Query

System
System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
edited June 18 in AAT student discussion
Although AAT is quicker than university by a year in equivalence, what do you think is the best option?

I believe AAT to be better but friends of mine are studying Accounting and Finance at university and claim this is the better of the two?

Surely if I'm gaining work experience it is the most beneficial? :?

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    Hi there

    It depends on what you want to do later on. The AAT will give you a professional qualification that can be used as a stand alone or as entry level for further accounting study with one of the CCAB bodies whereas a degree means that all you will have is a degree. True, this will also give entry level to further study but at least with AAT you will be qualified and can chose whether you want to continue studying.

    I'm all for AAT - but I'm biased!

    Sharon :)
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    I agree totally with Sharon... I am for the AAT too!

    Manuela
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    Hi,

    I know how you feel I was thinking the same thing a couple of months ago. I was studying towards an Accounting and finance Degree and then I decided to leave and start the AAT.

    I do not regret my decision but it all depends on what your ultimate career goal is. If ou want to become a chartered accountant you can study through the ACCA and gain a degree at the same time as they offer a degree from Oxford Brooks. There is information on the ACCA website.

    Some employers are happy to employ people with experience over those with qualifications. What you also need to remember is that you can study for a degree at any time, but at least whilst doing the AAT you gain work experience at the same time.

    Also if you think you might want to change careers at some point in your life a degree would be better as it will show that you can study to a high level and even if it is not related to your career choice it helps.

    Sorry this is so long but I know that it is a tough decision.

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    It is very tough,as I want to gain the best knowledge and understanding, but do not want to lose my enthusiasm.

    My friends have insisted that they will have better all round knowledge, but hopefully I'll be a year ahead! :P
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query
    ButterflyGal wrote:
    Hi,


    Also if you think you might want to change careers at some point in your life a degree would be better as it will show that you can study to a high level and even if it is not related to your career choice it helps.

    I agree with the above but the AAT qualification is seen as degree level in some fields.

    Sharon
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    I'm all for AAT too. You're getting a decent qualification, which gives you every chance of progression in the future, you get paid for what you're doing rather than building up a huge debt and you get the work based experience and can develop inter-personal skills with clients, colleagues etc

    Also, I find that all the partners and managers in this firm complain about graduates because 'they don't have a clue what they're doing'!

    :wink:
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    I completed the AAT about 8 years ago, and am currently on the final year of a degree in accounting.

    Basically the degree is just like a much further advanced AAT. I have covered everything i covered on the AAT, except in alot more detail and alot of new stuff as well such as economics etc.

    The reason i went to the degree even though i already had the AAT was many including it was just something i've always wanted to do.

    In terms of which is best thats a tough one. If you have a good job while doing AAT and an employer that would support you through chartered then I would stick with that.

    If you dont have such a position and you're stuck a in a lower level position with little company support, and you can't seem to change this, perhaps a degree would be better so that you can hopefully get on as a trainee chartered at the end of it somewhere.

    Thats my plan anyway!

    Adrian
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    I was planning to complete AAT, then go on to do ACCA or ACA before completing a degree in Accounting, because, like you, this is what I want to do. Its all so confsuing. Friends tell me that I should do a degree, my teachers at school were split, but my manager recomends AAT :?

    Maybe I'm just tempted by the university lifestyle
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    If you have to pay tutition fees, your looking at a total minimum debt of 20k. the people in my subject have 20k debt each and they dont even pay tuition fees!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    In my opinion, neither is inherently better: both the AAT and a degree are useful. In fact, I am doing the Technician year of the AAT at the moment and applying for entry into the second year of Accounting and Finance degree courses this Autumn. Like both of you (Lincs and ashbean14) it's just something I really want to do.

    My thinking is that I'll be graduating in summer 2009, and then move on to the ACCA.

