Where will this course lead?

This is the final level of the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) professional qualification. This course is ideal for you if you are working or want to work in accountancy or finance or have studied Level 3 AAT or its equivalent. 

It can lead to employment in a variety of accounting roles in large and small organisations. Typical job roles include accounts payable or expenses supervisor, assistant financial accountant, senior bookkeeper, senior finance officer, tax supervisor, VAT accountant. 

Some students choose to continue studying and gain exemptions from Accountancy awarding bodies, including, ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy), ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales).

What will I study?

The AAT Diploma in Professional Accounting consists of the following core units: 

Applied Management Accounting 

Drafting & Interpreting Financial Statements 

Internal Accounting Systems and Controls 

Plus, two units from the following five optional units, subject to minimum numbers: 

Credit and Debt Management 

Personal Tax 

Business Tax 

Audit and Assurance 

Cash and Financial Management. 

How will this course be delivered?

The course is delivered via face-to-face teaching at our Blossomfield Campus. Teaching methods include lectures, demonstration of question techniques and lots of question practice. We will use a mixture of digital and paper-based resources to support you in your learning. Classes are available on a daytime or evening attendance mode to fit in around work and family commitments. However, it is important that you can commit to attending your chosen class before you enrol. 

What qualifications will I get?

AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting 

How will I be assessed?

All AAT qualifications are assessed by external examinations set and marked by the AAT and are partially human marked with results being released within 6 weeks of the exam. 

How do I get a place on the course?

Email your contact details to accounts@solihull.ac.uk and one of the AAT team will be in touch. 

What are the entry requirements?

You will have achieved a Merit at AAT Level 3, be in employment, or enrolled in a Level 4 Apprenticeship, and have shown excellent attendance, punctuality, and achievement. You will need a reference from your Level 3 Tutor confirming your suitability for level 4.

You need to have achieved GCSE English and Maths grade C/4 or above, if you are 16-18 years old. If you are above 18 you do not need GCSE's, you can sit a diagnostic test to assess your numeracy and literacy. 

This will let us see if you are able to meet the course entry requirements. You will be offered the opportunity to study GCSE English and Maths, or Functional Skills English and Maths, alongside your AAT programme if you want to do so. If you have Learning Difficulties, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. 

What else do I need to know?

All AAT professional courses require a significant commitment from the student, running September to June for the core units. The optional Units are usually September to November in the following year. 

A minimum of 90% attendance is required, and it is essential that you can commit to spending at least as long on private study as you are spending in the classroom.  

At the first session you will be given details of the textbooks which you will be required to purchase, it is not possible to study with other texts or earlier editions. Many of the learning resources are digital so students should have access to a pc or laptop to complete their private study. 

If you have Learning Difficulties, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. 

Is there anything else I will have to pay for to do this course? 

Textbooks approximately £100 

AAT Student Registration - fee information available on the AAT website 

Both costs are only due once the course has commenced. 

What can I do after this course?

Students who are successful on this AAT diploma in professional accounting can gain  suitable positions in an accounting or finance environment or gain promotion within their organisation, with some students choosing to continue studying and gain exemptions from Accountancy awarding bodies , including, ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CIMA (Institute of Management Accountants), CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy), ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales).