Accounting A Level - Level 3

Accounting A Level - Level 3 Overview

Accounting is the language of business and is needed now more than ever before. The subject is broad and can open the doors to a range of career opportunities in a variety of sectors.

As well as possessing excellent numeracy and problem solving skills, today’s accountants need to be skilled communicators as their primary role is evaluating and advising on how businesses can best meet their objectives.

An A Level in accounting is challenging, requires commitment and an analytical approach, and is suited to those with an interest in modern business.

Entry requirements

You must possess five GCSEs at grade C or above, which includes grade B in mathematics.

You will need to attend an interview with the tutor before being accepted on to the course.

Start dates and fees

The table below shows you when the course starts. You may be charged a fee for your course depending on your age and circumstances. If you are aged 24 or over and studying a qualifying Level 3, 4 or 5 course you may be able to apply for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan to cover the costs.

Start DateCodeActions September 20161338Apply online How long is the course?

A Level qualifications last two years.

Location

• Derby Road

How will I be assessed?

This course is assessed solely by examination, with exams scheduled for May/June.

Success rates

A Level pass rate 2015 - 86%

What does the course lead to?

Many students who take accounting go on to university and become qualified accountants, working for accountancy practices or within an organisation. With a few years’ experience, some accountants then decide to start their own practice.

Your financial acumen can also support a wide number of other careers. For example, you could work in local government if you like politics or for a phone company if you like communications technology. If you’d like to work in general management, banking, retail or leisure - money is the common denominator. With accounting skills you could end up working in just about any area you choose.

What will I study?

In the first year you’ll have two study modules: ‘Introduction to financial accounting’ and ‘Financial and management accounting’. In the first module you’ll learn about key accounting records like ledgers, balance sheets and profit & loss accounts. Your second module includes accounting for sole traders and for limited companies, final accounts, budgetary controls and the impact of technology on accounting.

Year two builds on that firm foundation with two more study modules, which are a more in-depth study of financial accounting and management accounting. In financial accounting you’ll investigate sources of finance, partnership and limited company accounts, plus accounting standards. Then in management accounting you’ll move on to manufacturing accounts, costing, capital investments, budgeting and social accounting.

Throughout both years of the course you will develop a number of skills including organisation and assessment of data, investigation and analysis, effective communication, team working to achieve results, working on your own initiative and critical thinking.

Study programmes

It is an entry requirement for some courses to have gained GCSEs A*-C in English and maths (see entry requirements). If the entry requirements to a course do not require A*-C in these subjects, and you haven’t already gained GCSEs A*-C in English and maths before joining us, you will continue to study English and maths as part of your programme and take appropriate qualifications in these subjects with the aim of achieving A* to C grade. In addition, to help you gain essential skills for employment, every student aged under 19 and studying a full-time course at college will take part in our study programmes alongside their main subject qualification. Find out more.

What can I go on to study?

The full advanced GCE A Level provides an excellent foundation for further study of accounting at pre-professional and professional levels, with the opportunity of gaining a career as a full chartered or certified accountant.

How do I apply?

You don’t need to apply for each subject area you are interested in. Once we have received your application form we will invite you into college for an interview or audition where we will be able to discuss every aspect of the course you have chosen, as well as any alternatives you may be considering. You will also have the opportunity to visit the areas of the college used for your programme choice.

Apply online Related courses

• Business Studies A Level - Level 3
• ICT A Level - Level 3
• Maths A Level - Level 3