About the course

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. 

Please note: Classroom attendance is weekly, every Tuesday.

Entry requirements

Achievement of an AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting (merit or higher) is essential.

How much does it cost?

The fee for this course is: £3,081

Fee includes tuition, AAT membership fees, unit fee and one assessment fee per unit.

This course can be part funded through an Advanced Learner Loan

Why study?

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 Professional Diploma in 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.

Study Method – Online and On Campus

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver the core units of this course through our 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. 

Weekly college classes will be held every Tuesday.

This course is delivered over 18 months (4 terms). 

Where will this course take me?

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 Professional Diploma in 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. 

Core modules

The Level 4 course covers a range of key areas, including: 

• Management Accounting: Budgeting
• Management Accounting: Decision and Control
• Financial Statements of Limited Companies
• Accounting Systems and Controls
• Professional Diploma Synoptic Assessment

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 modules

Optional units - select two of the following (subject to availability):

• Business tax
• Personal tax
• External auditing
• Cash and Treasury Management
• Credit Management

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

How will I be assessed?

This course is assessed through computer-based exams and a synoptic assessment, which draws on and assesses knowledge and understanding from across the qualification.