Accounting

Why study Accounting?

Accounting has been called the language of business and its graduates play a key role in organisational management and strategy. Develop professional accounting skills, or extend your knowledge to an advanced level if you are an accounting graduate. Our courses have been accredited by CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, the National Institute of Accountants and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Our Master of Professional Accounting and Master of Accounting and Financial Management meet the requirements for associate membership of CPA Australia and the Professional Year of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. The Professional Year Program can be done overseas and is recognised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the UK.

Dr Julie Margret - School of Accounting

 

Accounting at La Trobe was rated as world standard in the excellence in research for Australia “ERA” rankings released in January 2011 and was ranked one of the top three accounting groups amongst Victorian universities. This expertise informs and enhances the content of our courses and  our teaching.

We seek to ensure that our programs are characterised by business, industry, professional, and social relevance and is committed to embedding sustainability and environmental issues into our core accounting curriculum. We have strong links with professional bodies and the business community. The School of Accounting’s Advisory Board comprises senior staff from Deloitte, PwC, Australia Post, ANZ Bank and Hayes Knight Melbourne who advise the school on courses, curriculum and other activities.

Career opportunities

Accounting and business skills are highly sought after by employers. A postgraduate qualification can help you advance your career in the private, public or not-for-profit sectors. Specialise in auditing, costing, investigative accounting, taxation, financial advice, strategic management and management consulting. Many company directors and managers have graduated with accounting qualifications.

Visit our Career Development Centre website and start planning your career.  

Courses

Local students

Accounting courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Graduate Diploma in Accounting Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Mildura
Shepparton
1-2 years full-time. Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Graduate Diploma in Accounting continued…

Course description
This course aims to enable graduates of any discipline to gain a professional accounting qualification; no previous accounting studies are required.

It's designed to help students develop competencies in areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, finance, business law, taxation, and information systems, together with an understanding of contemporary accounting.
Prerequisite
Australian Bachelor degree in any discipline, or approved equivalent. Depending on prior studies, some exemptions/Advanced Standing may be granted.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $10,810 per 120 credit points.
How to apply
Apply directly to the University. Applications for Semester 1 close 31 January. Applications for Semester 2 close 5 July. Please download an application form here. Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for associate membership of CPA Australia (the professional body for Certified Practising Accountants in Australia) and admission to the Professional Year of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. The course is also recognised by the international accounting body, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) based in London.

To qualify for membership with CPA, ACCA, or ICAA, candidates must satisfactorily complete 15 designated subjects and meet other requirements set by CPA, ACCA, or ICAA. Assessment of subject requirements by CPA/ACCA/ICAA is the student's sole responsibility and must be completed before enrolment.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Accounting (Graduate Diploma)Melbourne
Accounting (Graduate Diploma)Bendigo
Accounting (Graduate Diploma)Mildura
Accounting (Graduate Diploma)Shepparton
Accounting (Graduate Diploma)Albury-Wodonga
2013 Master of Accounting and Financial Management Melbourne
2 years full-time or 4 years part-time. Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Master of Accounting and Financial Management continued…

Course description
This course aims to help graduates who did not major in accounting and financial management to achieve a professional accounting qualification and to extend their studies beyond the minimum requirement for membership of the professional accounting bodies.
Prerequisite
Australian Bachelor degree with a C grade average or higher in third year, or equivalent.

Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $19,110 per 120 credit points.
How to apply
Apply directly to the University. Applications for Semester 1 close 31 January. Applications for Semester 2 close 5 July. Please download an application form here. Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.
Professional recognition
The degree satisfies the academic requirements for associate membership of CPA Australia (the professional body for Certified Practising Accountants in Australia) and admission to the Professional Year of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. It is also recognised by the international accounting body, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) based in London.

Students can undertake the Professional Year Program in some countries outside Australia.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Accounting and Financial Management (Master)Melbourne
2013 Master of Accounting (Research Studies) Melbourne
1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Master of Accounting (Research Studies) continued…

Course description
This course provides an articulated pathway that aims to enable high-achieving postgraduate coursework students to complete appropriate research training, demonstrate competence at the H1 or H2A level, and qualify for admittance to PhD candidature.
Prerequisite
Postgraduate accounting qualification with minimum 65% grade average, or professional qualification equivalent to CA or CPA, or coursework Master's in accounting or cognate discipline.


Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $19,110 per 120 credit points.
How to apply
Apply directly to the University. Please download an application form
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Accounting - Research Studies (Master)Melbourne
2013 Master of Financial Analysis/Master of Professional Accounting Melbourne
2.5 years full time or equivalent part-time. Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)

Master of Financial Analysis/Master of Professional Accounting continued…

Course description
This program is an ideal route to internationally recognised professional accreditations in accounting and finance. The curriculum is jointly based on the finance industry endorsed CFA Institute Candidate Body of Knowledge (TM) and the professional accrediting organisations for accountants.

The program focuses on financial analysis, security valuation and portfolio management, together with financial and management accounting. It builds on a broad foundation of study in economics and quantitative methods. Lecturers and practitioners help students to develop the knowledge, skills and analytical thinking suitable for professional accreditation as a charterholder with the CFA and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA).
Prerequisite
A La Trobe University three-year bachelor degree or an approved equivalent undergraduate or postgraduate degree with an average in excess of 60% in the final year.

Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $19,110 per 120 credit points.
How to apply
Apply directly to the University. Applications for Semester 1 close 31 January. Applications for Semester 2 close 5 July. Applicants can download an application form from our postgraduate website. Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.
Professional recognition
The course is accredited by CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA) as well as the UK Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Completion provides graduates with Associate membership of CPA Australia and entry into the CPA program and the CA Program of the ICAA.

The Master of Financial Analysis is a CFA Program Partner. The CFA charter is the most widely recognised professional accreditation in finance in the world. Established in 1962, the CFA charter sets the global standard for investment knowledge, standards and ethics. The CFA charter is obtained by successfully completing examinations at three levels set by the CFA Institute and having four years of work experience in the investment industry.

In addition, the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) and the Finance and Treasury Association (FTA) offer membership at the level of Senior Associate to accredited Masters' graduates who have three years of experience in the industry.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Financial Analysis/Professional Accounting (Master)Melbourne
2013 Master of Professional Accounting Melbourne
1.5 years full-time or 3 years part-time. Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Master of Professional Accounting continued…

Course description
Graduates without an undergraduate accounting major are suited to this
professional course of study.
Students combine foundation studies in economics, management, business law, information systems and statistics with more advanced studies in finance, management accounting, financial accounting, auditing and taxation. Students are also required to master some quantitative skills.
Prerequisite
Australian Bachelor degree with a C grade average or higher in third year, or equivalent.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $19,110 per 120 credit points.
How to apply
Apply directly to the University. Applications for Semester 1 close 31 January. Applications for Semester 2 close 5 July. Applicants can download an application form from our postgraduate website>. Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.
Professional recognition
The course satisfies the academic requirements for associate membership of CPA Australia (the professional body for Certified Practicing Accountants in Australia), and admission to the Professional Year of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA). Students may undertake the Professional Year Program in some countries outside Australia. The course is also recognised by the international accounting body, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) based in London.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Professional Accounting (Master)Melbourne

How to apply?

Methods of application vary from course to course. Please see the course entry above for details of how to apply for the course you are interested in.

Fees and scholarships

Postgraduate coursework programs are either:

  • Fee-paying (where you pay the full cost of the course). FEE-HELP is available.
  • CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), subsidised by the Commonwealth Government where you pay a contribution towards course costs. HECS-HELP is available.

Students enrolled for certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student income support.

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Accounting international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Graduate Diploma in Accounting (034372B) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
Mildura
Shepparton
2 years Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $22 160

Graduate Diploma in Accounting continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This course aims to enable graduates of any discipline to gain a professional accounting qualification; no previous accounting studies are required.

It's designed to help students develop competencies in areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, finance, business law, taxation, and information systems, together with an understanding of contemporary accounting.
English Language Requirements

IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written

English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage

5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information

please visit the La Trobe Melbourne

 website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be

accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no

band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative

skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
An Australian Bachelor's degree in any discipline or an approved international equivalent.
Additional information
Commencement in Semester 2 (July) is unavailable at Albury-Wodonga
Professional recognition
This course satisfies the academic requirements for associate membership of CPA Australia (the professional body for Certified Practicing Accountants in Australia) and admission to the Professional Year of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA).

The Professional Year Program may be undertaken in some countries outside Australia.

The course is also recognised by the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) based in London.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Accounting (Graduate Diploma)Melbourne
Accounting (Graduate Diploma)Bendigo
Accounting (Graduate Diploma)Mildura
Accounting (Graduate Diploma)Shepparton
Accounting (Graduate Diploma)Albury-Wodonga
2013 Master of Accounting and Financial Management (052343B) Melbourne
2 years Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $23 600

Master of Accounting and Financial Management continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This course aims to help graduates who did not major in accounting and financial management to achieve a professional accounting qualification and to extend their studies beyond the minimum requirement for membership of the professional accounting bodies.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
Australian Bachelor degree with a C grade average or higher in third year, or equivalent.

