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Key details

Course area
Business and Accounts
Student type
Courses for 19+ students
Course type
Part-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 2

Course introduction

It is no longer possible to apply/enrol for this course as there are no course dates available. Please check back later as we may be offering it again in the future.

This is a top-up course which designed for students who have already studied, or are currently studying Level 2 AAT Bookkeeping and wish to progress to achieve the full AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting.

Classes are delivered weekly, with access to online resources and textbooks provided to support independent and follow-up study.

About AAT
AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) is the UK’s leading professional body for accountancy and finance qualifications. Their qualifications are practical, internationally recognised, and open doors to career opportunities across industries worldwide.

Who is this course for?
Students should choose the Level 2 Certificate in Accounting if they:

  • Want to develop transferable business and personal skills alongside their core accountancy skills.
  • Are entering the workplace for the first time or seeking a career change, with additional support to upskill for a business environment.

What will you learn

By completing this qualification, students will:

  • Gain accountancy skills in double-entry bookkeeping and basic costing.
  • Develop an understanding of purchase, sales and general ledgers.
  • Learn to use accounting software.
  • Build professional skills and behaviours needed to contribute effectively in the workplace.

As accountancy roles also require strong communication, IT, and business awareness, these areas are also embedded into the programme.

Programme Focus

  • Preparing learners for employment in a wide variety of accounting-related roles.
  • Building knowledge, understanding and skills from an accounting perspective.

Units included in this top-up programme:

  1. Principles of Costing (20% of qualification grade)
    • Provides a foundation for more advanced costing and management accounting tasks.
    • Explores how costing systems support planning, decision-making, and cost control.
  2. The Business Environment (30% of qualification grade)
    • Introduces key business concepts and their practical application.
    • Covers the legal system, contract law, and the implications of setting up a business.
    • Examines organisational structures and the role of the finance function within them.

An introduction to the principles of basic costing.

Please note this course is for learners aged 19+ only.

Additional costs include course materials, the first exam and registration fees for AAT. Any exam re-sits will need to be paid for separately.

There are two different times and days you can study this course:

  • Tuesday 09:30 - 15:30 starting 20/01/2026 for 14 weeks Group A
  • Friday 09:30 - 15:30 starting 23/01/2026 for 14 weeks Group B

Course information

AAT Certificate in Accounting

Entry requirements for this course are:

  • You must be aged 19+
  • GCSE English and Maths at a minimum of grade grade 4/C (or Functional Skills at Level 2). If you do not have this, you will be asked to undertake English and maths assessments to determine the level you are working at. If the results of the tests show that your English and maths skills are below Level 2, you will need to enrol for either GCSE or Functional Skills to support your studies.

The four units are assessed individually through computer-based end-of-unit assessments at the City Hub. This qualification also includes a synoptic assessment that draws on and assesses knowledge and understanding from across a number of units.

The finance, accountancy, business and communication skills developed in the AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting can lead to employment as:

  • An accounts administrator
  • An accounts assistant
  • An accounts payable clerk
  • A trainee accounting technician

You can also progress onto the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.

Additional costs include course materials, the first exam and registration fees for AAT. Any exam re-sits will need to be paid for separately.

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Book-keepers, Payroll Managers and Wages Clerks

Potential Earnings

£41,478.26

Average Earnings

£24,611.00

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Accounting and Finance

People in these occupations prepare and record accounts of financial dealings within businesses and provide financial analysis, banking, credit, and investment services.

Administration and Office Work

People in these occupations administrate facilities and personnel, keep records, and provide administrative assistance and secretarial work.

Skills

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

AAT Award in Business Skills (Level 1) - Part-time

AAT Diploma in Accounting (Level 3) - Part-time

Access to Higher Education: Business (19+) - Full-time