
Level 2 Accounting (AAT)
Course Overview
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The Course in Detail
This AAT course is for anyone wishing to study the basics of accountancy and gain first level knowledge of accounting systems and is an ideal starting point for anyone wishing to pursue a career in accountancy or finance.
It includes a range of basic accounting principles and techniques, from costing and double entry bookkeeping to computerised accounting. This introductory level is where you will develop your skills in finance administration: basic costing principles, double-entry bookkeeping and purchase, sales and general ledgers.
This level 2 qualification will suit you if:
- You work in accounts and would like a formal qualification in the field
- You would like to acquire new skills to help with a change in your career
- You’re a school leaver looking for an introduction to accounting and finance
- You are not currently in employment or training and you need workplace skills
- You would like to go onto be an AAT full member or study for chartered status
The course includes all materials, books and exam fees.
The Level 2 AAT Certificate in Accounting is comprised of four modules.
Introduction to Bookkeeping
This unit provides you with an understanding of manual and digital bookkeeping systems, including the associated documents and processes. You will learn the basic principles that underpin the double-entry bookkeeping system and will learn that digital accounting systems are automating some of the stages in the process. Areas of study will include:
- Understanding how to set up bookkeeping systems
- Processing customer transactions
- Processing supplier transactions
- Processing receipts and payments
- Processing transactions into the ledger account
Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
This unit builds on the knowledge and skills acquired from studying Introduction to Bookkeeping and explores control accounts, journals and reconciliations. It takes you through a number of processes used in bookkeeping that help verify and validate the entries made. These processes enable the student to understand the purpose of control accounts and associated reconciliations. Areas of study will include:
- Using control accounts
- Reconciling a bank statement with the cash book
- Using the journal
- Producing trial balances
Principles of Costing
This unit gives you an introduction to the principles of basic costing and builds a solid foundation in the knowledge and skills required for more complex costing and management accounting. You will learn the importance of the costing system as a source of information that allows management to plan, make decisions and control costs. Areas of study will include:
- Understand the cost recording system within an organisation
- Use cost recording techniques
- Provide information on actual and budgeted costs and income
- Use tools and techniques to support cost calculations
The Business Environment
This unit provides knowledge and understanding of key business concepts and their practical application in the external and internal environment in which students will work. You will gain an understanding of the legal system and principles of contract law and an appreciation of the legal implications of setting up a business and the consequences this may have. Areas of study will include:
- Understand the principles of contract law
- Understand the external business environment
- Understand key principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethics and sustainability
- Understand the impact of setting up different types of business entity
- Understand the finance function within an organisation
- Produce work in appropriate formats and communicate effectively
- Understand the importance of information to business operations
All of the course is based in the classroom with no distance learning.
* Great news… if you’re aged 19 or over and earning less than £25,750 a year (gross salary), you may not have to pay for this course. Apply online now!
Important Notice
A place on your chosen course is not confirmed until enrolment is complete, and any relevant fees are paid. Adult course times, dates, durations and fees may be subject to change, and courses may be cancelled if minimum numbers are not met.
Entry Requirements & Progression
What You'll Need
No prior accountancy or bookkeeping experience is required to undertake this qualification but, due to the content of this course and the required level of work commitment, a good level in both English and numeracy is required for enrolment.
You will be required to attend an interview with the course tutor during which a literacy and numeracy assessment will take place to ensure you are proficient enough to complete the course.
This Could Lead to
The finance, accountancy, business and communications skills developed in the AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting can lead to employment as:
- Accounts Administrator
- Accounts Assistant
- Accounts Payable Clerk
- Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk
- Trainee Accounting Technician
- Trainee Finance Assistant
As your career in accounting progresses you may wish to move on to the AAT Level 3 and AAT Level 4, and then perhaps to the certified and chartered accountant qualifications.
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Availability & Enrolment
Course ID
P2024-2627-F-P1
Start Date
15/09/2026
Start Time
17:00
End Time
20:00
Day of Week
Tuesday
Location
Fareham College
Total Fees
£765
Course ID
P2410-2627-E-P1
Start Date
15/09/2026
Start Time
09:30
End Time
15:00
Day of Week
Tuesday
Location
Eastleigh College
Total Fees
£765
Course ID
P2410-2627-E-P3
Start Date
15/09/2026
Start Time
18:00
End Time
20:30
Day of Week
Tuesday and Thursday
Location
Eastleigh College
Total Fees
£765
Course ID
P2206-2627-S-P1
Start Date
16/09/2026
Start Time
09:30
End Time
15:30
Day of Week
Wednesday
Location
Southampton College
Total Fees
£765
Course ID
P2410-2627-E-P2
Start Date
04/01/2027
Start Time
09:30
End Time
16:00
Day of Week
Monday
Location
Eastleigh College
Total Fees
£765
Course ID
P2206-2627-S-P2
Start Date
21/01/2027
Start Time
09:30
End Time
15:00
Day of Week
Thursday
Location
Southampton College
Total Fees
£765
College Life & Student Support Services
College is not just about your course – it’s an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and explore your interests! You can socialise with friends in the café and comfy seating areas, join a club or sports team or attend exciting events around the college. Many of our enrichment opportunities are also great on your CV or UCAS application to demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm outside of your studies.
Your time at college can also be affected by life or health difficulties, and it’s okay to need support. Our specialist teams are here every day to listen and give advice, whether it’s about career planning, financial support, mental health, or something else. And if you have a long-term support need or medical condition, we’ll work with you on personalised learning support to help you achieve your full potential.