AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (Daytime) Sept 2025

This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) advanced level course is a mid-level accounting qualification, ideal for anyone who is looking to advance their existing knowledge of accounting.

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

This Level 3 course is part of the Free Courses for Jobs initiative and is fully funded for eligible learners. Alternatively, you can apply for an advanced learner loan to cover the cost of studying this course. Please ask a member of college staff for more information.

Please note: The course starts on XX September. Additional start dates may be available during the 24/25 academic year. Classroom attendance is weekly, every Thursday, 9.30am-4.15pm.

This qualification covers a range of complex accounting tasks. You will learn and master financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, preparing financial concepts, management accounting, tax processes and business awareness.

On successful completion of this course, you will be awarded an AAT Level 3 Diploma 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 3 course covers a range of key areas, including:

• Financial accounting: preparing financial statements
• Management accounting techniques
• Tax processes for businesses
• Business awareness

• Professional Ethics within AAT – This topic covers legal requirements and professional standards expected within the accountancy profession.

• Preparation of accounts for sole traders this topic covers book keeping work required to keep sole trader accounts up to date ready for preparation of final end of year accounts.

• Preparing financial statements for sole traders and partnerships this topic follows on from the accounts preparation module where you will learn how to produce the statements of profit or loss and statement of financial position.

• Indirect Tax (VAT) – This topic highlights the rules and legislation involved in the calculation and payments of VAT.

• Using spreadsheets in an accounting role – This topic looks at the use of spreadsheets in accounting practices.

You will be recognised as a part qualified accountant technician. The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including Finance Officer, Assistant Accountant and Bookkeeper. You will also be eligible for AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB) status, giving you the option to work as a freelance bookkeeper.

On successful completion of this course, you can progress to the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.

You must have a sound knowledge of bookkeeping principles to undertake the AAT Level 3 programme. Achievement of an AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is 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 for each unit.

Those who can provide evidence of gaining a previous, relevant qualification from an external awarding body may not have to sit all AAT assessments.

We believe that if you've already studied qualification units featuring the same content, you shouldn't need to duplicate work. This means students can fast track onto the most appropriate AAT qualification.

Students may be eligible for exemptions if they have:

- Previous finance or accounting qualifications
- An accounting or finance degree

September 2025

1 year, part time, one day a week.

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 5-6 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.