Level 4 AAT Diploma in Professional Accounting for Adults
Course Code: P038266
Key Information
Course type:
Vocational
Campus:
Highbury Campus
Next Start Date:
09/09/2025 (Daytime)
Duration:
1 year
Attendance:
Part-time
Fees:
£2,573.00

The AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting covers advanced accounting principles and practices, combining online and in-person learning.
This programme is ideal for those aiming to achieve advanced level expertise in accounting and finance. It also supports professionals seeking career advancement or preparing for higher-level roles in accounting and finance, and those pursuing a nationally recognised qualification as part of their journey towards becoming a fully qualified accountant.
This flexible course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education, and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom.
The mandatory units you will undertake include applied management accounting, drafting and interpreting financial statements, and internal accounting systems. Optional units, of which you will study two, include audit and assurance, business tax, cash and financial management, credit and debit management, and personal tax.
The key knowledge and skills developed include:
drafting and interpreting financial statements through learning how to prepare accurate financial reports for limited companies
developing expertise in management accounting by creating and managing budgets to support organisational goals and understanding how to use financial data for strategic decision making
exploring how to maintain the integrity of financial systems
tailoring your learning with specialised topics such as credit and debt management, audit and assurance, or cash and treasury management.
On successful completion of this course, you will be awarded an AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting. This internationally recognised AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) 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.
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. To enrol in this programme, you should:
have successfully completed the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting or equivalent
possess strong numeracy and literacy skills
be committed to a blend of self-directed online study and in-person learning.
Relevant work experience or qualifications may also be considered for direct entry.
This course offers a flexible blended learning model. This means there is a mix of both in class and online lessons that learners must engage with.
online Learning through self-paced modules with access to videos, quizzes, and resources available 24/7
In College sessions are Monday evenings, 3 hours per week for practical workshops, group activities, and tutor support.
This delivery model prioritises flexibility, accessibility, and a supportive learning experience.
During your studies, online resources are available on demand, and can be viewed from your phone, tablet or computer. This enables you to choose how, when and where you want to study Mindful Education’s award-winning video lessons. Online sessions last for approximately 45 minutes and combine animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Supporting resources such as practice questions, downloadable lesson materials and interactive case studies help to enhance the learning experience further. You should expect to spend a further 4-5 hours studying independently online each week.
In College, at our Highbury Campus, you will benefit from scheduled weekly classes with our highly trained teaching staff. 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. Assessments are designed to challenge and develop your advanced accounting skills while providing ample support. You will undertake:
- short online quizzes to check understanding
- practical assignments completed at your own pace
- case studies and practical tasks during workshops
- knowledge checks and practice assignments within online modules
- computer based exams for each unit that are externally set and assessed.
Throughout the course, your tutor will provide personalised feedback to ensure your progress and confidence.
Upon successful completion, you will achieve the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, the highest qualification in the AAT framework. This nationally recognised qualification demonstrates your advanced expertise to employers and prepares you for higher professional certifications.
The Diploma in Professional Accounting can lead to the achievement of professional AAT (MAAT) status. The Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting prepares you for exciting opportunities, including progression to professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or ACA. Employment opportunities include accounts payable and expenses supervisor, assistant financial accountant, commercial analyst, cost accountant, indirect tax manager, payments and billing manager, payroll manager, senior finance officer, senior insolvency administrator, tax supervisor, VAT accountant. It can support you in building a pathway towards chartered accountant status.
Career advisors and tutors are available to help you explore your options and set achievable goals for the next stage of your journey.
Level 4 AAT Diploma in Professional Accounting for Adults available start dates:
You may also be interested in
Related Features
Event 14-08-2025
A Level, Level 3 Vocational Results Day
The dedication and commitment from students across the College has been fantastic this year and the time has come to receive your results - Congratulations!
NEWS 22-04-2025
Our iconic landmark to be renamed ‘Ayrton Tower’
The votes are in! Our iconic tower is to be officially renamed ‘Ayrton Tower’, after the brilliant woman who tamed lightning Hertha Ayrton.
“I wanted to keep working and earning money whilst studying, so this apprenticeship was perfect for that. I met people working in many different areas of accountancy, which helped me learn a diverse range of skills to suit many business needs.”
Rebekah Cox
Studied: Level 4 Apprenticeship Standard Professional Accounting Technician
NEWS 17-09-2024
Among the leaders in hospitality and events
Our own Jo Chaffin was among 40 women in leadership who gathered at the Club House in Southsea to talk about influencing and driving impactful change in hospitality and events. The networking event was organised by Samantha McGrath from Heard About Sam Ltd in conjunction with Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan.
“Andrew Collins”
"All training received at Highbury College was delivered by very knowledgeable, experienced individuals with many years spent in the trade. There’s a friendly atmosphere and the helpful staff want to get the best from you. Would definitely recommend."
Andrew Collins | GE Harding & Sons
NEWS 03-04-2024
Accelerating into the world of work
A lovely new video has been launched to celebrate the success of the Accelerate programme, specially developed by us and our partners Unloc to explore young people’s aspirations, develop their employability and enterprise skills, and explore college life through a series of fun and interactive workshops.
NEWS 25-03-2024
Is your company a winning business?
This year, we're proudly sponsoring the Employer of the Year category, recognising a business that has created a healthy and supportive work environment with a genuine commitment to its employees.
NEWS 07-02-2024
Apprenticeships in action
Portsmouth Lord Mayor Tom Coles has seen at first hand some of our state of the art facilities for the wide choice of apprenticeships we have on offer.