Bachelor of Accounting
Overview
3 years full time / 6.5 years part time
3 years
February, July
February, July, November
Whether you want to take charge as a professional accountant, business analyst or business consultant or blaze your own trail in finance, the Bachelor of Accounting ensures you are ready to bring your expertise to the business landscape.
Accounting is a powerful tool used to transform numbers into real-world impact — and is in high demand across a range of industries.
Students may choose to graduate with a Bachelor of Accounting and one of the following specialisations:
- Business Analytics Major.
- Marketing Specialisation.
- Alternatively, they may wish to choose for a number of recommended electives that draw from the disciplines of management and marketing.
Accredited by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CAANZ), this program gives you specialist knowledge in taxation, auditing, and corporate accounting, as well as sustainable business practices. Graduates leave with cutting-edge financial skills that pave the way to endless career options.
Career Pathways
Where will the Bachelor of Accounting take me?
Graduates of Melbourne Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Accounting will be eligible to apply for associate membership of CPA Australia.
- Assistant Accountant
- Accountant
- Financial Manager
- Business Sustainability Auditor
- Management Accountant
- Financial Consultant
- Business Consultant
- Auditor
- Entrepreneur
- Business Analyst
Study Pathways
On successful completion of this degree, you will be eligible for entry to our Master of Professional and Practising Accounting
Course Details
Delivery methods
Course delivery continues at Melbourne Polytechnic during the challenges of the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation the world is facing right now. Our top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our community.
Class Schedule
Mon - AM and PM
Tue - AM and PM
Wed - AM and PM
Thu - AM and PM
Fri - AM and PM
Assessment Methods
Assessment may include a combination of examinations, assignments, tests, group and individual reports and projects, essays, practical tasks, literature reviews, journals, presentations, interviews, case studies and class participation.
Units of Study
Credit points are a basic measure of student workload. All subjects are given a credit point value. Most subjects at Melbourne Polytechnic are 12 credit points. A normal full-time annual workload is 96 credit points. The academic year is divided into two main semesters; full-time students usually enrol in 48 credit points each semester, part-time students usually enrol in 24 credit points each semester or less.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Description | Year | Semester |
| ACC107 | Economic Principles | Core | This subject introduces students to the core principles of micro and macroeconomic, models and policies. In addition, students will gain an understanding on the significance of micro and macroeconomic tools in the decision-making process of businesses and industry. The impact of policies related to micro and macroeconomics will be also applied within the Australian private and public sectors. Students will be able to critically identify the interrelationship between macroeconomic decisions and the global context. | ||
| ACC101 | Accounting For Managers | Core | This subject introduces students to the concepts of accounting and management decision-making; and provides accounting and decision-making skills to apply in the business context. You will develop knowledge of business analysis, financial planning, performance management, and costing principles to make effective management decisions. This subject also introduces organisational theory, ethics, business strategies and cash flow. | 1 | 1 |
| ACC102 | Introduction to Business Law | Core | The aim of this subject is to introduce students to the fundamentals of law in a business context. The subject introduces students to the framework of the Australian legal system and to the business structures operating in Australia. It provides an overview of some of the major areas of the law that impact on commercial activities. The subject examines the Australian legal system, the way laws are made and areas of the law that are relevant to the operation of businesses including contracts, torts, consumer protection, competition law, insurance law, business entity law, bankruptcy law and employment and workplace law. | 1 | 1 |
| ACC103 | Introduction to Business Information Systems | Core | This course introduces the Information technology (IT) discipline in several ways, to enable students to build an appreciation for the various IT employment opportunities. It will explore the IT discipline at large, including professional opportunities. It will also explore several emerging technologies, including business analytics and artificial intelligence. Overall, students will learn solid foundations in IT and the skills necessary to pursue a successful career in the field. | 1 | 1 |
| ACC104 | Data Analytics | Core | This core subject provides an overview of the principles and concepts of financial mathematics and business statistics. The subject focuses on developing skills in numeracy, problem solving, presenting data, and the use of business software and calculators. Students will be challenged to identify and assess a particular issue faced by business and offer data analysis and interpretation that will ultimately guide the proposal of a solution. | 1 | 1 |
| ACC105 | Financial Accounting | Core | This unit is designed to introduce students to the fundamental accounting principles and the understanding of functions of financial and management accounting. Weekly topics include the knowledge of accounting processes from the recording of transactions to the preparation and presentation of financial statements. Students will acquire the skills to critically review and evaluate financial and non-financial information by applying the fundamental concepts, conceptual framework, and generally accepted accounting principles to resolve accounting issues. New developments in accounting are discussed and how these developments will change the role of contemporary accountants will be covered. | 1 | 2 |
