Level 4 AAT Diploma in Professional Accounting for Adults

Course Code: P038266

Key Information

  • Course type

    Vocational

  • Campus:

    Highbury Campus

  • Start Date:

    28/01/2025 (Daytime)

  • Duration:

    1 year

  • Attendance:

    Part-time

  • Fees:

    £2,573.00

Level 4 AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting (Daytime)

As part of the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, you will cover higher accounting tasks including: drafting financial statements, managing budgets and evaluating financial performance, as well as a range of optional specialist units.

This programme is ideal for those aiming to achieve advanced level expertise in accounting and finance. It is specifically designed for individuals who have completed the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting or equivalent qualifications. It also supports professionals seeking career advancement or preparing for higher-level roles in accounting and finance, and those pursuing a nationally recognised qualification as part of their journey towards becoming a fully qualified accountant.

The AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting covers advanced accounting principles and practices, combining online and in-person learning. 

The mandatory units you will undertake include applied management accounting, drafting and interpreting financial statements, and internal accounting systems. Optional units, of which you will study two, include audit and assurance, business tax, cash and financial management, credit and debit management, and personal tax.

The key knowledge and skills developed include:

  • drafting and interpreting financial statements, through learning how to prepare accurate financial reports for limited companies

  • developing expertise in management accounting, by creating and managing budgets to support organisational goals and understanding how to use financial data for strategic decision making

  • exploring how to maintain the integrity of financial systems

  • tailoring your learning with specialised topics, such as credit and debt management, audit and assurance, or cash and treasury management.

Professional behaviours are embedded throughout all AAT courses.  

This balanced approach ensures you gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to excel in professional accounting roles.

You must have a sound knowledge of accounting principles to undertake the AAT Level 4 programme. Achievement of an AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting is essential. To enrol in this programme, you should:

  • have successfully completed the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting or equivalent

  • possess strong numeracy and literacy skills

  • be committed to a blend of self-directed online study and in-person learning.

Relevant work experience or qualifications may also be considered for direct entry.

This course offers a flexible blended learning model. This means there is a mix of both in class and online lessons that learners must engage with. 

  • online Learning through self-paced modules with access to videos, quizzes, and resources available 24/7

  • In College sessions are Tuesday days, 3 hours per week for practical workshops, group activities, and tutor support.

This delivery model prioritises flexibility, accessibility, and a supportive learning experience.

During your studies, online resources are available on demand, and can be viewed from your phone, tablet or computer. This enables you to choose how, when and where you want to study Mindful Education’s award-winning video lessons. Online sessions last for approximately 45 minutes and combine animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Supporting resources such as practice questions, downloadable lesson materials and interactive case studies help to enhance the learning experience further. You should expect to spend a further 4-5 hours studying independently online each week. 

In College, at our Highbury Campus, you will benefit from scheduled weekly classes with our highly trained teaching staff. 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.  Assessments are designed to challenge and develop your advanced accounting skills while providing ample support. You will undertake:

  • short online quizzes to check understanding
  • practical assignments completed at your own pace
  • case studies and practical tasks during workshops
  • knowledge checks and practice assignments within online modules
  • computer based exams for each unit that are externally set and assessed.

Throughout the course, your tutor will provide personalised feedback to ensure your progress and confidence.

School Leavers under the age of 19 do not have to pay fees on any full time courses, though may have to pay for their second year if turning 19 during their studies. If you’re aged 19 or over you might qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. It’s easy to apply for and you won’t have to pay anything back until you’re earning over £25,000. If you are studying a part-time course and you receive one of the following benefits, or you depend financially on someone who does, you may be entitled to have your tuition fees waived: Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support. You will, however, have to pay any awarding body/assessment fees (unless you are on a first full level 2 course). * If you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit or receive other allowances, you may be eligible to claim concessionary rates. If you are entitled to a fee concession you will be asked to provide proof of your entitlement. It is essential that you inform us if your entitlement changes at any time during your course.

Upon successful completion, you will achieve the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, the highest qualification in the AAT framework. This nationally recognised qualification demonstrates your advanced expertise to employers and prepares you for higher professional certifications.

The Diploma in Professional Accounting can lead to the achievement of professional AAT (MAAT) status. The Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting prepares you for exciting opportunities, including progression to professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or ACA. 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. It can support you in building a pathway towards chartered accountant status.

Career advisors and tutors are available to help you explore your options and set achievable goals for the next stage of your journey.

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