A Level Accounting / Level 3

Please apply via PS16. Any applications received by 31/1/25 are guaranteed an interview in February - April 2025, as long as minimum entry requirements are met. Offers are made after interview.

Year 1: In the first year you will learn about the role of the accountant in business, types of business organisation, the double entry model of accounting,, verifying accounting records, accounting concepts used in the preparation of accounting records, preparation of financial statements of sole traders, limited company accounts, analysis and evaluation of financial information, budgeting, marginal costing, and standard costing and variance analysis.

Year 2: In the second year you will learn about absorption and activity based costing, capital investment appraisal, accounting for organisations with incomplete record, partnership accounts, accounting for limited companies, the interpretation, analysis and communication of accounting information, and the impact of ethical considerations.

Through demonstration and practice, working in pairs and small groups, applying what you have learned to a variety of scenarios, individual research, and discussion.

Paper 1: Financial accounting. Written exam: 3 hours 120 marks 50% of A-level

All content assessed apart from budgeting, marginal costing, standard costing and variance analysis, absorption and activity based costing, and capital investment appraisal.

Paper 2: Accounting for analysis and decision-making. Written exam: 3 hours 120 marks 50% of A-level

All content assessed apart from verification of accounting records, accounting concepts used in the preparation of accounting records, preparation of financial statements of sole traders, limited company accounts, accounting for organisations with incomplete records, partnership accounts and accounting for limited companies.

Both papers have the same structure:

Three compulsory sections

Section A has 10 multiple choice questions and several short answer questions. The section is worth 30 marks.

Section B has two structured questions each worth 20 marks. The section is worth 40 marks.

Section C has two extended answer questions each worth 25 marks. The section is worth 50 marks.

In addition to the standard College entry requirements (see our prospectus), a minimum of GCSE level 5 in Maths is required.

A qualification in accounting will always be helpful – whether it's used professionally or personally. This course will help students to understand the responsibilities of the accountant and the impacts of their recommendations on the business and the wider environment. It clearly is a good starting point for students aspiring to a career in accountancy or related areas such as financial services, government departments such as HMRC or business management.

Students will build knowledge and understanding of key concepts, principles and techniques that they can apply to real-life scenarios, developing the ability to solve problems logically, analyse data methodically, make reasoned choices and communicate effectively which are valued in a range of university courses, and occupations.