Key facts
English language requirements
IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Increasing complexity of global markets and reporting requirements suggests the growing importance of accounting as a dynamic and exciting profession. Study our 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.
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.
Develop the skills, technical knowledge and understanding required in accounting and finance, and their application within the broader world of business. 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’ll also get an introduction to the fundamentals of accounting theory and corporate social responsibility reporting. Plus, you'll 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’ll 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'll 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.
Course information
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting
- Year
2023 course information
- Deakin code
- M696
- CRICOS code?
- 073434C Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Course structure
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 elective units, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, MAI010 Academic Integrity Module. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point.
4
Core units
4
Elective units
8
Total units
Core units
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.
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Elective units
Select 4 credit points of units from:
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
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.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Students who have commenced prior to T1 2019, please refer to the 2018 handbook, or the handbook archives, for the relevant course structure.
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
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.
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.
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.
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 the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
Work experience
This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more elective work integrated learning units.
More information: WIL Programs
Entry requirements
Entry information
Minimum admission criteria:
- a Bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7), major or other qualification (at a higher AQF level) in a related discipline, OR
- a Bachelor's degree in any discipline, PLUS two years relevant work experience OR
- successful completion of the Masters Qualifying Program (MQP)
IELTS / English language requirements
Please note that English language requirements exist for entry to this course and you will be required to meet the English language level requirement that is applicable in the year of your commencement of studies.
It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that she/he has the required IELTS score to register with any external accredited courses. (more details)
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must meet the course requirements.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Online studies
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of Prior Learning.
Your Recognition of Prior Learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing this course in the same year they started. 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 tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
Upon completing the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting you can progress to the Master of Professional Accounting or Master of Commerce.
Further study options
M742 Master of Professional Accounting
M755 Master of Commerce
Alternative exits
Careers
Career outcomes
As an accounting graduate you may find employment in major international accounting firms, investment banks and virtually every area of business and government.
Professional recognition
Completion of the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting and selecting 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.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| 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 |
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