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Level 3 AAT Certificate in Bookeeping (Full time)

DCG offers a range of AAT qualifications that can be tailored to suit your individual needs. AAT qualifications are universally respected and internationally recognised. The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is the professional organisation you will join, enabling you to draw on the expertise of AAT members worldwide.

Course Summary

Subject Area: Business, Leadership and Management
School Leaver - Vocational/Technical
Full Time or Part Time: FT
Level: 3
Number Of Years: 1
Interview Required?: Y
The Roundhouse

Apply now at: https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/course/level-3-aat-certificate-in-bookeeping-full-time
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Course Information for Students

The Level 3Certificate in Bookkeeping at DCG offers technical training in accounting and is ideal for anyone wishing to pursue a career in accountancy or finance. 

This qualification provides students with the specialist knowledge and skills required to progress to employment in an accounting or finance role, or to further study in accountancy and finance. The Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping is suitable for full-time students. 

This qualification is a progression route for students who have achieved the Level 2 Certificate in Accounting or the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping. It’s also suitable for those who have already started their journey studying a related subject and are looking to develop their skills in accounting. 

If you are over 19, you may be eligible for funding https://www.aat.org.uk/presents/national-skills-fund. AAT also offers a bursary for anyone 16 years old or over. Check your eligibility here: https://www.aat.org.uk/qualifications-and-courses/fees-funding/bursary  

Skills and Education Group https://www.skillsandeducationgroup.co.uk/foundation/ also provides grants which are designed to help overcome social barriers and allow those who wish to study to advance their skills in education.

You will need a minimum of grade 4 (C) in Maths GCSE and a good standard of English (grade 3), 

Students should have completed the Level 2 Certificate in Accounting or the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping at merit level. Prior completion of other business or finance studies would also be beneficial.

You will be required to complete an interview prior to the course and AAT recommends that students use AAT Skillcheck to ensure that they’re ready to start on a particular qualification.  The AAT Skillcheck will also be completed during the Induction Week with teaching staff.   

To be successful on this course, you will also need to be highly motivated and commit to out-of-class learning and revision.

The Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping covers a range of essential and complex accounting tasks, including maintaining cost accounting records and the preparation of reports and returns. Key themes have also been introduced throughout the suite of accounting qualifications, including technology, ethics, sustainability and communication.

This qualification comprises of two mandatory units:

  • Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
  • Tax Processes for Businesses.

This qualification will ensure that you are well prepared to progress into a career in business, finance or professional accountancy, or into further education. You will learn and develop skills needed for financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping and preparing financial statements. You will gain an understanding of the business environment, technology used in finance and accounting, business issues regarding payroll and value added tax (VAT), issues in business, management accounting techniques, ethical principles, and sustainability considerations for accountants. 

This Level 3 course will help you to develop an understanding of business and its structure and purpose, as well as an appreciation of the wider business environment. You will also develop skills supporting complex financial processes, such as final accounts, reports and returns, use of technology to provide management accounting information, and completion of VAT returns.

You will complete the mandatory modules and also learn the key concepts two extra modules in preparation for your next steps.  You will also be supported to develop your employability skills in preparation for apprenticeships and job opportunities.  We actively support students to find work experience opportunities and network with employers.

This course will be delivered face to face on-site.

As part of your AAT course textbooks and resource are available to aid your revision.  

This qualification is now available under the new National Skills Fund Level 3 Adult offer. Please speak to our staff about Adult Funding for the full-time AAT Level 3.

The two modules are assessed individually through computer-based end-of-unit assessments. 

After this course, you could progress to a course such as the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.  Alternatively, you may wish to go into employment in an accounts or business environment.  We can help you if you are considering another AAT course, an apprenticeship programme, or a full-time Business course.

Skills developed through this qualification could lead to employment in roles such as:

  • Accounts Assistant
  • Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor
  • Assistant Accountant
  • Audit Trainee
  • Credit Controller
  • Finance Assistant
  • Finance Officer
  • Payroll Supervisor
  • Senior Bookkeeper
  • Tax Assistant

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk

Course Information for Employers

If you are an employer and would like to know more about the apprenticeships and professional training we deliver or how you can get involved in co-creating and co-delivering curriculum, please contact us via email on businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk, call us on 01332 387 421 or visit our employer pages here.

Career Information

DCG Success Stories

Discover how our students have achieved success. Their hard work and dedication to learning has enabled them to succeed in rewarding careers or progress onto higher education.

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We encourage progress and aspirational outcomes by guiding people onto learning pathways that lead to positive destinations. Our students have gone on to achieve great things since leaving the College. We would like to share some of their inspiring success stories with you.

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Find out what funding could be available to you:

Thinking about returning to education or developing new skills? Use our funding calculator below to get an estimate of the financial support you may be eligible for based on where you live.

Whether you’re looking to retrain, progress in your career, or try something new, funding could make your next step more accessible than you think.

Simply enter your postcode into the calculator to see an estimate of the funding that may be available in your area. This is based on regional funding allocations and typical eligibility criteria for adult learners.

Important:

The results shown are a guide only and are not a guarantee of funding.

Funding availability can vary depending on:

  • Your personal circumstances (such as age, employment status, and prior qualifications)
  • The course you choose
  • Government and local funding rules at the time of enrolment

If you’re considering adult learning, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.

Our courses are designed to fit around your life, with flexible study options and expert support every step of the way.

Find out more about the courses available. Adult Courses

If you have any questions about funding, eligibility, or courses, our team is here to help. Contact Us


Applications for 2026 Full-Time School Leaver Courses are now CLOSED FOR PROCESSING*

If you’ve already applied for a full-time vocational or academic course, please check your InTouch account to view your application status and accept any outstanding offers. We may also be trying to contact you by phone, so keep an ear out for calls from the College — to ensure we are progressing your first-choice course area.

Haven’t applied yet?

Your next opportunity will be during our Open Enrolment sessions, starting Wednesday 26th August at 12pm. Please note that places will be limited and subject to course availability, entry requirements, and interviews. Find out more about Enrolment and Clearing Enrolment: Enrolment and Clearing Information 2026

Course Information Last Updated On: October 17, 2025 10:37 am