Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting

Professional recognition

The subjects in this course form part of the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) and, once the MPA is completed, and depending on the qualifications of the applicant on entry, it is the first part of a pathway for students to qualify for membership of Professional Accounting bodies, including CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand. Students are then able to pursue professional year studies with these bodies.

Higher education

Completed AQF7 bachelor’s degree or above, or equivalent#, in a non-accounting discipline;  

If applicant has already obtained an Australian qualification (onshore, by distance or on an offshore campus) with an accounting major please do not offer for this course. If 6-8 specific Accounting subjects and no major are listed – check Senior Admissions Officer before referring to College. 

If applicant has an overseas qualification with an accounting major, an offer can still be made but please add the following in the offer letter: 

“The Professional Accounting suite of courses are designed for applicants who have no accounting qualifications – at any level. The Master of Professional Accounting, which this course articulates to, provides a basic accounting qualification, designed as a conversion course for people who have degrees in areas other than accounting and now wish to change careers. Hence, it is based on providing knowledge to students with no understanding of accounting. If you already have a qualification in accounting you may wish to change your course preference. Please note that the Master of Professional Accounting also does not lead into a research degree, such as a PhD.” 

# An approved equivalent from an overseas institution is as assessed by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR).

Work and Life

Qualifications, relevant work experience or other special circumstances, as approved by the Executive Dean or delegated authority. Refer all applications to UTAS.

The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.

https://www.utas.edu.au/study/apply/admission-requirements/recognition-of-prior-learning

The Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting is designed to transition people from an existing area of expertise into a career in the accounting profession. For people with existing business-related qualifications it builds on existing business knowledge to develop a focus on accounting. The course is also suited for students with non-business backgrounds looking to commence a career in the accounting profession.  

Recommended Study Pattern

For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:

Completion of 8 core subjects from the schedule below: 

• TAS-BEA603 Statistical and Economic Analysis for Decision Making
• TAS-BFA503 Principles of Financial Management
• TAS-BFA507 Accounting and Accountability for Decision Making
• TAS-BFA601 Business and Corporate Law in Practice
• TAS-BFA605 Contemporary Financial Accounting and Reporting
• TAS-BFA612 Management Decision Making and Strategy
• TAS-BFA714 Australian Tax Law and Practice
• TAS-BFA746 Pathway to Accounting and Finance Careers

Award Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 8 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 1-3 years from commencement.