Graduate Diploma of Accounting

2024 course information for Domestic Students
2024 course information for International Students

updated 6:02 AM on Wed, 24 May

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
Duration
1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
1 year full-time
Location
Gold Coast, Online
Gold Coast
Start date
March, July, October
February, June, October
Course code
1107135
Course abbreviation
GradDipAcc
Credit points
96
Equivalent units
8
CRICOS
View in availability and fee details
Fees
Fee paying
Fees
View in availability and fee details

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Course overview

Accountants are vital to the operation and success of businesses everywhere, with their input influencing financial strategies, daily operations, legal requirements and more.

This course is equally diverse. You'll cover topics including business accounting, information systems, financial reporting, contemporary issues in accounting, legal studies, finance economics and quantitative analysis.

The Graduate Diploma in Accounting is not just for newcomers to the profession; it can also benefit business owners and managers in other industries.

Graduates can anticipate a variety of career opportunities in the accounting and finance industry, including business accounting, auditing and financial services. This course is also a pathway to the industry-accredited Master of Professional Accounting for which graduates receive eight units of credit.

Accountants are vital to the operation and success of businesses everywhere, with their input influencing financial strategies, daily operations, legal requirements and more.

This course is equally diverse. You'll cover topics including business accounting, information systems, financial reporting, contemporary issues in accounting, legal studies, finance economics and quantitative analysis.

The Graduate Diploma in Accounting is not just for newcomers to the profession; it can also benefit business owners and managers in other industries.

Graduates can anticipate a variety of career opportunities in the accounting and finance industry, including business accounting, auditing and financial services. This course is also a pathway to the industry-accredited Master of Professional Accounting for which graduates receive eight units of credit.

Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.

Entry requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

  1. Applicants for admission to candidature in the Graduate Diploma of Accounting may be selected where they can demonstrate professional standing approved by the School Board to be equivalent to the requirements of Rule 2, Section 3.
  2. With reference to Schedule B in Rule 2, Section 1 the level of attainment should be at least equivalent to IELTS 6.5.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall Score6.5

About the course

You will study eight units of the Master of Professional Accounting. Subjects covered include business accounting, information systems, financial reporting, contemporary issues in accounting, as well as management accounting, legal studies, finance, economics and quantitative analysis.

Domestic students

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3

International students

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5$31,920 ($3,990 per unit)055689G

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

How to apply

Where and when do you want to study?

Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.

International students studying in Australia

View domestic application details View international application details

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Graduate Diploma of Accounting students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising 8 core units.

Exit Awards
Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Accounting after completing the equivalent of 4 core units (48 credit points).
 


Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Core Units

ACCT5001Business Accounting
BUSN5003Management Communication
LEGL5001Legal Studies
ECON5003Economics
Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Accounting after completing the above 4 (four) units.
STAT5001Business Analytics
ACCT6001Company and Financial Reporting
ISYS5004Accounting Information Systems and Processes
ACCT6002Managerial Accounting



Why choose SCU?

Excellence in research

Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.

Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018

Top 200 Young Universities

Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020

Outstanding student support

5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies

Good Universities Guide 2021

Learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcome

Explore and apply principles and theories from a discipline area using appropriate professional and critical judgement skills to constructively engage in industry practices.

Explore and apply principles and theories from a discipline area using appropriate professional and critical judgement skills to constructively engage in industry practices.

Apply interpersonal, organisational and governance practices to challenging issues allowing for ethical perspectives in structured business circumstances.

Develop and apply well-established discipline knowledge and skills in a specialised management area to solve complex problems with global perspectives.

Develop and apply well-established discipline knowledge and skills in a specialised management area to solve complex problems with global perspectives.

Present professional or disciplinary fundamental principles or knowledge on complex issues orally or through written communication for a business or public context.

Apply well-developed disciplinary knowledge and skills demonstrating a sophisticated level of responsible behaviour with awareness of cultural contexts.


Assessment methods

The course incorporates progressive assessment and examinations. Students are assessed in each unit on the basis of written and oral assignments. These may be business reports, case studies, presentations, research studies and/or business plans.

Teaching methods

This course is flexibly delivered, designed to meet the demands of busy and highly mobile people. It is therefore a great option for those who juggle multiple work, personal or family commitments. On-campus classes are supplemented by online lectures, discussion forums and electronic resources.

On-campus classes offer a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. Lectures may be streamed live or pre-recorded; either way students can download a recording at their convenience. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

In addition, students can progress their learning each week by following activities, readings and case studies laid out, step-by-step, in a website for each unit. As they move through the learning outcomes, they can discuss their progress in class or in online forums and ask questions of their peers or lecturer.

This degree demands up to 150 hours of study for each unit.

Career opportunities

Completion of this course opens opportunities in a variety of professional roles in the accounting and finance industry, including business accounting, auditing and financial services. The course will also enhance the financial knowledge and skills of business owners and managers in all industries. 

Professional recognition

This course is a pathway to the Master of Professional Accounting, which is accredited by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA)

Ask a question

Domestic future
students

Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.

International future
students

Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.

Current
students

Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.

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