AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting

This AAT qualification is a competence-based qualification that gives you the relevant and practical skills to do a wide range of accounting and finance jobs.

In this qualification you will master more complex accounting disciplines including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants.

This qualification is currently equivalent to 160 UCAS points and may support your application to university.

What topics will I study?
The AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting consists of four mandatory units:

• Business Awareness
• Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
• Management Accounting Techniques
• Tax Processes for Businesses

You will be assessed through online exams with time limits during the programme on each of the above units.

Teaching and learning methods:

Classroom based teaching and practice exercises to develop accounting skills, IT skills and exam preparation in computer suites. Sessions are delivered by highly qualified industry accountants.

Guest lecturers and workshops from professionals working with accountancy practice and a range of finance departments. Advice and guidance sessions and careers workshops.

Dates for 2026 – 2027 are as follows:

Next steps: 

Finance is at the heart of every business, so demand for accounting and finance skills will never go away. Jobs in accounting and finance are extremely diverse and deliver exciting career opportunities.

With AAT on your CV, you demonstrate a level of industry excellence and work-readiness sought after by employers across all industries.

The AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting may lead to employment as:

• Accounts assistant
• Accounts payable and expenses supervisor
• Accounts payable clerk
• Assistant accountant
• Audit trainee
• Bookkeeper
• Credit controller
• Finance assistant
• Payroll administrator
• Payroll supervisor
• Practice bookkeeper
• Tax assistant

You could progress on to our AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.

You will need a Merit or Distinction at AAT Level 2, your Level 2 tutor’s recommendation to progress and a good attendance record, demonstrating that you have the skills and motivation required to succeed at Level 3. You must have GCSE Maths and English grades 4 or above (or C or above) before starting this course. You will be asked to complete GCSE Maths and English prior to starting the course, if you do not have these qualifications.

You will be expected to complete an Excel initial assessment prior to acceptance onto the course and should be prepared to undertake some Excel self-study in preparation for the spreadsheets element of the management accounting techniques unit during the first term.

You will study at our Future Skills Centre, which opened in 2021 near Exeter Airport. The centre has free on site parking as well as an on site cafe and a designated study room for adult learners.

Funding Availability 

Advanced Learner Loan: If you are aged 19+ and studying a Level 3 to Level 6 qualification, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for course fees. Click here to learn more about the Advanced Learner Loan, and how you can cover the costs of your course.

Additional Costs

AAT membership for 12 months costs approximately £235. You will also need course books (approx. costs £190).