Bachelor of Accounting

Overview

Accounting is about more than numbers. It’s about how finances affect businesses and people’s lives. Swinburne's Bachelor of Accounting aims to develop the technical skills and personal traits you need to adapt and thrive in this rapidly evolving profession.

Double degree options

You can also study Accounting in a double degree with Applied Innovation.

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

• define and integrate theoretical principles applicable to accounting and apply those principles in a range of practices

• systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources in order to make informed judgements on options for innovatively solving a range of problems that arise in business contexts

• formulate creative solutions that are fit for purpose and demonstrate cognisance of the impact of business decisions on environment, economy and society 

• coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas

• communicate a range of business arguments by evaluating and implementing alternative communication strategies as appropriate to the audience

• build on and continuously develop the intellectual independence to be critical and reflective learners, cognisant of new technologies

• work collaboratively in groups. 

Career opportunities

This course prepares graduates for careers in the accounting, investment and finance industries. Graduates may find employment with small or large companies worldwide, including private practices, government-owned entities and banks. Possible roles include graduate accountant, account manager, auditor, fund accounting officer, taxation agent, merchant banker, corporate treasurer, investment banker and financial adviser.

Professional recognition

Graduates with an Accounting or Accounting and Finance Major may be eligible to apply for membership of CPA Australia (CPAA), Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Accounting students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:

• 8 core units of study (100 credit points) and 

• 8 units of study from the Accounting major (100 credit points) and 

• 8 units of Secondary Studies (100 credit points) comprising of a second major, minor/s, or electives or 

• 16 units of study from the (Accounting and Financial Planning major) (200 credit points).
   

 Students may not complete more than 125 credit points (normally 10 units) at Introductory Level. A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.

Professional placements

Professional Placements are subject to a competitive selection process. Students who undertake a 12 month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 375 credit points comprising:

• 8 units of study (100 credit points) and either

• 6 units of study comprising a minor and/or elective units (75 credit points) and

• 8 units of study from the Accounting major (100 credit points) or

• 16 units of study from the Accounting and Financial Planning major (200 credit points) and

• 4 units of study from the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points).
   

Students who elect to undertake a six month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 337.5 credit points comprising:

• 8 units of study (100 credit points) and either

• 8 units of study from the Accounting major (100 credit points) and

• 7 units of study comprising a minor and/or elective units (87.5 credit points) or

• 16 units of study from the Accounting and Financial Planning major (200 credit points) and

• 2 units of study from the Professional Placement Co-Major (50 credit points).

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Accounting is 150 credit points (normally 12 units).

B. Applicants with higher education study

Educational history 

An applicant's entire academic history, including results from previous higher education study will be considered for entry into this course. If previous higher education qualifications are incomplete, results must have been obtained in the last seven years. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.

C. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Educational history 

An applicant's entire academic history from the past seven years, including complete and/or incomplete post-secondary VET studies, will be considered for entry into this course. Only graded results will be considered. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.

D. Applicants with work and life experience

Entire academic record 

This course uses an applicant's entire academic record as part of its selection considerations, including an applicant's ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered for entry into this course. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.