| ACC106 | Management Fundamentals | Core | This subject introduces students to the concepts, principles and theories of contemporary management practice. Furthermore, students will gain an overarching appreciation of the discipline of management through activities designed to analyse diverse organisational scenarios. The application of theoretical knowledge will allow students to evaluate various management styles in different organisations and consider major contemporary issues such as sustainability, ethics and social responsibility in organisational analysis and decision-making. | 1 | 2 |
| ACC201 | Corporations Law | Core | This subject introduces students to the theoretical and practical aspects of corporations and governance within an Australian law context. This subject will provide students with an understanding of the Australian corporate regulatory structure and processes, by examining and critically analysing roles, functions, and responsibilities of all key stakeholders such as Shareholders, Directors, Executive and Non-Executive Officers, The Australian Stock Exchange, and the broader community. This subject will also look at the importance and formal requirements of financial reports and audits. | 2 | 1 |
| ACC202 | Business Finance | Core | This subject examines the dynamics of capital markets from the eyes of both investors and those that raise capital. It explores all the main issues in this area including where and how capital is sourced, the cost of capital, capital structure and its optimisation. Students gain an understanding of the principles and concepts of corporate finance and capital markets, including the topical area of dividends and dividend policy. Students work with financial mathematics and statistics, identify key theories, concepts and options relating to organisational financial management and corporate finance, and learn appropriate methods of managing short term assets, minimising risk and maximising return on investment and the ethical issues present in these financial decisions. | 2 | 1 |
| ACC203 | Corporate Reporting | Core | The purpose of this subject is to introduce regulations, concepts, standards and processes relevant to financial accounting and reporting. This subject provides students with an understanding of the function and format of financial accounting statements and the knowledge and understanding of financial reporting standards and their use in accounting measurement and disclosure. The subject focuses on the Australian external reporting environment, the role of the conceptual framework and its relevance to financial reporting. The subject covers the application and evaluation of selected accounting standards such as accounting for property, plant and equipment (PPE), intangible assets, leases and income taxes. This subject also includes foreign currency transactions and translations reporting and other contemporary issues related to reporting. | 2 | 1 |
| ACC204 | Management Accounting | Core | Management accounting provides stakeholders relevant accounting information to assist with their planning, controlling and performance management. In this subject, you will explore various management accounting principles and techniques used in contemporary organisations. You will apply concepts relating to budgeting, forecasting, product and service costing, pricing, control and performance evaluation. You will undertake evidence-based inquiry to critically analyse modern Management Accounting techniques which has changed the role and scope traditionally played by a Management Accountant. | 2 | 2 |
| ACC205 | Accounting Information Systems | Core | Accounting Information Systems are an essential component of today’s organisations as they support managers in planning and controlling operations, improve problem-solving and decision-making in organisations, and provide information for internal and external financial and sustainability reporting. This subject introduces students to the role of accounting information systems in organisations, transactions processing, business processes, information flows and information technology, systems design and development, internal control, risk, and security (fraud minimisation) issues, database management systems, ethics related to accounting information systems, enterprise resource planning systems and e-commerce. This subject provides students with the practical skills and the assessment of identifying, evaluating, and justifying the selection of a commercially available accounting information system software package and using it for better decision making. | 2 | 2 |
| BNS301 | Strategic Marketing | Elective | This advanced subject extends the foundational principles acquired in Marketing Principles, offering students a holistic understanding of crucial marketing skills essential for navigating a diverse and dynamic business landscape. Emphasising contemporary marketing challenges, students will gain insights into strategic problem-solving. Practical application takes centre stage as students engage in developing a strategic marketing plan tailored for a designated organisation within the industry. | 3 | |
| BNS305 | Marketing Analytics | Elective | This subject examines and analyses marketing data to extract valuable insights into consumer behaviour and marketing opportunities. Employing a project-based approach, students will define marketing problems, evaluate a range of data sources and collect quantitative and qualitative data using surveys and interviews. Students will gain proficiency in employing diverse data tools and methodologies in marketing analytics, allowing them to make data driven decisions and formulate effective marketing strategies in today's competitive business landscape. Students will also learn to conduct marketing projects in an ethical manner and communicate their findings effectively. | 3 | |
| BNS306 | Services Marketing | Elective | This subject explores the fundamentals of services marketing including the distinction between goods and services, consumer behaviour, communication strategies, and service marketing mix. It also delves into ethical issues and emerging technologies within the realm of services marketing. Students will assess and implement a successful service strategy by exploring the principles of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and understanding how customer feedback contributes to enhancing services. | 3 | |
