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Overview
The final AAT Level - A perfect progression if you’ve already completed Level 3, or you’re at a more advanced stage in your career and want a qualification to give you the confidence and proof that you have the skills to do the job. Once you’ve achieved this level, you’ll be the proud owner of the AAT Accounting Qualification and can apply to become a member of the AAT (MAAT).
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.
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 Monday.
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
- AAT Accounting Level 3 Advanced Diploma (all units) (you must be able to provide evidence of Statement of Achievement from AAT) plus GCSEs at grade 4/grade C in English and maths, or equivalent
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word
- An interview will be undertaken to assess your suitability for the course
Course Structure
- Financial statements of limited companies
- Management accounting: decision and control
- Management accounting: budgeting
- Credit management
- Auditing
- Professional diploma synoptic assessment
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.
We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this course through our Online and On Campus model.
Online
Online video lectures 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. Each lesson lasts around 45 minutes and is accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Exercises, interactive case studies and analytical tools help to enhance the learning experience further.
On campus
On campus, you benefit from regular college classes – without having to commit to attending multiple evenings each week. Experienced tutors will discuss and reinforce what you have learnt during your online study and are on hand to provide guidance on progress and assessment. Discussion and debate with classmates will help you apply theories to situations you face in the workplace.
Note regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19): Due to the nature of our Online and On Campus courses, with key concepts being taught online through high-quality video lectures, students are able to continue their studies seamlessly with social distancing in place. Some of the regular ‘On Campus’ lessons can be replaced by remote ‘virtual classroom’ sessions led by college tutors. This flexible approach can be easily adapted to suit government guidance and college policies.
Course Cost
Adult,
part_time_day:
£2500
Adult,
part_time_evening:
£2500
Weekly college classes will be held every Monday
This course is delivered over 18 months (4 terms).
Adult course costs are as follows from January 2021:
-
Course Cost Total: £2500
Includes Tuition fees of £2140 and assessment fees of £360 (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...
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
