T Level Accounting

Are you interested in business, finance and problem-solving?  This exciting two-year T Level is designed for students who are looking for an alternative to A Levels and want to develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed for a successful career in accounting and finance.  The course is ideal for those who enjoy working with numbers, analysing information and using digital technology in a professional environment.

Developed in partnership with employers, this qualification combines classroom learning with a minimum 315-hour industry placement, giving you valuable real-world experience and helping you build the skills employers are looking for.  You will study topics including financial accounting, taxation, payroll, auditing, business operations, data analysis and financial technology, while developing your professional, communication and teamwork skills.

A key feature of this course is the opportunity to gain practical experience through industry placements and employer-led projects, preparing you for progression into roles such as Assistant Accountant, Payroll Administrator and Finance Assistant, as well as higher apprenticeships, university or further professional study.

In order to support the main programme of study, future progression and life skills, students will also continue to develop their maths and English skills, applying them in realistic business and accounting contexts throughout the course.

To study this course, you will  need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification. We also welcome applications from students who can demonstrate the skills, aptitude and commitment needed to succeed through relevant experience or alternative qualifications.

Students must attend an interview and taster session.

During this two-year T Level, you will develop the knowledge, technical skills and professional behaviours needed for a career in accounting and finance.  You will learn how businesses operate and how accounting supports decision-making, while gaining practical experience through employer-focused projects and an industry placement.
You will study a range of topics including:

Financial accounting and bookkeeping
Preparing trial balances and financial statements
Taxation, payroll and auditing
Business operations, law and regulation
Professional ethics and corporate responsibility
Data analysis, digital accounting systems and financial technology
Project management, research skills and business decision-making
Risk management, cyber security and data protection within finance environments.

As part of the Occupational Specialism, you will develop practical Assistant Accountant skills, including producing and analysing financial information, preparing accounts, supporting tax and audit functions, analysing business performance and processing payroll.

The course combines classroom learning with a minimum 315-hour industry placement, allowing you to apply your learning in a real workplace and gain valuable experience of the accounting profession.  In order to support the main programme of study, future progression and life skills, students will also continue to develop their maths, English and digital skills throughout the course.
 

You will learn through a mix of classroom-based study, practical activities, employer-focused projects and industry experience.  The course combines theory with hands-on learning, helping you develop the technical knowledge and workplace skills needed for a career in accounting and finance.

Throughout the programme, you will take part in written assessments, professional projects, research activities and practical accounting tasks that reflect real business situations.  You will use industry-standard accounting and digital software to prepare financial statements, analyse business performance, support payroll and taxation activities, and develop solutions to workplace challenges.

A key part of the course is the minimum 315-hour industry placement, where you will gain valuable experience working with an employer and apply your skills in a real business environment.  This will help you build confidence, professional behaviours and a strong understanding of the accounting industry.

You will also complete employer-set projects and an occupational specialism focused on the role of an Assistant Accountant, allowing you to develop practical skills in financial accounting, payroll, tax and audit.  Throughout the course, you will strengthen your research, communication, problem-solving, digital and teamwork skills, preparing you for employment, higher apprenticeships or university study.

In order to support the main programme of study, future progression and life skills, students will also continue to develop and apply their maths, English and digital skills in realistic accounting and business contexts.
 

To support your studies, you will need a willingness to learn, good organisational skills and an interest in business, finance and accounting.  As much of the course involves working with financial information, spreadsheets and accounting software, you should be prepared to use digital technology regularly and take responsibility for managing your work and meeting deadlines.

You will typically need:
A notebook or folder for course materials and notes.
Pens, pencils and a calculator suitable for accounting and financial calculations.
Access to a laptop or computer for completing assignments, research and project work.
Appropriate attire and a professional attitude for employer visits and industry placement activities.

Throughout the course, you will have access to industry-standard software and digital resources, including accounting packages, spreadsheets and office applications used within the accounting profession.

Most importantly, you should bring enthusiasm, a positive work ethic and a commitment to developing the professional, maths, English and digital skills needed for success in the accounting and finance sector.
 

Assessment is divided equally between the Core Component (50%) and the Occupational Specialism (50%), ensuring you can demonstrate both your knowledge and practical accounting skills.

The Core Component is assessed through:
Year 1
Two externally assessed written examinations:
Business Principles
Application of Accounting
An Employer Set Project (ESP), where you will complete a series of realistic business and accounting tasks, including calculations, research, presentations and written reports.

Year 2
The Occupational Specialism is assessed through an externally set and marked project focused on the role of an Assistant Accountant. You will complete a range of practical tasks that reflect real workplace activities, including:

Preparing and analysing trial balances
Producing financial statements
Preparing tax computations
Payroll activities and payslips
Supporting audit processes
Analysing business performance and making recommendations.

Assessment methods include written examinations, project work, calculations, reports, presentations and portfolios of evidence completed under supervised conditions. These assessments are designed to reflect the skills and knowledge required in the accounting profession and demonstrate your readiness for employment, apprenticeships or further study.

The qualification is graded from Pass to Distinction* overall, providing a recognised Level 3 qualification valued by employers, universities and apprenticeship providers.
 

This T Level provides a strong foundation for a range of careers and progression opportunities within the accounting and finance sector.  The qualification aligns with the Assistant Accountant and Payroll Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeships and prepares you for entry into skilled employment.

Career opportunities may include:
Assistant Accountant
Trainee Accounting Assistant
Account Clerk
Payroll Administrator
Payroll Officer
Payroll Clerk
Cashier Finance Assistant
Purchase Ledger Clerk

After completing the course, you could progress to a Level 3 Assistant Accountant or Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship, or continue your development through higher-level apprenticeships such as the Level 4 Professional Accountant or Taxation Technician programmes.

For students wishing to continue their education, the qualification also supports progression to Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and relevant university degree programmes in accounting, finance, business and related subjects.

The combination of technical knowledge, practical skills and industry experience gained through the course and industry placement will help you progress confidently into employment, apprenticeships or higher education within the accounting and finance profession.
 

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