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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

308481 v.4 Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting

GradDipProfAcc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 051622C
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1 Year

Other CRICOS Codes

Codes for Sydney - 055889K (30 Weeks), 055890F (66 Weeks).



Course Overview

Graduate diplomas prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.


Specifically, this course is designed for those working or seeking to work in a field that requires a general understanding of accounting related matters, and who may intend to progress into the Master of Professional Accounting course. It is useful for those interested in pursuing a career in professional accounting and related fields.


Professional Recognition

Depending on the units passed this course is accredited by either CPA Australia or the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia (ICAA) and graduates are eligible to apply for either associate membership of CPA Australia or eligible to enter into the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia (ICAA) CA program, subject to that institute's employment conditions.


Career Opportunities

Graduates generally find employment with private and public organisations (national and international).


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Applicants generally require a bachelor degree or graduate certificate.


A degree, a graduate certificate or equivalent qualification.


Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for credit for recognised learning are not considered within this course.


Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course:


Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to some master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Graduate diplomas contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study.


The course is made up of eight units - six core units plus two optional units, totalling 200 credits. It encompasses a broad range of professional accounting concepts and equips students for professional practice.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply principles of accounting, economics, information systems, statistics, law and social sciences as they relate to reporting business activity.

2. critically analyse issues in collection, recording and reporting of economic activity to enable the development of accounting information systems giving cost effective decision useful information.

3. locate, extract and critically appraise decision useful information related to economic activity from sources within an organisation and from external sources.

4. relate the significance of commercial events and issues to the business and investing community using effectively structured financial communication and appropriate language.

5. use electronic resources to effectively interrogate databases, analyse data, collect information and communicate.

6. take responsibility for self directed learning and the development of a career long attitude of continuing professional development.

7. recognise the global nature of accounting by applying international financial reporting standards and appreciate the information requirements of a global financial system.

8. demonstrate an understanding that cultural practices and differences impact commercial practices and interpersonal relations.

9. apply an ethical approach to analysing and reporting commercial activities; advising clients; demonstrate leadership and the ability to delegate tasks to ensure timely outcomes; Work independently and in teams to achieve agreed outcomes.


Duration and Availability

This fee paying course is one year full-time or equivalent part-time study.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y        
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y        
2014 Sydney Campus Trimester 1A Y        
2014 Sydney Campus Trimester 2A Y        
2014 Sydney Campus Trimester 3A Y        

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
11941 v.3   Managerial Accounting 530 3.0 25.0
305813 v.4   Finance Principles 515 3.0 25.0
312349 v.2   Fundamentals of Business and Corporations Law 565 3.0 25.0
312348 v.2   Financial Accounting 520 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
11942 v.3   Accounting Information Systems 531 3.0 25.0
312350 v.2   Corporate Accounting Issues 521 3.0 25.0
306362 v.2   Quantitative Methods for Accounting 516 3.0 25.0
307795 v.2   Economic Principles 515 3.0 25.0
  100.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Curtin Business School on telephone (08) 9266 7713, email business@cbs.curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://business.curtin.edu.au.


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.