Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting [C5B]

This course provides training in accounting for those who do not have an accounting background. Successful completion of this course will give students a solid foundation in accounting fundamentals, and can be built on through further studies to achieve the level of competency required to become an accredited accountant.

Key contacts

The Professional Accounting suite of courses are primarily designed for graduates with an undergraduate degree, from disciplines other than an accounting major, to develop skills to meet the entry requirements necessary for Associate Membership of the professional accounting bodies.

Students are treated as adult learners with a wealth of experience and with no accounting knowledge. The course utilises a ‘flipped” classroom to deliver content, with workshops used to develop student learning, communication and application skills. The accounting profession now places a strong emphasis on the importance of “soft skills”, and these as well as critical problem solving skills are best practised in a workshop environment.

Through this context, students develop skills to question and find solutions by applying their technical knowledge and ability to research authentic situations in the accounting context. Students also learn to interact within diverse groups and communicate their findings to both accountants and non-accountants through the most appropriate method.

Admission to most postgraduate coursework courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor's degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects, and meet English language requirements to be eligible for an offer.

English Language Requirements

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

Course Specific Requirements

• A completed undergraduate or postgraduate course in a non-accounting discipline at Bachelor level or higher (or equivalent#).

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

• All methods of meeting University of Tasmania English language requirements have a validity period of 2 years unless involving a country specific qualification as listed below.
• Each course offered by the University of Tasmania has a minimum English language requirement for entry as listed below. Applicants must also meet the academic entry requirements for each course.
• Applicants who qualify from a University of Tasmania program, and intend to gain professional registration to become a practitioner in Australia, may need to meet the relevant Professional Accrediting Agency's English language registration standard.
• In exceptional circumstances or cases not covered by the categories outlined below, multiple forms of evidence may be considered on a case by case basis by the Executive Director, Student Operations in consultation with the Director, Academic Quality and Standards.
• The University reserves the right to require that any applicant be required to undergo a test of English language.

Professional Recognition

The units in this course form part of the C7S 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.

International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.

STEP 1: Choose and research your course

STEP 2: Prepare your documents

STEP 3: Lodge your application

STEP 4: Accept your offer