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Free AAT Level 3 Accounting Course in Manchester – The Manchester College City Campus

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAAT awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free AAT Level 3 Accounting Course in Manchester. Classes run at The Manchester College City Campus, full-time during the day, over one year. This is the AAT Diploma in Accounting, covering business awareness, financial accounting, management accounting, and tax. You'll sit four computer-based exams, one for each unit, graded at pass, merit, or distinction. Level 2 English and maths are desirable, and you'll have an initial assessment before you start. The course suits those who have completed the AAT Level 2 Certificate, or those with relevant finance work experience and a good standard of English and maths.

Who this course is for

This qualification is ideal for learners who have successfully completed the L2 AAT Certificate qualification and are ready for progression. Learners will look at the following topics: Business Awareness Financial Accounting Preparing Financial Statements Management Accounting Techniques Tax Processes for Businesses You could enrol on the L3 course directly with a good standard of English and maths, and with appropriate work experience in an appropriate finance-based field.

Upon achieving this qualification there will be the opportunity to progress to level 4. Each learner will be fully assessed by their tutor to ensure they are ready for progression.

What you will learn

  • You'll study business awareness, including how organisations operate and the financial environment they work in.
  • You'll prepare financial statements, covering double-entry bookkeeping and final accounts.
  • You'll apply management accounting techniques, including costing and budgeting.
  • You'll understand tax processes for businesses, including VAT and payroll.
  • You'll interpret financial data to support business decision-making.
  • You'll develop the technical accounting knowledge needed to progress to AAT Level 4.

How you will learn

You'll attend classroom-based sessions at The Manchester College City Campus. There are four assessed units: Business Awareness, Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements, Management Accounting Techniques, and Tax Processes for Businesses. Each unit is assessed by a computer-based exam. None of the exams are synoptic. You must pass all four to achieve the full qualification. Your overall result is graded at pass, merit, or distinction.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The Manchester College City Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Accounts assistant, handling day-to-day bookkeeping and financial records
  • Finance administrator, supporting financial operations in an organisation
  • Payroll administrator, processing employee pay and tax
  • Purchase ledger clerk, managing supplier invoices and payments
  • Sales ledger clerk, tracking customer accounts and receipts
  • Tax assistant, supporting tax compliance work in a practice or business
  • Management accounts assistant, helping prepare internal financial reports

What you could study next

  • AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting. The natural next step after Level 3. Covers financial statements, budgeting, and optional specialist units. Completing Level 4 can exempt you from some ACCA or CIMA exams.
  • ACCA Qualification. For those aiming toward chartered accountant status. AAT Level 4 can provide partial exemptions.
  • CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting. An alternative route into management accounting at a higher level.
Apply on tmc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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