Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting is an entry-level qualification that prepares students to develop foundational knowledge and skills to break into the accounting field. This qualification is intended to help students step into the field of accounting for the first time, covering an introductory understanding of accounting and the budget process.

Course Essentials

• Qualification: Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting
• Duration: One semester full-time or equivalent part-time study (6 months full-time)
• Credit: 100 credits (approximately four units)
• CRICOS: A
• Location: Curtin Perth

Admission Criteria

• A bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a field of study other than accounting, or significant relevant work experience (typically three to five years)
• Applicants must also meet Curtin's English language proficiency requirements

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic fee paying postgraduate: $16,702* (2025 Fee year, based on a first-year full-time study load of 100 credits)
• Fees are indicative only

Location

• Curtin Perth: Available on campus and online in 2025 and 2026

How to Apply

• Review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
• Apply as a domestic student or international student
• View application deadlines page for further information

Course Outline

• Overview: This qualification is intended to help students step into the field of accounting for the first time, covering an introductory understanding of accounting and the budget process.
• What you'll learn:
  • Apply principles of accounting, economics, information systems, statistics, law, and social sciences as they relate to reporting business activity
  • Critically analyse issues in collection, recording, and reporting of economic activity to enable the development of accounting information systems giving cost-effective decision-useful information
  • Locate, extract, and critically appraise decision-useful information related to economic activity from sources within an organisation and from external sources
  • Relate the significance of commercial events and issues to the business and investing community using effectively structured financial communication and appropriate language
  • Use electronic resources to effectively interrogate databases, analyse data, collect information, and communicate
  • Take responsibility for self-directed learning and the development of a career-long attitude of continuing professional development
  • Recognise the global nature of accounting by applying international financial reporting standards and appreciate the information requirements of a global financial system
  • Demonstrate an understanding that cultural practices and differences impact commercial practices and interpersonal relations
  • Apply an ethical approach to analysing and reporting commercial activities; advising clients; demonstrate leadership and the ability to delegate tasks to ensure timely outcomes; work independently and in teams to achieve agreed outcomes

Career Opportunities

• Careers:
  • Bookkeeper
  • Account clerk
• Industries:
  • Accounting
  • Finance and investment
  • Government
  • Law
  • Resources and renewables

English Requirements

• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System):
  • Writing: 6.0
  • Speaking: 6.0
  • Reading: 6.0
  • Listening: 6.0
  • Overall band score: 6.5

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL)

• Use your experience to get credit towards your degree
• Submit an enquiry or search for CRL opportunities

Disclaimer

• The information on this page may be subject to change
• Curtin University may change the content, method, or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses
• Errors and omissions sometimes occur
• Curtin makes no warranty, representation, or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information

Contact

• Call:
• Email: [insert email]
• Visit: Curtin Connect, building 102 on the Perth campus