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Free AAT Level 3 Accounting Course in Cheltenham

CostFREE
Duration11 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Jan 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAAT awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free AAT Level 3 Accounting Course in Cheltenham. Classes run at Gloucestershire College Cheltenham Campus, part-time during the day. The course is free for adults who don't already hold a full Level 3 qualification. Additional costs apply for AAT registration, textbooks, and any exam resits.

You'll study four units: Business Awareness, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting Techniques, and Tax Processes for Businesses. The course also covers advanced bookkeeping, preparation of final accounts, VAT, and spreadsheet skills for accounting. You'll need a GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English, or an AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, or relevant industry experience. The course takes around 11 months part-time.

You'll finish with a Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.

Who this course is for

This qualification equips you with the skills to handle a variety of complex accounting tasks. You'll develop a deep understanding of financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping, preparation of final accounts, VAT in business, management accounting techniques, and ethical standards for accountants. You'll also enhance your digital skills through spreadsheet training tailored for accounting applications.

Course Units:

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

For full course details, please visit the AAT website. www.aat.org.uk

You will complete four computer-based assessments throughout the course.

In addition to weekly college attendance, students are expected to undertake 4-6 hours of independent study each week.

Additional Costs:

  • AAT Registration Fee: Approximately £243
  • Textbooks: Approximately £122
  • Exam Re-sit Fees: £63 per assessment (if required)

If you are eligible for a tuition fee waiver, you may apply to the Learner Support Fund to help cover these additional costs.

Your tutor will confirm the required textbooks before your first class.

Entry requirements

All queries regarding course entry criteria can be found on the specific course page on the GC website, including the equivalency of qualifications and exceptional extenuating circumstances should be directed by email to the Admissions Department at [email protected].

What you will learn

  • You'll apply accounting principles and concepts to complex financial tasks.
  • You'll prepare financial statements and final accounts.
  • You'll use management accounting techniques to support business decisions.
  • You'll handle VAT processes for businesses.
  • You'll develop business awareness relevant to accounting roles.
  • You'll work with spreadsheets for accounting applications.
  • You'll understand ethical standards expected of accounting professionals.

How you will learn

You'll attend weekly classes at Gloucestershire College Cheltenham Campus. You'll also complete four to six hours of independent study each week. Assessment is by four computer-based assessments completed throughout the course. There are no exams at the end of the year; each assessment is taken when you're ready.

What you will need to bring

You'll need to pay an AAT registration fee of approximately £243 and purchase textbooks costing approximately £122. Exam resit fees are £63 per assessment if needed. If you're eligible for a tuition fee waiver, you may be able to apply to the Learner Support Fund to help with these costs. Gloucestershire College Cheltenham Campus will confirm which textbooks you need before your first class.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Accounting technician, manages day-to-day financial records for an organisation.
  • Assistant accountant, supports qualified accountants with reporting and analysis.
  • Bookkeeper, maintains accurate financial records for businesses.
  • Finance assistant, processes invoices, payments, and expense claims.
  • Payroll administrator, runs payroll and handles employee pay queries.
  • Accounts payable or receivable clerk, manages supplier or customer accounts.

What you could study next

  • AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, the natural next step toward full AAT membership and senior finance roles.
  • ACCA or CIMA qualifications, for those aiming toward chartered accountant status, though these require further study beyond Level 4.
  • Higher Apprenticeship in Accounting or Finance at Level 4, combining work and study toward a professional accounting role.
Apply on gloscol.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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