If you are not a UK National you may have an International fee to pay, please see our International Student Payment Information page for more information.
Please note, these prices are for the current academic year and may be subject to change for our courses starting in future years.
Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college, please see our Fees and funding page for more information.
Age 16-18
FREE (If meet residency criteria and not enrolled at another educational institution).
If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course will be FREE. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips.
Age 19+
If you are aged 19 or older on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course could be free dependant on the level of the course and your eligibility criteria. The rules regarding fee reduction are complicated, we would encourage you to contact our Advice, Support and Careers Team on 0191 375 4400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you are not a UK National you may have an International fee to pay, please see our International Student Payment Information page for more information.
Please note, these prices are for the current academic year and may be subject to change for our courses starting in future years.
Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college, please see our Fees and funding page for more information.
Age 16-18
FREE (If meet residency criteria and not enrolled at another educational institution).
If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course will be FREE. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips.
Age 19+
If you are aged 19 or older on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course could be free dependant on the level of the course and your eligibility criteria. The rules regarding fee reduction are complicated, we would encourage you to contact our Advice, Support and Careers Team on 0191 375 4400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
This course is designed to provide you with a range of skills and knowledge of basic accounting principles and techniques, from costing to double entry bookkeeping.
It is ideal for those who are new to finance or for those wanting a career change.
You will attend college for one day or one evening per week where a tutor will provide guided learning, and support you in class. Professional accounting text books are essential to complement your study.
You will have four computer-based examinations to take which are spread throughout the academic year. These are set and marked by AAT.
If you are aged 16-19 and wish to complete this qualification, you must do so as part of an apprenticeship programme.
Entry Criteria
GCSE Grade 4 or above in English and maths, or Functional Skills Level 2
Additional Costs
Course fees include AAT membership and your first exam. You will be required to purchase text books £100-£120 and will be charged for any re-sit exams £61-£64 per resit.
What are the next steps?
You will meet with a member of the course team. Please bring any relevant qualifications.
Study Aims
The Level 2 Certificate in Accounting covers a broad range of core accounting skills, as well as accountancy-related business skills and personal skills.
Key themes have also been introduced throughout the suite of accounting qualifications, including technology, ethics, sustainability and communication.
Modules Studied
This qualification comprises four mandatory units:
Introduction to Bookkeeping
Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
Principles of Costing
The Business Environment
Teaching and Assessment
This course includes lectures, seminars and exam practice. Each of the AAT units are assessed through external exams. The assessments are set and marked by AAT. They are computer based, and each exam has a specific time limit. The exams must be taken at an approved centre or venue under controlled conditions. Students will be provided with an overall grade for the qualification (Pass, Merit, or Distinction).
Maths and English
Maths and English skills are essential for the workplace and university.
You will be supported to improve your maths and English skills if you have not achieved a grade 9-4.
If you achieved a grade 3 or hold a D in either maths or English, you will re-sit your GCSE qualification with us.
If your grade was lower than a 3, or your qualification is below a D, you will study Functional Skills to enhance your maths and English skills.
Even if you have already achieved a grade 4 or above, or hold an A* to C, we will continue to develop your skills and help you progress further.
What else?
The AAT website provides some good resources on the programmes we offer.
You could progress to AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting at New College Durham.
If you want to ask a question about a specific course or subject area, you can use our course explorer to find the course and use the Ask a Question button.
