L4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
The Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting allows you to master complex accounting tasks and qualify for senior finance roles, are you looking to take the next step?
You will build on your existing knowledge, gain competencies in drafting financial statements for limited companies, recommending accounting systems strategies and constructing and presenting complex management accounting reports.
The course is delivered over 16 academic months in the classroom one day a week, you will also need to dedicate time to independent study. Students who have completed this course have gone on to successful accountancy careers.
- Course Information
- Course Code
- XDD4ACC
- Validated By
- AAT
- Price
- £2,573
- Attendance Pattern
- Daytime
- Course Level
- Level 4
- Study Mode
- Blended - In person/Online
- Course Location
- Leyland Campus
- Age Group
- Adults (19+)
- Course Duration
- Starts September 2026 for 16 months
- Overview
*Funding Information
Payment options:
- Pay in full
- 4 x consecutive payments (4 x £643.25)
- Sponsor
- Advanced Learner Loan
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.
Sessions available:
Start End Day Session Time Venue 16/09/26 July 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
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
- 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
- Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
Learners who have a 10+ year gap between their Level 3 and Level 4 will need to be interviewed by the curriculum.
- How will I be assessed?
Practical computer-based assessments that are sat periodically throughout the year.
- Progression Pathway
Successful completion of this course, opens multiple academic and professional routes, giving you accelerated access to chartered accountancy qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, and ACA, as well as opportunities to progress into higher education.
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:
- Financial Accounting (FIAC)
- Management Accounting (MAAC)
- Audit & Internal controls (AAIC)
- Principles of Taxation (POTX)
Students will learn:
- Applied Management Accounting
- Drafting financial statements for limited companies.
- Internal Accounting Systems and Controls
- 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 4 Diploma in Accounting
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 educational. A full college calendar will be provided upon enrolment.
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 do any homework?
Students must dedicate an equal amount of time to independent study as they do to in-class sessions.
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 3 accountancy qualification. Learners who are new to accountancy must begin at Level 2, as this serves as the foundational stage for the subject.
What is an Advanced Learner Loan?
An Advanced Learner Loan is a government loan which helps with the cost of further education courses.
