Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting

2024 Deakin University Handbook

Year

2024 course information

Award granted Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting
Deakin course codeM696
Faculty

Faculty of Business and Law

CampusOffered at Burwood (Melbourne)
OnlineYes
Duration1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Course Map - enrolment planning tool

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2024.

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2024.

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

Students who have commenced prior to T1 2019, please refer to the 2018 handbook, or the handbook archives, for the relevant course structure.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Increasing complexity of global markets and reporting requirements shows the growing importance of accounting as a dynamic and exciting profession. Study Deakin's Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting to become a financial information specialist with the skills and knowledge to inform business decision making within a wide range of organisations. Ranked in the top 1% in the world for accounting*, you will get a world-class education at Deakin.

Want an accounting qualification and skill set that can be applied within the broader world of business?

As a course that provides pathways to professional accounting qualifications for graduates of any discipline, you can complement your overall management knowledge and expertise, or undertake further studies towards membership of CPA Australia or entry into the CA Program.

Explore important topics in management accounting, including decision making and performance management in organisations, as well as financial accounting and reporting. In addition to core accounting topics, you will also get an introduction to the fundamentals of accounting theory and corporate social responsibility reporting. Plus, you will gain an understanding of the regulatory and conceptual frameworks that underpin accounting for corporate entities and of the logic behind existing accounting rules.

Deakin Business School's Work Integrated Learning program gives you the opportunity to enhance your job prospects with real world experience. In the finance unit you will have the opportunity to engage with business within the workplace and in doing so develop practical and analytical finance skills by participating in real-world projects. As a result, you will develop analytical skills for making key financial management decisions, as well as useful skills and knowledge relevant both for running a business or taking roles in managerial positions within large companies.

This course may also be used as a pathway to the Master of Professional Accounting or the Master of Commerce.

*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Indicative student workload

As a student in the Faculty of Business and Law, you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Professional recognition

Completion of the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting and selection of the correct combination of units in one of our professionally accredited courses, provides the opportunity for students to be eligible to apply for admission to the:

CA Program of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
Associate membership for the CPA Program, CPA Australia
IPA Program for the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and
Exemptions may apply for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Students should carefully note the trimesters when units are offered to ensure that all required units can be completed in the appropriate time frame.

Students who wish to enter the CA, CPA programs or exemptions to the ACCA program are advised that it is their responsibility to ensure that they take the appropriate units required for entry.

Students who have completed prior undergraduate or graduate units in accounting or other core knowledge areas are advised to have their qualifications assessed by their preferred professional organisation to ensure they complete the correct units.

Please note: The eligibility of students for membership of any of the accounting accrediting bodies is subject to meeting the requirements of that body and that Deakin makes no representations that individuals will meet those requirements.

Career opportunities

As an accounting graduate you may find employment in major international accounting firms, investment banks and virtually every area of business and government.

Participation requirements

Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.

Pathways

Upon completing the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting you may progress to the Master of Professional Accounting or Master of Commerce.

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting (M506)

Fees and charges

The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.

The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing this course within the same year. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning.

One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.

Learn more about fees and available payment options.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduate Learning Outcome Course Learning Outcome
Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities Demonstrate conceptual knowledge of advanced accounting and techniques in auditing and financial management including applications to complex real-world problems
Communication Draft and present user- friendly reports that clarifies the merits and weaknesses of alternate solutions and makes defensible recommendations
Digital literacy Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award
Critical thinking Identify potential alternative accounting and financial solutions and evaluate both financial and non-financial costs and benefits of such solutions
Problem solving Determine ways to resolve a firm’s financial and non-financial constraints through appropriate match with the theoretical solutions and develop a structured implementation plan
Self-management Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award
Teamwork Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award
Global citizenship Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award

Course rules

To complete the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting, students must attain a total of 8 credit points, consisting of 4 credit points of core units and 4 credit points of course elective units, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, DAI001 Academic Integrity Module. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point.

Course structure

Compulsory 0-credit point module

To be completed in the first trimester of study:-

DAI001Academic Integrity Module

Core units

MPA701Accounting 1, 2

MAF752Principles of Finance 1, 2, 4

MAA703Accounting for Management 1, 2, 4

MAA716Financial Accounting 1, 2

Notes:
1 Required by CPA Australia for Associate (foundation level) Membership.
2 Required by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand for entry to the CA Program.
4 For candidates who would like to obtain exemptions to the ACCA program.

Course elective units

Select 4 credit points of units from:

MAA705Corporate Auditing 2, 3, 4

MAA725Advanced Accounting Principles and Practice 1, 2

MLC703Principles of Income Tax Law 2, 3, 4

MLC707Business Law 1, 2

MPT781/MPE781Economics for Managers 1, 2^

MAA789Accounting Systems and Analytics 1, 2

MAF717Analytical Methods 1, 2

or units from the Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Finance and the Master of Financial Planning. Other postgraduate units may be taken subject to the approval of the Course Director.

^MPT code denotes Study Tour version of the unit. Please note: the study tour version does not meet the accreditation requirements for the professional accounting bodies - CPA Australia and CA ANZ.

Notes:
1 Required by CPA Australia for Associate (foundation level) Membership.
2 Required by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand for entry to the CA Program.
3 For candidates who have completed an accredited degree in Australia, this unit may be taken as part of the CPA program. Other students must complete the unit before becoming an Associate Member of CPA Australia.
4 For candidates who would like to obtain exemptions to the ACCA program.

Work experience

This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more elective work integrated learning units.
More information: WIL Programs

Other course information

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of prior learning into the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting may be granted to students who have successfully completed appropriate postgraduate studies. There are negotiated recognition of prior learning arrangements in place for CPA members.

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.