AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting (Daytime) Sept 2025

This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) course is an entry-level accounting qualification, ideal for anyone who is seeking an introduction to basic accounting principles and skills.

This flexible course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education, and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom.

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: The course starts on X September. Classroom attendance is fortnightly, on every other XXX.

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, 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 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

• Double Entry Bookkeeping: the base of all accounting practices, including preparing trial balances and profit and loss reports.

• Basic Costing for Manufacturing Accounts - This topic will teach you the basis of calculating of costs associated with in industry such as manufacturing costs and labouring costs.

• An Introduction to Using a Computerised Accounting System – This topic is an introduction into the computerised accounts of Sage Line 50 which is the most recognised accountant package currently used in business.

The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, Credit Control Assistant or Purchase Ledger Clerk.

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.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. Previous knowledge of accounting or a Level 1 Bookkeeping qualification would be advantageous but not essential.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

This course is assessed through computer-based exams and a synoptic assessment, which draws on and assesses knowledge and understanding from across the qualification.

September 2025

This is a part-time course programme taking place over 1 year. Sessions are run during the daytime.

An identical course to this one is also available for evening study instead. Please go back to the course finder and you should see that available as an option instead if you're interested in the evening class.

Study method – 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 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 4-5 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.