Commercial and Corporations Law
PostgraduateACU-LEGL6012022
Course information for 2022 intake
Break down the basic principles of company law to achieve the solid legal grounding that good accountants need. Get to know Australian legislation. Understand the law of contract. Comply with statutory rules to meet administrative requirements.
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- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Commercial and Corporations Law
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- identify and explain the basic principles of corporations and commercial law or apply those principles so as to develop the capabilities of students to be future generators of sustainable value for business and society at large and to work for an inclusive and sustainable global economy
- assess the various duties and obligations of directors, other officers, and auditors of companies
- use the relevant Act to research problems, construct solutions and explain the ongoing administrative requirements of a company
- explain the legal effects when a company interacts with outsiders, in particular, the ways in which companies make contracts
- Common law and statutory rules
- Performance of contracts
- Remedies for breach of contract
- Incorporated versus unincorporated entities
- The legal effects of incorporation
- The liability of companies
- The laws relating to the raising and maintenance of capital
- The responsibility for management of companies
- Directors duties of good faith and care
- The proper conduct of companies, protection of shareholders
- Options for companies in financial distress, liquidation and administration
The vast majority of businesses, of any size, are companies. Therefore, to function in the business environment it is important to understand the basic principles of company law. Apart from lawyers, accountants are the largest professional group that interacts with corporate structures and it is important that they understand the workings of, administration, and limitations of company structures under the Corporations Act 2001. Companies conduct the majority of their activities through contracts. Accountants need a working knowledge of the law of contract.
Emphasis in this subject is placed on understanding the legal effects of incorporation, the liability of companies, the laws relating to the raising and maintenance of capital, the responsibility for management of companies, the proper conduct of companies and protection of shareholders, options for companies in financial distress, common law and statutory rules applicable to contract, offer, acceptance, intention to establish legal relations, performance of contracts, and remedies for breach of contract.
Ultimately, the aim of this subject is to provide you with a solid grounding as we examine the main principles of company law and commercial law as they affect accountants.
Assessment is an integral part of the learning process. This unit is assessed by two assignments and a final examination. Assessment tasks in this unit are aimed at measuring and developing student’s achievement of both the learning outcomes and graduate attributes noted above. The assessment in this unit may include, but are not limited to: quizzes, essays, reports, examinations, or case studies.
- Assignment 1 (25%)
- Assignment 2 (25%)
- Assignment 3 (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.