L4 Professional Diploma in Accounting
This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) professional level course is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ). If you successfully complete this qualification and fulfil the AAT’s work experience requirements, you can apply for AAT full membership and use the letters MAAT after your name.
- 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 09/09/2026 for 16 months
- Overview
This flexible course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom, referred to as Online and On Campus. You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost of this course. Please ask a member of college staff for details.
*Funding Information
Payment options:
- Pay in full
- 4 x consecutive payments (4 x £643.25)
- Sponsor
- Advanced Learner Loan
Study method – Online and On Campus
We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this course through our flexible Online and On Campus model.Online – you will study award-winning video lessons, which are available 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 7-9 hours studying independently online each week.
On campus – you benefit from regular classes with a college tutor – without having to commit to attending multiple evenings each week. 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 09/09/26 Feb 2028 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.
Additional Information:
You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost of studying this course.
- 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 2 Certificate in Accounting or Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
- Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
- How will I be assessed?
This course is assessed through computer-based exams for each unit.
- Progression Pathway
The accountancy skills developed by studying this qualification will enable you to seek employment with confidence, potentially run your own accounting practice, and/or to progress to study chartered/certified accountancy qualifications.
Career opportunities
The Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians can lead to the achievement of professional AAT (MAAT) status. The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including: Accountant, Assistant Auditor, Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor, Assistant Financial Accountant, Assistant Management Accountant, Commercial Analyst, Finance Adviser, Junior Analyst, Professional Accounting Technician. - Programme Specification
Course units:
The Level 4 course covers a range of key areas, including:
- Financial accounting
- Management accounting
- Audit and internal controls
- Principles of taxation
- Advanced business awareness
What will I learn?
In this qualification you will cover higher accounting tasks including drafting financial statements, managing budgets, personal and business tax calculations, audit, and business skills.
On successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the AAT Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians. This internationally recognised AAT 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.
- 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.
