Description
The AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting is the second stage of the AAT accounting pathway, following Level 2.
It gives you the skills and knowledge to work competently in finance, accountancy, or bookkeeping roles.
After Level 3, you can progress to the AAT Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians, which leads to full AAT membership (MAAT).
How you will study
- Classroom Based
We offer evening, weekend and daytime sessions at our London centre.
Optional: AAT Fast Track
Combine two levels in one package: AAT Level 2 & 3 course or AAT Level 3 & 4 course.
Why go Fast Track?
The Fast Track is a cost-effective way to complete two levels in less time than studying them separately.
The Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (AQ22) covers the following areas:
1. Business Awareness (BUAW)
| Learning outcomes | Weighting |
| Understand business types, structures and governance, and the legal framework in which they operate | 25% |
| Understand the impact of the external and internal environment on businesses, their performance and decisions | 20% |
| Understand how businesses and accountants comply with principles of professional ethics | 20% |
| Understand the impact of new technologies in accounting and the risks associated with data security | 15% |
| Communicate information to stakeholders | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
2. Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements (FAPS)
| Learning outcomes | Weighting |
| Understand the accounting principles underlying final accounts preparation | 5% |
| Understand the principles of advanced double-entry bookkeeping | 10% |
| Implement procedures for the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets | 10% |
| Prepare and record depreciation calculations | 10% |
| Record period end adjustments | 10% |
| Produce and extend the trial balance | 15% |
| Produce financial statements for sole traders and partnerships | 20% |
| Interpret financial statements using profitability ratios | 10% |
| Prepare accounting records from incomplete information | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
3. Management Accounting Techniques (MATS)
| Learning outcomes | Weighting |
| Understand the purpose and use of management accounting within organisations | 10% |
| Use techniques required for dealing with costs | 15% |
| Attribute costs according to organisational requirements | 20% |
| Investigate deviations from budgets | 15% |
| Use spreadsheet techniques to provide management accounting information | 15% |
| Use management accounting techniques to support short-term decision making | 15% |
| Understand principles of cash management | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
4. Tax Processes for Business (TPFB)
| Learning outcomes | Weighting |
| Understand legislation requirements relating to VAT | 25% |
| Calculate VAT | 30% |
| Review and verify VAT returns | 20% |
| Understand principles of payroll | 15% |
| Report information within the organisation | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Click Here to download the detailed AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting Qualification Specification
At Level 3, you will develop a sound understanding of how businesses are structured and run, and the wider environment they operate in. You will learn to prepare final accounts for sole traders and partnerships, use management accounting techniques and spreadsheets to support decisions, and calculate and review VAT returns.
Certification
You will be awarded "AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting" from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), once you have passed all the exams.
After completing AAT Level 3, you may progress to Level 4, or alternatively, you can study both Level 3 & Level 4 together through the Fast Track option.
Once you’ve achieved the full AAT accounting qualification (Levels 2 to 4), you’ll be able to:
- Apply for AAT professional membership and use the letters "MAAT" after your name
- Progress to chartered accountancy (gaining generous exemptions)
- Become your own boss with our members in practice (MIP) scheme
- Progress to university with AAT giving you UCAS points based on grading (Distinction = 56, Merit = 48, Pass = 32)
- Work overseas with our internationally recognised qualification
- There are no formal entry requirements, but we recommend that you have completed the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting or an equivalent qualification.
If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). You can check your suitability on the AAT Skillcheck website. - You should be over the age of 18 or have a third-party payee for any financial agreement.
AAT registration and assessment fees are not included in the course fee.
Click here to find out the latest AAT Registration fees and Assessment fees.
Payment Options:
You can pay for your course in any of the following ways:
By Debit/Credit Card: You can pay in full on our website using the Enrol Online option. You may be eligible to claim a free Tablet PC (eligibility criteria apply – find out more)
Flexible Payment Option: You can spread your course fee over 6 or 12 monthly instalments after an initial payment of 30% of the course fee. Instalments start on the 1st of the month following your initial payment. The total payable under each plan is shown at checkout.
Employer Funded: If your employer is funding your course, send us their details (name, address, email, telephone and contact person) and we will send a customised course proposal to ensure a smooth enrolment experience. We can also invoice your employer directly if required. (Find More Here)
If you have any further questions regarding the course, please complete the Get Course Information Kit form.
Upon completion, you will receive an email containing the full course information and available start dates (if classroom-based course). A member of our advisory team will also reach out to ensure you have all the support you need.
Additional Fees
AAT Registration Fees
Payable to AAT within 4 weeks of enrolment:
- Level 3 Diploma in Accounting: One-off registration fee of £244
Please note: AAT fees are subject to change. Please visit the official AAT website for the most up-to-date fee schedule. All prices are correct at the time of publication.
Alternatively, you can include the AAT registration fee during checkout (which includes a small administrative processing fee), and we will handle the registration directly with AAT on your behalf. If you add the AAT Registration at the checkout, we will issue a payment code, which you can use to register with AAT without directly paying to AAT.
Exam Fees
Exam fees are not included in the standard course fee. You can view current pricing on our Exam Fees page.
To save on costs, we recommend adding an exam package during checkout. This bundle provides exam credits that can be used to book your assessments either at our London centre or remotely from home. For more details, please visit our Exam Package information page.
