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Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting
PostgraduateRMI-PAC-GCE2018
Course information for 2018 intake
Take the first step to becoming a Chartered Accountant
Integrate theoretical and technical knowledge of auditing, finance, economics, quantitative methods, information systems, commercial law, corporation law and tax law. Learn how to solve accounting problems with regulatory frameworks.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Credit available
- Yes
- Total subjects
- 4
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting
About this degree
Upon successful completion of this degree you will be able to:
- Integrate theoretical and technical accounting knowledge which includes a selection of auditing and assurance, finance, economics, quantitative methods, information systems, commercial law, corporation law and taxation law
- Exercise judgement under supervision to solve routine and complex accounting problems in a number of diverse contexts using social, ethical, economic, regulatory and global perspectives
- Critically apply theoretical and technical accounting knowledge and skills to solve routine and complex accounting problems in a number of diverse contexts
- Justify and communicate accounting advice and ideas in a number of diverse collaborative contexts involving both accountants and non-accountants
- Seek constructive feedback and reflect on performance to identify and action learning opportunities and self-improvements and initiate this.
The Graduate Certificate in Accounting is a stand-alone award that offers a pathway for further learning leading to the Master of Professional Accounting, or can be an early exit point for those enrolled in the Master of Professional Accounting. The degree aims to broaden knowledge and skills for students entering with a qualification in an unrelated discipline, while students from a related discipline will deepen their existing knowledge and skills.
The course provides you with practical and theoretical knowledge, skills and expertise to become a literate and analytical practitioner in accounting. This degree is designed for graduates of non-accounting disciplines who wish to broaden their career prospects. The Graduate Certificate in Accounting aims to develop essential knowledge and skills in core areas of accounting and business with an appreciation of the social, environmental, cultural and ethical issues impacting on contemporary business environments.
You will experience a variety of learning experiences which may include: lectures and tutorials, assignments, presentations and collaborative projects. Assessment includes formal examinations, written assignments, both on an individual, and group basis, in-class tests evaluations of case studies and completion of projects.
Graduates may gain employment in various sectors including public accounting practice, commercial and government organisations and in a wide range of roles.
Recommended study pattern
The Master of Professional Accounting is comprised of sixteen subjects, however, students who have been admitted into the Master of Professional Accounting will be exempted from the four (4) Business Enabling subjects and should therefore follow the recommended structure below:
Stage A:
- MPAC10 Accounting, Accountability and Society
- MPAC20 Business and Corporations Law
- MPAC70 Financial Decision Making
- MPAC30 Contemporary Financial and Integrated Reporting
Stage B:
- ACCT2280 Strategic Management Control Systems
- ECON1315 Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis
- ACCT2270 CPA Ethics and Governance
- MPAC110 Assurance and Forensic Accounting
Stage C:
- MPAC50 Accounting Thought and Ethics
- BUSM4449 Business Research Design
- ACCT2230 Accounting for Sustainable Management
- MPAC120 Forensic Accounting
Award requirements
To meet the requirements of the RMIT Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting students must satisfactorily complete 4 compulsory subjects. These are the first 4 subjects (Stage A) in the Master of Professional Accounting.
Exit points
Students who successfully complete the RMIT Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting may articulate into the Master of Professional Accounting and will be exempted from completing the four (4) Business Enabling subjects and the four (4) discipline subjects completed in the Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting, and will be required to complete a further eight (8) subjects (96 credit points) in order to qualify for the Masters degree.
The Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting is also an early exit point for the Master of Professional Accounting.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
Please Note: The following transition arrangements only apply to students in the Master of Professional Accounting and does not affect students in the Graduate Certificate.
The Master of Professional Accounting has undergone a major change. All students beginning their studies from 2016 will need to study the new course structure.
Transition rules for students who commenced prior to 2016:
A student who has still to complete both, MPAC60 - Economic Analysis for Business and MPAC80 - Quantitative Methods for Accounting must enrol in ECON1315 - Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis.
A student who has completed one of, MPAC60 - Economic Analysis for Business and MPAC80 - Quantitative Methods for Accounting cannot enrol in ECON1315 - Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis.
A student who has completed both, MPAC60 - Economic Analysis for Business and MPAC80 - Quantitative Methods for Accounting must enrol in an elective.
A student who has not completed MPAC40 - Strategic Information SystemsandAccounting must enrol in BUSM4449 -Business Research Design.
2016 Replacement Units:
MPAC100 - Strategic Accounting for Management & MPAC40 - Strategic Information Systems and Accounting have bothbeen replaced by ACCT2280 - Strategic Management Control Systems.
MPAC60 Economic Analysis for Business has been replaced by ECON1315 Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis
MPAC80 Quantitative Methods for Accounting has been replaced by ECON1315 Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $12,960
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
One of Australia's largest dual-sector institutes, offering both TAFE and higher education, RMIT University proudly delivers work-related education and practical research relevant to current business and community needs. More than 96,000 students study with RMIT, and many of their degrees are available through Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about RMIT University.
Explore RMIT courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 16
Entry requirements
This is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent or higher level qualification in any discipline.
No prior academic qualifications but a minimum of 5 years full-time (FTE) work experience is required. Applicants will be required to submit a CV.
For information on English Language Requirements and acceptable English Language tests please see:
Subject to successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting, students will be admitted into the Master of Professional Accounting.
Credits and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT University's Credit Policy.
Career opportunities
Professional recognition
This program is not accredited by a professional body. However, some professional bodies off qualification recognition post-graduation on a base by case basis. Students and/or graduates should contact the professional body of interest directly to seek advice on recognition of their degree.
The information below lists professional bodies who may recognise this program and apply some credit towards their professional qualifications.
CPA Australia
- Students and graduates eligible to join CPA Australia Network
- Graduates may be eligible for some credit towards the foundation knowledge requirements for the CPA Australia program
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand [CAANZ]
- Graduates may be eligible for some credit towards the entry requirements for the CA program
www.charteredaccountantsanz.com
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants [ACCA]
- Graduate may be eligible for specified credit in the ACCA Qualification program
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants [CIMA]
- Graduates may be eligible for specified credit in the CIMA program
The Association of International Accountants [AIA]
- Graduates may be eligible for specified credit in the AIA qualification programs
Institute of Public Accountants [IPA]
- Students eligible for membership category: Student
- Graduates eligible for membership category: Associate
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Accountants | $75K to $93K | Up 8% |
| Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers | $93K to $120K | Up 37.6% |
| Finance Managers | Over $120K | Up 24.7% |
| Financial Investment Advisers and Managers | Over $120K | Up 25.4% |
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
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You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
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Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
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When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
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