L3 Diploma In Accounting
Thinking about a future in finance and want the next step that gets you closer?
You can choose to study this diploma face to face in a classroom or using a blended method. You will learn skills needed for a range of financial processes including maintaining cost accounting records, advanced bookkeeping, VAT tax returns and payroll and the preparation of financial statements.
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting Studies and work confidently in a range of business and finance role.
- Course Information
- Course Code
- XDD3ACC
- Validated By
- AAT
- Price
- £2,573
- Attendance Pattern
- Daytime
- Course Level
- Level 3
- Study Mode
- Blended - In person/Online
- Course Location
- Leyland Campus
- Age Group
- Adults (19+)
- Course Duration
- Starts September 2026 for 34 academic weeks
- Overview
Funding Information
The course may be free of charge if you fit one of the following criteria and reside in the Lancashire area:
- Unemployed in receipt of a recognised benefit
- Low Wage (Earning below £25,750 annual gross salary)
Payment options:
- Pay in full
- 4 x consecutive payments (4 x £643.25)
- Sponsor
- Advanced Learner Loan
Sessions Available
Start End Day Session Time Venue 09/09/26 Jul 2027 Wed Day 09:30 – 16:30 Langdale Road, Leyland Online – Weekly lessons will be released on the platform. Each lesson must be completed within that week and prior to the following on‑campus session. You will also be required to attend college to sit exams.
Delivery method – Blended/Online Course
Online – you will study award-winning video lessons, which are available weekly/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 6 hours studying independently online each week.
On campus – you benefit from on campus classes with a tutor every 4 weeks (a timetable will be issued at the start of the course). 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.
Important Information 1:
Blended learning requires a combination of academic readiness, digital competence, and personal habits. You must be able to:
- Work independently without constant supervision
- Manage your time and deadlines
- Navigate digital platforms confidently
- Engage actively in both online and face‑to‑face environments
- Communicate clearly and ask for help when needed
- Regular in-person attendance at college is required, including for sitting your exams. Therefore, it is essential that you can travel to the site when needed.
- Access to, and familiarity with using a computer and basic knowledge of Microsoft packages to complete your work and a reliable internet access is essential.
Important Information 2:
- Access to a computer is essential for successful completion of the course
- Learners will need to register directly with AAT here in order to begin their qualification. The current registration fee is £243 (price correct as of 06/05/26).
- No purchase of books required as all course materials are provided through the online
- Entry Requirements
Entry requirements:
- Students must be aged 19+
- GCSE English grade C/4 and above or, Level 2 Functional Skills English
- GCSE Maths grade C/4 and above or, Level 2 Functional Skills Maths
AND (any of the below)
- Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
- Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
- A Level in Accounting
- How will I be assessed?
Practical computer-based assessments that are sat periodically throughout the year.
- Progression Pathway
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to Level 4 AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting.
Career opportunities:
- Accounts assistant
- Accounts payable and expenses supervisor
- Accounts payable clerk
- Audit trainee
- Bookkeeper
- Corporate recovery analyst
- Credit controller
- Finance assistant
- Insolvency executive
- Payroll administrator/ supervisor
- Tax assistant / accountant
- Programme Specification
Course units:
- Business Awareness
- Preparing Financial Statements
- Management Accounting Techniques
- Tax Processes for Businesses
Students will learn:
- This qualification will build on topics that were covered in Level 2 and extend on the areas covered to the completion of final accounts.
- Will help students learn how to deal with a wide range of circumstances and diverse backgrounds which will allow students to gain skills and knowledge based on nationally agreed standards of competence.
- Skills needed for a range of financial processes including maintaining cost accounting records, advanced bookkeeping, VAT tax returns and payroll and the preparation of financial statements.
- Health, Safety & Well-Being
Runshaw College is committed to ensuring you have a happy, successful and productive time with us – ensuring your health, safety and well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
We proactively encourage the disclosure of any disabilities or issues which may impact on your learning experience – this can be at interview, enrolment, or at any other stage during your studies. Any information you disclose will be held in strict confidence and will be used to assess your in-class support needs and inform a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) to ensure your safe evacuation from the College in the event of an emergency. If you would like further information, please contact Course Enquiries on 01772 642040.
- National Careers Service
For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.
- FAQs - Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
I don’t currently hold both GCSE/Functional Skills maths & English, can I still study the course?
You must hold both of these qualifications prior to applying for this level 3 course due to the amount of essay writing involved.
Can I complete the skills check if I do not work in accounting?
No, the skills check is for learners who have extensive work experience in the finance sector but do not hold a Level 2 accountancy qualification. Learners who are new to accountancy must begin at Level 2, as this serves as the foundational stage for the subject.
Do I need to have knowledge of Excel?
Yes, this topic is covered within the Costing unit (MATS), and it is important that you have a solid foundational understanding of Excel before beginning the course. You will be expected to use Excel confidently for tasks such as performing basic calculations, working with formulas and organising data on spreadsheets. Having these skills in place will allow you to focus on the costing concepts themselves rather than spending time learning the software.
Online course – do I have to live locally to Runshaw College to enrol to this course?
Regular in-person attendance at college is required, including for sitting your exams. Therefore, it is essential that you can travel to the site when needed.
Online course – can I enrol any time through the year and catch up?
No, the module exam dates are set externally by the awarding body and must be completed within one academic year. If you enrol after the start date you will miss important content of the course and may miss the exams.
Do classes take place throughout the year?
No, Runshaw College observes term times in line with local education. A full college calendar will be provided upon enrolment.
Do I have to do any homework?
Students must dedicate an equal amount of time to independent study as they do to in-class sessions.
Do I need to attend every lesson?
Yes, you must attend all lessons without fail (unless due to exceptional circumstances) as any absences will have a significant impact on your learning and achievement on the course.
Do I have to purchase the study text books?
Yes, these are compulsory for your learning on the course and you must buy the recommended course books. They provide an in-depth explanation of each topic, together, with extra questions in the book and online and extra mock exam papers.
Can I get extra help if I’m struggling with a topic?
Yes, your tutor will provide extra support when needed on a 1:1 basis via Microsoft Teams or face to face.
What is an Advanced Learner Loan?
An Advanced Learner Loan is a government loan which helps with the cost of further education courses.