Professional recognition
This course satisfies the academic requirements for associate membership of CPA Australia (the professional body for Certified Practicing Accountants in Australia) and admission to the Professional Year of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA).

The Professional Year Program may be undertaken in some countries outside Australia. The course is also recognised by the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), based in London.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Accounting and Financial Management (Master)Melbourne
2013 Master of Accounting (Research Studies) (072757C) Melbourne
18 months Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $23 600

Master of Accounting (Research Studies) continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This course provides an articulated pathway that aims to enable high-achieving postgraduate coursework students to complete appropriate research training, demonstrate competence at the H1 or H2A level, and qualify for admittance to PhD candidature.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
Completion (with at least a 65 per cent average) of a postgraduate accounting qualification such as a Graduate Diploma, a professional qualification equivalent to CA or CPA or a coursework Master's degree in accounting or a cognate discipline. Equivalent qualifications will be assessed by the director of the program for completion at an equivalent standard.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Accounting - Research Studies (Master)Melbourne
2013 Master of Financial Analysis/Master of Professional Accounting (073459E) Melbourne
2.5 years Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $23 600

Master of Financial Analysis/Master of Professional Accounting continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This program is an ideal route to internationally recognised professional accreditations in accounting and finance. The curriculum is jointly based on the finance industry endorsed CFA Institute Candidate Body of Knowledge (TM) and the professional accrediting organisations for accountants.

The program focuses on financial analysis, security valuation and portfolio management, together with financial and management accounting. It builds on a broad foundation of study in economics and quantitative methods. Lecturers and practitioners help students to develop the knowledge, skills and analytical thinking suitable for professional accreditation as a charterholder with the CFA and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA).
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
A La Trobe University three-year Bachelor's degree or approved equivalent undergraduate or postgraduate degree with a 60 per cent Grade average or more in the final year. Advanced standing for Foundation subjects is available to: students who sit a challenge exam and obtain more than 60 per cent; students who have passed CFA Level 1; students having completed relevant Master's-level subjects, or; students with at least two years of relevant professional experience.
Professional recognition
This course satisfies the academic requirements for associate membership of CPA Australia (the professional body for Certified Practising Accountants in Australia) and admission to the Professional Year of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA).

This Professional Year Program maybe be undertaken in some countries outside Australia. The course is also recognised by the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) based in London.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Financial Analysis/Professional Accounting (Master)Melbourne
2013 Master of Professional Accounting (052344A) Melbourne
18 months Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $23 600

Master of Professional Accounting continued…

Year
2013
Course description
Graduates without an undergraduate accounting major are suited to this
professional course of study.
Students combine foundation studies in economics, management, business law, information systems and statistics with more advanced studies in finance, management accounting, financial accounting, auditing and taxation. Students are also required to master some quantitative skills.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
An Australian Bachelor's degree with a C Grade average or higher in the third year, or an approved international equivalent.
Professional recognition
This course satisfies the academic requirement for associate membership of CPA Australia (the professional body for Certified Practising Accountants in Australia) and admission to the Professional Year of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA).

This Professional Year Program may be undertaken in some countries outside Australia.

The course is also recognised by the Institute of Public Accountant (IPA) and the Association of Chartered Certifed Accountants (ACCA) based in London.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Professional Accounting (Master)Melbourne

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

 

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Related study options

Didn't find a suitable course? You could also try these study options:

Your study experience

Accounting placements

Our Masters programs include entry to the Professional Year of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. You can undertake this year overseas.

Overseas study opportunities

Gain valuable overseas experience by taking part in a short-term overseas study program with one of our 100 partner universities in over 30 countries. Or spend 6–12 months in a student exchange program in destinations like Canada, the US, South America, Europe or the UK. Our exchange partners include the University of Innsbruck, Copenhagen Business School, Berlin School of Economics or the BEM Management School in France. See student exchange.

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law or focus on staff in Accounting.

Student and graduate profiles

Find out about the experiences of one of our Accounting postgraduate students.

I enjoy being an ambassador because I get to work with groups of people from different backgrounds, interests and educational fields while completing my degree.

Ustashia Pillay, Business, Economics and Law

Accounting events

Please see the Event Calendar for events that are related to this study option.

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