AAT L2 Certificate in Accounting (Online Self Study)
Level 2Course Overview
Part Time
Certificate
Certificate
Enhance your understanding of accounting with our AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting. This qualification is ideal for:
- Individuals in junior or entry-level accounting roles
- Small business owners seeking to upskill
- Employers looking to provide foundational accounting training for staff
The course offers a comprehensive introduction to finance administration and core accounting principles, including double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing, and the use of purchase, sales, and general ledgers. You’ll also develop essential business and personal skills, with a focus on four key themes embedded throughout the qualification: ethics, technology, communication, and sustainability.
This qualification is delivered entirely online via a dedicated study platform. You’ll be assigned a personal assessor who will review your submitted work and provide feedback, support, and guidance as needed.
Units Covered
- Introduction to Bookkeeping
Learn the fundamentals of double-entry bookkeeping and how to process transactions using both manual and digital systems. - Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
Build on your bookkeeping knowledge with control accounts, journals, and reconciliations. Understand how to verify entries and redraft trial balances after adjustments. - Principles of Costing
Gain insight into basic costing principles and how costing systems support management decision-making and cost control. - The Business Environment (Synoptic Assessment)
Explore the evolving business landscape and its impact on organisations of all sizes. Develop the skills needed to work effectively in today’s dynamic, digital-first environment.
You’ll complete computer-based exams and a synoptic assessment that evaluates your understanding across all units. If you live outside Gloucestershire, we’ll help arrange an exam centre closer to your location.
Study Commitment
Our online courses are ideal for learners who are confident working independently and need only minimal support. We understand that distance learning may not suit everyone, so it’s important to consider the level of commitment required to complete your qualification successfully.
These courses offer the flexibility to study at your own pace and fit learning around your existing commitments. However, there are set deadlines in place to keep you on track, along with an expectation that you demonstrate regular, consistent progress each week. You should aim to dedicate at least 6 hours per week to your studies with an expected course completion timeframe of approximately 10 months.
Additional Costs
- AAT Membership Registration Fee: £187 (mandatory for assessments)
- Exam Re-sit Fees: £67 per on-site re-sit; £120 per external re-sit (outside Gloucestershire)
If you qualify for a tuition fee waiver, you may apply to our Learner Support Fund to help cover these additional costs.
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This qualification is suitable for individuals aged 19 or over (as of 31st August in the academic year) who are confident working with numbers and possess strong literacy and numeracy skills.
This course is delivered via distance learning and is ideal for self-motivated learners who are comfortable studying independently with minimal guidance. While you have the flexibility to study at your own pace and around your personal commitments, you must meet assignment submission deadlines to ensure timely completion. The expected duration for achieving this qualification is approximately 10 months.
Applicants must hold a GCSE grade C/4 or above in both maths and English.
If you have prior experience in accounting or finance, you may wish to complete the AAT Skillcheck at www.aatskillcheck.org/ to help determine whether to begin at Level 2 or progress directly to Level 3.
All applicants will be required to complete a short assessment form to confirm the appropriate level of study.
You may be eligible to study this course free of charge if you receive certain benefits or are on a low income. Please speak to our admissions team for further guidance.
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On successful completion you may like to consider our online AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.
Shortlist and Apply
If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist or continue to complete your application.
Studying for a business qualification gives you transferable skills that are desired by many industries and professions. You can go on to train as an accountant, manager, marketer, events coordinator or business administrator, and even develop the crucial skills needed to run your own business.
You’ll find that our range of business pathways allow you to explore and learn about a variety of business skills, before choosing a specialist area to suit your interests and future career goals. If you’re interested in events management, human resources, management, marketing, retail or social media, we have a business pathway to suit.
Gloucestershire College is connected to a number of businesses and throughout the year you will get the chance to see how real businesses operate. Previous work-related activities have included trips to Amazon and Sky headquarters and business planning with RBS.
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Check the progress of your application and find out everything you need to know about the application and enrolment process at GC.