This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 2 Certificate in Accounting course is an entry-level accounting qualification and is ideal for anyone wishing to study accountancy and finance. The qualification covers a broad range of core accounting skills, as well as accountancy-related business skills and personal skills. Key themes have also been introduced throughout the qualification including technology, ethics, sustainability and communication.

You will need:

• Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths

You will also have an interview with our course tutors at enrolment, so we can ensure the course is right for you.

Your assessments are designed to match what you've learned. All your work will be marked by your tutors, giving you a chance to show off your skills in real-world situations.

You'll build a portfolio of your coursework, showcasing your progress throughout the course. Plus, you'll get hands-on experience through practical assignments and receive feedback from your tutors. Units will also be assessed by external exams.

After completing this course, you'll be well-prepared for further study or employment in the industry, such as a Level 3 Extended Diploma, which can lead to university-level study.

Units covered can include:

• Introduction to Bookkeeping
  You will gain an understanding of manual and digital bookkeeping systems, including the associated documents and processes. You will learn the basic principles that underpin the double-entry bookkeeping system and will learn that digital accounting systems are automating some of the stages in the process.

• Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
  This unit builds on the knowledge and skills acquired from studying Introduction to Bookkeeping and explores control accounts, journals and reconciliations. It takes students through a number of processes used in bookkeeping that help verify and validate the entries made. These processes enable the student to understand the purpose of control accounts and associated reconciliations. Students will also understand the use of the journal to the stage of redrafting the trial balance, following initial adjustments.

• Principles of Costing
  This unit gives students an introduction to the principles of basic costing and builds a solid foundation in the knowledge and skills required for more complex costing and management accounting. Students will learn the importance of the costing system as a source of information that allows management to plan, make decisions and control costs. Students should recognise the key differences from a business perspective between costing and financial accounting.

• The Business Environment
  The business environment is dynamic and is changing considerably as the digital age progresses to facilitate the global nature of business. It is essential that students are aware of the impact that this environment has on organisations, from sole traders to large companies operating in local, national and global markets, and that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to enable them to work effectively.

School Leavers (16-18)

If you will be 16, 17 or 18 years old on 31 August before your course starts, and you have the legal right to live in the UK for the full length of your study programme, your course will be free.

You may also be eligible for financial help to support with books, travel, course materials and childcare costs – please click here for more information.