This qualification develops advanced accounting knowledge and practical skills across a range of key financial processes, preparing you for progression within the accounting and finance sector.
You’ll build confidence in advanced bookkeeping, maintaining cost accounting records and preparing financial reports and returns. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of financial principles, helping you to support day-to-day accounting operations, improve business decision-making and develop the practical skills valued by employers across a wide range of industries.
Across four units, you’ll develop advanced accounting knowledge and practical skills in financial accounting, management accounting, taxation and business awareness.
You’ll learn how to prepare financial statements, manage costs and budgets, complete VAT returns, understand payroll processes and explore the role of accounting within different business environments.
Throughout the qualification, you’ll also strengthen your understanding of professional ethics, technology, communication and sustainability to prepare you for a successful career in finance.
This diploma consists of mandatory units that build the knowledge and practical skills required for a career in accounting.
With flexible online learning, you’ll study at your own pace, receive support from an experienced tutor throughout your course and complete externally assessed AAT exams to achieve your qualification.
This diploma is designed to be completed within 12 months.
The qualification consists of mandatory units, each assessed through an AAT exam. Once enrolled, you’ll have access to your learning schedule and course deadlines to help keep you on track.
You can find out more about how AAT assessments work on AAT’s website.
Funding is available for eligible residents of Greater London through the Greater London Authority and for Buckinghamshire residents through Buckinghamshire Council.
On successful completion, learners may wish to continue their development with:
This course is recognised and accredited by AAT.
Funding is available for eligible Buckinghamshire residents through Buckinghamshire Council.
You must meet the following criteria to be able to study for free:
If you enrol onto this course but fail to complete, please be aware there will be a £250 + VAT administration charge.
Week 1 – Submit Your Enquiry Form.
We’ll call to talk you through the course and answer any questions you may have. You will then be sent a Course Registration Form to complete.
Weeks 2–3 – We’ll Process Your Application.
Our Enrolment Team will then ask you to complete an application form. A tutor will be assigned to you to support you throughout your course and they can be contacted by phone, text or email.
Months 1–12 – You’ll Receive Email Reminders When Your Units Are Due.
Your tutor will mark and return your work within 7 days.
Completion – After Submission.
Once you’ve completed your course, we’ll apply for your certificate, which will be posted to your home address within 2–4 weeks.
This course is fully free for eligible adults aged 19 and over living in London or Buckinghamshire, funded through the Adult Skills Fund. Funding is generally available to people who are unemployed or on a lower income and is subject to residency and eligibility checks when you enrol.
The AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting is a nationally recognised qualification that develops advanced accounting and bookkeeping knowledge for people looking to build a career in finance. It covers financial accounting, management accounting, business awareness, tax processes, ethical working practices and preparing financial information to support business decisions.
This qualification is suitable for people with existing accounting or bookkeeping knowledge, including those who have completed an AAT Level 2 qualification or equivalent. It is particularly relevant to Accounts Assistants, Assistant Accountants, Finance Administrators, Payroll Officers and Bookkeepers who want to develop their skills and progress within finance.
Completing the qualification can support progression into roles including Assistant Accountant, Finance Officer, Accounts Supervisor, Payroll Supervisor, Senior Bookkeeper, Credit Controller and Management Accounts Assistant. Learners can also progress to the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, accounting apprenticeships or other higher level finance qualifications.
Most learners complete the qualification within 16 to 24 weeks through flexible blended learning, with online learning materials and ongoing support from a dedicated tutor. Assessment is completed through computer based examinations set and marked by AAT, with completion time depending on previous experience, available study time and individual circumstances.
