Degree structure

Degree details

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. ​critically analyse issues in collection, recording and reporting of economic activity; develop accounting information systems giving cost effective decision useful information

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

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

  4. apply legislative and case law principles of taxation as they relate to individual and business taxpayers

  5. critically analyse taxation problems and think logically, rationally and creatively to generate solutions

  6. communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, for various audiences and contexts

  7. use electronic resources, including the internet and databases to collect and analyse relevant taxation information

  8. apply an international perspective to taxation issues including the appreciation of the source of income and tax residence, as well as having an awareness of double taxation treaties and international tax information exchange agreements as they apply to international business transactions

  9. apply an ethical approach when considering tax issues and demonstrate leadership and professional integrity when working independently and also as part of a team.

Professional recognition

Graduates may be eligible to apply for associate membership of both professional bodies, Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Graduates may be eligible to enter into the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia (ICAA) program, subject to that institute's employment conditions.

Higher education via OUA

Successful study through OUA – either:

  • Successful completion of the Business Pathway OR
  • Successful completion of four OUA full degree level subjects at pass level. (This satisfies the English language proficiency requirement.) OR
  • Successful completion of two OUA full degree level subjects with separate evidence of English proficiency is required.

Higher education

  • Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required).

Secondary education

  • Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR.  To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre link http://www.tisc.edu.au/static/guide/prerequisites-comparison.tisc

VET studies

  • Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study.
  • Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.

Work and Life

  • Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
  • Finished secondary education more than two years ago
  • Bridging and enabling course entry
  • Enabling courses completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this course.

Additional information

English Proficiency Requirements

Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:

  • Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
  • Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
  • Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
  • Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
  • Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
  • Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)

Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at http://students.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/English_List.pdf.

*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.

Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.

To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: https://study.curtin.edu.au/credit/

It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.

More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning manual (PDF).

If you have any questions, please contact opencurtin@curtin.edu.au

The degree is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of, and competencies in, accounting and associated fields of auditing, taxation, business law and financial management, and equips graduates for a professional accounting career in commerce, industry, government or public practice.

Recommended Study Pattern

This degree is an OUA Pathways degree, which means there is a recommended series of subjects that, once successfully completed, can be credited towards this degree. To commence the Pathway for this degree, simply select subjects from the Pathway stream below.

Students who aren't taking part in OUA Pathways can instead follow the study pattern below:

  • If you are new to university study, complete a foundation subject
  • Complete the core subjects
  • Complete the major subjects

Award Requirements

Students must complete 24 subjects and meet the following requirements:

  • Complete eight compulsory core subjects
  • Complete six major subjects
  • Complete a combination of ten subjects in Business Law, Finance and Accounting
  • Complete at least twelve Curtin University subjects
  • You are expected to have an adequate level of English when undertaking all subjects in this degree

We recommend that all students, as soon as they are eligible, should apply for and take a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). However, if you choose not to be a CSP student, please contact OpenCurtin via email to OpenCurtin@curtin.edu.au.