can commit to attending your chosen course each week before enrolling.

What qualifications will I get?

AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting Level 3

How will I be assessed?

All units in the AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting are assessed via external examinations set and marked by the AAT professional body. Pass, Merit and Distinctions grades are awarded.

How do I get a place on the course?

Places are offered by interview only. It may be possible to conduct some interviews over the telephone depending on your existing qualifications and experience. If you are an external candidate or a former Solihull College student, please email your contact details to acenquiries@solihull.ac.uk and one of the AAT team will be in touch. If you are a current L2 student, either on a part-time course or the full-time school leavers course, please do not email your details to the college, but speak to your L2 tutor about how to apply for a Level 3 place.

What are the entry requirements?

You will have completed AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting (Level 2) or its equivalent. Occasionally it may be possible to offer direct entry onto Level 3 based on previous accounting/finance work experience. Applicants seeking direct entry onto Level 3 will be asked to complete a diagnostic test to ensure that they have a thorough knowledge of double entry bookkeeping. Please note that our usual entry point for AAT courses is at Level 2.

What else do I need to know?

The Advanced Diploma in Accounting courses run from September to June and daytime and evening courses are offered. A minimum of 90% attendance is expected during the academic year. If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview

All AAT professional courses require a significant commitment from the student and it is essential that you can commit to spend as long on private study as you are in the classroom.

You will need to buy textbooks and pay to register as a student member with the AAT. Details will be given in your first session. It is recommended that you have access to a PC/laptop at home as many of our learning resources are in a digital format.

*The course may be free if you are 19-23 and don't already have a first full Level 3, or 24+ and either earning under £30,000 or unemployed. 

What can I do after this course?

This course is an accounting qualification in its own right so you may choose to stop at this level. Many students are keen to progress to the Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting. This is only recommended or students who have shown a strong commitment to their studies and who have achieved at least a merit at Level 3. Some students apply to university after having completed AAT Level 3.