AAT Advanced Diploma

1. Structure

To pass this level you’ll need to study five units (also known as subjects), which are all mandatory. Four of the units are examined individually and there is also a synoptic assessment that you’ll take towards the end of the level, which incorporates the final two units as well as drawing on all of the other units you’ve studied at this level.

Entry requirements

You should have either passed AAT Foundation (Level 2), or you may be eligible for relevant exemptions if you’ve been working in an intermediate accounts role before enrolling on this course, or have achieved relevant A Levels.

If you are starting on Level 3, we advise that you enrol onto the Kaplan 2 Day Bookkeeping course, as there is an assumption at this level that you have a good knowledge of Double Entry Bookkeeping.

If you have a university degree in accountancy, or related, we recommend that you move straight onto ACCA, CIMA, or ACA.

Syllabus

You’ll learn complex accounting techniques including maintaining cost accounting records and the preparation of reports and returns. You’ll master a number of accounting disciplines including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants.

Unit and synoptic assessment:

You must pass all the unit assessments and the synoptic assessment to be awarded a grade (70-79 for a Pass, 80-89 for a Merit or 90+ for a Distinction). The marks achieved in the individual units and the synoptic assessment contribute to your overall grade.

2. Study methods

Do you prefer face-to-face learning? Online learning in your own time? Have family or work commitments? We have four study methods that suit different learning styles, to fit around your life.

Study methods available for this qualification

Whichever study method you choose, you’ll be exam confident, as we offer hundreds of practice questions. We offer expert support during evenings and weekends, and we have flexible study methods and course start dates. You’ll benefit from award-winning tutors, practical learning methods, and ongoing support, even after your exams.

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Timetables - Classroom and Live Online

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3. Exams and sittings

Timings and working towards a sitting

You can take your exams at any time, apart from the synoptic exam, where there are only six specific exam weeks for this unit throughout the year. Understanding when you want to sit and pass your exam will affect the end date of your course and what materials you receive. Please note, you’ll still need to book your exams separately. All assessments on this level are computer-based exams (CBE).

You’ll be awarded a grade (pass, merit, or distinction) based on how you perform across the qualification. Unit and synoptic assessments are not awarded grades individually, but the marks achieved in all assessments contribute to your overall grade for the qualification.

Within the synoptic assessment you will be tested on an additional unit, Ethics for Accounting, as well as the three independent units, (Advanced Bookkeeping (AVBK), Final Accounts Preparation (FAPR) and Management Accounting: Costing (MMAC)). You must have completed your studies for all separately examinable units before you attempt the synoptic assessment.

How long does it take to pass?

Most students complete this level within nine to 15 months, however this varies depending on the study method you choose and whether you are completing your studies as part of an Apprenticeship, in which case you can’t complete in less than 12 months.

Recommended ways to study

You can study for each unit in isolation or as part of a more integrated programme to achieve the full Advanced Diploma qualification. We advise that you complete the Advanced Bookkeeping (AVBK) subject before studying for Final Accounts Preparation (FAPR).

Our Advanced Diploma Synoptic Assessment (AVSY) course covers the syllabus areas relating to the Ethics for Accountants (ETFA) and Spreadsheets for Accounting (SPSH) subjects, which are assessed only as part of the synoptic exam. They also provide you with an opportunity to recap on your learning from earlier subjects to ensure you are well prepared and confident ahead of the exam.

4. Study materials and delivery costs

Study materials

The following materials are included in each course:

• Study text

  A textbook covering the full subject syllabus with worked examples and activities.

• Pocket notes

  Our AAT pocket notes are pocket-sized, brief revision notes that highlight and prioritise the essential topics you need to understand to pass your AAT exams.

• Exam kit

  The exam kit gives you plenty of exam style questions and answers to test your knowledge and practice.

• Learning and assessment plan / study programme

  Outlines the course structure.

• Online syllabus coverage

  Covers key topics for Distance Learning and full coverage for other methods.

• Integrated workbook (Classroom, OnDemand, Live Online)

  The integrated workbook helps you work through the syllabus, with room to write your notes. It helps you keep everything in one place to make it easy to study and revise from.

Classroom, Live Online and OnDemand students will receive printed and online study materials, while Distance Learning students have the option of printed and online, or online only.

To buy the materials separately...

You can buy AAT approved books for each subject on this level from Kaplan Publishing.

Buy AAT bookslaunch

Delivery costs

5. MyKaplan: online learning environment

MyKaplan is an online learning portal with practical resources to help you prepare for your exams.

Online features

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  View your online materials in one place and access your content in a few clicks
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  Contact a tutor directly using live chat. You can also email or request a callback
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  Complete practice tests and get instant feedback
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  Take part in forum discussions with students and tutors and find answers to common questions
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  Instant mock exam results
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  Access on mobile, tablet, computer or through the dedicated mobile app
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  Access to VideoBank - hundreds of tutor-led videos to help you get the most out of your course.

Access duration

Your chosen study method determines how long you can access your content for.

Classroom
Six months from last course date, with a three month extension policy if required, then £50 for a further three months.

Live Online
Six months from last course date, with a three month extension policy if required, then £50 for a further three months.

OnDemand
12 months from enrolment date, with a three month extension policy if required, then £50 for a further three months.

Distance Learning
18 months from enrolment date, with a three month extension policy if required, then £50 for a further three months.

computerMinimum system requirements for MyKaplan

6. Tutor support

We'll support you every step of the way throughout your AAT learning experience with us. You can contact a tutor and get the help you need quickly and easily.

Provided by our Academic Support team (our dedicated team of expert tutors):

• Live chat (instant response via online messenger system)
• Email (we'll get back to you within 4 hrs)
• Discussion forum (we’ll get back to you within 4 hrs)
• Request a callback so you can speak to a tutor (we’ll arrange a call with you within 24 hours). Please note request a callback is only available to UK based students.

7. Testing and mocks

We have a wealth of materials to help you revise for and pass your exams. All study options come with the following:

Knowledge checks
As you go along, knowledge checks help assess your understanding of a topic before you move onto the next one.

Progress tests
These are short tests based on key topics to get you ready for sitting the mock exams.

Mock exam
Practice your exam technique with mock exams with the look and the feel of the real exam, so you can continually check your progress.

Additional video learning resources
If you’re studying Classroom, Live Online or OnDemand, you’ll get access to the full OnDemand learning modules, found on MyKaplan.

8. Pricing structure

Unit prices can differ depending on your study method, location and the time you choose to study (if you’re choosing Classroom). Go to our study methods page to learn more about each option.

Units are all priced individually, so you can purchase them altogether (for a discount), or separately as you need them. This also helps you split the cost to make it more affordable.