Graduate Certificate in Accounting

The Graduate Certificate in Accounting is designed to meet the needs of non-graduates seeking entry into the Master of Professional Accounting course as well as graduates who need four or less units in accounting and finance to gain accreditation with the Professional Accounting Organisations. Students take four subjects from the Master of Professional Accounting at an introductory level (if entering the program) or at a more advanced level to complete requirements for accreditation with the Professional Accounting Organisations.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate specialised knowledge within the accounting discipline to undertake professional work in accounting, and demonstrate the ability to communicate that knowledge;
2. identify issues in accounting and finance, collect relevant data, critically evaluate a range of solutions to address complex problems and recommend the best course of action;
3. communicate effectively with both accounting and non-accounting professionals on complex accounting and finance issues;
4. make ethical decision on issues relevant to accounting and finance, and demonstrate clear knowledge of your responsibility and accountability for the decisions and those of others involved in its implementation; and
5. integrate theoretical and technical accounting knowledge to demonstrate the ability to initiate, plan, implement and evaluate broad functions within specialised accounting contexts.

Higher education

Hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification or above.

Work and Life

Have at least five years’ of relevant work experience. Applicants must submit a Statement of Service from their employer. Relevant work experience refers to a position of responsibility in any organisational or industry context.

English Proficiency Requirements

At least one of the following criteria must be met:

1. English is the applicant's first language; or
2. Satisfactory completion, within five years of the date of application for admission to UNE, of at least one year of full-time or equivalent full-time study at senior secondary, post-secondary or tertiary level in a country in which English is the primary official language or co-official language and in which English was the sole medium of instruction and assessment for the particular period of study claimed, resulting in an AQF award or an award recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR); or
3. A pass grade or better in an English language subject at Australian Year 12 level or overseas equivalent; or
4. An IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.0 with no sub-band less than 5.5; or equivalent TOEFL score of at least 213 in the computer-based test; or at least 79 in the internet-based test with no less than 22 in the written component; or a PTE Academic minimum overall score of 57 with no skill less than 50; or
5. Satisfactory completion of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program:
   1. at the University of New England English Language Centre;　or
   2. an equivalent EAP program at an Australian university NEAS-accredited English Language Centre (subject to certification from the university concerned that satisfactory completion of that university's EAP program would entitle the applicant to be accepted into a comparable award-bearing program at that university); or
   3. at a non-university NEAS-accredited English Language Provider that has a formal agreement with UNE under which it provides an equivalent EAP Program; or
   4. a NEAS-accredited TAFE NSW EAP Program.

More detailed information regarding these requirements can be viewed here:

UNE English Language Requirements for Admission Rule

For more information on Advanced Standing or Recognition of Prior Learning, please visit:  UNE Advanced Standing.

The Graduate Certificate in Accounting is a course that will service the needs of students requiring four or fewer units for accreditation with the professional accounting bodies. It can serve as an entry and exit point for the Master of Professional Accounting. The course comprises four units (that is 24 credit points) and is usually used to supplement existing studies in accounting to satisfy the entry requirements of the professional accounting organisations. Subjects are drawn from the Master of Professional Accounting and may cover introductory as well as advanced units in accounting, finance, systems, law, auditing, economics and business statistics.

Recommended Study Pattern

Students complete two Core Subjects and two Listed Subjects.

To access the course rules and plans go to the UNE Course Handbook.

Award Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass subjects to the value of 24 credit points including at least 18 credit points at 400-level and not more than 6 credit points at 500-level as approved by the course coordinator.

Students must contact UNE with their intent to graduate. 

UNE Graduation