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Overview
This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Foundation course is an entry-level accounting qualification, ideal for anyone who is seeking an introduction to basic accounting principles and skills.
This Level 2 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 3 course. Please see information on progression below.
Please note: classroom attendance is fortnightly, on every other Wednesday (day) or Thursday (evening).
Online and On Campus
This flexible course is delivered by South Essex College in partnership with Mindful Education and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: I noticed that an interview was required to get on this course. Would this be face-to-face?
A1: This would be arranged through a virtual platform such as Microsoft Teams
Q2: What is the AAT annual membership for?
A2: You need to be a member of AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) to be able to study on the programme. We are vetted to enable us to deliver the programme and act as centre in order for you to complete your studies.
Q3: Would students need to go into the college? If so how often and for how long?
A3: We are partnered with Mindful Education and offer Blended Learning. You will need to follow the study programme and watch and complete virtual pre-recorded lessons. You can do this at your own pace at any time using a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or main frame computer.
You will need to do at least six to eight hours of blended learning and then attend college once a fortnight for a two-hour session. On alternate weeks you will have a one-hour virtual session on Microsoft Teams with our specialist AAT tutors.
Q4: Are books included in the price of the course? Would students need to buy the additional book mentioned in the course information?
A4: Books are recommended, but not essential. We have found our students like as much revision and exam practise as possible, so by buying books provides additional resources to improve skills and knowledge.
Q5: I’m looking to do this course alongside a full-time job, so was wondering how much time per day/week for example would be needed to complete the course. Is there a timetable for assessments/exercises to complete the units?
A5: As stated in response to question 3, you will need to do at least six to eight hours of self-studying. You will follow lessons set by Mindful Education via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The lessons are released slowly at a pace that has been tried and tested for many years by Mindful Education.
When you start the course you will be provided with a schedule that will clearly state when each unit will be studied, how many lessons you have for each unit and when each lesson will be released. As long as you make sure you keep on schedule, you can complete the lessons at any time, so if you wake up early and want to have an hour’s study time with a quick cup of tea, then it is possible. A train journey is also a great time to do some studying.
When you submit your work after completing the activities, it is marked and you get to see the answers. This means you can work as and when you want to, just as long as you have completed everything expected before you have your on-campus sessions or virtual sessions via Microsoft Teams.
Q6: Is there support available if I need help with understanding the course content or assistance with the work?
A6: The VLE from Mindful Education is amazing and allows you to send questions to your tutor. They will collate the questions received throughout the week and then answer them either in the on-campus or virtual sessions on Microsoft Teams each week.
This method also helps the specialist tutors understand the issues students encounter when doing the units. The specialist tutors will set up a place for everyone to meet and chat on TEAMS so you can pose questions along with your peers as they may also find they are struggling. Meeting other people and learning together is just one of the reasons why most people prefer to study at a college or learning centre.
Entry Requirements
- GCSEs at grade 4/C in English and maths, or equivalent
- Previous knowledge of accounting or a Level 1 Bookkeeping qualification would be advantageous but not essential
Course Structure
This qualification will prepare you for junior and entry level accounting roles. It delivers a solid foundation in finance administration - covering areas such as double entry bookkeeping to basic costing principles and using accounting software.
On successful completion of this course, you will be awarded an AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in 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 2 course covers a range of key areas, including:
- Introduction to Bookkeeping
- Principles of Bookkeeping
- Principles of Costing
- The Business Environment
You will also develop business communications and lifelong learning skills, applying what you learn on the course to the wider industry context.
Assessment & Feedback
This course is assessed through computer-based exams and a synoptic assessment, which draws on and assesses knowledge and understanding from across the qualification.
Online and On Campus
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 last for around 45-60 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 3-4 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.
Course Cost
Adult,
part_time_day:
£960
Adult,
part_time_evening:
£960
Course duration: 10 months
Classroom attendance: Fortnightly, on every other Wednesday (day) or Thursday (evening).
Costs are as follows based on 2021-22:
-
Course Cost Total: £960
Includes Tuition fees of £660 and assessment fees of £300 (this covers one sitting of each assessment, if a student fails an assessment an additional fee will be incurred)
- AAT (First time learner) admission fee £49** Level 2 only***
- Membership (£101**)
- Exams fee £60 per resit*
- Additional course books (optional, see below)
Recommended reading (Additional course books):
L2 and L3 Osborne Tutorial and Workbooks
L4 BPP publishers
- Level 2 £110 (Approx)
- Level 3 £120 (Approx)
- Level 4 £120 (Approx)
*All first exams are included in the course cost but resits must be paid for.
**Fees do increase yearly
***If the annual membership expires, then a re-instatement fee of £36 would need to be paid.
What Next...
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to higher levels of the AAT Accounting Qualifications (Level 3 and then on to Level 4). Under the Free Courses for Jobs 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.
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