Course Overview
This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) professional level course is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ). If you successfully complete this qualification and fulfil the AAT’s work experience requirements, you can apply for AAT full membership and use the letters MAAT after your name.
This flexible course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom, referred to as Online and On Campus.
You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost of this course. Please ask a member of college staff for details.
In this qualification you will cover higher accounting tasks including drafting financial statements, managing budgets, personal and business tax calculations, audit, and business skills.
On successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the AAT Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians. This internationally recognised AAT 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.
Topics may include:
- Financial accounting
- Management accounting
- Audit and internal controls
- Principles of taxation
- Advanced business awareness.
Please note: Osborne Books are required to support students’ study within each unit. The total cost is approximately £150 which is paid directly to the supplier by the student. Further information on this is given before the start of the course. AAT registration is required to be paid after enrolment to enable students to enable students to sit the exams and access AAT study resources; this is currently £258.
Assessment Methods
This course is assessed through computer-based exams for each unit. The first sitting of an exam for each unit is included in the tuition fee, however, resits will incur an additional cost.
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 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.
Learners should expect to spend around 7-9 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.
Progression Options
The accountancy skills developed by studying this qualification will enable you to seek employment with confidence, potentially run your own accounting practice, and/or to progress to study chartered/certified accountancy qualifications.
The Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians can lead to the achievement of professional AAT (MAAT) status. The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including: Accountant, Assistant Auditor, Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor, Assistant Financial Accountant, Assistant Management Accountant, Commercial Analyst, Finance Adviser, Junior Analyst, Professional Accounting Technician.
Entry Requirements
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The application route depends on your chosen study mode. For full-time undergraduate degrees, you will need to apply via UCAS. If you are applying for a part-time course, a professional qualification, or a Degree Apprenticeship, you can usually apply directly through our website using the ‘Apply Now’ button on the course page. If you need any guidance, our Admissions team is always on hand to help.
Every programme at University Centre Somerset is designed as a ‘Degree for Real Life.’ We focus heavily on employability, meaning your studies will be directly linked to industry needs. You will benefit from work-based learning, live commercial briefs, and our strong regional employer networks. Additionally, our dedicated Careers team offers 1:1 guidance to help you refine your CV, prepare for interviews, and build your professional network.
Transitioning to higher education is a significant step, and we treat you as an independent adult while providing robust support. You will be assigned a personal academic tutor to guide your academic progress. We also offer dedicated Higher Education study skills sessions, library support, and a comprehensive Student Support team providing confidential advice on mental health, wellbeing, and financial concerns.
Most UK students studying a first degree, Foundation Degree, or HND are eligible for tuition fee and maintenance loans through Student Finance England. If you are studying a Degree Apprenticeship, your tuition fees are fully funded by your employer and the government, and you earn a salary while you learn. We also offer advice on eligible bursaries and financial hardship funds – contact our Student Support team for tailored advice.
Yes. We offer dedicated, independent student accommodation tailored for our higher education learners, primarily based at our Taunton and Cannington campuses. Our HE options provide a safe, comfortable, and mature environment that fosters a strong learning community, with easy access to our state-of-the-art campus facilities.
Absolutely. We welcome applications from mature students and those with non-traditional qualifications. We consider a wide range of experience, including vocational qualifications, Access to HE diplomas, and relevant professional experience. If you are unsure whether your current qualifications meet the entry criteria, please get in touch with our admissions team to discuss your individual pathway.
We understand that many of our HE students balance their studies with employment and family commitments. We strive to condense our full-time degree timetables into a few days a week to allow for part-time work or independent study. Our part-time routes are specifically designed to be flexible for working professionals.
We are here to help. You can submit a direct enquiry using the form our Contact page, or you can contact our Higher Education admissions team via email or phone. We also highly recommend registering for our next Open Event, where you can speak directly with the lecturers and tour our advanced facilities.