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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.

314705 v.1 Professional Accounting Major (MCom)


Major/Stream Overview

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.


This major is designed for graduates working or seeking to work in a field that requires specialised knowledge in accounting. This course enhances knowledge and skills in accounting and related aspects of financial management and business law, in order to equip students for a career in professional accounting and related fields in Australia and internationally. CPA Australia Extension Stream is designed to meet the educational requirements of CPA (Australia). Accounting Foundation Stream is designed to meet the educational requirements of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA).


Professional Recognition

Students completing the course may satisfy the educational requirements for possible membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA) and the Certified Practising Accountants Australia, depending on their selection of streams in second year.



Major/Stream Entry and Completion Details

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; Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting



Major/Stream Organisation

Major/Stream 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.


Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
312349 v.2   Fundamentals of Business and Corporations Law 565 3.0 25.0
11941 v.3   Managerial Accounting 530 3.0 25.0
305813 v.4   Finance Principles 515 3.0 25.0
312348 v.2   Financial Accounting 520 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
307795 v.2   Economic Principles 515 3.0 25.0
312350 v.2   Corporate Accounting Issues 521 3.0 25.0
11942 v.3   Accounting Information Systems 531 3.0 25.0
306362 v.2   Quantitative Methods for Accounting 516 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
315010 v.1   CPA Australia Extension Stream (MCom) 200.0
  OR  
315011 v.1   Accounting Foundation Stream (MCom) 200.0
  200.0




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