
Robert van Brederode
As a tax lawyer and independent scholar with a treasure of professional and academic experience in the complex area of (global)…
Designed for tax professionals and business leaders, this comprehensive course provides an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices surrounding VAT, GST, customs duties, and other indirect taxes that impact global trade and commerce.
The postgraduate certificate in The Mechanics of Indirect Taxation equips tax professionals and business leaders to manage VAT, GST, excise, retail sales tax, and customs across cross-border operations.
Participants will delve into the intricacies of indirect tax regimes, learning to navigate the diverse and ever-changing landscape of international tax compliance. The course covers key areas such as indirect tax fundamentals, registration and compliance requirements, cross-border transactions, supply chain management, and the latest developments in digital taxation.
The curriculum builds practical capability in place-of-supply, classification and valuation, input-tax recovery, documentation, and audit readiness, enabling participants to design compliant processes, reduce risk, and handle disputes with confidence.
A new module is released every two weeks
Read the units online, save them to your computer or print them out
Study at your own pace
Efficient and cost effective – no need to travel or take time off work
Apply new skills and expertise to your work straight away
Track record – over 30 years of experience in providing training to the banking, finance and energy sectors
Knowledge – all trainers are highly experienced practitioners and leading subject matter experts
Value – a practical training experience with skills that can be used immediately
This unit provides a foundational understanding of the principles and theories underlying indirect taxes such as VAT and GST.
The unit explores the economic rationale, policy objectives, and legal frameworks of consumption taxes, equipping participants with the theoretical knowledge necessary to navigate and apply these taxes effectively in various contexts.
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
This unit provides a detailed understanding of the principles, implementation, and economic impact of excise taxes and turnover or gross receipt taxes.
The unit focuses on legal frameworks, compliance, and strategic management of these specific indirect taxes.
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
This unit provides a comprehensive understanding of retail sales taxes, with a general overview and a specific focus on the United States.
The unit covers the legal frameworks, compliance requirements, and strategic considerations for managing RST effectively.
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
This unit will provide students with a thorough understanding of the mechanics and general aspects of VAT/GST and the various rate structures.
The unit covers the principles, implementation, and strategic considerations of VAT/GST.
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
This unit will provide students with a foundational understanding of VAT/GST principles, focusing on the concept and definition of, and the identification of taxable supplies and tax base.
This unit is essential for grasping the basics of VAT/GST administration.
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
This unit takes a deeper dive into the understanding of VAT/GST by exploring exempted or input-taxed transactions and addressing post-sale price adjustments – which includes special schemes for farmers and small businesses.
The unit equips students with advanced knowledge for managing complex VAT/GST scenarios.
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
This unit provides a comprehensive understanding of transfer pricing principles in the context of VAT, GST, and customs duties.
The unit covers transfer pricing on import and export transactions and its implications for VAT/GST, ensuring accurate compliance and optimisation of tax positions.
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
This unit provides a foundational understanding of customs law, covering its principles, regulations, and practical applications.
Through lectures on the basics and advanced aspects, this unit prepares students to navigate the complexities of customs regulations in international trade.
Upon successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
Early-bird deadline: Save GBP 229.90 if you book by 29 April 2026
| Early bird | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Only | GBP 2,299.00 less GBP 229.90 early-booking saving (book by 29 April 2026) | GBP 2,299.00 |
| Course with Postgraduate Certificate (issued by Middlesex University) | GBP 2,706.00 less GBP 229.90 early-booking saving (book by 29 April 2026) | GBP 2,706.00 |
Upgrades: Add the Postgraduate Certificate option (certification issued by Middlesex University) — GBP 2,706.00 total instead of GBP 2,299.00 course-only · Progress to postgraduate programmes in International Tax or South African Tax Law —
All fees listed are exclusive of VAT, GST, sales tax, or any other applicable taxes; relevant taxes will be added at the point of invoicing. If you have a VAT ID, include it during registration as it may affect the tax rate applied.
Pay securely online via credit card or request an invoice with bank transfer details included.
If you wish to pay in EUR, select the GBP price – an invoice reflecting the EUR equivalent will be sent.
This course is also available as a customised in-house training solution for organisations.
Group discounts are available.

As a tax lawyer and independent scholar with a treasure of professional and academic experience in the complex area of (global)…
This programme is ideal for C-Suite executives (especially CFOs), tax professionals and managers, in-house advisors, emerging tax leaders, and members of organisational tax teams. It is aimed at tax professionals, financial executives, and corporate leaders seeking to advance their careers and ensure their organisation's compliance and success when navigating the challenges and complexities of tax management.
Graduates will be able to identify tax risks and evaluate their impact, develop strategies to manage and mitigate identified risks, understand transfer pricing principles and their implications, communicate and negotiate effectively with tax authorities, and master the processes involved in resolving tax disputes, from initial engagement to litigation and settlement. Businesses benefit through stronger compliance and financial stability; individuals gain career advancement, accreditation from Middlesex University, and preparation for leadership and advisory roles.
The programme emphasises real-world applications through case studies, simulations, and interactive sessions, ensuring learners can apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. It also covers the latest developments in tax regulations and compliance, preparing participants to respond proactively to changes in the tax landscape. A unique aspect is its focus on international tax issues, providing insights into regional and jurisdiction-specific challenges.
Cost effective: study around your busy schedule with no need to travel. 100% online: units released fortnightly via the Virtual Learning Environment. Real-life application: apply new knowledge and skills to your work as the course progresses. Content: explore a variety of course materials including videos, case studies, and written units. Flexibility: access and study when and where convenient for you. Interaction: meet like-minded participants on the online forum. Assessment: check your understanding with online quizzes.
Register your interest, download the course brochure, or book a 15-minute consult. All attendees have the option to earn a Postgraduate Certificate from Middlesex University upon successful completion.
Prefer to talk? Book a 15-minute consult · Mon–Fri, 08h00–17h00 (GMT+2) · connect@academyoftaxlaw.com
Book a 15-minute consult →