Course overview

AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting (Online and On Campus) City of Bristol College

This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) professional 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.

This flexible course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom over 6.5 hours per week; 3.25 hours in the classroom, and approximately 3.25 hours of self-study.

You can apply for an advanced learner loan to cover the cost of this course. Please ask a member of college staff for details.

Additional information

Who is this course for?

The course is most suited for anyone working in an accountancy environment, although this is not essential.

This course is for adults aged 19+.

What you'll learn

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.

Upon 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 are looking to pursue accountancy as a career to gain knowledge, practical experience and the all-important certification often sought by employers.

Units of Study – The Level 4 course covers a range of key areas, including mandatory units of study:

– Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements
– Applied Management Accounting
– Internal Accounting Systems
– Controls Optional units

The following two units are taught at the college:

– Cash and Financial Management
– Credit and Debt Management

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

Course entry requirements

You must have a sound knowledge of accounting principles to undertake the AAT Level 4 programme. Achievement of an AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting is essential.

How is the course delivered and assessed?

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 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.

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.

This course is assessed through computer-based exams.

Future career and study opportunities

The accountancy skills developed by studying this qualification will enable you to seek employment with confidence and/or to progress to study chartered accountancy.

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

Additional costs

You will need to pay an AAT qualification fee of £240. 

If you are on a limited income, you may be eligible to receive help with these costs from our Learner Support Funding Bursary

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