Start Dates and Location

09/09/2026

About the course

This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) course is an entry-level bookkeeping qualification, ideal for anyone who is seeking an introduction to basic bookkeeping principles and skills.

This flexible course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education, and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom, referred to as Online and On Campus.

On successful completion of this course, you might be eligible for a funded Level 2 course. Please see information on progression below.

Please note: The course starts on 9 September 2026. Additional start dates may be available. Classroom attendance is fortnightly, on every other Wednesday.

This qualification will prepare you for junior and entry level bookkeeping roles. It delivers a solid foundation in bookkeeping including processing customer and supplier transactions, ethical principles and the benefits and risks of using accounting software.

On successful completion of this course, you will be awarded an AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping. This internationally recognised AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification enables those working in bookkeeping or those looking to pursue accountancy as a career to gain knowledge, practical experience and the all-important certification often sought by employers.

Entry requirements

-GCSE or equivalent in English and maths at Grade 3 or above or able to demonstrate this level at an initial assessment

How much does it cost?

£314
(Registration Fee: £49
Tuition Fee: £225
Assessment Fee: £40)

Funding only covers the tuition fee 

Possible Funding Options

See the possible funding options below which will tell you if this course may be free or part-funded. Part-funded means you only pay for part of the course.

Contact Us or call our Admissions Team 01279 868100 to get the most up-to-date info on fees and the financial support that may be available to you. Please note: all information is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.

Instalment Plan ✓

This course qualifies for an Instalment Plan, allowing you to pay in smaller, more manageable amounts. Contact our Admissions Team on 01279 868100 for more details.

Adult Skills Fund ✓

This course is part of the Adult Skills Fund and is fully-funded (free) if you are 19+ and:

• Unemployed, looking for work and in receipt of a means tested benefit
• or been referred to Harlow College by the Job Centre
• or in paid employment and earn below £26,800

Greater London Authority Entitlement (GLA) ✓

This Level 3 course is part of the Greater London Authority Entitlement and is fully-funded (free) for eligible learners aged 19 or over and:

• Living in London
• is their first full level 3 qualification

Who is it suitable for?

This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) access course is ideal for those with no prior accounting knowledge, study this basic entry-level bookkeeping qualification for a solid grounding in single-entry bookkeeping.

Why study?

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this course through our flexible Online and On Campus model.

Online, you will study award-winning video lessons, which are available on demand, and can be viewed from your phone, tablet or computer – meaning you can choose how, when and where you want to study. Lessons are accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Practice questions, downloadable lesson materials and interactive case studies help to enhance the learning experience further.

Learners should expect to spend around 3-6 hours studying independently online each week.

On campus, you benefit from regular classes with a college tutor – without having to commit to attending multiple evenings each week. Your tutor will review what you have learnt during your online lessons and will be on hand to provide guidance on progress and assessment. Regular discussion with classmates will help to reinforce key points while also providing the additional support and motivation that comes from being part of a group.

Core modules

This Level 1 course has one unit:

• Bookkeeping fundamentals

Learners will cover a number of key areas including the role of the bookkeeper, understanding financial transactions, how to process customer and supplier transactions, processing receipts and payments and understanding the benefits and risks of using accounting software to complete bookkeeping tasks.

How will I be assessed?

All AAT assessments are practical computer based assessments, available to sit throughout the year. The qualification also includes a synoptic assessment, which draws on and tests your understanding of connections between topics covered across the qualification.

Where will this course take me?

On successful completion of this course, you can progress to higher levels of the AAT accounting qualifications (Level 2, Level 3 and then on to Level 4). Our AAT Level 2 course is fully funded for most learners. Please ask a member of college staff for more information.

Career opportunities
The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including trainee bookkeeper, accounts administrator, billing/payments administrator/coordinator, accounts junior, accounts receivable/payable assistant, procurement and finance assistant, assistant cashier.