| ACC301 | Advanced Corporate Reporting | Core | This unit extends the principles and concepts of corporate finance learned in the subject: Corporate Reporting. It aims to develop students’ advanced understanding of selected topics in corporate finance and equip students with the ability to analyse and apply complex financial problems faced by Australian organisations. The subject focuses on the Australian external reporting environment, specifically on the treatment of complex accounting issues such as insolvency and liquidation. This subject also includes the production of financial statements for group structures and joint ventures. | 3 | 1 |
| ACC302 | Auditing and Assurance | Core | This subject introduces auditing and extends the accounting concepts and the issues covered in other subjects studied previously in the accounting degree. Students get to explore the crucial role of auditors in strengthening stakeholders' confidence by offering an independent and objective assessment of an organisation's financial report and compliance with Accounting Standards. Audits encompass various areas, including internal controls, financial statements, business risks, and operational processes, providing a comprehensive and independent opinion. As businesses navigate complex accounting landscapes, audits serve as a cornerstone for accountability, ethics, corporate governance, risk mitigation, and informed decision-making. This introduction sets the stage for exploring the intricate world of audits and their significance in contemporary business environments. This subject will also cover the use of artificial intelligence and digital tools in auditing. | 3 | 1 |
| ACC303 | Taxation and Compliance | Core | This subject introduces the law and practice of income taxation in Australia and the implications of income tax legislation on businesses and individuals. After briefly outlining tax policy considerations, this course concentrates on the substantive and technical tax rules in Australia such as capital gains, general and specific deductions, capital allowance. This subject will develop your skills in reading, understanding, and applying legislation, case law and Australian Tax Office (ATO) rulings to practical taxation problems or issues. | 3 | 2 |
| ACC304 | Accounting Theory | Core | The purpose of the subject is to develop a critical understanding of the supporting theories and assumptions underpinning financial accounting and the analysis of contemporary financial accounting issues. This critical understanding is developed by exploring the current research thinking on how financial accounting information integrates with modern financial economies. Particular attention is paid to understanding the responsibility of an organisation in terms of their ethical behaviour and sustainable accounting practices. | 3 | 2 |
Attend an Information Session
Fees & Costs
Fee-paying Places
| Per year | $13000 |
| Per semester | $6500 |
| Per year | $20800 |
| Per semester | $10400 |
When you are studying higher education courses you may qualify for FEE-HELP payments for part or all of your tuition fees. FEE-HELP loans do not cover materials costs.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Requirements
All Applicants All applicants are required to attend an interview.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years) Successful completion of Year 12 VCE or equivalent with no specified minimum ATAR score and a study score of at least 20 in any English.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study Successful completion of a VET diploma.
Applicants with higher education A complete or incomplete higher education qualification.
Applicants with work and life experience Relevant industry or life experience.
Higher Education Admissions Criteria
As well as the specific entry requirements above, Melbourne Polytechnic admits students on the basis of the following categories:
If you have already studied higher education: Y ou may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if your highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree.
If you have studied a VET course: You may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if your highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a vocational education and training (VET) course.
If you have recent secondary education: You may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if you are a recent secondary education student whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the past two years.
If you have work and life experience: You may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if you have work and life experience and left secondary education more than two years ago and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.
Academic: Australian Year 12 equivalency
English: Academic IELTS 6.0 with no individual band below 5.5, Pearson PTE Academic 50 overall with no individual communicative skill below 42, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
Other: Full-time only
Next Steps
Melbourne Polytechnic is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your future studies.
Find out more about Melbourne Polytechnic’s commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
You may also be required to attend an interview to discuss your career plans, aptitude and understanding of your chosen course of study and the requirements of tertiary study. (This may be conducted face-to-face or by through a video conference call using Zoom or other application).
During your interview, you may be asked to provide:
- Your CV outlining your relevant work and life skills and experience
- Any letters of reference from employers
- Documents relating to prior study including course transcripts and subject outlines from other Higher Education Providers if you wish to apply for credit
When we receive your application, the International Office will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your application and provide you additional instructions.
If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call 1300 635 276
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