    EDIT: Ah, the debt. Its a worry, but at least education is something valuable to be in debt for- rather than running up a huge credit card bill on designer clothes and booze.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    I agree with GJP104 and it is what I want to do as well
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    I did a degree in Maths before I started the AAT. With my degree, I got a top job with one of the top 4 accountancy firms, and started on the ACA. I'm now working for a local firm doing the AAT and i'm happier for me.
    It really depends what your long term goals are. Do you want to be working for the top accountancy firm? Do you want to be the person at the top? And get there the fastest? If so, I reckon the degree is the best route. On the other hand, if you enjoy the work, and are happy to get there in your own time, then I reckon the AAT is the safest route (if you know what I mean by "safest").
    Also, regarding the debt, I didn't have to pay the top-up fees, but do bear in mind that you can repay it afterwards, and it is the best loan you will ever get. Plus, uni is fun!! I miss it!!!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    I'm not sure what would be best,maybe a job in industry, but before that i guess ill go to uni. maybe, but then i wouldnt finish ACCA until 2013!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    Do you have to make a decision now? Would it be worth you taking a year out of education and getting a job (doing anything)?

    It may be that a degree in accountancy and finance will give you a broader field of knowledge, especially if you are not sure that 'accountancy' is what you want.

    Ah, it's a tough one and probably feels like a lead weight at the moment so keep posting here.

    Sharon

    PS I've worked in practice and industry - both are thoroughly enjoyable, satisfying etc.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    I am doing AAt intermediate at the moment, and work in practice. Just not sure where i want to go e.g uni, ACCA straight away etc
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    I went to uni to study fashion design :roll: I lasted 3 months and have £3,000 debt to show for it. I then managed to get onto a forensic science degree but I decided that I would rather not have the debt lingering over me.
    I then chose to do AAT. I think it's a much better option as you get to work in the 'real world' (and I think we all know how different the real world is to the world we think we're learning about in college), you don't end up with huge debts and I think the experience in having a job is invaluable.
    If you just want to do the whole uni/degree experience then sure go for it, just be warned not everyone is suited to that sort of learning.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    I agree with Eleanor the most important thing you have to consider about going to uni is the debt.

    I also thought that student loans etc provided by the government were interest free. The year to the 31st August they charged me 3.2% for "inflation" - if you had a 20k debt with them thats over £600.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    I don't understand why you want to do the AAT, THEN go to Uni, THEN do acca?! Why not finish AAT then go straight on to ACCA? You'd be saving yourself about two years :?

    Or am I getting the completely wrong idea?
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    No, you're right, but a degree is just something i've wanted to do. No, its not practical but I cant help wanting tp do it :roll:
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query
    Gem7321 wrote:
    I don't understand why you want to do the AAT, THEN go to Uni, THEN do acca?! Why not finish AAT then go straight on to ACCA? You'd be saving yourself about two years :?

    Or am I getting the completely wrong idea?

    I agree if you have an employer who is putting you through ACCA after your AAT and training you accordingly, then you are better off sticking with that. I didn't.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    I guess that would be the better route :? As I won't be in £30000 of debt. But I always thought I'd end up going to uni
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    I always thought I'd end up going to college, uni and then becoming a forensic scientist! It's funny how things work out in the end

    It has to be the right decision for you. But I agree it's not really worth going to uni and raking up £30,000 of debt just to have the uni lifestyle.

    All the best

    Gem
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    Uni is overrated in my opinion. I'd rather have the cash from working so I can party in style at the weekend :D:wink:
    Plus you soon get bored of a diet of beans, bread, noodles, cheese and those roast dinner read meals.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    Well I guess at the end of the day its down to the individual, and once your heart is set, it's set.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Query

    How about applying to uni with deferred entry and in the meantime getting an AAT trainee position with a firm for a year and doing say the intermediate level. That way you can build up a bit of money for uni and it will also help you decide what you want to do. If the firm considers you to be worthwhile, they may even guarantee you a job after uni and maybe sponsor you providing you are willing to work for them in the holidays as unpaid or low paid work experience. This way you get the best of both worlds.
    Alternatively you can always take a degree by distance leaning such as the OU?

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