This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Foundation course is an entry-level accounting qualification, ideal for anyone who is seeking an introduction to basic accounting principles and skills.
This flexible course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education, and combines independent online learning with regular virtual classroom sessions with an Activate Learning tutor – with real-time access to your tutor and fellow learners.
This Level 2 course is part-funded, so the cost for students is reduced.
On successful completion of this course, you might be eligible for a fully funded Level 3 course. Please see information on progression below.
Please note: The course starts on Friday 26th February 2027.
Virtual classroom attendance is fortnightly, on every other Friday 6-8pm.
This online course is for anyone over the age of 19 who wishes to gain their first professional accounting qualification. The AAT Accounting Qualification will start you on the path to a successful accounting and finance career.
What you'll learn
This qualification will prepare you for junior and entry-level accounting roles. It delivers a solid foundation in finance administration, covering areas such as double-entry bookkeeping to basic costing principles and using accounting software.
On successful completion of this course, you will be awarded an AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting. This internationally recognised AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification enables those working in accounting or those who looking to pursue accountancy as a career to gain knowledge, practical experience, and the all-important certification often sought by employers.
Units of Study
The Level 2 course covers a range of key areas, including:
- Introduction to bookkeeping
- Principles of bookkeeping
- Principles of costing
- The business environment
You will also develop business communications and lifelong learning skills, applying what you learn in the course to the wider industry context.
Study Method – Online and Virtual Classroom
We have partnered with Mindful Education, to deliver this course through our flexible Online and Virtual Classroom model.
See “How I’ll learn” for more details.
How you'll learn and be assessed
Study Method – Online and Virtual Classroom
We have partnered with Mindful Education, to deliver this course through our flexible Online and Virtual Classroom 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 last for around 45 minutes and 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 and learners should expect to spend around 4-5 hours studying independently online each week.
Virtual Classroom, sessions are a key element of the course, and you will benefit from regular sessions with a college tutor. Your tutor will review what you have learnt during your independent online study on the Mindful Education platform, 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.
All teaching for this course is online. You will be required to sit four end of module assessments in person at one of our campuses
Dates to be confirmed.
- Unit 1 exam in December
- Unit 2 exam in February
- Unit 3 exam in May
- Unit 4 exam in July
Students should select ONE college location as there is a charge for an additional/change of location.
- Banbury & Bicester College – OX16 9QA
- Bracknell & Wokingham College – RG12 1DJ
- City of Oxford College – OX1 1SA
- Guildford College – GU1 1EZ
- Reading College – RG1 4HJ
Progression
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to higher levels of the AAT Accounting Qualifications (Level 3 and then on to Level 4). You might be eligible for a fully funded Level 3 course through the government’s adult skills fund. Alternatively, you can apply for an advanced learner loan to cover the cost of your Level 3 study. Please ask a member of college staff for more information.
Career opportunities
The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, Credit Control Assistant or Purchase Ledger Clerk.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. Previous knowledge of accounting or a Level 1 Bookkeeping qualification would be advantageous but not essential.
Additional information
As a student on this course you will be able to access the facilities and services at all Activate Learning college campuses. For locations, visit www.activatelearning.ac.uk
Please note: Virtual classroom attendance is fortnightly, on every other Friday 6-7:30pm
