About the course

This Level 1 qualification introduces the role of a bookkeeper and simple bookkeeping techniques. It covers the buying and selling process and the common documents used. The unit also includes recording transactions in the books of prime entry. On completion of this unit, students will be familiar with bookkeeping terminology and will have developed practical bookkeeping skills. Students will gain the confidence to contribute effectively in the workplace and to move on to further study in bookkeeping.

This Level 1 course is part-funded, so the cost for students is reduced. 

On successful completion of this course, you might be eligible for a fully funded Level 2 course. Please see information on progression.

Please note: classroom attendance is fortnightly, on every other Wednesday.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

How much does it cost?

The fees for this course are: 

Tuition Fees: £284 (Fee includes tuition, AAT membership fees and one assessment fee per unit).

Examination resit fees will be £38 per assessment

All fees are free if you are;

• Unemployed, in receipt of benefits and looking for work or 
• Are in work and earn less than £25,000 a year.

Who is it suitable for?

This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) access course is ideal for those with no prior accounting knowledge, study this basic entry-level bookkeeping qualification for a solid grounding in single-entry bookkeeping.

Why study?

This short course, studied over four months, will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to manage books effectively – including double entry bookkeeping, and associated documents and processes, up to Trial Balance standard.

On successful completion of the course, you will be awarded an AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping. 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.

This qualification can be used as a fast track to the AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting.

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

Study Method – Online and On Campus

Combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom.

Online, learners should expect to spend around 4-5 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. 

The difference between bookkeeping and accounting from AAT on Vimeo.

Where will this course take me?

Progression

On successful completion of this course, you can progress to higher levels of the AAT Accounting Qualification (Level 3 and then on to Level 4).

Students completing the AAT Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping may wish to go on and complete the full AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting. If you do choose to continue your studies in this way, then your achievements in the Bookkeeping qualification are carried over to the longer Accounting qualification. 

Under the National Skills Fund initiative, you might be eligible for a fully funded Level 3 course. Alternatively, you can apply for an advanced learner loan to cover the cost of your Level 3 study. Please ask a member of college staff for more information. 

Career opportunities

The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including Clerical Assistant, Trainee Bookkeeper, Accounts Clerk, Finance Assistant and Accounts Administrator.

Additional information

Fortnightly college classes will be held every other Wednesday.

Course duration is 15 weeks part-time

Core modules

Learning outcomes:

The Level 2 course covers a range of key areas, including: 

• Understand financial transactions within a bookkeeping system
• Process customer transactions
• Process supplier transactions
• Process receipts and payments
• Process transactions through the ledgers to the trial balance
• Understand controls in a bookkeeping system
• Use control accounts
• Use the journal
• Reconcile a bank statement with the cash book

How will I be assessed?

All AAT assessments are practical computer based assessments, available to sit throughout the year. The qualification also includes a synoptic assessment, which draws on and tests your understanding of connections between topics covered across the qualification.